REBROADCAST: Run Smarter, Not Harder: The Proven Formula for Speed Without Suffering
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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REBROADCAST: The Marathon Plan Nobody Talks About — But It Works Every Time (The Purple Patch Way)
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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389 - Thriving Under Pressure: How an Ironman Exec Rebuilt for Peak Performance
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode Jeff Dolan, an international executive at Starbucks, shares his journey from a busy executive to a high-performing triathlete. Initially, he struggled with balancing his demanding role with his passion for triathlon. After joining Purple Patch Fitness, he learned to focus on quality training over quantity, integrating nutrition, sleep, and recovery. This approach led to significant improvements in his performance, including PRs in 70.3 and IRONMAN races. Dolan emphasizes the importance of adaptability, energy management, and the value of small, consistent improvements. His story highlights the benefits of integrating sport into life to enhance overall well-being and performance.
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388 - Burnout to Sub-3 Marathon: Trusting the Process with Coaching
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon interviews Chris Harris, a long-time coached Purple Patch Athlete, about overcoming a severe viral fatigue that affected his performance and motivation. Chris, a busy executive and father, initially sought coaching to improve his triathlon performance. Despite initial success, he faced a six-month period of debilitating fatigue, leading to a reassessment of his athletic goals. With a flexible training plan and the introduction of walk breaks during races, Chris achieved a personal best of 2:57 in the Cal International Marathon. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, grace, and a supportive team in overcoming challenges.
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387 - You’re Built for More: Lessons From a 60x Ironman Finisher
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces the Purple Patch Podcast, emphasizing the importance of challenging oneself to extend performance, happiness, and purpose in life. It features Will Turner, a senior coach at Purple Patch, who completed a remarkable feat of six and a half Ironmans in an eight-day race at altitude, covering 914 miles. Will discusses his journey, the mental and physical challenges, and the importance of adaptability, resilience, and sustained performance under pressure. He also shares insights on setting big, audacious goals (BHAGs) and the significance of belief and confidence in achieving them. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.
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386 - Stop Leaving Speed on the Table: The Bike Fit & Indoor Training Fixes That Actually Work
Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, Matt Dixon and Chris Soden discuss maximizing winter training for cyclists and triathletes. They emphasize the importance of proper bike fitting, posture, and equipment for indoor and outdoor training. Chris highlights the benefits of using smart trainers and the Velocity platform for effective training, noting that proper form and equipment maintenance are crucial. He advises athletes to document changes and make gradual adjustments. Chris also offers remote consultations and equipment upgrades, stressing the importance of a solid bike position and drive train efficiency. Matt underscores the value of the Purple Patch ecosystem in enhancing athletic performance.
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385 - Q1 IRONMAN Training: What Smart Athletes Focus on Now
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 Management, and strength endurance. In running, he advocates for high-frequency, easy runs, technical speed intervals, and walk breaks. He also underscores the importance of strength training for performance and injury prevention.
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384 - At 54 - He Thought He Was Slowing Down - Then He Qualified for Two World Champs
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 the impact of a supportive community on overall well-being and athletic success. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.
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