The Run Club
PodcastsRun ClubsVideosTagsAthletesRacesCalculators
    TOWER 26 Be Race Ready Podcast

    TOWER 26 Be Race Ready Podcast

    About

    Triathlon Swimming with TOWER 26 was created by Triathlon's go-to swim expert Coach, Gerry Rodrigues, and USAT Certified Coach/Professional Triathlete, Jim Lubinski. These podcasts will help triathletes get the most return out of their swim preparation by covering all the essential topics and ingredients that are necessary to make triathletes better and safer swimmers. Through Gerry's countless years of coaching thousands of triathletes and Jim's racing/training/coaching experience, the two will take on all topics relevant to triathlon swimming.

    Hosted By

    Gerry Rodrigues, Jim Lubinski

    Episode #149: Being Honest

    Episode #149: Being Honest

    October 1, 2026
    1h 5m

    In this episode, Jim and Gerry discuss heat training for Kona, race strategies, the importance of mental calmness, and analyze recent triathlon performances and organizational challenges in USA triathlon.


     keywords

    Kona, heat training, triathlon performance, race strategy, US triathlon, athlete retention, doping, sports organization, mental toughness, endurance training


     key  topics

    Heat training and adaptation for Kona
    Race strategy and course analysis
    Mental calmness and performance
    US triathlon performance analysis
    Organizational and retention challenges in US triathlon
    Doping and drug testing in sports
    Lessons from other sports organizations
    Athlete motivation and community building


     guest  name

    Jim Lubinski and Gerry Rodrigues


     key  frameworks

    Heat adaptation process
    Performance mental model
    Organizational culture change


     action  items

    Implement heat training metrics and tools
    Focus on mental calmness during races
    Address organizational culture and retention issues in US triathlon
    Adopt successful organizational models from other sports


     sound bites

    "I've been heat adapting since July."
    "Relaxation is key to peak performance."
    "Doping stories changed the sport forever."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Kona Heat Preparation
    01:49 Heat Training Tools and Metrics
    03:54 Kona Course and Race Strategy
    07:13 Recent Race Performances and Analysis
    10:02 The Art of Performance and Mental Calmness
    14:53 Doping, Drug Testing, and Ethical Challenges
    19:58 US Triathlon Organizational Challenges
    29:48 Retention and Community in Triathlon
    39:48 Lessons from Other Sports Organizations
    49:55 Future of US Triathlon and Closing Remarks

     

    Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage

     

    For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner

     

    Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: gerry@tower26.com

     

    To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at jim@tower26.com.

     

    To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com

     

    All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.

    More from TOWER 26 Be Race Ready Podcast

    Episode #148: Paint By Numbers ???

    Episode #148: Paint By Numbers ???
    August 26, 2026

    Episode #147: Swim FASTER with Dr. Jan Prins

    Episode #147: Swim FASTER with Dr. Jan Prins
    July 31, 2026

    Episode #146: Mastering the Art of Race Day — From Surf to Starting Blocks!

    Episode #146: Mastering the Art of Race Day — From Surf to Starting Blocks!
    June 16, 2026