The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Faster times and better technique aren't a guarantee when you train hard. What really makes a difference to your speed and efficiency in the water? The Effortless Swimming podcast helps make a complex sport really simple to better your swimming. We cover open water swimming, triathlon swimming and pool swimming. Hosted by Australian National swimmer and coach Brenton Ford.
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#439 : Why You're (Likely) Under-Fuelling And Under-Performing with Eliza Kelly
08/05/2026
#439 : Why You're (Likely) Under-Fuelling And Under-Performing with Eliza Kelly
Discover the nutrition secrets that could make or break your next long swim—are you fueling properly? Swimmers and endurance athletes often overlook crucial aspects of fueling, leading to fatigue, poor recovery, and even injury. In this eye-opening episode, registered sports dietitian Eliza Kelly shares behind-the-scenes insights from a 55-kilometer open water swim, revealing how altitude, heat, and unexpected challenges demand real-time nutritional adjustments. Her experience coaching elite swimmers and triathletes will change how you approach long training sessions and races, ensuring you stay energized and perform at your best. 00:11 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:12 Eliza's background and work with swimmers 04:23 Details of the 55 km swim in the Kimberley 05:38 Managing nutrition and hydration during hot swims 07:27 Electrolyte and sodium considerations 09:20 Adapting nutrition in real-time during a swim 12:13 Lessons learned from the Kimberley swim 14:39 Common nutrition mistakes athletes make 19:06 When and what to eat during long sessions 22:45 The importance of fueling and avoiding hunger 29:59 Iron deficiency in swimmers and endurance athletes 31:06 Testing and optimizing iron levels 32:26 How to connect with Eliza for nutrition support https://www.fluidperformancenutrition.com.au/ fluid_performancenutrition
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#438 : How To Swim Freestyle With (Almost) Zero Effort with Brenton Ford
07/30/2026
#438 : How To Swim Freestyle With (Almost) Zero Effort with Brenton Ford
Want to swim freestyle with less effort while moving faster through the water? In this episode, Brenton shares the three key principles that make freestyle feel smooth and effortless: improving your balance and body position, using rotation to maximize efficiency, and timing your stroke and kick so your whole body works together. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer looking to conserve energy, these simple technique adjustments can help you swim farther, faster, and with much less effort. 00:35 The #1 Secret: Let the Water Hold You Up 01:12 Head Position for Better Balance 02:48 Use Your Lungs to Improve Buoyancy 04:18 Step 2: Rotate for an Effortless Stroke 05:04 Relax Your Recovery 07:29 Step 3: Master Your Stroke Timing 11:42 Beginner vs Faster Freestyle Programs
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#437 : Understanding Arm Recovery and Connection In Freestyle with Tracey Baumann
07/23/2026
#437 : Understanding Arm Recovery and Connection In Freestyle with Tracey Baumann
Tracey Baumann is back! Learn how better arm recovery can improve your balance, protect your shoulders, and help you swim with less effort. She breaks down the most common mistakes that lead to shoulder pain, dropped hips, and extra drag, then shares simple drills to help you swim smoother and more efficiently. We'll also share details about the Melbourne swim clinic we're running together on October 25. Tune in now! 00:33 Meet Tracey Baumann 01:47 Why Recovery Matters 05:24 Common Recovery Mistakes 08:54 One Unit Recovery Cue 11:23 Elite Examples: Sam Short13:26 Fixing High Elbow Myths19:11 Wetsuit Shoulder Tips22:15 Connection Through the Core 34:01 Build Length From the Wall 34:43 Clinic Announcement Melbourne36:18 Where to Find Tracy
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#436 : How to Master Open Water Pacing, Swim Anxiety, and Stroke Mechanics with Brenton Ford
07/17/2026
#436 : How to Master Open Water Pacing, Swim Anxiety, and Stroke Mechanics with Brenton Ford
