Purple Patch Podcast

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202 Thinking of Doing a Training Camp? Here are Five Components of a Successful Camp Experience Jan 19, 2022

Show notes

You head off to a beautiful destination with bike, wetsuit, and running shoes packed and ready to go where you will spend multiple days in a lush destination without the distraction of work, family, and other life priorities. You are officially immersed in solid training with days and nights filled with multisport activity, food, and camaraderie.

Are you at a classic training camp, or are you having a training experience? Should you return from a camp feeling accomplished, but completely exhausted and overcooked? In fact, What should you look for coming out of this week and how can you judge whether it was a "success" or not?

Today, Matt outlines your pathway to a successful training camp experience - one that leaves you feeling invigorated and sets you up for a successful season. He discusses:

The difference between a training camp and a training experience or getaway with some buddies
The value of a camp and why you should consider attending one to support your training
Five components of a successful training camp
How to judge the success of the camp, especially as you navigate through your season

A training camp doesn't guarantee or produce magic results. It is the successful application of the lessons you learn and implement that produce that magic.

Educate and execute.

Then come home and implement.

That is your pathway to training camp success.

Episode Timestamps

0:00-02:58 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

02:58-06:55 Squaddie Update - Run and Bike Squad are launching and it's not too late to hop on the interest list. Visit PurplePatchFitness.com

06:55-15:47 Word of the Week - Vaccine Part Deux

15:55 The Meat and Potatoes - Five Components of a Successful Training Camp Experience

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Bike and Run Squad Launching in January 2022. Email info@purplepatchfitness.com for information, or hop on the preview lists below.

Bike Squad Interest List

Run Squad Interest List

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

201 Reimagine Your Run to Get the Results You Want Jan 12, 2022

Show notes

If you are a 'repeat offender' with running niggles and injuries... If you are frustrated with a plateau of results... Or, if perhaps you are simply intimidated by running and believe it just isn't a sport for you, then today's show can change everything - for the good.

Matt outlines a clear path to demystify and rewrite your approach to run training that will reduce injury risk, amplify the fun, and forge a path to the results you want.

In order to rewrite the narrative around run training, Matt first describes the challenges of the single-sport approach to running, including:

High-risk of injury
Limited levers to pull if you are sidelined
It is tough to nail the BEST value training sessions

As a result, many runners slug through their miles with poor form, ever-increasing cost, a miserable attitude, higher trauma, and greater injury risk. No wonder folks become disenchanted and lose confidence in the process.

Part two of the episode outline the solution - A Reimagined Multisport Approach to Running:

The four components of a successful multisport approach to running
Keys to putting the four components into action

Be warned: To embrace and adopt this approach will require bravery and the courage to do it differently than the books, go against the grain of common perceptions, and even against the well-meaning voices of your more experienced friends who are likely to poo-poo the approach.

This isn't a quick hit. It is going to take patience, but you will improve, enjoy the journey more, and be in a better position to stay healthy.

Let's do it, team.

Episode Resources:

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Bike and Run Squad Launching in January 2022. Email info@purplepatchfitness.com for information, or hop on the preview lists below.

Bike Squad Interest List

Run Squad Interest List

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

200 Fitness is Broken - Create Your Longterm Pathway to Success Jan 05, 2022

Show notes

Fitness. Is. Broken.

Way to start off the new year on a high note, right?

It's true, though, and most of us are acutely aware. We are frustrated, challenged, and confused with how best to pursue fitness, performance, and a platform of health.

You can ignore the fitness nuts and health gurus - you know the ones – that post the promoted wonderful life that they capture while failing to actually live it? Yeah, those folks.

Today's episode will set you up with a solid pathway to success and rewrite the script on how to improve with no quick fixes, voodoo supplements, or fad diets.

Matt discusses:

What is wrong with the health and fitness market?
Why the evangelism and short-term strategies of the fitness industries are actually making us more unhealthy
What you need and want, perhaps without realizing, in your journey to health, energy, and improvement
The KEY components of what every successful performance/fitness and health program needs for success.

When you understand and employ the key components of a successful performer, you won't create a quick fix and you likely won't be in a "before and after" picture for 6 -week abs.

But you WILL have:

A much better chance of enjoying yourself with a commitment to life
A sense of logic, control, understanding around your performance journey
More predictable and stable energy

Most importantly, you will stick with it and you will thrive.

