In this episode we finally got to discuss our reactions to one of the craziest races we have ever seen in Ironman history: the all-women’s 2025 Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. We discuss what it means to win and lose with grace, Taylor Knibb’s incredible post-race interview, the role of heat and humidity in making or breaking an athlete’s day, and what bike brands seem to be most popular at the elite level. We also chat through the role of muscular endurance in super long-distance events like half and full Ironmans, marathons, and ultra runs, and preview some of the innovations we will be bringing to our athletes’ training in the 2026 season to account for this. Next, we deep dive on takeaways from Ironman California, which Katie and Jim agree is one of the best races you can do as a first-time IM athlete. Finally, we expand on a listener question from last week about burnout and drill into three different types of athletes: “event athletes,” “identity-based athletes,” and “for the love of the sport athletes,” considering what lessons we can learn from each athlete type as we try to burnout-proof our season. This episode was so fun to record and we’re excited to share it with you, so check it out!
Links we mentioned:
Taylor Knibb Feisty post-race interview: “All my other measurements were apparently impeccable except for my core body temperature…lots learned, but guess what? It’s one thing I need to fix, so I think it’s fun to have that information because you learn, you grow, and you be better next time, and you can’t do that without acknowledging how you fell short.”
“There’s a Buddhist philosophy of the second arrow and so the first arrow is the bad thing that happens to you, which is out of your control. And then the second arrow is your response to that. And so you get to determine if you’re hit by the second arrow. And so how do you reframe it? What can you learn from it? How do you move on?”
“Perfectionism = rooted in shame. Failure = you didn’t have it on that day. It’s not about you as a person. It’s just whether you had it on the day, and even if you won the race, you wouldn’t be any more or less perfect. Having the privilege to find your limit is pretty cool.”
New Yorker article on Kerri Russel: “Russell was seeking something even more elusive than fame: a sense of self that doesn’t rise and fall with one’s accomplishments.”
Ad: The Triathlon Academy
We’re excited to announce a new coaching option for 2026: The Triathlon Academy.
I soft-launched this program in 2025, and now we’re ready to fully roll it out in 2026. This offer is not on our website yet; I’m launching it for our podcast community only for now.
What It Is
The Triathlon Academy is designed for athletes who want to train with The Endurance Drive but may not be ready for full one-on-one coaching.
It incorporates our “best of” workouts and proven training practices. You’ll receive structured weekly and monthly plans to help you build triathlon skills and a solid fitness foundation.
Support
I’ll be available through TrainingPeaks and email for guidance and feedback. If we have enough participants, we’ll also host a monthly Zoom call for additional Q&A and community connection.
Who It’s For
The Triathlon Academy is geared primarily toward athletes beginning their endurance journey—especially those training for Sprint and Olympic-distance races.
While it’s mostly short-course focused, I do offer a 70.3 (Half Ironman) option.
It’s probably not suited for full Ironman-distance training.
How It Differs from One-on-One Coaching
The main difference between one-on-one coaching and The Triathlon Academy is the level of individualization.
One-on-one coaching is highly customized and involves regular, hands-on feedback tailored to your unique goals and data.
The Triathlon Academy offers a structured, yet generalized plan—still rooted in The Endurance Drive methodology, but designed for independent athletes.
Spots Are Limited
Enrollment is limited for the 2026 season.
If you’re interested, reach out at Jim@TheEnduranceDrive.com to reserve your spot.
Ad: Eli’s Ascutney Vertical Event
Check out the Mt. Ascutney Vertical Backyard race in Brownsville, VT on November 22 (the Saturday before Thanksgiving). A last person standing event, each hour runners have the option of doing a 2.25 mile loop or three .75 miles loops with an e total elevation gain of 1,209 feet up Mt. Ascutney. The person who lasts the longest is the winner.
But this event isn’t just for people who want to go 24 hours or more, and reach the vertical gain of Mt. Everest, it’s an opportunity to see what you’re capable of. How high can you go? Can you do a lap in an hour? How about two laps? Small prizes for those who hit the elevation gain of Mt. Washington (5 hours) and Mt. Whitney (12 hours).
We’ll have hot soup and food, and use of Ascutney Outdoors so there will be indoor space. Runners can set up personal aid stations if they want outside near the start.
Signup is on Ultrasignup and check out Northeast Trail Adventures on Instagram for more info.
We already have runners from the ages of 15 through 71 signed up, and they include casual weekend warriors and some of the most incredible athletes in the region.
Spots are limited to 70 and they’re filling up quickly. Go ahead and earn your Turkey this Thanksgiving.
Check out Eli’s podcast interview here!
Challenge of the week
Katie: Ask yourself what you would do if you weren’t racing next year - in terms of movement, training, etc.? And let that guide your goals!
Jim: Spend some time this week thinking about what will bring you real joy in 2026 from a training, race and event perspective.
Gear/resource pick of the week
Katie: Prenatal strength and mobility content - @goodfortheswole and @pregnant.postpartum.athlete on Instagram
Jim: The Roadman Cycling Podcast: Unlock Hidden Watts: The Science of Breathing for Power with Dr Andrew Sellars and The Sculpt Society mobility workouts