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In this episode we talk about that Erin signed up for a Triathlon!! Then we go over La Quinta 70.3 Race Recap, end up on a bit of a tangent based on Kayla opening Instagram in the middle and seeing some sad news from a fellow professional triathlete.  We talk about the importance of having fun in racing, choosing to do races based on joy and excitement, and more! Cheers! Kayla and Erin 

This week on the podcast we go over the following:  - Kayla's extreme blow up in the pool - Erin's training and marathon prep - Gaining confidence riding in aero- What pool toys are helpful and which are not- What we learned from watching 70.3 WorldsKayla rants about how dependent people get on their dataDon't forget to send us your questions! Kayla almost always does a call out for questions and I know you guys have them as we listen to all sorts of other platforms that get them sent in.... :) Your questions help us make this podcast run! Cheers! Kayla and Erin  Help Support Erin in her marathon  fundraisers.hakuapp.com/erin-oliphant  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Triathlon Training and Coaching 02:55 Erin's Marathon Training and Charity Involvement 06:04 Erin's Work Experience at Hot Chocolate Runs 08:57 Erin's Trail Race Experience 11:59 Kayla's Swimming Challenges and Progress 14:55 Reflections on 70.3 World Championships 19:08 Cautious Comebacks: Understanding Recovery in Triathlons 22:32 The Challenge of Championship Races: Skills and Strategies 25:53 Building Confidence in Aero Position: Tips for Triathletes 31:04 Evaluating Pool Toys: What Works and What Doesn't 39:14 The Balance of Data and Intuition in Training

It's been a minute!! But we are back - and hopefully able to be more consistent moving forward!! Life just got busy but we are excited to be back!! We give you some brief updates on life and what we've been up to.   We then talk about the impact that watching the Ironman World Championships had on us, what we learned from it, and how we feel about it being the last all women's world championships.  Hope you enjoy! Cheers! Kayla and Erin 

Thank you for your patience with us as we navigate very busy summer schedules but we made it back this week for an episode and had a lot of fun with it!! We start by recapping Erin's Downhill Mountain Bike Race and Kayla's Boise 70.3 then we do a little this or that questions courtesy of Carleigh Moore and finally into questions  1. Thoughts on doing an inaugural race. Do you mind doing them? Would you rather wait a year to see how it went?  2. Favorite top tube and rear bike storage for tire repair, food, etc 3. What’s a piece of advice you always give but sometimes forget to follow yourself? 4. When is it worth investing in better gear, and when is it better to just train smarter? Thank you for listening! Kayla and Erin Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:05 Life Updates and Challenges 05:31 Mountain Biking Adventures 09:54 Racing and Personal Growth 16:29 Reflections on Competition and Enjoyment 18:37 Race Recommendations and Experiences 20:09 Fun This or That Questions 22:22 Training Preferences: Zwift vs. Outdoor Riding 25:12 Inaugural Races: The Pros and Cons 27:39 Bike Storage Solutions for Athletes 32:00 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Training 35:22 Investing in Gear vs. Training Smarter 41:05 Personal Updates and Future Goals

Welcome Back ! Sorry for the break! But we are back this week answering your questions and we got through a lot of them!! Questions we covered! 1. what type of goal setting do you strive for as you build into your first race coming back ?2. what would you do for an indoor bike set up on a smaller budget? 3. “I’m training for my first 70.3 — how do I know if I’m doing enough or too much? I’m constantly second-guessing my plan.”4:  trainer intervals — when to be in aero and when not to be - should I do everything in aero5. “I train with a group, but they always want to hammer every session. How do I stay disciplined without feeling like I’m missing out?”6. “What do you actually do on your recovery days? I feel guilty taking them easy or completely off.”7. “How do you train in the heat without every workout turning into a sufferfest?Thank you for sharing your questions! If you liked the episode please share with your friends and on social media or leave us a positive review! Cheers! Kayla and Erin  www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com  Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Life Updates 05:36 Goal Setting for Returning Athletes 13:15 Trainer Tips and Indoor Cycling 20:21 The Importance of Recovery Days 24:25 Group Training Dynamics 28:29 Training in the Heat