Episode Timestamps

0:00-04:20 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

04:25-08:40 Squaddie Update - Train with Purple Patch in 2022 - Run and Bike Squad Launch in January 2021. Learn more below.

08:40-14:20 Word of the Week - 200 - We've hit the 200 episode mark! Thanks to all of the listeners for following, rating, and sharing the show

14:30 Fitness is Broken

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Bike and Run Squad Launching in January 2022. Email info@purplepatchfitness.com for information, or hop on the preview lists below.

Bike Squad Interest List

Run Squad Interest List

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

199 Performance Lessons from 2021 Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

As we round out the year, Matt takes time to reflect on the biggest performance lessons we've learned in 2021 that you'll be able to carry into your 2022 season planning.

It's also a chance to share how Purple Patch will continue to apply these lessons to expand and enhance our programming and global community.

Matt's Biggest Performance Lessons include:

Athletes benefit greatly from mixing it up
Accountability and Community are vital
Human connection and real coaching interaction amplify your performance
Embrace the journey
Know your North Star - your "why"
Do the right thing

2021 can certainly be labeled a year of emergence as we started on a quest to return to normal as best as we possibly could. While we're certainly not out of the woods, we hope you'll be able to use these lessons and apply them to your own performance journey in work, sport, and life.

0:00-02:30 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

02:30-06:50 Squaddie Update - Run and Bike Squad Launch in January 2022

06:50-10:30 Word of the Week - Daddy Long Legs

10:30 Performance Lessons in 2021

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Bike and Run Squad Launching in January 2022. Email info@purplepatchfitness.com for information, or hop on the preview lists below.

Bike Squad Interest List

Run Squad Interest List

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

198 Rest is Action Dec 15, 2021

Show notes

Successful athletes and performance enthusiasts tend to be intrinsically motivated and the hard work, such as tough training sessions, big miles, or breakthrough days provides instant gratification and validation.

It is a massive reward to complete a tough training camp. It feels good to produce your best running splits. You get energized from accomplishing something you may believe improbable. It is why we often say 'Hard work is the easy thing.' Of course, it's not easy, but it is the thing that creates an appreciation of progress, improvement, and confidence-building.

So where does recovery fit in, especially if we don't get that feeling of "instant gratification?" Most of us understand the role and importance of recovery, but few are really good at embracing it. In fact, most driven athletes don't even like it because it doesn't always breed confidence - at least in the short term.

Today, Matt outlines the importance of recovery and why, believe it or not, REST IS ACTION.

What is the role of recovery in your training? What does rest actually accomplish?
Why is recovery a long-term investment in your performance?
How should you incorporate active rest in your training, especially now in the post-season/holiday break?
And, when and how should you re-engage with regular structure?

Pulling back from hard work and integrating some easy days is not easy. It is even tougher when you see or hear about your peers or competition out there working hard while you, as they say, laze about.

Rest is action. It isn't passive, lazy, or simply designed to recharge the batteries. It takes big-picture planning, pragmatism, and a commitment to the longer-term journey. THIS is why it takes courage.

0:00-03:38 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

03:38-08:30 Squaddie Update - Exclusive Run Squad and Bike Squad Launching in January to first 50 athletes. Email info@purplepatchfitness.com to get on the list to be the first to find out when it opens.

08:30-10:40 Word of the Week - Us

10:50 The Meat and Potatoes - Rest is Action

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Bike and Run Squad Launching in January 2022. Email info@purplepatchfitness.com for questions, or hop on the interest lists below:

Bike Squad Interest List

Run Squad Interest List

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

197 Taking on IRONMAN in a Time-Starved Life Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

IRONMAN.

Perhaps you have done one already but would love to do better. Maybe you are inspired to give it a crack, but not really sure if you are up to the task, or perhaps you are thinking, "I could never do that with my hectic life schedule."

Today's episode will:

Break down the myths and perceptions that often send time-starved hopefuls down the wrong path of their IRONMAN journey
Outline a method to ensure that a successful journey to IRONMAN doesn't equal obsession, fatigue, and destruction of the other important parts of life.
Help build a framework of training to prepare you to be successful, but also improve your health, performance across other parts of life, and enable you to actually ENJOY the journey.

It is a fact. IRONMAN is a personal challenge that requires great commitment, logistical considerations, and training. Your journey will include plenty of obstacles, adversity, and setbacks, BUT it doesn't have to come at the expense of every other aspect of your life. In fact, IRONMAN training can enhance your life if done properly.

