382 - Raising Great Humans Through Sport- The Real Path to High Performance
Release Date: 12/10/2025
Purple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the Purple Patch coaching program, highlighting limited spots for senior coaching and individual coaching slots. He emphasizes the benefits of the Tri Squad program, which offers personalized, low-cost consultations and a supportive ecosystem. The focus of the episode is on training for Q1 2026, covering swim, bike, run, and strength. Dixon details technical development in swimming, endurance building, and the importance of gears. For cycling, he stresses high-intensity interval training, Terrain...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
On this episode, Mike Davison, a long-time Triathlete and member of Purple Patch's Tri Squad shares his journey of athletic success and personal growth. Despite initial plateaus and challenges, including long COVID, Mike leveraged Purple Patch's coaching and resources to improve his performance. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, true coaching, and community support. Mike highlights specific strategies like integrating blood testing, optimizing nutrition, and adapting training plans to race conditions. His story underscores the value of coaching beyond just training plans and...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses strategies for setting performance goals and training effectively in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of starting now, before the holidays, to avoid the "New Year, New You" pressure. Dixon identifies three common challenges: the overwhelmed athlete, the rigid athlete, and the mature athlete. He advises against chasing specific events and instead focuses on a year-long journey of progression. Key strategies include building a flexible training plan, prioritizing strength sessions, and maintaining...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Steve Magness x Matt Dixon on joy, resilience, and what actually creates long-term success in young athletes Too many conversations about youth sports focus on podiums, rankings, and early success. But the real power of sport isn’t medals— it’s the humans our kids become along the way. In this special conversation, performance experts Steve Magness and Matt Dixon break down what truly matters in youth athletics: joy, resilience, confidence, identity, and the pathways that create long-term success. They bust myths around early specialization, explore what actually predicts high-level...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Human Performance Author & Coach Steve Magness discuss the importance of mental toughness in athletic performance and life. Magness emphasizes that mental toughness is not about ignoring pain but navigating it effectively. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, including sleep, nutrition, and ongoing education. Magness shares his journey from a high school athlete to a respected coach, stressing the importance of teaching psychological skills. He advises athletes to develop a mental...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Win Cycle Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Co-Founder Kelli McMaster interview Sami Inkinen, co-founder and COO of Trulia and CEO of Virta Health, discussing his journey of high performance in sports and business. He emphasizes the importance of managing energy over time, integrating work, family, and personal interests, and treating oneself like an Olympic athlete. Inkinen highlights the significance of sleep, nutrition, and movement for sustained high performance. He also shares his approach to building high-performance...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In the episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of a structured off-season for athletes to avoid performance regression. He emphasizes the need for consistent, lighter training rather than complete shutdown or high-volume base building. Dixon highlights the significance of maintaining rhythm, technique, and strength during the off-season to ensure better performance in the next season. He advocates for focusing on specific projects, such as improving technique or building strength, and stresses the importance of organizational...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Win Cycle Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces Win Cycle, a performance-first leadership system inspired by elite athlete training principles. Designed for executive and academic teams, Win Cycle aims to build systems for sustained high performance. The program, developed over 18 months and launched in 2024, has seen significant growth and positive feedback. Key components include physical foundations, mental game training, and team collaboration. Results show 100% of participants report improved energy and performance habits, with an average...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of off-season training for athletes, emphasizing the need for rejuvenation, flexibility, and building a foundation for next year's performance. He highlights the benefits of consistent, low-impact cycling, which not only maintains fitness but also improves cognitive health. Dixon advocates for a balanced approach, combining high-intensity interval training, skill development, and terrain management. He shares the inspiring story of Jenna Diliberto, who overcame significant challenges...
info_outlinePurple Patch Podcast
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On the episode IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon welcomes guest and Purple Patch Athlete Marina Gelman. In 2000, at the age of 40, Marina Gelman lost her college-aged daughter in a tragic car accident. At the time, Gelman was a new fitness enthusiast and avid runner. Overcome by grief after the accident, however, she holed herself up for almost two years and focused only on work to numb the pain. Unfortunately, during this time, she abandoned her fitness goals, started smoking again after a long hiatus, and put on weight; reaching over 200 pounds. Ironically,...
info_outlineSteve Magness x Matt Dixon on joy, resilience, and what actually creates long-term success in young athletes
Too many conversations about youth sports focus on podiums, rankings, and early success. But the real power of sport isn’t medals— it’s the humans our kids become along the way.
In this special conversation, performance experts Steve Magness and Matt Dixon break down what truly matters in youth athletics: joy, resilience, confidence, identity, and the pathways that create long-term success. They bust myths around early specialization, explore what actually predicts high-level performance, and offer practical guidance for parents, coaches, and athletes at every stage.
Whether your child loves sport for fun or dreams of competing at the highest levels, this episode gives you the roadmap to support their growth—as athletes and as people.
Purple Patch and Episode Resources
Steve Magness Books:
https://www.stevemagness.com/wintheinside/
https://www.stevemagness.com/do-hard-things/
Check out our world-class coaching and training options:
Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call:
https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call
Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad
1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/11-coached
Run Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness/com/run-squad
Strength Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/strength-1
Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/bike
Explore our training options in detail: https://bit.ly/3XBo1Pi
Live in San Francisco? Explore the Purple Patch Performance Center: https://center.purplepatchfitness.com
Everything you need to know about our methodology:
https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/our-methodology
Amplify your approach to nutrition with Purple Patch + Fuelin
https://www.fuelin.com/purplepatch
Get access to our free training resources, insight-packed newsletter and more at purplepatchfitness.com