We are back talking triathlon and all the fun things that go along with it. We check in with how training is going for Kayla and how Erin's work - bike trip went. Then we answer your questions "What’s your most irrational race-day superstition or ritual that you know makes no sense… but you do it anyway?""Do you think the sport is becoming too optimized? Where’s the line between smart training and over-analysis?"What are our thoughts on AI coaching programs and how does that affect what we are doing? “What is a race day disaster that still haunts you—or makes you laugh now.”tion “What’s one piece of gear you secretly love but know is unnecessary?”“What's something you forgot to pack on race day... that you’ll never forget again?”Cheers!! Kayla and Erin Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 00:59 Erin's Experience at RAGBRAI 06:00 Training and Balancing Life as a Triathlete 11:00 Injury Updates and Challenges 18:00 The Impact of AI on Coaching 25:00 Race Day Superstitions and Rituals 28:07 Superstitions and Gear Preferences 31:10 Race Day Disasters and Lessons Learned 36:28 Packing Essentials for Race Day 39:12 Upcoming Races and Predictions 46:45 Challenges in Women's Triathlon 53:48 Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement

Summary In this episode, Jennifer Vollmann shares her incredible journey of participating in the Himalayan Extreme Triathlon, a grueling race that only a few women have completed. She discusses the challenges she faced during the race, including time cutoffs, altitude, and the emotional rollercoaster of pushing her limits. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of her partner in her success, and the lessons learned from this experience. She encourages others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace adventure in their athletic pursuits. Cheers! Where Your Feet Take You www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Himalayan Extreme Triathlon 01:25 The Challenge of the Race 04:35 Breaking Barriers for Women in Triathlons 07:39 Preparing for the Race in Nepal 08:47 Race Day: The Swim and Bike 22:55 The Run: Overcoming Obstacles 29:43 Pushing Limits to Reach the Summit 30:40 Pushing Through Physical Limits 32:35 The Emotional Journey to the Summit 34:55 Teamwork and Trust in Endurance Sports 38:10 The Role of Community and Support 43:43 Surprises and Lessons Learned 51:24 Encouraging Others to Step Outside Their Comfort Zone

Sorry I'm a little late getting this one out but its chalk full of good stuff!! Thank you to everyone who sent in questions we've had some great ones lately!!!  Questions:  Should the pros race the swim if its cancelled for age grouperswhat race would we want to return if we could pick any race that is no longe ron the circuitHow does training for a full ironman differ from a 70.3how to prep for a humid raceI can only swim one day a week how do I get faststerwhat supplements do we takeshould you do your long run after your long ridedo you ever have neck issues on the bike and how to avoid itCheers! Kayla and Erin www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 03:04 Personal Updates and Training Challenges 06:04 Training Insights and Strategies 08:58 Controversies in Triathlon Swimming 12:01 Race Preferences and Nostalgia 16:58 Differences in Training for Ironman vs 70.3 23:07 Preparing for Humid Races 27:53 Preparing for Hot and Humid Races 28:45 Maximizing Swimming Efficiency with Limited Days 35:05 The Importance of Supplements in Training 41:09 Long Runs vs. Long Rides: Finding the Balance 43:53 Addressing Neck Issues on the Bike 49:48 Overcoming Fear of Riding After Pregnancy

The big news in triathlon is that the Ironman World Championships is back to Kona, Hawaii all on one day with men and women together. We spend about thirty mins discussing our thoughts on this and what the implications are for the sport.  We then go and answer some of your questions you sent in as well as debrief Ironman Texas and do picks for St. george Questions:  - How to start swimming when afraid of the water - Do we have family members who do triathlon - How to prioritize training with a busy schedule - Kaylas first race back after the baby Cheers! Kayla and Erin  Takeaways - The Ironman Texas race showcased impressive performances from athletes. - Blumenfeld is a strong contender for future races. - St. George 70.3 is a beloved race that will be missed. - The Kona World Championships will return to a one-day format in 2026. - Mixed feelings exist regarding the change in Kona's format. - Slot allocation for Kona raises concerns about gender proportionality. - Women's participation in triathlon needs more support and opportunities. - Overcoming fear of swimming is crucial for aspiring triathletes. - Prioritizing training requires communication and flexibility. - Triathlon should fit into one's life, not the other way around. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Ironman Debrief 11:05 Kona World Championships: A Shift in Format 21:02 Slot Allocation Controversies and Women's Growth in Triathlon 29:16 The Importance of Proportionality in Sports 33:58 Opportunities for Women in Triathlon 38:59 The Kona Debate: Tradition vs. Change 41:00 Overcoming Fear of Water in Triathlon 49:04 Balancing Training with a Busy Schedule