In this episode, I join the TriVelo Podcast to share my approach to swimming faster and more efficiently in open water. We discuss where to focus first when improving your stroke, the differences between galloping and balanced swim styles, why I believe many triathletes kick harder than they need to, and practical ways to stay calm and confident when racing in open water. We also dive into my thoughts on the Enhanced Games and the journey behind developing NanoClear anti-fog goggles to solve one of the biggest frustrations swimmers face. A big thanks to Gerard Donnelly and Jordan Donnelly from TriVelo Coaching for having me on the podcast. If you're a triathlete looking to train smarter and race faster, be sure to check out TriVelo Coaching. 0:11 – The starting priority for your stroke 2:09 – Analyzing Open Water galloping action 5:21 – Why you shouldn't swim like a speedboat 6:59 – The secret to fixing dragging legs 8:27 – Which Pro Athlete Has The Style To Copy? 11:33 – The kicking mistake costing you more time 15:00 – How to simulate open water in the pool 24:13 – How to sight without breaking your rhythm 27:50 – The recovery adjustment for choppy water 31:04 – Where to apply power in the pull 36:14 – Threshold sets to build raw durability 39:41 – Overcoming physical panic and hyperventilation 45:15 – Shifting your mindset on the beach 51:38 – Our honest thoughts on the Enhanced Games 56:13 – Designing a fog-free goggle
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#435 : Lessons From 250 English Channel Crossings with Tim Denyer
07/13/2026
#435 : Lessons From 250 English Channel Crossings with Tim Denyer
Most marathon swimmers would overlook the critical role of mental resilience—until they’re fighting waves, exhaustion, and doubt in real time. Tim Denya, an elite coach with over 250 English Channel crossings, reveals the unspoken truth: mental strength is just as vital as physical endurance in conquering ocean swims. In this episode, Tim unpacks the training secrets behind his staggering success rate, emphasizing how strategic mental preparation and clear communication turn tentative swimmers into ocean conquerors. Discover why long-distance swim training isn’t just about logging kilometers but about pushing the mind and body to new limits—all while maintaining focus, confidence, and calm amidst chaos. 00:00 Introduction to Marathon Swimming and Tim Denya 02:51 Training Camps: Preparing for Marathon Swims 05:17 The Balance of Physical and Mental Training 08:25 Technique vs. Conditioning in Swimming 11:20 The Importance of Trust in Coaching 14:20 Managing Expectations and Anxiety in Swimmers 17:01 The Role of Purpose in Endurance Swimming 20:03 Adapting Training to Individual Needs 22:48 Evolution of Coaching Philosophies 25:43 The Importance of Nutrition in Training 28:19 Documentary Insights and Storytelling in Swimming 36:27 The Importance of Connection in Coaching 39:14 Empathy and Trust in Coaching 44:17 Navigating Challenges During Long Swims 50:30 The Art of Coaching: Balancing Emotion and Objectivity 57:35 Learning from the Best: Insights from Elite Swimmers 01:06:11 Continuous Learning and Adaptation in Coaching
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#434 : 7 Rules From 10 Years Coaching Pro Triathletes with Brenton Ford
07/07/2026
#434 : 7 Rules From 10 Years Coaching Pro Triathletes with Brenton Ford
What separates the fastest triathletes from everyone else in the water? In this episode, I share the seven biggest swimming lessons I've learned from coaching professional triathletes over the past decade. We dive into body rotation, kicking, using your lats effectively, increasing stroke rate, breathing strategies, and the open water skills that can help you outperform faster pool swimmers. Whether you're training for your first triathlon or chasing a new personal best, these practical coaching insights will help you swim faster while saving energy for the bike and run. 00:25 Rule #1 – Rotate Enough for an Easy Recovery 01:59 Rule #2 – Your Kick Matters More Than You Think 03:31 Rule #3 – Your Lats Are More Important Than Your Catch 06:32 Rule #4 – Increase Stroke Rate the Right Way 08:11 Rule #5 – Learn to Swim Hard for Longer 10:52 Rule #6 – Your Hips Are the Engine Room 11:44 Rule #7 – Breathe as Often as You Need 13:09 Bonus Rule – Open Water Skills Beat Pure Speed 14:56 Free Freestyle Technique Checklist
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#433 : Chasing the Chill: Understanding the Attraction Of Cold Water with Chris Ballard
06/30/2026
#433 : Chasing the Chill: Understanding the Attraction Of Cold Water with Chris Ballard
Most people assume ice swimming is just for the crazy or extreme athletes — but what if it’s really a gateway to resilience, mental clarity, and community? In this episode, journalist and ice swimming champion Chris Ballard reveals how daring to step into freezing water can transform your mind, body, and life. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, Chris shares mind-blowing stories of how cold water exposure can push you past perceived limits and build unshakeable confidence. From the early days of cold showers to competing in the UK’s elite ice swimming events and even becoming a national champion — Chris demystifies the science and psychology behind this ancient practice. You’ll discover: the surprisingly simple ways to get started with cold plunges, how mental toughness overrides fear, and the powerful benefits that extend far beyond the water. He breaks down the core principles that help seasoned swimmers keep pushing, and reveals how this challenging ritual is a ‘quick fix’ for mental health, emotional regulation, and resilience—especially for those facing trauma or life’s hardships. This isn’t just about cold water — it’s about how you can use the cold to unlock a more resilient, focused, and connected version of yourself. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn discomfort into a catalyst for growth, or if you’re searching for a community that’s as committed as you are to doing the hard things, listen now. Perfect for anyone curious about the transformative power of cold water, or eager to break free from comfort zones—this episode may just redefine what’s possible for you. Chris Ballard is a renowned journalist, author of The Plunge, and a competitive ice swimmer who’s shattered stereotypes and myths along his journey. His insights into endurance, community, and mental health offer invaluable lessons for both beginners and seasoned athletes alike. Get ready to shiver, learn, and be inspired to dive into your own personal plunge. The cold isn’t the challenge — it’s the doorway to a stronger, calmer, and more fearless you. 00:00 The Journey into Cold Water Swimming 09:34 The Historical Context of Cold Water Swimming 15:03 Community and Mental Health Benefits of Cold Water Swimming 20:29 Personal Reflections and Future of Cold Water Swimming 20:37 Cold Water Therapy and Its Benefits 23:41 Getting Started with Cold Exposure 27:21 The Challenge of Open Water Swimming 28:39 Swimming Technique and Injury Prevention 34:54 The Journey of Writing and Swimming
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#432 : 2:30/100m to the 1:40's with Sandra Surkamp with Sandra Surkamp
06/23/2026
#432 : 2:30/100m to the 1:40's with Sandra Surkamp with Sandra Surkamp
How do you break through a swimming plateau when it feels like you've already tried everything? In this episode, I sit down with Sandra Surkamp to discuss her incredible swimming journey—from struggling to swim 25 meters without stopping to swimming comfortably in open water and dropping her pace by nearly 50 seconds per 100 meters. Sandra shares the key lessons she's learned over the last few years, including how revisiting the fundamentals, improving body position, refining her catch, and finding the right coaching cues helped unlock a major breakthrough in her swimming. We also talk about the frustrations that come with progress, why improvements don't always happen in a straight line, and what it takes to make lasting technique changes. Whether you're stuck at a plateau, learning to swim more efficiently, or looking for motivation to keep improving, Sandra's story is packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways. 00:00 Introduction to Sandra's Swimming Journey 01:18 Overcoming Initial Challenges in Swimming 03:24 The Importance of Technique and Coaching 05:48 Experiencing Breakthroughs and New Goals 08:33 Key Insights on Swimming Technique 11:06 The Role of Mindset in Performance 14:42 Navigating Setbacks and Maintaining Progress 18:21 The Value of Video Analysis in Improvement 20:55 Revisiting Basics for Continued Growth 23:43 Current Focus and Future Goals
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#431 : He Quit His Job & Is Now Chasing His Father's World Record with Adam Wilkie
06/11/2026
#431 : He Quit His Job & Is Now Chasing His Father's World Record with Adam Wilkie
Join Adam Wilkie as he embarks on a year-long challenge to honor his Olympic champion father by attempting to match his legendary 2:15 record in the 200-meter breaststroke. Despite limited swimming experience, Adam has quit his job to train full-time, proving that dedication can make the impossible possible. Discover his intense training regimen, the emotional journey of honoring a legacy, and the mindset driving his pursuit of greatness. Follow Adam’s inspiring story on Instagram at Wilkie Swims and support his fundraising for SportsAid at inmyfatherslane.com. What’s your 215? 00:12 The Challenge Begins: Honoring a Legacy 08:38 Training Regimen: The Path to 2:15 18:55 The Decision to Commit: Quitting the Job 22:24 Lessons from Dad: Life Beyond Swimming 25:24 Inspiration and the Journey Ahead
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#430 : This Video Will Find You Right Before Your Next Breakthrough with Brenton Ford
06/02/2026
#430 : This Video Will Find You Right Before Your Next Breakthrough with Brenton Ford
