Podcast with Matt Dixon

Welcome to Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon, emphasizing it as a critical phase for performance breakthroughs. He highlights three open spots in their one-to-one coaching program and offers complimentary off-season needs assessments. Dixon outlines a five-step plan for a successful off-season: nailing basics like nutrition, hydration, and sleep; reducing training load by 30-40% while maintaining rhythm with strength and technical sessions; infusing fun and flexibility; tackling specific projects to address weaknesses or build strengths; and leveraging team and coaching support. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and intentional recovery to prepare athletes for success in the next season. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.

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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 effectiveness and supporting habits like sleep and nutrition. Dixon concludes by encouraging athletes to view the off-season as a performance accelerator rather than a break. 

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Chris Soden of Strategic Fitting, one of the world’s leading experts in bike fitting discuss the importance of customized coaching and bike fitting. Chris shares his background, emphasizing the evolution of bike fitting from basic measurements to advanced systems. He highlights the significance of saddle fit, tire pressure, and equipment choices, advocating for adjustable components and proper positioning. Chris also stresses the importance of preemptive bike fits to avoid issues during training. They discuss the benefits of road bikes for triathletes and the need for proper equipment to enhance performance and comfort. Chris offers remote consultations and aims to provide personalized solutions for athletes.

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This week, we're revisiting one of the most insightful interviews we've done here on the Purple Patch Podcast. In this episode we're exploring the topic of mature athletes. These athletes are just as ambitious and goal-driven as younger ones, but they often have a deeper and more meaningful purpose beyond winning races and setting personal records.

We received a great question from a podcast listener who has participated in triathlons for over 20 years. Despite still being ambitious, she now has three kids and is seeking advice on approaching the sport from a new perspective and adjusting her training. This is a common challenge for many athletes, not just in triathlon.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces the Purple Patch Marathon Special program, offering personalized coaching for $99/month with a 25% discount on the first month. The program includes live education, race strategy support, and on-site coaching. Dixon emphasizes the importance of balancing pressure with support to enhance performance, using examples like Sami Inkinen's success in IRONMAN and business leadership. He explains that pressure is a privilege when met with the right support system, advocating for high expectations and intentional recovery. Dixon encourages athletes and leaders to set high standards and provide a supportive environment to achieve sustained high performance.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces the Purple Patch Marathon Special Program, offering personalized coaching for $99/month with a 25% discount for new subscribers. He also promotes the Win Cycle leadership program, designed to enhance team performance and adaptability. Dixon emphasizes the benefits of taking on challenges mid-year, whether in sports or professional life, to foster growth, resilience, and high performance. He encourages triathletes to diversify their training and busy professionals to adopt new, demanding goals. Dixon highlights the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to build capacity and improve overall performance.

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IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the Purple Patch Run Squad program, offering personalized coaching for $99/month with a 25% discount for the first month. He highlights the success of Pasquale Romano, a 60-year-old athlete who achieved a half IRONMAN PR and first age group win. Dixon breaks down running performance into five components: cardiovascular conditioning, muscular resilience, tissue durability, economy of movement, and biomechanics. He emphasizes the importance of frequent, easy running, strength training, and leveraging multi-sport workouts to build resilience and reduce injury risk. Dixon also cautions against over-reliance on super shoes, recommending neutral shoes for daily use and limited use of super shoes for speed work and racing.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss a case study on Gwen, a 43-year-old triathlete who has been dealing with recurring lower-body injuries. Gwen's training followed a fixed three-week high-load cycle, leading to frequent injuries. The intervention focused on a three-week cycle with intentional recovery, shifting from a swim-bike-run routine to a more varied approach. Swimming emphasized cardiovascular conditioning, cycling focused on strength endurance, and running prioritized tissue integrity. Gwen's performance improved significantly, achieving her best half-IRONMAN time without injuries. The key takeaways include the importance of out-of-the-box thinking and consistent, non-intensive training. 