Today, Matt outlines how.

0:00-02:35 Welcome, Episode Introduction, and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - use code PURPLEPATCHPRO25 for 25% in the InsideTracker Store.

02:35-06:50 Squaddie Update - Live and Video on Demand Coaching and Purple Patch Swim Analysis

06:50-10:30 Word of the Week - Dena

10:30 IRONMAN in a Time-Starved Life

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

The Definitive Guide to Your First IRONMAN - Purple Patch Blog

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

196 Dr. Gil Blander talks Aging, Supplements, Extending your Lifespan, and How to Stave off Cognitive Decline Dec 01, 2021

Show notes

This week features a conversation with Dr. Gil Blander. Dr. Blander is an expert in nutrition, biomarker analytics, athletic performance, biochemistry, and aging research.

Gil is also the Founder and CSO of InsideTracker, a personalized health and performance analytics company created by a team of scientists, physicians, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists from MIT, Harvard, and Tufts University.

Today Matt and Dr. Blander discuss aging, supplements that actually help performance, homeopathy, extending your lifespan, and how to stave off cognitive decline.

They deliver insights and information to help you understand your body, apply focus, and move towards an optimized life by focusing on what matters.

And, just like a deck of cards, you may be dealt a certain hand, but you can always play them well.

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

195 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Performance Nov 24, 2021

Show notes

Matt Dixon presents his annual gift-guide episode, a diverse list of ideas for holiday gifts all anchored in performance. Every one of these ideas is delivered after personal experience with Matt and the Purple Patch team, and we think they'll provide some inspiration for you and that favorite fitness enthusiast on your list.

This holiday season, the best gifts are personal—and there's nothing more personal than the gift of good health, so let's get into it!

Inside Tracker - The Ultimate Plan

Whether your loved one runs, bikes, hikes, plays sports, or simply wants to improve their wellness, InsideTracker is the most personalized way to make sure their body stays in it for the long haul.

This Black Friday, save $200 on InsideTracker's Ultimate Plan—the most comprehensive way to get personalized insight into their body's wellbeing. Purple Patch podcast listeners also get a free InnerAge Assessment.

InsideTracker's personalized nutrition and performance system provides the most detailed analysis of their biomarker data from blood, DNA, lifestyle, and fitness tracking. InsideTracker gives them the power to live a healthier, longer life through concrete, personalized action plans consisting of proven, science-backed recommendations.

So starting November 24th, head to InsideTracker.com/purplepatchpodcast to save $200 on InsideTracker's Ultimate Plan and get a free InnerAge — or use code PURPLEPATCHGIFT at checkout - to give the gift of personalized health.

The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder--and How to Help

A simply wonderful book, and a worthwhile read if you are a parent -- or plan to be one. The lack of sleep and poor sleep quality is incredibly damaging for child performance and development, and neurologist and friend of Purple Patch, Dr. Chris Winter, has created a wonderfully accessible guide in his new book.

FatMap - Discover, Plant, Track and Share Your Outdoor Adventures

A wonderful GPS mapping app that never gets you lost and allows amazing review and other mapping features. Plus, it seamlessly syncs to Garmin, Strava, and other training platforms.

New Wave Swim Buoy

Top-notch visibility and safety for open water swimming.

Purple Patch Swim Analysis

This in-depth remote swim coaching process will identify the inefficiencies in your stroke and find their unique root causes. You'll also get direct guidance on specific actions to address those inefficiencies to improve your swim performance.

The Purple Patch swim analysis experience is different from other online swim analysis services. Here, you will receive direct, actionable feedback in four distinct areas critical to improving your swim. This feedback is targeted to your specific underlying inefficiencies and areas for improvement and gives you actionable feedback that's easy to implement.

Salomon Sense Pro 5 Running Vest

Matt's favorite running vest tested on the rugged trails of Oregon and Montana with quick and easy access to storage and hydration.

Outbound Lights for Your Bike

Opens up visibility on the trails with smooth falloff all around the bike to aid peripheral vision (the beam should fall off, not the biker).

Purple Patch Training Camp

YOU asked and we are ramping up our 2022 camps. Hawaii, Napa, South Carolina, Marin, East Coast or St. George, Utah - 2022 is full of very special training and education escapes for all levels. If you would like to gift for a camp you have two options:

Head to the CAMP PAGE and choose the best camp option, or, ideally, reach out to us for a credit of the athletes' choice. We will send you a lovely digital gift card with a code for your performance-minded friend or family member to apply to a camp that fits your desire and schedule. Email us at info@purplepatchfitness.com or visit the CAMP PAGE.