Stuck at the same swimming speed? In this episode, we break down how to smash through your training plateaus by fixing the "bottlenecks" in your technique. Drawing from 19 years of coaching experience, we share the exact step-by-step checklist to optimize your stroke: reducing drag through perfect head and body position, mastering breath control to avoid fatigue, and engaging your lats for a more powerful, effortless pull. Stop just training harder—learn how to swim smarter and finally unlock your next breakthrough. 00:00 Why swimmers plateau and the concept of stroke "bottlenecks." 01:11 The simple formula for speed: Reducing drag vs. increasing propulsion. 01:35 Step 1: Head position, posture, and why you need an "open chest." 03:22 The "Iceberg" rule: Balancing head weight to keep your hips up. 04:05 Posture secrets: How correct body position lets the water support you. 05:08 Step 2: Breath regulation and how improper exhaling causes CO2 buildup. 06:51 Step 3: Catch and pull mechanics (using the catch as a setup, not for power). 08:17 Mastering gradual stroke acceleration instead of pulling too hard early. 08:58 Muscle activation: Engaging your lats and triceps to prevent shoulder injuries. 10:01 Using video analysis to find your bottleneck and build a 3-to-6-month plan.
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#429 : The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming
05/30/2026
#429 : The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming
In this episode, I sit down with Grant to share what I’ve learned over nearly two decades of coaching and racing in both pool and open water environments, including qualifying for Open Water Nationals as an adult. We explore the gap between pool-perfect technique and what actually works in real race conditions like chop, fatigue, and contact. I break down why swimmers often struggle when they try to carry over overly rigid pool habits into open water, and how that leads to overthinking and breakdown under pressure. We also get into how I now approach stroke rate, breathing, sighting, and recovery in a more adaptable way, depending on conditions. A key theme is simplicity, learning to stay relaxed, trust feel, and avoid constantly chasing technical changes. We also cover what truly transfers from pool to open water, and why consistency and mindset matter more than constant technique overhauls.Timestamps 03:51 – Why pool technique doesn’t always translate to open water 07:40 – Stroke rate, sighting, breathing patterns, and adapting to rough conditions 12:19 – Common mistakes swimmers make with technique and body awareness 16:55 – How Brenton simplifies coaching and decides what not to change 21:49 – Why some swimmers improve long term while others stay stuck 28:29 – Overthinking technique and finding the “feel” for swimming 32:40 – Qualifying for Open Water Nationals and improving later in life 37:20 – Strength, mobility, VO₂ sets, and training after 40 41:50 – Drafting tactics, “effortless swimming,” favorite swim sets, and final advice
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#428 : Swim Technique Hierarchy of Needs
05/19/2026
#428 : Swim Technique Hierarchy of Needs
I recently joined the That Triathlon Show Podcast with Mikael Eriksson for a deep dive into freestyle technique and what I call the “swim technique hierarchy of needs.” In this conversation, we break down the key elements of efficient swimming including breathing, body position, rotation, catch mechanics, timing, and how to adapt your stroke for open-water racing. We also discuss some of the most common mistakes triathletes make in the water, how to fix them, and why many swimmers plateau even when their technique looks good on video. We also get into topics like kick timing, front-quadrant swimming, stroke rate, drills that actually transfer to faster swimming, open-water skills, and what it really takes to become a strong swimmer as an adult-onset triathlete. If you’re looking to swim faster, feel more efficient in the water, or better understand how to prioritize your technique work, this episode is packed with practical coaching insights you can apply right away. 03:37 A hierarchy of needs for freestyle technique 07:50 Building the frame of the body 12:20 Kick tempo and stroke rate 17:05 Training the Kick for racing options 18:40 Rotation 23:30 The catch and pull 29:32 YMCA Drill 35:10 Timing and creative freedom in racing 38:20 Speed versus stroke appearance 41:15 The importance of purposeful drills 46:05 Capturing your technique on camera 48:00 The nature of swim talent 52:46 Swim frequency and distance 57:00 Structuring swim workouts 59:01 Intensity distribution across swim sessions 01:03:30 Open water versus pool technique 01:07:20 The importance of drafting 01:08:36 Drafting and preparation for open water 01:15:50 - Racing bravely in the swim 01:18:42 -The Goggles 01:23:50 - Choosing the right lens for conditions
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#427 : It Sucks, But It Will Make Swimming Feel Easy
05/15/2026
#427 : It Sucks, But It Will Make Swimming Feel Easy