Summary In this episode, Kayla and Erin discuss the upcoming Ironman Texas race, sharing their excitement and insights about the event. They highlight the significance of the race for both professional and age group athletes, especially with Kona slots on the line. The hosts reflect on their personal experiences with the race, emphasizing the challenging bike course and the supportive atmosphere created by spectators. They delve into predictions for both the men's and women's races, analyzing the strong fields and potential race dynamics. The conversation wraps up with final thoughts on the race and encouragement for participants. Cheers! Kayla and Erin Chapters 00:00 Ironman Texas Race Week Overview 12:06 Shoutouts and First-Time Racers 24:03 Race Conditions and Tips for Success 35:56 Pro Race Preview and Predictions 25:58 Podium Predictions and Key Competitors 27:45 Race Dynamics and Qualification Strategies 30:00 Changes in Qualification Rules 31:59 Race Day Logistics and Commentary Expectations 33:58 Surprises and Insights from the Field 36:55 Personal Reflections on Training and Injuries

In this episode, Kayla and Erin start with catching up, triathlon news, a new gratitude segment, and go into your questions.  In this conversation, Kayla shares her experiences as a new mother, detailing the challenges and changes in her daily routine after having a newborn. She discusses her postpartum recovery, the balance of family dynamics with her older children, and the emotional guilt of not being able to attend their activities. The conversation shifts to pre-race nerves, where both Kayla and Erin provide insights on managing anxiety before races. They also delve into training intensity, emphasizing the importance of consistency over proving race distances. Finally, they discuss the relevance of run FTP in training, concluding that for most athletes, focusing on enjoyment and consistency is more beneficial than strict adherence to metrics. Cheers Kayla and Erin  New YouTube --- https://youtu.be/dPPeoEfefo4 www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Recent Races and Experiences 06:00 Emotional Moments in Sports 10:03 Insights from Recent Competitions 12:00 Upcoming Events and Personal Stories 15:56 Gratitude and Reflection 20:00 Life with a Baby and Daily Routines 20:44 A Day in the Life with a Newborn 23:36 Postpartum Reflections and Recovery 26:51 Balancing Family Dynamics 28:39 Navigating Pre-Race Nerves 30:51 Training Intensity and Consistency 36:25 Understanding Run FTP and Its Relevance

Summary We are back after a short break where Kayla had her baby!!! They share personal updates, including Kayla's postpartum journey and mental health challenges. The conversation shifts to training updates, discussing their experiences with triathlon training and the upcoming race season.  We start off the episode discussing the start of the triathlon season with T100 and the Ironman Pro series then we dive into your questions!!! Questions  Thoughts on waxed chains. Is it worth it for the speed? Should I just try to get faster Difference between long fins and short fins in swimming? Which is better? Do we have a bike computer and a watch? Is it better to have a bike computer? Which one do you have? What data do you pay attention to on it? Do we use run. / walk for our run training? What is the benefits of it?Cheers! Kayla and Erin www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates 03:05 Triathlon Coaching and Training Updates 06:03 Postpartum Journey and Mental Health 08:52 Excitement for Upcoming Triathlon Events 12:03 Analyzing the Ironman Pro Series 15:06 Predictions for Oceanside and Singapore Races 21:54 The T100 Pipeline: Short Course vs Long Course Perspectives 26:00 Engaging with the Community: Questions and Content Creation 26:59 Waxed Chains: Speed vs Training 31:14 Fins in Swimming: Long vs Short 36:17 Bike Computers: Preferences and Data Insights 43:32 Run-Walk Strategy: Benefits and Implementation

