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In this episode of the No Limits Map to Triathlon podcast, host and coach Todd Malcolm revisits the story of how he unexpectedly qualified for—and raced—the Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2008. He shares what it felt like to accept a rare roll-down slot in the ultra-competitive 35–39 age group while juggling a young family, tight finances, and a brutally short timeline to pull the trip together. Todd walks through the creative, community-powered solutions that made Kona possible—like fundraising airfare by writing athletes' names on his bike—and the frugal race-week reality of couch-surfing with teammates. Along the way, he relives unforgettable Kona moments: riding the Queen K alongside six-time champion Dave Scott, the pre-smartphone era "lava rock bike photo" ritual, and the humor and camaraderie that turned race week into a lifelong touchstone. Beyond the memories, Todd breaks down the coaching lessons Kona cemented for him: why you should say yes to world championship invitations when they come, how perspective can transform the exact same environment from "awful" to awe-inspiring, and practical ways to handle overwhelm and imposter syndrome in high-pressure race settings. He also shares why meaningful mementos matter—and why sometimes it's worth buying the souvenir you'll still cherish years later. Perfect for triathletes chasing big goals (or simply trying to balance training with real life), this episode is a reminder that the most powerful outcomes of triathlon often go far beyond the finish time. Enjoy Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Welcome to eipsode 247.  Today we have a conversation with author and open-water swim coach Hilary Topper about her book, Unlocking the Open Water Swim: The Beginner's Guide to Success in Open Water Events. Together they break down what beginner triathletes and new open-water swimmers actually need to know to feel safe, confident, and prepared beyond pool swimming. Hilary shares why she wrote the book to fill a gap between technical/elite swim resources and practical guidance for first-timers, focusing on simplifying skills like sighting, bilateral breathing, and adapting stroke rhythm to waves, chop, and changing conditions. The episode also dives into real-world safety: swimming with others, using bright caps and swim buoys, cold-water acclimation, recognizing red-flag symptoms like Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), and what to do if panic, cramps, or riptides hit. You'll also hear the difference between adventure swims and competitive events, plus how to build sustainable training habits that fit a busy life—so open water becomes something you can enjoy, not fear. Enjoy this episode! Thank you, Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

In this episode, Coach Todd explores how "commitment devices" can turn good intentions into consistent action—especially when motivation inevitably fades. Drawing on 25+ years in triathlon and coaching, he explains why paying for something (a coach, a race entry, a training camp, a weekly class, even a subscription) creates real accountability through sunk cost, social obligation, and scheduled structure. Todd shares a personal example from podcasting—how simply paying for hosting became the push to keep recording when doubt and resistance crept in—and connects the same principle to endurance training: registering for a race, booking travel, or committing to a camp makes the goal real and increases follow-through. He also talks about the power of milestones, repetition, and community feedback in sustaining long-term progress, plus how fear of showing up underprepared can be a surprisingly effective motivator. If you've been stuck, this is a practical, encouraging reminder that consistency beats bursts of inspiration—and that smart external commitments can help you keep showing up. Enjoy! www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Welcome to episode 245.  In this episode I tackle the question of whether you should sign up for Ironman or not.  It is a fun and interesting topic. Enjoy the episode.  :) Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Welcome to episode 244.  This is part 2 of a very unique episode that I recorded days before my 70.3 world champs in Nice France.  I record my thoughts during the hike as once Nietzsche once did as he was contemplating his new book. This is a little bit of an unusual episode that I hope you like.   Enjoy part 2 the climb, Coach Todd   www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Welcome to episode 243.  This is a very unique episode that I recorded days before my 70.3 world champs in Nice France.  I record my thoughts during the hike as once Nietzche once did as he was contemplating his new book. This is a little bit of an unusual episode that I hope you like. Enjoy, Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

In this episode, Coach Todd reflects on the quiet milestone that arrived three years after his bike accident — the day he finally felt strong again. With his 12th triathlon world championship just days away, he shares how belief, patience, and persistence shaped his long recovery. He also tells the story of his athlete Andrea, whose dream of racing the worlds began in a coffee shop in 2019 and now comes full circle in Nice. This episode is about resilience, timing, and the power of never quitting. Enjoy and Happy Training! Coach Todd

Welcome to episode 241.  Today I share a short moment that I had while riding my bike last weekend with 7 other riders.  I hope you find it as interesting as I did.  :) Enjoy! Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Welcome to episode 240.  In this episode I tackle the question of how long should we wait after finishing a key race before signing up for another one. You are going to enjoy this one. Happy Training! Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Welcome to episode 239.  In this episode I chat about a moment we had swimming in the lake this week.  It got me thinking of the journey and how we must try harder to be present to what is happening in our lives and enjoy as much as we can. Enjoy the ride, Coach Todd