Why does swimming feel so hard after just a short break from the pool? In this episode, we talk about the importance of consistency in swimming and why regular time in the water is the key to feeling faster, smoother, and more comfortable. We also cover how drills like front scull can help improve your feel for the water and regain confidence after time away from training. If you're searching for the “secret” to better swimming, this episode breaks down why consistency beats shortcuts every time. 00:11 – Why consistency matters so much in swimming 01:04 – How regular swimming helps you feel comfortable in the water 02:35 – Using front scull drills to improve feel for the water 03:17 – The real secret to swimming faster: consistency
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#426 : Once You Ignore Your Watch, You'll Get Faster
05/07/2026
#426 : Once You Ignore Your Watch, You'll Get Faster
What if the key to swimming faster is actually ignoring your watch? In this episode, we explore how constantly checking pace, splits, and stats can take swimmers out of the moment and disconnect them from the feel of the water. Learn why being present during training can improve technique, effort control, and overall performance — and why taking a break from your swim watch might be the reset you need. From Strava habits to flow state training, this episode challenges swimmers to focus less on data and more on awareness in the pool. Accurate Timestamps 00:14 – The cliff road analogy and being present 01:06 – Why swimming is all about feel for the water 01:56 – Watches vs using the pace clock at the pool 02:38 – Manually tracking swims instead
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#425 : Secrets To Fast Freestyle with Steph Clutterbuck
04/27/2026
#425 : Secrets To Fast Freestyle with Steph Clutterbuck
In this episode, we sit down with professional triathlete Steph Clutterbuck to break down the real secrets behind efficient freestyle swimming. Instead of grinding harder in the water, Steph explains how better technique—especially rotation, body position, and connection—can dramatically improve your speed. We dive into why many swimmers struggle with a flat, disconnected stroke and how that leads to wasted energy. Steph shares practical tips on how to stay long in the water, engage your core, and create a smoother, more powerful stroke. If you’re stuck at a plateau or feel like swimming faster requires exhausting effort, this episode will completely change your approach. 0:11 – Introduction Overview of freestyle technique and common mistakes swimmers make 0:20 – Why swimmers struggle to get faster. 1:10 – The problem with swimming “flat”. 2:10 – Why a flat stroke wastes energy. 3:15 – Importance of body rotation. 4:20 – Timing and coordination. 5:30 – Catch vs whole stroke. 6:40 – Staying long in the water. 7:45 – Using your core in freestyle. 9:00 – Common beginner mistakes recap. 10:10 – How to swim faster with less effort?
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#424 : How To Conquer The English Channel When You Live In The Desert with Brendan Cullen
04/19/2026
#424 : How To Conquer The English Channel When You Live In The Desert with Brendan Cullen
In this episode, Brendan Cullen recounts his remarkable transformation from a non-swimmer to successfully completing the demanding English Channel swim. He reflects on how mental resilience, disciplined training, and a strong sense of community support helped him overcome one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges. Brendan also shares how his rural upbringing shaped his mindset, and how personal motivation and strategic preparation played key roles in pushing beyond perceived limits. 00:50 Introduction to Brendan Cullen: The Desert Swimmer 01:50 Brendan's Unique Background and Journey to Swimming 05:27 The Decision to Swim the English Channel 06:55 Training and Preparation for the Channel Swim 10:48 The Day of the English Channel Swim 24:17 Reflections on the Journey and Lessons Learned 24:40 The Impact of Open Water Swimming on Life 30:37 The Release of Brendan's Book: The Desert Swimmer
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#423 : Why You've Been Taught To Over-Rotate with Brenton Ford
04/07/2026
#423 : Why You've Been Taught To Over-Rotate with Brenton Ford
One of the most common things I see in newer swimmers… is how flat they are in the water. Their hips are flat, their shoulders are flat — and what ends up happening is they just spin their wheels. They’re putting in a lot of effort with the arms, kicking hard with the legs… but nothing is really connecting. It feels like hard work — but it doesn’t translate into speed. So in today’s episode, we’re going to break down why swimming flat is holding you back… and how to start linking everything together so your stroke actually works as one powerful, efficient system.
