Just Chatting

Tom and I chat about playing Rugby at an elite level.   What it was like playing for Northampton Saints, London Irish and being part of the Junior England teams who won the World Cup.But what happens when that bright rugby career is brought to an abrupt end?  We talk about how injury can affect a career, mental health and leave players in an abyss.

We talk sport adventure, whether cycling, swimming, running or triathlon.    The first person to swim from Lands End to John O Groats, we learn all about what the driving force was behind this and many other adventures.Cycling around the World, across Europe and around Britain and the challenges that this can present.And in Triathlon, we talk about his unique set of triathlon experiences, including being the only person to have swam, cycled and ran the length of Britain, whilst also currently holding the record for longest triathlon in the World  (around the coast of Britain).Add a sailing record, cheese rolling in Gloucestershire, author of mulitple books and selling a business for £1.

Martin and I talk about the sport of speed kitesurfing and what it takes to become British Kitesurfing speed champion and the 500m speed record holder.We talk about his aspirations on the World stage and compare the differences needed to compete over 500m and the nautical mile (1800m).Some of the best places to kitesurf for speed are discussed including France, Namibia and Weymouth.  

Chatting with 3 time Olympian, Olympic medalist, previous World Champion and Record holder about swimming.We talk about...Depression and the effect this had on his swimming before retiring... His incredible come back after 7 years away from the pool and his aspirations about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and how swimmers have changed over recent years...What it is like to be an Olympian and how each games was a different experience...What it was like being part of the ISL and racing alongside Caeleb Dressel...The importance of weight training and fuelling alongside swim training...What his training looks like now and how his mindset and approach has changed.

We talk about all things nutrition and sport.  We get an insight into the world of elite sport, working on the tour de france, with formuala 1 drivers, endurance athletes and body builders.What is happening in the world of sports nutrition and the future of an industry that seems to constantly be evolving.

Slavko and I chat about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a whole range of martial arts disciplines and why they are not all the same.We also learn a little about being a special forces operator in Yogoslavia and the work that this can lead to.We also talk about working in the Hollywood film industry as a consultant on Den of Thieves and his new role in Den of Thieves 2.

Andy and I chat about IRONMAN, his 2 times at the World Championships in Kona.We also talk about his move to Ultra running and how on his first attempt he won the ONER and set the course record.Andy talks about his fitness business - Ultimate Body Club (UBC), its origins and offers advice for anybody that might be looking to change their body shape or size

We talk about how Eddie's passion for endurance sport and the activities that eventually led to a guiness world record from London to Paris.  The setting up of Enduroman and the highly successful Arch to Arc event.We talk swimming, rowing, triathlon in the early days and life and adventures on the island of Lanzarote.

We talk about the origins of Huub - the why and how the company was founded.We find out a bit more about Huub, their impact on the business and talk about the whats next for the development of Huub, including the fellowship of speed.Deano shares some tips for anybody thinking about starting their own business and we find out how his own experience has helped forge Huub.

In this episode I chat with Pat Cooke-Rogers, a mum to 4, wife, a sports event chaplain and 2 time finisher of the 430m Yukon Arctic race.We discover what's involved in this 14 day 480mile ultra in -40 degree temperatures.  We talk resilience, self support, the wilderness and wolves.We also talk about other cold water challenges such as the ice mile and the winter British Swimming Championships.Pat also shares her incredible sporting journey that didn't start until she was in her 40's and went to -40 to the +40 degree heat of the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona.

In this episode we talk about the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB); what it is and why it is considered one of  the pinacles of ultra running.We found out what drives someone with a full time professional job, wife, 2 kids and a dog to continue to train for IRONMAN events, running events (Marathon to 100+ mile ultras), when there is no prize money, records or any chance of winning.And we find out what it was like on series 2 of SAS - are you tough enough, back in 2002...

We chat with Christian Baker, a performance and mindset coach who speialises in changing the way people think in the world of sport, business and life.We talk about tools, techniques and strategies that are used in mindset and why this area is important for athletes.Christian explains the process involved in NLP and hypnosis and debunks a few myths within the industry and discusses some of the main issues that we face in society, including fear, anxiety, stress and confidence.We discuss some of the TV work that he's been involved with and he offers some advice for those who might want to either changes something in their lives or who want to perform better in sport.

Kevin and I chat about all things Channel Swimming.We find out what it took to become King of the English Channel and about the sacrifices that were needed to complete a total of 34 crossings.Kevin discusses his 2 way swims and how he kept trying to complete his first 3 way Channel Swim crossing.We talk about the brutality of the North Channel swim and his current title of King of the North Channel along with discussing other swims around the world.Injury, future plans and his current coaching business gives us an even greater insight into what Kevin is up to.And we find out if, why and when he will be taking on the Channel again...

We chat with Stephen and Bella Bayliss who between them, notched up 20 IRONMAN wins and ITU World Championship win and loads of other success in long distance racing.We discover what life is like in Lanzarote, their home for the last 7 years.  We explore their training regime and what it was like to train under Brett Sutton and being part of a hugely successful training stable.Both Bella and Stephen talk about their transition from professional triathlete to coaches and how their own experiences have influenced their coaching ethos.We get some great insights into Britain's original IRON Couple and they offer some great advice for all those involved in the sport today.

