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226 - Don't plan your race schedule like the pros
04/03/2026
226 - Don't plan your race schedule like the pros
Episode 226 of the No Limits Map to Triathlon podcast, hosted by coach and longtime triathlete Todd Malcolm, breaks down one of the most jaw-dropping pro racing stretches in recent memory: Christian Blumenfeld taking on three major races in roughly a month, across three countries, with almost no recovery time. Todd walks through the timeline and the sheer difficulty of the schedule—starting with Ironman New Zealand (8:01:02 for 6th place despite an aero bar mechanical issue and ongoing stomach problems), then turning around just six days later to win the Geelong 70.3 with an exceptional run split (~1:06), and finally heading to the U.S. to race Oceanside 70.3. At Oceanside, Todd unpacks the tactics and drama: a strong bike by Sam Long and Jonas Schomburg created a ~two-minute gap into T2, but Blumenfeld’s sustained chase and blistering ~1:07 half marathon led to a late pass with about 2.5 km to go—highlighting both the brilliance and brutality of elite racing. Beyond the race recaps, the episode is a reality check for age-group athletes. Todd explains what makes campaigns like this possible at the pro level—full support teams, recovery as a full-time job, long-term conditioning, and elite genetics—while cautioning everyday athletes against copying pro calendars without pro resources. The key takeaway: don’t imitate the volume; emulate the mindset. Todd encourages listeners to adopt the pros’ consistency, patience, composure, and precise execution, while building a training and racing approach that fits real life, protects recovery, and keeps the sport enjoyable for the long haul. The episode also touches on how watching pro racing can be both educational and motivational for training, and Todd shares his own upcoming focus, including the Hawaii 70.3 and events like Ironman Texas (April 18) to watch.
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