Age Grouper For Life Podcast · Age Grouper For Life Triathlon Podcast

AGFL Triathlon Episode 130: Athena National Champion, Leslie Battle

·1 hr 5 min·5 clips

Race directors questioned if Leslie actually completed the course after she won overall as an Athena athlete.

Colin Cook hosts the Age Grouper for Life Triathlon Podcast, focusing on optimizing training and racing for age-group athletes. His guest is Leslie Battle, a longtime age-group and Athena triathlete who has completed over 350 triathlons since 2009. Battle is also a corporate insurance attorney and manages several large social media groups for Athena and Clydesdale athletes. Battle began triathlon after watching a friend race, and her first sprint event resulted in a podium finish in the Athena category. She lost approximately 100 pounds within her first few years in the sport, celebrating by doing a 100-mile triathlon as her 100th race. Battle qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2016 by running the Cox Providence Marathon in roughly the same time as her first half-marathon years earlier. She has won 36 national championships in the Athena category across various triathlon and duathlon events. She describes creating a "safe space" community for Athena and Clydesdale athletes, which now includes thousands of members across multiple social media groups. Battle recalls instances where race directors were surprised an Athena athlete won overall, questioning if she completed the full course. She advocates for greater inclusion, noting that USA Triathlon now allows Athena and Clydesdale national champions to qualify for Team USA, a rule she helped change. Battle also mentions that Ironman no longer offers Athena/Clydesdale awards at most events, though it once did at Ironman 70.3 Old Orchard Beach. Her training philosophy includes swimming "less, more often," sometimes swimming 800 yards daily, and she has worked with swim coach Carlin pipes. Battle believes multisport should remain a enjoyable hobby, stating "the Olympic committee is not watching." She prefers mass starts over time-trial formats, feeling they better capture the spirit of competition. Battle aims to prove Athena and Clydesdale categories are highly competitive, citing athletes like Rachel Carter, who ran a 7:40-per-mile split, and cyclist Lance Fargo. The conversation is casual and friendly, reflecting two longtime athletes sharing experiences and advocacy within the sport. This episode will appeal to age-group triathletes, especially those in Athena or Clydesdale categories, and listeners interested in community building and equity in sports. Those seeking highly technical training advice or professional-level insights might find the focus on personal journey and advocacy less relevant.

As heard by us

A steady triathlon conversation about racing, access, and making room for the next athlete.

The episode treats Leslie Battle's story as more than a race result. It moves from losing 100 pounds to years of racing, then into the push for a place at the table for Athena and Clydesdale athletes.

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Why you'd press play

An age-group triathlon conversation about racing, balance, and opening doors for others.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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