Purple Patch Podcast

Latest Episodes:

172 Lars Tandrup - His Purpose? To Find Opportunity in Unthinkable Adversity Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

Matt welcomes longtime Purple Patch athlete, Lars Tandrup, back to the podcast.

In 2018, Lars and his wife lost everything in the Santa Rosa fires. He was left, quite literally, with only his pajamas - and even those were on fire as he escaped through acres of flames to safety.

A few months after this tragedy, Lars came on the podcast to discuss how he hoped to emerge from this adversity. He sought purpose, clarity, and a fresh start with gratitude.

Now, almost three years later, Lars returns.

What actually happened in the aftermath? How did he do? How has his perspective changed, and how has he used adversity to help others, especially in a year when we've all faced the unthinkable?

Lars did, in fact, set his lens forward and developed key elements for an arsenal of performance that he continues to share often in work presentations. This toolbox is paramount to his personal health and has certainly been a catalyst to growth for those he works with on a daily basis.

What Are A Few of the Lessons He Carries With Him?

Finding Purpose in Tragedy - Helping others by sharing your experience, being a lighthouse for those in need.
Embracing Adversity as Opportunity - What can you learn from adapting to stress? Is this a chance to grow and learn? Adversity is not unique, but your response is critical to your path ahead.
Developing Tools to Help Deal with Adversity - Learning to react to stress in a more productive way, getting to the root cause of problems, controlling negative self-talk

Ultimately, says Lars, living the Purple Patch Pillars of Performance have helped him emerge stronger from this tragedy, and the integrated training, recovery, nutrition, and strength have provided him with the confidence and fortitude to help others.

And, when you help others, you use adversity as an opportunity for good.

Episode Timestamps

00:00-03:15 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode

03:15-06:25 Squaddie Update - Join our Global Squad Community

06:35 - The Meat and Potatoes - Lars Tandrup on Setting the Lens Ahead Through Adversity

Episode Resources

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1

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

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/upcomingevents

171 Keys to Effective Coaching - Optimize Your Relationships in Order to Develop, Grow, and Thrive Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

You need support and guidance in your endeavors. You go and find an expert or coach who can help. And just like that...like magic dust...The results flow. Is it really that simple? No.It isn't.

Ironically, so many folks just don't know how to be coached. There is an important perspective, mindset, and action that can enable a coaching relationship to flounder or flourish. When you get that right, THEN the positive results will flow.

How can you optimize your relationship with leaders, mentors, and coaches in any endeavor so that you can develop, grow, and thrive? Through stories and case studies, Matt outlines advice on how to be coached effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Case Study 1 - Athlete, Susan: A strong runner and rider, but refuses to implement a regualr strength regime.
Case Study 2- Athlete, Heather: Commitment to be coached and follow the program through. She provides feedback and is engaged in the journey.
Case Study 3- Athlete, John: Wants to go pro. Does he have the patience to play the long-game?
Case Study 4- Lessons from the Pros. What can we learn form the pros about effective coaching relationships?
Matt's six tips on how to be coached effectively

Episode Timestamps

00:00-01:50 - Welcome and Introduction to the Episode

01:50-08:00 Who the Bleeding 'Eck Are You - Ed Croucher and Liam Bradley

08:10-10:30 - Word of the Week - COMMITMENT

10:50 - The Meat and Potatoes - A Coach's Perspective on How to Be Coached Effectively - Case studies and tips

Episode Resources

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1

Receive a Playback of the Fall Racing Webinar - email: info@purplepatchfitness.com

170 Dr. Stephen Seiler - What Decades of Research REALLY Unveils About High Performance Jun 02, 2021

Show notes

If you care about performance, if you want to understand the mechanics of training, if you're invested in optimizing your training returns to yield the best adaptations, then this episode is assuredly for you.

Matt Dixon welcomes a conversation with Exercise Physiologist, Dr. Stephen Seiler, a living legend in the world of Sports Science and Training Methodology.

After unpacking Dr. Seiler's background and journey to becoming the preeminent Sports Scientist, they dig right in on a variety of topics and myths related to performance.

The premise behind his polarized approach to training
Season planning and how it is the most important thing an athlete can do, but with a caveat that sometimes planning is futile
Dialing in the prescription of training and the mistakes athletes and coaches make when drawing up the training recipe
Dr. Seiler's definition of stress and why our body's ability to perform diminishes in stress
Finding Control in Calm and Chaos
His Trinity of Training Perspectives
Quick hits on: gadgets, tools, metrics, fasting, machine learning, AI

According to Dr. Stephen Seiler, "No Pain, No Gain" is B.S. and we appreciate his decades of research that has led to the following conclusion:

Biology is not the same as building a garage on the side of your house. It's just not that simple and the training blueprint must be adaptable. Success, even at the elite level, is mostly about consistency, making small adjustments, and creating sustainable intensity over long periods of time. It's not about pain, suffering, and brutality. Instead, it's about enjoyment, persistence, and patience.

