Advertise on podcast: Endurance Matters Hosted by BigMetz

In Episode 33 of Endurance Matters,  ⁨@bigjmetz11⁩ sits down with endurance world record holder and coach Gordon "Gordo" Byrn, a pioneer in ultra-endurance performance and one of the most thoughtful minds in the sport. Gordo shares the lessons behind his remarkable career, from pushing the limits of human endurance to redefining how athletes approach training, recovery, and long-term performance. This conversation goes beyond workouts and race results and focuses on building a system that actually works over years, not just seasons. We dive into: ⚡ What it really takes to perform at the highest level of endurance sport🧠 The mindset shifts that separate sustainable success from burnout📉 Why most athletes overtrain—and how to avoid it🔁 The importance of consistency, simplicity, and repeatability in training🛠️ How to structure training for long-term progression, not short-term gains🧘‍♂️ Balancing life stress, training load, and recovery Gordo also shares his perspective as a coach: what he looks for in athletes, common mistakes even experienced competitors make, and how to build a durable, resilient engine that holds up over time. This episode is a masterclass in endurance; not just going longer, but going smarter. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to train with purpose, avoid burnout, and unlock your long-term potential.

In this episode of Endurance Matters, host Justin Metzler sits down with triathlon legend Melanie McQuaid—XTERRA World Champion, ITU Cross Triathlon World Champion, Olympian-level cyclist, and longtime Ironman competitor—for a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and longevity in sport. Melanie shares her journey from growing up in rural British Columbia to racing mountain bike World Cups, nearly chasing the Olympics, and ultimately dominating the XTERRA circuit. She opens up about pivotal career crossroads, coaching missteps, taking ownership of her own training, and the mindset that allowed her to stay competitive into her 40s and beyond. You’ll hear: 🌍 Her breakthrough race in Maui that changed everything🚴‍♀️ The rise of XTERRA and how she built a career from prize money and grit🧠 Why she became her own coach—and how that unlocked multiple world titles💔 The devastating 2011 World Championship collapse that marked the end of an era🔥 Transitioning to Ironman at 42 to prove she wasn’t “too old”🎓 What great coaching actually looks like (and what athletes get wrong)🤖 Her candid thoughts on AI coaching vs real human mentorshipThis is more than a race recap—it’s a masterclass in belief, stubborn resilience, and understanding your own physiology. Melanie dives deep into athlete development, injury trends, vetting coaches, and why unshakable self-belief might matter more than raw talent. Whether you’re an age-group athlete, aspiring pro, or coach yourself, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom from someone who has seen every side of elite sport. 🎧 Listen now to hear how a triathlon legend stayed competitive for decades—and why she believes the real key to success isn’t magic workouts, but understanding yourself.

In this episode of Endurance Matters,  @bigjmetz11 (Justin Metzler) sits down with  @ECFITStrength (Erin Carson) is a leading voice in strength endurance training, to explore how endurance athletes can get stronger, more resilient, and perform better without sacrificing endurance 🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Erin breaks down what strength endurance really means for runners, cyclists, triathletes, and hybrid athletes and why traditional strength training often misses the mark for endurance performance 🧠⚡ We dive into: 💪 What strength endurance actually looks like in practice ❌ Common gym mistakes endurance athletes make 🏋️ How to build strength that transfers to race day 🧘‍♂️ Durability, movement quality, and staying injury-free You’ll also hear Erin’s insights on: ⚖️ Balancing strength work with high-volume endurance training 📆 Integrating strength training year-round 🧠 Long-term athlete development and performance longevity Whether you’re an age-group athlete or a competitive endurance racer, this conversation will help you train smarter, stay healthier, and perform at a higher level 🚀 🎧 Listen now and start building strength that supports your endurance and be sure to tune in EVERY Monday at 6:45MT to Monday Morning Mobility  @ECFITStrength ! #EnduranceSports #UltraEndurance #OceanSeven #strengthtraining #strength #AdventureAthlete #ExtremeSports #MindsetMatters #Resilience #EnduranceAthlete #MotivationDaily #PodcastClips #Podcast #Triathlon #Ironman ✌🏼 - BigMetz Follow Erin on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ecfit_strength/ Erin's Website:https://www.ecfitstrength.com/

