The Outdoor Muscle Show: Episode 1

When we think about endurance sports, we often picture finish-line triumphs and medal-worthy moments. But what’s often missing from that picture is the grit, setbacks, and mental fortitude it takes to get there. Triathlons, in particular, demand a unique blend of strength, stamina, and strategy—not to mention the mental toughness to push through long hours in the water, on the bike, and on the run.

In today’s episode of The Outdoor Muscle Show, we dive into what it takes to tackle an Ironman—the pinnacle of triathlon endurance events. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or considering your first sprint triathlon, there’s so much to learn from those who push themselves to the limit. From managing training volume to conquering the ever-present fear of missing a cutoff time, endurance athletes face challenges that go far beyond the physical.

This episode isn’t just about the Ironman itself; it’s about what the journey teaches us about resilience, adaptability, and the power of moving forward after a setback.

TriHarderGal

Today, I’m joined by Sam, also known as @TriHarderGal on Instagram. Sam is an amateur triathlete with a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever faced a setback in their athletic journey. After dedicating an entire year to training for the Ironman 70.3 in Santa Cruz, she came heartbreakingly close but missed the cutoff time to officially finish the race.

Instead of letting that moment define her, Sam chose to use it as a launchpad for something even bigger: completing a full-length Ironman. Now, as she trains for Ironman California, Sam is tackling twice the distance with a renewed sense of focus, determination, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

In our conversation, Sam shares how she first got into triathlon, the emotional and logistical challenges she faced at Ironman Santa Cruz, and the adjustments she’s made to her training for this next big goal. Plus, we discuss her advice for beginner triathletes who might be standing at the edge of their own endurance journey.

Show Highlights

• How Sam got started with triathlons
• Building Swim Confidence
• Starting small
• Setting big goals
• Sam’s 70.3 setback
• How Sam is training for a full Ironman
• The importance of coaching
• Sam’s advice for beginners

Episode 1

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Outdoor Muscle Show! If you enjoyed today’s conversation with Sam and want to hear more inspiring stories and actionable tips to fuel your endurance journey, please support the show by subscribing to our YouTube channel and leaving a positive review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more adventure seekers and athletes just like you!

If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, I’d love to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re gearing up for your first 5k, tackling a Spartan Race, or dreaming of crossing the finish line of a trail race, my personalized coaching programs combine strength and endurance training to get you there. Visit the Coaching page to book a free consultation and start your journey today!

Keep pushing your limits, and we’ll see you on the next episode of The Outdoor Muscle Show.