Mastering Half Ironman Races in the Heat: Expert Strategies for Success
Release Date: 07/18/2025
Endurance Nation Podcast
What if you could boost your strength without ever touching a weight? We're tearing down the walls of traditional strength training for masters athletes and weaving it into your cardio routine. This episode is all about redefining how athletes over 40 can strengthen their bodies during the winter months by blending strength exercises with aerobic activities. It’s about precision, recovery, and using the cold season to lay a robust foundation that will sustain your fitness and endurance when the heat of summer training kicks in. We're talking long-term gains without the burden of a gym-bound...
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95% of athletes waste the winter and start spring already behind. If you’re one of the select few who train smart, winter is the season that defines the year. Don’t get us started about Masters athletes. Miss this window and it can take months - that you don’t have - to rebuild your fitness. That’s why we’ve created the Masters OutSeason — a 14-week program built to maximize your winter training. Structured workouts + Zwift files Testing protocols to track progress Masters Upgrade: 90-seminar on how to adapt and excel in the winter. Weekly...
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Picture this: rugged summer days, a sun-kissed outdoor office, and a trusty cup of afternoon coffee by your side. That's where you'll find me, Coach Patrick, as we embark on a journey through the thrilling and sometimes tumultuous world of summer endurance sports. While Ironman Lake Placid unfolds with fervor, I'm here to share the pulse of the race from afar, offering my insights and guidance to friends and athletes navigating the final stretch of the season. With August on the horizon, we're gearing up for everything from half Ironmans to iconic gravel races like Leadville and Steamboat,...
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Unlock the secrets to conquering challenging race conditions with our expert guide to mastering half Ironman events in hot weather. Join Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation as he reveals tried-and-true strategies for thriving when the heat is on. You'll gain insights into effective heat acclimation techniques, from arriving early at the race location to implementing sauna protocols and heat training. By learning how to adjust your pace smartly, you will maintain speed and outshine your competitors even as temperatures skyrocket. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you...
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Ever thought that training in sweltering heat could actually be your secret weapon as an endurance athlete? Coach Patrick shares his journey from the scorching Ironman races in Hawaii to uncover how heat training can lead to significant performance boosts. Having spent nearly two decades working with athletes, he reveals the powerful benefits of heat training, from enhancing blood volume to improving oxygen capacity. Coach Patrick also delivers a personal story about how arriving early for a race in Kona, to acclimate properly, made a huge difference in his performance—despite not being at...
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info_outlineUnlock the secrets to conquering challenging race conditions with our expert guide to mastering half Ironman events in hot weather. Join Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation as he reveals tried-and-true strategies for thriving when the heat is on. You'll gain insights into effective heat acclimation techniques, from arriving early at the race location to implementing sauna protocols and heat training. By learning how to adjust your pace smartly, you will maintain speed and outshine your competitors even as temperatures skyrocket. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you proactively manage heat, ensuring you remain resilient and composed while others may struggle.
But that's not all—we also emphasize the power of choosing the right apparel for those sizzling race days. Discover how selecting wicking materials and sun-protective garments can make all the difference in your performance, along with the game-changing benefits of hats that hold ice and sunglasses to combat glare. Testing your gear in advance will ensure you're prepared for any eventuality. Plus, we highlight the crucial role of recovery, specifically focusing on hydration practices like consuming cold beverages, utilizing hydration packets with sodium, and steering clear of alcohol. Tune in to gain the edge you need to tackle the heat and emerge victorious.