Episode Timestamps

00:40-07:30 - Welcome and Intro to Dr. Stephen Seiler

07:30-1:23:20 - Interview with Dr. Stephen Seiler

Episode Resources

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1

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

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events

https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/upcomingevents

169 Design a Life of Discipline and Commitment with Veteran and Coach, Sean Garick May 26, 2021

Show notes

This week in the United States, it's Memorial Day Weekend, where we take a moment to reflect and honor those who have served in the military. Today, we celebrate by welcoming long-time Purple Patch coach and veteran, Sean Garick.

Sean didn't get into coaching simply by being an endurance athlete-turned-coach. His background is something entirely different. He's an aerospace engineer, a longtime United States Marine Corps fighter pilot, and he was a test pilot with over 2300 flight hours. He has a background that is eclectic, strong, and steeped in intentional focus and performance.

What can we learn about endurance sports from this Marine Corps vet? Plenty. This conversation digs into Sean's journey as a Marine and how mentorship is vital, both with the mentors that he had, as well as his role as a teacher and mentor in the Marine Corps and now as a coach.

Matt and Sean also explore various words that are synonymous with success in the military, but also across success in any aspect of life. Words like: discipline, commitment, team, focusing on the controllables, and everything else that you might imagine around success.

Sean is, in many ways, an inspiration to the entire team of coaches and athletes. He certainly provides a unique perspective on collaboration, trust, and remaining calm under pressure.

Thank you for your service, Sean, and thanks for your invaluable role as a Purple Patch coach.

Episode Timestamps

02:40-08:05 - Who the Bleeding 'Eck Are You - Athlete Spotlight: Mike Olzinski

08:05-10:00 - Word of the Week - Connect

10:15-1:04:00 - Interview with Sean Garick

Episode Resources

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1

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

Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/upcomingevents

168 Greg Bennett - Being a Champion in Sport, Work, and Life May 19, 2021

Show notes

In this special episode, Matt speaks with a living legend in the sport of triathlon - Greg Bennett. Not only is Greg one of the best triathletes in the world, but he has also successfully transitioned to a business owner as a corporate coach, speaker and podcaster.

This conversation paints a wonderful illustration of a successful athlete transitioning to build a business, all with a wealth of perspective on everything related to high-level performance and resilience.

Matt digs into Greg's background and journey as a young athlete, including the role of his family and parents in his pursuit of excellence. Believe it or not, Bennett's triathlon career started at age 15 and spanned over 30 years, almost unheard of in the competitive and dynamic world of multisport.

This decades-long journey garnered Greg a trophy-room full of accolades including two International Triathlon Union World Series titles, three Australian National titles in 1998, 1999, 2000 (long course), two Oceania titles in 1998 and 1999, one Triathlon World Championship, six World Cup titles, as well as being ranked world number one triathlete in 2002 and 2003. Bennett qualified for the Australian Olympic team at Athens, 2004 and Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympics.

Many key takeaways emerge throughout this candid conversation between these two top-level coaches and athletes:

-What lessons and advice does Bennett have for endurance athletes along their journey?

-How difficult was his transition away from professional racing

-How does he remain grounded these days balancing a business and family?

-How does he view his new identity?

-What is the role and importance of coaching across both sport and life?

-How does his athletic mindset and racing career benefit him in business?

Finally, both Matt and Greg share their own personal tips for world-class performance in a special moment you won't want to miss.

Striving to achieve success and longevity in all areas of your life...that's the epitome of embracing the journey.

Episode Resources

Greg Bennett Website and Resources https://www.bennettendurance.com

Purple Patch Website and Coaching Resources - https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/

167 Matt's Top 10 Tips for Racing Back-to-Back Events May 12, 2021

Show notes

It was inevitable. After a full calendar of racing was canceled in 2020, we knew that 2021 was going to be the year of deferrals and stacked event calendars. And now, here we are in the midst of the training season for this upcoming cluster of races that all feel important to you. You did invest the money and emotional energy into these races, after all, and you rightfully expect a positive return.

But, how do you plan to train for these clustered races? There are few off-the-shelf training plans that guide you through this scenario. The textbooks and magazines don't give you much solid perspective, and many coaches stumble and get confused. Unfortunately, as a result, many athletes pinball through the season, going back and forth to events, layering fatigue, and not performing their best at any of these events.