In this episode, Todd Malcolm (a triathlete and coach with 25+ years in the sport) reflects on what keeps people in triathlon for the long haul—and why he prefers a relaxed, inclusive approach that fits training around real life instead of chasing constant peak performance. He talks through a recent stretch of heavy travel and back-to-back races (including a camp in Hawaii, Challenge Roth, Calgary 70.3, and Ironman Canada in Ottawa), how fatigue affected his choices, and why he ultimately races more for enjoyment, challenge, and community than for a specific result. Even so, he unexpectedly finished 3rd in his age group at Calgary 70.3 and qualified for the 2027 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga. A major theme is mindset and perspective on race day: practising gratitude, resisting the urge to immediately obsess over results (he recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before checking), and giving organisers constructive feedback rather than instant social-media negativity. He also shares a simple in-race self-check—asking repeatedly, "Am I doing the best I can right now?"—and encourages athletes to celebrate their finish as a marker of effort and bravery. Overall, the episode's message is to keep triathlon life-enriching: focus on purpose, community, and joy, not just outcomes.

In this episode, triathlon coach and podcast host Todd Malcolm shares why Challenge Roth has become a repeat destination—and a true bucket-list race—for everyday athletes balancing training with real life. With 25+ years in the sport and a coaching philosophy built around sustainable, realistic programming, Todd explains how he first got into Roth (including the ultra-competitive online entry scramble and the "solidarity donation" golden-ticket route that secured him multiple starts). Todd walks through what makes Roth different: the massive volunteer force, big-race logistics (and the patience required for queues), and the uniquely emotional course experiences—from the canal swim lined with roaring crowds, to the electric intensity of Solar Hill, to the steady rhythm of the canal-side run and the unforgettable stadium finish. He also shares candid travel stories (including a race-morning speeding ticket), practical advice for planning a Germany trip around the event, and why returning year after year reveals new lessons every time. You'll also hear tips for securing entry (online registration, day-after in-person slots, travel package options, and guaranteed routes), what to expect with changing race-day amenities, and how to approach conditions like warm water and potential no-wetsuit years. Whether you're dreaming of your first Roth or deciding if it's worth the journey, this conversation captures the culture, community, and magic that keep athletes coming back. Thank you for listening! Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

James Logan joins Todd for a candid and deeply human conversation about what it means to keep showing up when life keeps knocking you down. After being diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer in April 2024, James went through an intense stretch of treatment—around 27 chemo sessions, five radiation treatments, and major surgeries that removed large portions of his colon and liver and left him with a permanent ileostomy. Through it all, he kept training with one goal in mind: making it to the Kona start line and beating the cutoffs, even after eight Ironman attempts that ended in DNFs, a DNS due to surgery, and setbacks like heat, illness, hydration mistakes, and COVID. We talk about the brutal reality of chemo fatigue, the constant stop-and-start cycle of training through recovery, and the practical adjustments he's making for Kona—from pacing strategy to sun protection with treatment-related photosensitivity. James also shares how cancer reshaped his priorities, pushed him toward relationships and service, and led him to write Just Keep Tri-ing as both therapy and legacy. All profits from the book are going to the Ironman Foundation until he hits a $100,000 fundraising goal, turning a personal bucket-list dream into a mission bigger than the finish line. Enjoy the episode Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

Episode 235 — Do You Smile When You Race? In this episode, I share reflections from the Wasa Lake Triathlon — a day of cheering, filming, chatting with athletes, and watching how people move through a race. Some athletes smiled. Some didn't. And it made me wonder: what does a smile say about how we experience effort, challenge, and joy in triathlon? From early‑morning drone flights to PB bagels on a bench, to watching athletes push through the tough moments, this episode explores the subtle power of smiling during a race — and how it might actually change the way we perform. I'll also share a story from years ago that opened my eyes to what's possible when we stay present, grateful, and human on the race course. So here's the question: When you race… do you smile? Happy Training!  :) Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com

In this episode, Coach Todd shares his honest reflections on preparing for Challenge Roth with imperfect training and the fears that come with it. He explores why showing up, even when you don't feel ready, can be the most meaningful part of the journey. Through personal stories and soulful insights, Coach Todd invites listeners to embrace imperfection, find joy in the process, and celebrate the adventure of racing for the soul. Enjoy, Coach Todd www.nolimitstriathlon.com