In this episode of Endurance Matters, world-record ocean swimmer Andy Donaldson opens up with BigMetz about the raw, unfiltered side of ultra-endurance: the night swims, the panic, the doubt, the logistics behind swimming 200 km across seven oceans in one year and the quiet moments where he nearly quit 🧠💥. He shares how open-water swimming saved his mental health, how a 19 km Rottnest crossing rebuilt his confidence, what it’s like to be pushed off course for hours in Molokai, and the calm thinking that got him through his first shark encounter 🦈😨. We also dive deep into his training secrets: cold exposure, ice baths, mobility work, smarter gym sessions, and the tiny 1% habits that fueled a world record. On this Episode, Andy Donaldson breaks down everything: • The moment Molokai nearly broke him mentally 🧠💥 • How open-water swimming saved his mental health • His first shark encounter and how he stayed calm 🦈 • Training for freezing water + 1% habits that matter ❄️🔥 • Why gym durability beats endless miles • How he became the fastest to complete the Ocean Seven 🌍⚡ • The life lessons only the ocean can teach Raw. Honest. Inspiring. If you’re rebuilding, dreaming big, or pushing past your limits — this one is for you 💛🔥. #EnduranceSports #OpenWaterSwimming #UltraEndurance #OceanSeven #ChannelSwimming #MentalHealthJourney #AdventureAthlete #ExtremeSports #SwimLife #ColdWaterTraining #MindsetMatters #Resilience #EnduranceAthlete #MotivationDaily #PodcastClips #Podcast #Triathlon #Ironman ✌🏼 - BigMetz

A breakthrough month of training. A crash that changed everything. An infection that spiraled into emergency surgery. In this episode of Endurance Matters, we sit down with Pro Triathlete and Host Justin "BigMetz" Metzler to unpack the wild swing from “best shape in years” to multiple hospital visits 🏥. From podium-ready to hospital-bound in a flash 😳🏥. In this episode, Justin shares the full story: the crash, the infection, the surgery, and the heartbreaking moment the Ironman Arizona/Kona dream slipped away. We talk: • The Achilles injury that wrecked his confidence 🦵💔 • Sponsors pulling out + the mental spiral that followed • Why forced rest made him faster 🧘‍♂️⚡ • The emotional trap of hiding injuries • His 365-day rebuild after surgery • And how his dad turned a non-swimmer into a pro at 12 👏🏊‍♂️ Plus the family Ironman relay prediction you won’t believe (yes, it might beat his solo PR) 🚴‍♂️💨 Raw. Honest. Relatable.If you’re chasing a comeback, this one is for you 💛🔥. #ComebackYear #AchillesSurgery #TriathlonRecovery #EnduranceJourney #ProTriathlete #RoadBack #KeepShowingUp #Running #Ironman #Cycling #Swimming ✌🏼 - BigMetz Social Accounts: BigMetz Instagram BigMetz Coaching Instagram

We're back! In this motivating episode of the Endurance Matters Podcast, host BigMetz sits down with Jelle Geens - Defending Ironman 70.3 World Champion, Olympic triathlete, World Triathlon Championship Series medalist, and one of the most technically precise middle-distance racers in the sport today. Known for his calm confidence and meticulous attention to detail, Jelle shares how he’s honed his craft through patience, process, and belief in long-term development. Jelle opens up about the highs and lows of elite racing, from representing Belgium on the world stage to navigating setbacks and building back stronger. He offers a rare look into the mindset and daily systems that fuel consistency at the top level. We discuss: - The art of pacing and executing under pressure - Lessons from Olympic-level preparation and world-class coaching - Training smarter: quality vs. quantity in middle-distance racing - Managing injury, recovery, and mental resilience - The value of patience and trust in long-term performance - Staying grounded and motivated through the sport’s ups and downs Whether you’re training for your next triathlon or seeking to master the mental side of competition, Jelle’s story is a powerful reminder that endurance is built as much in the mind as in the miles. ✌🏼 - BigMetz Social Accounts: Jelle Geens Instagram

In this inspiring episode of the Endurance Matters Podcast, BigMetz welcomes Eric Hinman—entrepreneur, 5x Ironman, and influential voice in the fitness and wellness space. Known for blending high-performance endurance training with a vibrant personal brand, Eric shares how he’s built a lifestyle centered around movement, recovery, and community. Eric opens up about his evolution from startup founder to full-time fitness content creator, offering insights into how he stays motivated, structures his day, and maintains authenticity in an often filtered social media world. We discuss: Eric’s daily routine and non-negotiables for peak performanceThe power of building a “training tribe” and communityBalancing fitness, entrepreneurship, and content creationRecovery practices and biohacks that actually workThe mental side of endurance sport and staying consistentCreating meaningful influence in the fitness spaceWhether you're chasing your next Ironman or building your personal brand, Eric’s story will motivate you to take ownership of your lifestyle, health, and impact. ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought to You By:PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner Social Accounts: Eric Hinman Instagram LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

