Get Fast Podcast - Triathlon, Ironman & Cycling Coaching Advice · TriVelo Coaching

Our 14 Week Ironman Program Disaster

·33 min·3 clips

Mitch asked to do his first Ironman in 14 weeks—coach Gerard reveals why this request is a red flag.

This episode examines a 14-week Ironman training case study for a first-time triathlete named Mitch. Hosts Jordan and his father, experienced coaches from the Get Fast Podcast, recount their decision to accept this challenging client. They explore the risks and unconventional methods required for such an accelerated timeline. Mitch approached the coaches in August to train for the Busselton Ironman in December with no prior triathlon experience. The hosts explain they typically advise athletes to start training many months, not weeks, before a major event. They estimate starting late can leave an athlete 20% less prepared than with an ideal, longer build-up. The father coach describes such applicants as displaying a "disregard for your own health and well-being." Despite these red flags, the coaching team decided to take on Mitch's request. The episode details their specific training and planning adjustments over the 14-week period. It serves as a deep dive into the logistical and physiological constraints of a compressed training cycle. A key insight is the coaches' refusal to immediately dismiss what seems like an impossible goal. They emphasize the importance of digging deeper into an athlete's background before making a judgment. The episode reveals the practical trade-offs and reduced fitness margins inherent in a rushed preparation. It highlights the mental and physical "guts" required from the athlete undertaking this challenge. The coaches analyze the potential impact on race-day performance and finishing success. They frame the experience as a lesson in adaptable coaching for non-ideal scenarios. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending a coaching case study with a father-son discussion. The style is educational, using a specific real-world example to illustrate broader training principles. Endurance athletes curious about coaching psychology and race preparation would find this episode compelling. Listeners seeking a traditional, methodical training philosophy might find the premise frustrating.

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