In this episode we chat to Mike Reilly, the voice of IRONMAN.  Having commentated at over 30 IRONMAN World Championship events, 2020 will see Mike commentate on his 200th IRONMAN.  We learn how Mike accidentally began race commentating and how since the 70's he's gone from teaching, retail, sales and author in an ever evolving multi-sport world.We dig a little deeper into the world of race commentary, discuss what it means to be inducted into the IRONMAN Hall of Fame, USA Triathlon hall of fame and the Running USA hall of champions.  And best of all we look at the inspiration he gets from all of the IRONMAN athletes who cross that finish line and he offers some great advice for those who might experience a dark place during that special day.

We continue chatting with 6 x IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen and find out how that famous 1989 race ended.  Mark discusses how the mind can have a huge impact on both training and racing and how the lessons of years gone by taught him mental strength and enhanced both his racing and life.We talk about the benefits of fit soul fit body and how Mark is working to enhance not just people's physical training but  mental well being too.Mark discusses his training with Heart Rate, Phil Maffetone and the affect this had on his performance and injuries.  We also find out why he had the nickname the grip, his principles of training and coaching and Mark offers some great advice to all triathletes out there... 

This week we talk to 6 x IRONMAN World Champion Mark Allen.  His amazing achievements are so good, we felt we needed to deliver it in 2 parts.  Mark was also an Olympic Distance World Champion, inducted into the IRONMAN hall of fame, ITU hall of fame and USA triathlon hall of fame.  He still has the record in triathlon history for the most straight wins - 21 and is considered by many to be the greatest endurance athlete of all time.In this first part, we talk about how his first 6 attempts at winning the IRONMAN World Championships didn't go to plan and how and why he continued to strive to become IRONMAN World Champion.We also talk about how that epic 1989 victory was different in so many ways in a race that has been dubbed 'IRON War'.  Part 2 of our chat will be out next Thursday...

In 2019 David's athletes had a remarkable 60 podium finishes.  His athletes have won National and World titles, set course records and scored numerous pb's.  We find out why David only coaches top athletes, how his business model keeps him sane and how this success has led to a long waiting list of athletes wanting to work with him.With an analytical approach to coaching and training we discover more about his coaching principles and some of the detail that goes into preparing athletes to perform. David offers some great advice to others and things to consider if you are looking for your own coach.   We also discuss his renewed coaching relationship with Lionel Sanders.  David was Lionel's coach in 2017 where he arguably had his best year in triathlon / Kona and has since not quite performed to the same level at each year's World Triathlon Championships.  Is 2020 the year for Lionel? 

In this episode we chat with Lucyy Gossage, 14 x IRONMAN winner and cancer doctor.  We find out how life was as a pro triathlete and what drove her to take time out of her work as a doctor to focus on triathlon.  We discover what it was like racing as an Erdinger athlete and how she favoured the toughest courses out there.With an incredible UK winning record, she talks about how she had a real affinity with IRONMAN Wales.  We also find out a bit more about her training regime and how her mental toughness is her biggest asset.  She also offers advice for others involved in the sport of triathlon.  Since racing she is now a part time cancer doctor who has recently released a series of psychological guides to help athletes perform to their best ability.We also discover a little more about her 5k run project designed to help anybody who is involved with cancer.

Being the oldest woman to ever swim the English Channel, we discover what lies behind the motivation to keep striving for more.  We talk about Linda's passion for swimming and triathlon and discuss some of the obstacles that she has had to overcome, including breast cancer.As a 3 x IRONMAN World Championsip finisher, a world champion and record holder Linda shares some great insights about living your life to its max.  We find out what continues to drive this incredible woman who is still seeking out victories and records at the age of 73.

Paul Huddle is one of the true legends of triathlon, who has had a career as a professional triathlete, a commentator, a broadcaster, coach and event deliverer.Huddle talks us through what it was like training and racing back in he 1980's and early 1990's and we discover what it was like training with Mark Allen, his wife Paula Newby-Fraser and others in the sport in those early days.We talk about why the uderpants run was started and how this thriving event does so much good for the people of Kona.  And with 2 top 10 Kona results and an IRONMAN victory we talk about what it really meant to be a pro triathlete and if these guys won no money, how they would have done it anyway.We discuss the growth of the sport around the world and find out what he's doing now and what's could be next... 

We talk to Kit Walker about what it's like trying to make it as a pro triathlete.From finding triathlon in 2011 to representing GB as an Age Group triathlete to completing his first IRONMAN, we learn how this progress made him want to race as a professional triathlete.What considerations are needed to make that jump from Age Grouper to Professional, how training (and recovery) changed and whether it was as smooth as he hoped.We also look at how he supplements his life as an athlete and he offers advice for those who are new to the sport.

We find out from Kate what it takes to complete the epic endurance event that is Arch to Arc.  How do you prepare?  What are the considerations and challenges faced on the way?  We also hear about Kate's love for open water swimming and how she travels the world taking on some amazing endurance challenges.  And whilst we're there, we throw in a bit of IRONMAN and the Marathon Des Sables, ultimately finding out what it takes to be an endurance athlete.Kate offers a bit of advice to anybody thinking about swimming the English Channel before making that commitment.