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#422 : Why You’re Not Faster After Working On Your Catch with Brenton Ford
04/07/2026
#422 : Why You’re Not Faster After Working On Your Catch with Brenton Ford
You’ve probably heard it before — your freestyle catch is everything. And maybe you’ve been working on it. You’ve improved the position, you feel stronger in the water, and technically… it looks better. But here’s the frustrating part — you’re still not getting any faster. So what’s going on? Today, we’re breaking down exactly why improving your catch doesn’t always translate into speed… and what you need to do to actually get the benefit from it. Because recently, I worked with a swimmer who had done everything right. He sent in underwater footage, we reviewed it closely, and his catch position? Nearly perfect. From the setup… to the moment he begins to press back and generate propulsion — everything was there. And yet, his times hadn’t improved. When we dug deeper into the footage, we found the real issue — something subtle, but incredibly common. He was rushing into the catch. And that one mistake was costing him speed. Let’s break it down.
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#421 : How This Swimmer Got Faster, Without Working Harder with Brenton Ford
04/07/2026
#421 : How This Swimmer Got Faster, Without Working Harder with Brenton Ford
If you feel like getting faster in the water means you just have to work harder… push more… suffer more… there’s a good chance you’re taking the wrong approach. Because here’s what most swimmers think: if you’re stuck swimming 1:45 or 1:50 per 100 freestyle, and you’re aiming for 1:30… the only way to get there is by getting fitter, stronger, and grinding harder every single session. But what if that’s not true? What if the real reason you’re not getting faster isn’t about effort at all… but about how you’re swimming? Today, we’re breaking down the biggest misconception holding swimmers back—and how shifting your approach can unlock speed without burning yourself out. 00:27 Do You Need To Get Fitter To Get Faster? Tendency To Cross Over The Center Line 01:57 Out Of Timing 02:21 Front Quadrant
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#420 : The Real Reason You Are Out Of Breathe with Brenton Ford
03/16/2026
#420 : The Real Reason You Are Out Of Breathe with Brenton Ford
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#419 : Only 6 Swimmers In History Have Done This with Sam Short
03/09/2026
#419 : Only 6 Swimmers In History Have Done This with Sam Short
So what does he do that 99.999% of swimmers don’t? How is he able to swim this fast? I’ve spent my career analyzing the best swimmers in the world, but watching Sam swim up close is a completely different experience. I’ve never seen anyone hold as much water as he does, even at world-record pace. What stands out the most isn’t just the speed. It’s the relaxation. His recovery looks effortless, and the way he reaches forward into the catch is incredibly fluid—almost calm—despite the intensity of the pace he’s holding. When Sam shared some of his training with me, one thing surprised me. He’s consistently swimming up to 80 kilometers a week. Massive volume. Huge power in the stroke. But when you ask him what really matters, he often comes back to the basics—simple things like rock-solid head position and clean fundamentals. If you’re a triathlete or an open water swimmer, Sam’s power stroke isn’t just impressive to watch. It’s actually a blueprint for efficiency. So today, we’re breaking it all down—the sets, the technique, and the mindset around recovery that helped take him to the very top of the sport. 01:27 Sam Short Intro 01:30 How Do You Describe Your Stroke When You Race? 01:47 Developed Overtime? 2:00 Mobility And Flexibility 02:20 What Does Swimming Fell Like When You Are Swimming Well? 02:39 Any Particular Part Of Your Stroke That You Are Working On? 02:53 400 Free v.s. 10k Openwater Swim 03:12 Kicking Sets 03:28 Cues And Phrases 03:45 Stroke Rates 04:03 Head And Body Position 04:43 When Body Position Is Not Where It Should Be 05:06 Good Feel For The Water 05:28 Breathing Pattern 05:54 Rotation 06:19 Openwater 06:47 Favorite Sets 07:26 Hardest Set 07:50 Distance per Week 08:10 Taper 08:28 Sessions Per Week And Gym 08:48 Being A Smarter Athlete
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#418 : I'm Now 8 Seconds Quicker Per 100m with Brenton Ford
03/09/2026
#418 : I'm Now 8 Seconds Quicker Per 100m with Brenton Ford
Six months of consistent training. You’re showing up to the pool. You’re doing the sets. You’re putting in the work. But your times… haven’t moved. You’re still sitting at 1:50, maybe two minutes per hundred, and no matter how hard you train, it just doesn’t seem to change. And that can be one of the most frustrating places to be as a swimmer or triathlete. Because it feels like you’re doing everything right. You’re consistent. You’re committed. You’re following the program. But you’re not getting faster. So what’s actually going on? In this episode, I’m going to show you why swimmers get stuck at the same pace for months, even when they’re training consistently—and more importantly, what you can do to finally break through that plateau and start dropping your times again. 00:56 Plateau of Okay 01:33 Fixing Everything At Once 01:57 Stroke Raste Too Slow 04:04 Fixing The Foundation Of The Stroke 06:13 What To Do?