Annual Purple Patch Squad Membership

Give the ultimate gift of performance! You can make a one-time up-front payment that will help a special one excel in their sporting endeavor. Reach out for details, but you will be sending your bestie on a performance journey! Education, a community of like-minded athletes, full video coaching, and a program that integrated into life. Email us at info@purplepatchfitness.com or visit the SQUAD page on the website for details.

Additional Purple Patch Resources:

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn More about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

194 Dr. Chris Winter Answers Your Sleep Questions on Wearables, Naps, Middle-of-the-Night Anxiety, and More Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

Matt welcomes Dr. Chris Winter back to answer your questions about the importance and performance-enhancing effects of good SLEEP.

If you think quality sleep has no bearing on your performance in life or sport, think again. "Doing Well" and simply "Being Able to Do" are two different things. Both Matt and Dr. Winter want you to do well and that is why they dig into your questions today, including:

His opinion on sleep trackers and wearables
Advice for those who are paralyzed by the trackers and data
Are there wearables that are more or less accurate than others? How do I discern the best product on the market?
When should I alter or cancel a workout after a night of poor sleep?
How do I know when I need to get a new mattress?
How do I return to sleep after middle-of-the-night disruption?
What is the best timing of meals and hydration before I go to sleep? I hate getting up to pee!
What tactics can women in perimenopause use to help sleep?
How do I manage high work/life stress and anxiety at night?
Are naps or periods of rest each day a good thing, even for professionals?

0:00-01:45 Welcome and Episode Introduction

01:45-7:40 Squaddie Update and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker

7:50 The Meat and Potatoes - Dr. Chris Winter answers your sleep questions

About Dr. Chris Winter

Dubbed "The Sleep Whisperer" by Arianna Huffington, Dr. Winter has been involved in the field of sleep medicine for twenty-five years. A fully board-certified neurologist and double board-certified sleep specialist, Dr. Winter has been helping individuals sleep better through his private clinic, group consultations, work with professional athletes, and dynamic media presence. His first book, The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It has received high praise both in the United States and internationally as a fresh and effective approach to a growing problem.

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Episode 194 Webpage

Charlottsville Neurology and Sleep Center

The Rested Child - by Dr. Chris Winter

The Sleep Solution - by Dr. Chris Winter

Episode 8 Purple Patch Podcast with Dr. Chris Winter

Episode 193 Purple Patch Podcast with Dr. Chris Winter

Dial in YOUR Fueling with Purple Patch Comprehensive Nutrition Programming

Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

193 Dr. Chris Winter - The "Sleep Whisperer" on How to Improve your Confidence and Reliability of Sleep Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

Matt welcomes Dr. Chris Winter back to the podcast to revisit our most potent performance enhancer, the secret to fitness improvement, heightened focus and clarity, better resilience and immune system, and a promise to the enhancement of your overall health.

Today, Matt and Dr. Winter present your ultimate guide to sleep and help unpack the mystery of sleep. Key takeaways:

His role as a Neurologist and Sleep Scientist - to improve your confidence and reliability of sleep
Tools in his toolbox to help patients - behavior change, medications, C-Pap, etc.
The Physiology of Sleep - What's happening to our body and brain when we sleep?
The detrimental effects on our body and brain when we rob ourselves of adequate sleep
Positive yields when you improve your sleep
Why you shouldn't judge success by the number of hours you sleep
What are some of the common sleep mistakes?
Dr. Winter's recommendations and an action plan on sleep hygiene

0:00-04:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction

03:40-10:20 Squaddie Update and a word from our sponsor, Inside Tracker - "So You Want to Do Your First IRONMAN" - Live webinar with Matt Dixon

10:20-12:15 Word of the Week - Strength

12:30 The Meat and Potatoes - A Discussion on Sleep with Dr. Chris Winter

About Dr. Chris Winter

Episode Resources

This episode is sponsored by our new collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 25% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO25

Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Center

The Rested Child - by Dr. Chris Winter

The Sleep Solution - by Dr. Chris Winter

Episode 8 Purple Patch Podcast with Dr. Chris Winter

So, You Want to Do An IRONMAN? Live with Matt Dixon - November 16th at 5:00pm PST

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