Summary In this episode of the Where Your Feet Take You podcast, host Kayla Bowker speaks with Elena Rocco Chaz, a three-time 70.3 world champion qualifier, about her journey from triathlon to Hyrox, a new endurance event. They discuss the importance of mental performance, the transition between different sports, and the training required for Hyrox. Elena shares insights on personal growth through endurance sports, the significance of setting big goals, and how to navigate life changes while pursuing athletic ambitions. The conversation concludes with advice for newcomers to Hyrox and Elena's upcoming events. Cheers! Kayla Looking for triathlon or run coaching?? Schedule your free consult at www.whereyourfeettakeyou.com Takeaways - Elena's journey showcases the blend of endurance and strength in hybrid athletics. - Mental performance is crucial for achieving athletic goals. - Transitioning from triathlon to Hyrox can enhance social aspects of training. - Hyrox is an endurance event that combines running with strength stations. - Specificity in training is key for success in Hyrox. - Endurance training requires a different mindset compared to traditional triathlon training. - Setting big goals can lead to personal growth and achievement. - It's important to prioritize goals and make choices that align with them. - Newcomers to Hyrox should focus on running and having fun. - Coaching and proper guidance are essential for improving in Hyrox. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hybrid Athletics 02:58 Elena's Journey in Endurance Sports 06:00 The Importance of Mental Performance 09:00 Transitioning from Triathlon to Hyrox 11:58 Understanding Hyrox: The New Endurance Challenge 15:11 Training for Hyrox vs. Triathlon 17:57 Specificity in Hyrox Training 21:00 Compromise Running in Hyrox 23:49 Conclusion and Future Goals 25:50 Doubles Training Dynamics 29:52 Transitioning to Doubles Competition 30:04 Lessons from Endurance Sports 33:58 Navigating Life Changes and Priorities 41:53 Getting Started in High Rocks

In this episode, Kayla Bowker interviews Jennifer Sylva, a top age group triathlete and mother of three, about her journey into the world of triathlon, the challenges she faced, and how she balances her athletic pursuits with family life. Jennifer shares insights on the importance of coaching, mindset, and prioritization in achieving success in both sports and motherhood. The conversation highlights the significance of involving family in athletic goals and the reality of managing multiple responsibilities. In this conversation, Jennifer Sylva shares her journey as a triathlete and mother, discussing the importance of setting goals, maintaining a training routine, and the balance between family life and athletic pursuits. She reflects on her personal growth through endurance sports, the humorous challenges of parenting, and the dynamics of preparing for races while managing family responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes resilience, self-discovery, and the joy of trying new things. Cheers! Kayla  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jennifer  03:11 Jennifer's Journey into Triathlon 06:03 The Role of Coaching and Support 09:10 Overcoming Challenges and Injuries 12:04 The Importance of Mindset in Sports 14:58 Balancing Life as a Triathlete and Mom 18:00 Prioritization Over Balance 20:55 Involving Family in Athletic Goals 28:26 Setting Goals and Family Involvement 29:55 Weekly Training Routine 32:53 Favorite Training Sessions 35:34 Self-Discovery Through Endurance Sports 38:19 Balancing Motherhood and Athletic Pursuits 40:20 Humorous Challenges of Parenting 43:50 Upcoming Races and Family Dynamics

In this episode of the Where If You Take You podcast, hosts Kayla and Erin discuss their experiences in triathlon, personal challenges, and training updates. They explore the idea of incorporating fun challenges into triathlons, share insights on training through overtraining, and emphasize the importance of communication and data trends in training. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, humor, and practical advice for athletes. -- What age would we like to stay forever and why?  -- What would we add to a triathlon in T1 or T2 to make it more "fun"? -- Thoughts on training through overtraining -- Our favorite running workouts -- Do you bike and run in the same day and if so how do you manage it?  Chapters 00:00 Introduction  03:01 Catch up with Erin 06:13 Kayla's Pregnancy Experience and Running 10:04 Family Life and Kids' Sports 14:01 Fun Ideas for Triathlon Challenges 20:00 Reflections on Age and Life Choices 23:57 Running Workouts: Favorites and Techniques 27:30 Balancing Running and Biking: Strategies for Success 33:18 Navigating Overtraining: When to Push and When to Rest