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Coach Max Gering discuss how the midpoint of any racing season is more than just a milestone—it's a vital opportunity to pause, assess, and intentionally adjust one's course. Dixon talks about the power of midseason reflection and how to leverage it for sustained high performance. Racing reveals more than just physical fitness—it reflects your mindset, habits, preparation, and resilience. This episode explores how athletes can utilize these insights to either stay the course or make informed, targeted adjustments that lead to breakthrough results in the second half of the season.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses a unique marathon training approach, emphasizing five unconventional principles. He argues against overvaluing the long run, suggesting instead a cluster-running strategy to build muscular resilience. Dixon advocates for multi-sport training to reduce injury risk and enhance cardiovascular conditioning. He highlights the importance of walk breaks for better pacing and form preservation. Strength training is essential for maintaining durability and preventing injuries. Dixon also emphasizes the importance of coaching and community support in enhancing performance and enjoyment. He invites listeners to explore Purple Patch coaching for personalized training plans.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon from Purple Patch Fitness discusses strategies for balancing summer training for IRONMAN races with personal life. He emphasizes the importance of a flexible optimization mindset, weekly clarity through the "Sunday special," and intentional recovery. Dixon advises athletes to integrate training into life, plan around travel and family vacations, and perform specific IRONMAN simulators. He emphasizes the importance of habits such as sleep, fueling, and hydration. Dixon also stresses the need for fun and adventure in training to maintain motivation and performance. Purple Patch offers personalized coaching and consultations to help athletes achieve their goals.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon from Purple Patch Fitness discusses strategies for balancing summer training for IRONMAN races with personal life. He emphasizes the importance of a flexible optimization mindset, weekly clarity through the "Sunday special," and intentional recovery. Dixon advises athletes to integrate training into life, plan around travel and family vacations, and perform specific IRONMAN simulators. He emphasizes the importance of habits such as sleep, fueling, and hydration. Dixon also stresses the need for fun and adventure in training to maintain motivation and performance. Purple Patch offers personalized coaching and consultations to help athletes achieve their goals.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts a re-airing of a fireside chat with Vincent Luis and Paula Findlay, two top Professional Triathletes, at the Purple Patch Performance Center in San Francisco. The Night of Champions event supports the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical challenges. Vincent and Paula discuss their journeys, handling pressure, and adversity. Vincent shares his experiences at the Olympics, including his struggles and the resilience he demonstrated. Paula talks about her career, including her success at Daytona and her plans for future races. Both emphasize the importance of coaching and mentorship in their careers. The event raised $14,000 for the Challenge Athletes Foundation.

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On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts a re-airing of a fireside chat with Vincent Luis and Paula Findlay, two top Professional Triathletes, at the Purple Patch Performance Center in San Francisco. The Night of Champions event supports the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical challenges. Vincent and Paula discuss their journeys, handling pressure, and adversity. Vincent shares his experiences at the Olympics, including his struggles and the resilience he demonstrated. Paula talks about her career, including her success at Daytona and her plans for future races. Both emphasize the importance of coaching and mentorship in their careers. The event raised $14,000 for the Challenge Athletes Foundation.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss the case of David, a 52-year-old father and IRONMAN aspirant with limited training time. David's initial marathon training was rigid and stressful, affecting his family life. The team at Purple Patch adapted his training to a dynamic, flexible schedule, focusing on hydration, sleep, and post-workout fueling. They deferred his Ironman to five months later, allowing him to build a performance base. David's training included a mix of strength, running, and biking, with key sessions planned in advance. He successfully completed his IRONMAN in 12 hours, demonstrating the effectiveness of their integrated approach.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE) in endurance sports, emphasizing its role in training and racing. He explains that RPE, influenced by factors like muscle fatigue and psychological stress, is a subjective rating of effort that complements metrics. Dixon highlights common mistakes, such as over-reliance on data, and advocates for developing self-awareness through regular self-assessment. He suggests practical exercises like blind intervals and long runs to enhance RPE skills. Dixon also notes that RPE is crucial in life beyond sports, aiding in stress management and performance optimization.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss lessons from Purple Patch Pros for racing success. They emphasize tailored training programs and the importance of mental resilience. Key stories include Sam Appleton's overcoming illness to achieve a top-six finish, Sarah Piampiano's resilience after a poor swim, and Meredith Kessler's improved bike performance through terrain management. They highlight the importance of post-workout fueling, smart pacing, and mindset. Examples like Jesse Thomas's Ironman win and Tim Reed's mindset shift illustrate the value of staying present and adaptable. The podcast aims to help athletes integrate sport into life and achieve their potential.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On today’s episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon, host of the Purple Patch Podcast, discusses a special episode featuring a re-screening of the Triathlon Therapy Podcast with former Pro Triathletes Tim Reed and Sam Appleton. Dixon reflects on his coaching journey with Reed and Appleton, emphasizing the importance of health, mindset, and adaptability. He highlights the significance of integrating training into daily life, the value of perceived exertion over data, and the need for athletes to focus on fundamentals like sleep and recovery. The conversation also touches on the challenges of coaching multiple athletes and the importance of balancing professional and personal life.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses strategies for performing well in hot and humid conditions. He emphasizes the importance of heat training, which increases plasma volume and sweat rates, enhancing the body's cooling mechanisms. Key strategies include avoiding pre-race fatigue, adapting pacing plans, and using hydration and cooling techniques. Dixon recommends sauna or steam room sessions post-workout to boost plasma volume and suggests practical tips like choosing light, breathable race apparel and using cooling sleeves. He also highlights the importance of smart hydration and walk breaks to manage overheating. Dixon encourages athletes to integrate these methods into their training to improve overall performance in all conditions.

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Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts a roundtable discussion with three Purple Patch coaches—Brad Hunter, Nancy Clark, and Max Gering—on race preparation. They discuss the importance of taper, emphasizing energy conservation and maintaining some intensity. They highlight the need for a structured approach to race week, including planning and reducing cognitive load. The conversation also covers mindset, the significance of defining success beyond just time, and the importance of staying present and managing emotions during races. They stress the value of post-race reflection to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome. The session underscores the team's collaborative approach to coaching and the individualized needs of athletes.

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