The confusion stops now, thanks to Matt's Top 10 Tips for Success on Back-to-Back Racing, or the ol' Dirty Dixon Double. Learn how to go into each race feeling fit-n'-fresh ready to commit to a strong performance both physically and emotionally.

Avoid arriving at your first race fatigued.

Don't forget your supporting habits.

In most cases, train for race one, then use THAT fitness to carry you through the races following.

Cement a mantra in your mind: Recover -- Maintain -- Sharpen.

Nail immediate recovery.

Performance metrics are not useful between races, except to highlight fatigue.

Maintain strength.

Employ the BIG BANG TRICK.

Commit to your performance in every race.

If in doubt between the races, do less.

Sounds simple, yes? We know you're anxious to dive into the details and encourage you to do so during the episode. We also encourage you to sign up for our upcoming webinars, including a deeper dive into Fall racing with Matt! Details are below.

Episode Timestamps

1:55 Who the Bleeding Eck are you? Featuring Jesse Thomas

5:50 Squaddie Update featuring upcoming course previews and live sessions with Matt Dixon on Fall Racing

10:35 Word of the Week - Go for It

13:25 The Meat and Potatoes - Top Tops on Back-to-Back Races

Episode and Purple Patch Resources

May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN Tulsa Course Overview -- REGISTER: Free Tulsa Course Overview

May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga -- REGISTER: Free Chattanooga 70.3 Course Overview

Get the inside scoop on these upcoming races from Purple Patch Head Coach, Matt Dixon. These are a must-attend, and always include time for open Q&A.

May 25th, 5pm PST - Roadmap to Your Best IRONMAN This Fall and Open Q&A with Matt Dixon REGISTER: FREE Race Your Best IRONMAN This Fall

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

166 Back to Basics - How to Build Your Training Recipe for Any Event May 05, 2021

Show notes

Now that restrictions are lifting and we're emerging from the fog of Covid-19, you may be deciding to take on a challenge - to TRAIN for something. It's your time to embrace the journey and go on a charge to challenge yourself, to stay consistent, and to achieve big hairy audacious goals.

Today, Matt strips it all down to the fundamentals, to reground you, reset the mindset, and course correct in case you have strayed. This episode is a timely and important reminder of how to find performance in your time-starved life, no matter if you're embarking on your first 5k, family rafting trip, hike across the Grand Canyon, European bike tour, or a journey through IRONMAN training.

Successful training means understanding and implementing key ingredients of your recipe:

How to Set Yourself Up for Success - being clear about your purpose, knowing where you are starting from, aligning your team of allies, and understanding how to integrate the training into your life without letting it dominate.
How to Build Your Plan Around Effective Training - Training is, after all, a targeted and specific stress applied to the body, in which you can achieve POSITIVE adaptations. How do you go about doing this? How do you know when and how to apply the right type of stress? You have to understand how to layout your week and prioritize key training sessions.
How to Work Your Plan Through Life's Chaos and Unpredictability. That is performance development in the context of life.

Working these steps will not only help you achieve your performance goals, but complete them with vibrancy, consistency, and good health. It isn't about chasing outcomes, it is about NAILING THE JOURNEY.

Episode and Purple Patch Resources

May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN Tulsa Course Overview -- REGISTER: Free Tulsa Course Overview

May 11th, 5:00pm PST - IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga -- REGISTER: Free Chattanooga 70.3 Course Overview

Get the inside scoop on these upcoming races from Purple Patch Head Coach, Matt Dixon. These are a must-attend, and always include time for open Q&A.

May 25th, 5pm PST - Roadmap to Your Best IRONMAN This Fall and Open Q&A with Matt Dixon REGISTER: FREE Race Your Best IRONMAN This Fall

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

165 Nailing Your Race-Day Performance Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

Today, Matt provides his insight on successful race day execution. It is a Dixon deep dive into all of the elements to ensure you are able to meet your trained potential with race day performance.

It is normal and common for you to feel a little anxiety, even fear, when you return to racing. You are rusty, it has been a while, and the event feels bigger because of the gap from the last race. Acknowledge and even embrace the feeling. Why? Because what you are feeling is NORMAL. It is your body priming, and your brain cannot answer the question as to whether you are ready to have a breakout performance. There is no need to suppress the feelings, or pretend they are not real, but you can decide how you interact and respond with these feelings. Remember this mantra:

This won't define me. There's nothing to lose. Nail the basics. Celebrate the return.