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#417 : If Your Arm Collapses When You Breathe, Do This with Brenton Ford
02/17/2026
#417 : If Your Arm Collapses When You Breathe, Do This with Brenton Ford
Last month, a 39-year-old swimmer joined our weekly coaching members call. She was training for her first Ironman. She’d been swimming for about a year—consistent, disciplined, three sessions a week, following her program exactly as written. But there was a problem. She was exhausted after every session. And her pace hadn’t improved in four months. In this episode, we unpack what was really going on—because when you’re doing all the “right” things but not getting faster, it’s rarely about working harder. It’s about working smarter. We’ll talk about why consistency alone isn’t enough, the hidden mistakes that keep adult swimmers stuck, and how small technical and structural changes in your training can unlock real progress. If you’re training for an Ironman—or any long-distance event—and feel like you’re spinning your wheels in the water, this episode will show you what to look at, what to adjust, and how to start moving forward again. 01:19 From 2:10 to 1:55 Per Hundred 01:43 What Was Happening? 03:04 Getting A Good Catch 04:10 Think Of The Catch As The Set Up 05:53 Connect With The Water 06:54 What To Do? Transform your freestyle to be effortless and smooth with online video analysis: https://effortlessswimming.com/courses-membership/ Try the new Nanoclear Anti-fog Goggles: https://bit.ly/nanocleargoggles
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#416 : Don’t Be Prey: The 10-Year Battle to Reclaim a Life with Mark Sowerby
02/13/2026
#416 : Don’t Be Prey: The 10-Year Battle to Reclaim a Life with Mark Sowerby
What would drive someone to voluntarily swim through the most dangerous ocean channels on the planet — no wetsuit, no cage, no way out except forward? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Sowerby, one of the few athletes in the world to complete the Ocean’s Seven — often described as the Everest of open water swimming — a feat achieved by just 36 swimmers. His new film, Don’t Be Prey, captures a decade-long pursuit across five continents and seven of the most brutal channels on Earth. From the freezing Irish Sea to the shark-patrolled waters of Hawaii, it’s raw, unfiltered man versus nature — no protection, no shortcuts. But this isn’t just a story about distance or danger. After a life-changing event leaves him searching for direction, Mark channels his anguish into purpose with the help of coach Tim Denyer. Together, they build a mindset around one simple but powerful mantra: keep the stroke steady, don’t splash, keep the heart rate down — don’t be prey. We go beyond the film to explore the swims that nearly broke him, the unseen moments of doubt, and what the ocean taught him about fear, patience, resilience, and staying calm when everything around you is chaos. This is a conversation about endurance — not just in the water, but in life. Let’s dive in.
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#415 : The Catch Timing Secret Olympians Use with Brenton Ford
02/02/2026
#415 : The Catch Timing Secret Olympians Use with Brenton Ford
There’s a timing pattern that separates fast swimmers from slow swimmers—and most people never see it. You can watch someone swim in real time and miss it completely. But slow the video down, frame by frame, and suddenly it’s obvious. Every fast swimmer has this. A lot of slower swimmers don’t. And when you fix this one timing detail, it doesn’t just make you smoother—it feels like someone just switched the engine on in your stroke. In today’s episode, I’m going to break down exactly what that timing pattern is, why it matters so much, and most importantly, how you can actually feel it in the water so it shows up in your own swimming. 00:52 Waiting Too Long To Begin The Catch 02:29 Begin Catch Earlier 03:22 Back Off The Power 04:10 Early Connection 05:31 How Do We Fix It? 08:09 What To Do?