Once this mindset is established, you can then shift into race execution mode. Matt walks through each discipline and provides his insight on how to get organized, plan ahead, and work your plan including:

Planning and packing ahead of the race to avoid unnecessary stress
Making sure bike and equipment are secured and tested
Smart pacing advice for the swim, bike, and run
Remaining flexible to work the plan

No matter what happens, on the day, never forget your mission: to get from the start line to the finish line as fast as possible across all three disciplines. You might face challenges, adversity, and obstacles, but if you remain on task and focused on the mission, no matter what happens, you can be proud. You can solve those challenges, grow from the experiences, and provide the greatest yield for what the day presents.

Episode and Purple Patch Resources

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Purchase Matt's Latest Book, The Fast-Track Triathlete

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Learn more about Purple Patch Customized 1:1 Coaching

Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

164 A Triathlete's Guide to Run Success Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

The Purple Patch Podcast Triathlon Takeover strides towards the finish line this week where Matt takes you through all you need to know to help facilitate hitting your potential on the run - including shoe choice, nutrition, terrain, and even walking your way to your fastest run performance. It is a triathlete's guide to run success.

You come out of T2 and all you need to do is run to the finish. What could go wrong? Well, apparently, a lot.

The run is the most common discipline for your race to unravel. Across the three pieces of the triathlon puzzle, the run sees the greatest discrepancy between performance expectations and reality.

Athletes struggle here and they don't need to. Today's show is all about optimizing your run performance. But before you reach for your flats and add more miles to your schedule, take heed. In order to reach your potential you must first understand two important things:

Why is the run such a challenge in triathlon racing? It's presumably the simplest of the three disciplines, but often the one that poses the most threat to race performance.
What are the many things that can go wrong in the run leg of a race? Many times athletes assume it's a simple lack of fitness, but this is rarely the case. There are plenty of reasons your run can be derailed and Matt unpacks each one.

With this groundwork of understanding, Matt then delivers the steps to run greatness.

A successful run off the bike is not mythical or magical. It doesn't require a carbon plate in your shoe. There isn't some secret sauce that drives you into the stratosphere, and it's rarely the result of digging yourself into more and more training. A successful run performance is mostly about - NAILING THE BASICS and avoiding the mistakes and causes that lead to the dismantling of performance potential in the first place.

Commit to this mission and never let it go. If you do this, you will finish with deep pride and a chance to learn and grow. You will be able to stand tall and grow as an athlete and human and you will be an athlete that gets to say, "I nailed my run performance."

Episode and Purple Patch Resources

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

163 Dial in Your Bike Performance - Fit, Posture, Equipment and Strategies with IOG Bike Fit Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

The Purple Patch Podcast Triathlon Takeover rolls on this week with an hour of power on all things related to bike performance and race-day execution. Optimum bike fit, posture, equipment, and pacing strategies are all covered in this episode that features two of the best in the industry, Ivan O'Gorman and Chris Soden of IOG Bike Fit and Consulting.

As you'll hear, IOG's approach to consulting is informed by research, while their recommendations are driven by years of experience. Put simply - they will help you as an athlete not only ride faster, but also run faster off the bike.

Topics and questions covered include:

Is aero everything for every athlete?
What do you look for in a virtual or in-person bike fit?
How much time should athletes allow before races to make significant bike fit changes?
Why is power different on the road vs. an indoor trainer?
Why is power different on a road bike vs. time-trial bike?
When is it best to come out of aero? Is there a speed or hill grade?
What is normal vs. abnormal discomfort on a bike?
What type of aerobars are the best?
Where should I put my nutrition?
What tire pressure should I run on my race wheels?

This episode won't drown you in numbers and science, but it will improve your race preparation and confidence no matter your ability or skill level.

About Ivan O'Gorman

Ivan regularly works with recreational cyclists and triathletes of all levels, as well as WorldTour professionals and Olympians. As a seven-time IRONMAN World Championship finisher and two-time LT 100 MTB finisher, Ivan has significant first-hand knowledge of the many factors athletes must consider to maximize results.

About Chris Soden

Chris has spent over 25 years in the cycling industry, and specializes in custom and high-end bike sales and fittings. He has an extensive background as a professional bike fitter and industry consultant. At IOG Chris specializes in bike fitting, bike fit education, and industry consulting with a business optimization focus.

Episode and Purple Patch Resources

Book a Bike Fit and Consult with IOG Bike Fit

Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program

Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming

Join the Purple Patch Performance Academy

Learn More Aout Ivan and Chris at IOG

Bicycle Rolling Resistance - Dedicated to providng the most detailed information about bicycling tires

Subscribe to the Purple Patch Podcast:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music