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#414 : The Breathing Fix That Dropped My Time 12 Seconds with Brenton Ford
01/27/2026
#414 : The Breathing Fix That Dropped My Time 12 Seconds with Brenton Ford
I watched a swimmer fix one breathing mistake and drop 12 seconds per 100 meters—not in four months, but in four weeks. No extra fitness. No added training volume. Just one specific change in how she breathed. That single adjustment took her from 1:48 per 100 down to 1:36 per 100. In this episode, I break down exactly what she changed, why it worked so fast, and how you can apply the same breathing fix in your very next swim—whether you’re training for endurance, speed, or just want to stop feeling rushed every time you turn your head to breathe. If your breathing feels like the limiter in your freestyle, this episode will change how you swim. 01:45 Head Lifted Forward Out Of The Water 03:49 Correction No. 1 Your Head Should Be Like An Iceberg 04:32 Correction No. 2 Exhaling Ender Water Mostly Through Your Nose 05:14 Correction No. 3: Breathing Every 2 or 3 Strokes and Learn To Breathe On Both Sides.
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#413 : How I qualified for the Nationals (at 38 years old) with Brenton Ford
01/15/2026
#413 : How I qualified for the Nationals (at 38 years old) with Brenton Ford
At 20 years old, I missed qualifying for the National Championships by three hundredths of a second in the 50 backstroke. Fast-forward 18 years, and at 38, I qualified for Nationals in the five-kilometer open-water swim—training mostly just three times a week. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I did it in my late thirties: the one thing an Olympic gold medalist taught me that helped me generate more power with less effort, why getting injured before the race actually worked in my favor, how just five minutes with one coach changed my technique in the final two months, and the single workout I repeated every week that built my endurance and helped me finish fast. 01:19 Missed Out Again 01:53 Stroke Analysis 3:41 Olympic Gold Medalist Secret 5:48 Swimming Workout 7:17 Injured 8:22 Race Day 8:48 The Best Anti-Fog Goggles 9:42 My 5km Time (Qualified)
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#412 : The 5 Core Principle Of Fast Freestyle (#5 - Find Your Rhythm And Timing) with Brenton Ford
01/05/2026
#412 : The 5 Core Principle Of Fast Freestyle (#5 - Find Your Rhythm And Timing) with Brenton Ford
.Today, we are talking about the 5th and final Core Principle of Fast Freestyle: find your rhythm and timing. 00:36 The Dancing Part Of Freestyle 01:13 Kick Timing 04:35 Use Different Types Of Kick 10:33 Serape Effect 13:35 Hand Speed 14:07 Split Tempo 17:54 Drills 19:22 8 Week Faster Freestyle Course Join the 5 Day Catch Challenge Join the Effortless Swimming Membership Effortless Swimming Freestyle Clinic
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#411 : The 5 Core Principle Of Fast Freestyle (#4 - Develop An Effective Catch And Pull) with Brenton Ford
01/05/2026
#411 : The 5 Core Principle Of Fast Freestyle (#4 - Develop An Effective Catch And Pull) with Brenton Ford
01:40 No Need To Overpower The Catch 03:07 Teaching The Four Key Positions 04:00 Start Of The Catch 06:00 High Elbow Catch 07:35 Power Diamond Position 10:20 Exit Of The Stroke 11:36 YMCA Drill Progression 14:38 More Drills To Work On Your Catch 15:07 Setup Phase 16:35 Path Of The Hand 17:57 Hand Speed
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#410 : The 5 Core Principle Of Fast Freestyle (#3-Rock, Return And Align) with Brenton Ford
01/05/2026
#410 : The 5 Core Principle Of Fast Freestyle (#3-Rock, Return And Align) with Brenton Ford
Today, we are talking about the third core principle of Fast freestyle which is Rock, Return And Align. 00:36 Rock v.s. Rolling 02:15 Return 03:24 Correct Entry 06:08 Align
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