In this episode, BigMetz sits down with Matt Botrill—legendary time trialist, national champion, and renowned cycling and triathlon performance coach—to unpack the secrets of going faster. Matt shares his journey from elite racer to high-performance coach, explaining the mindset, training principles, and aerodynamic optimization that separate good athletes from great ones. We cover: Matt’s transition from competitive racing to full-time coachingThe critical role of aerodynamics in time trialing and triathlonHis approach to individualized training plansCommon mistakes endurance athletes make in pacing and bike fitReal-world case studies of athletes gaining significant time through small adjustmentsHow technology and data analysis are transforming endurance coachingWhether you're a cyclist, triathlete, or coach, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help you improve your own performance.#ironman #triathlon #enduranceathlete #endurancemindset #swim #bike #runningmotivation #olympics #cycling  ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought to You By:PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner Social Accounts: Matt Bottrill: https://www.instagram.com/bottrillmatthew/ LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz is joined live post-race from Ironman Boulder 70.3 by all three Podium finishers, including: Kevin McDowell, Colin Szuch, and Sam Appleton. Hear how their each of their races unfolded and the the adversity they had to overcome just to get to the start line - or at the start line! You'll love our live Podcast with these gracious guests.#ironman #triathlon #enduranceathlete #endurancemindset #swim #bike #runningmotivation #olympics  ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Social Accounts: Sam Appleton: https://www.instagram.com/samappo/Colin Szuch: https://www.instagram.com/colin_szuch/Kevin McDowell: https://www.instagram.com/kevinmcdowell1/ LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz is joined by Flora Duffy, 2021 Tokyo Olympic Gold Medalist in Women's Triathlon. Bringing home her native country, Bermuda, its first Olympic Gold Medal is a significant achievement. BigMetz and Flora discuss her journey to the pinnacle of sport, her struggles with injury, her endurance mindset and her amazingly positive spirit and attitude. Flora changed the way female athletes race triathlon and her imprint on the sport is legendary.#olympics #triathlon #bermuda #enduranceathlete #endurancemindset #swim #bike #runningmotivation  ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner LEVER MOVEMENT Get 20% OFF ALL DEVICES  👉 https://levermovement.com/Enter code: "ENDURANCEMATTERS20" THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Flora Duffy Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floraduffy/ LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz is joined by Brad Miles, Founder and CEO of  @levermovement . From humble beginnings, through hard work and persistence, Brad shares his ethos of building a foundational company in endurance sports. BigMetz has personally used Lever to help him successfully recover from achilles surgery. He and Brad discuss training protocols, going from concept to production, building a scalable company, and finding a niche in sports training. Used by top triathletes and runners across the globe, the Lever has become a staple for injury prevention and recovery. Brad's journey is inspirational to entrepreneurs and athletes alike! #training #running #triathlon #mindset #podcast #podcastclips #entrepreneur #founder ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner LEVER MOVEMENT Get 20% OFF ALL DEVICES  👉 https://levermovement.com/Enter code: "ENDURANCEMATTERS20" THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Lever Movement Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levermovement/ LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz is joined by Hannah Shell, professional Gravel and MTB racer. Juggling a full time job while successfully being an elite pro racer, Hannah shares a unique perspective into the emerging world of professional racing. BigMetz and Hannah discuss balancing training protocols, managing a social media presence, all while being a working class pro athlete. She inspires the discussion around preparing for Unbound, the evolution of sponsorship in gravel racing, and her goals for the future and future of female gravel and MTB racing.#gravelbike #mtb #mtblife #enduromtb #mindset #unboundgravel #bikelife ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner LEVER MOVEMENT Get 20% OFF ALL DEVICES  👉 https://levermovement.com/Enter code: "ENDURANCEMATTERS20" THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Hannah Shell Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahgshell LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz sits down with Charlie Lawrence, 50 mile World Record holder and distance runner extraordinaire. Charlie has a unique perspective into the world of professional endurance sports. You won't want to miss Charlie's journey from his amazing running background in Minnesota, to competing successfully at the collegiate level and now world professional scene. His candor and wit liven the discussion around the evolution of sponsorship in distance running, his regimented training program, and his goals for the future and future of the sport.#running #runningmotivation #ultramarathon #ultraendurance #triathlon #50miles ✌🏼 - BigMetz This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner LEVER MOVEMENT Get 20% OFF ALL DEVICES  👉 https://levermovement.com/Enter code: "ENDURANCEMATTERS20" THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Charlie Lawrence Social Links: Instagram YouTube LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz sits down with Siri Lindley, World Champion, Coach extraordinaire, motivational speaker and cancer survivor. An eternal optimist and source of of inspiration to many across the globe, Siri's impact on triathlon and life are legendary. From overcoming adversity in sport to battling cancer, Siri's "Don't Give Up" attitude persists across all aspects of her life. An amazing documentary encapsulating Siri's unbridled spirit can be seen in the upcoming film "Tri Me - The Siri Lindley Story." Don't miss Siri's perspective on training, embracing a positive mindset in life and sport, and coaching world champion athletes. #ironman #triathlon #swimming #cycling #running #mindset #motivation #runningmotivation #fckcancer #coach #survivor✌🏼 - BigMetz  This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner LEVER MOVEMENT Get 20% OFF ALL DEVICES  👉 https://levermovement.com/Enter code: "ENDURANCEMATTERS20" BUYCYCLE Get 30% OFF SELLER PROTECTION  👉 https://buycycle.com/endurancematters THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Siri's Social Links: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sirilindley Movie Trailerhttps://siritrime.film/teaser LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon

BigMetz sits down with 6x Ironman World Champion Mark Allen. Widely considered the GOAT of men's triathlon, Mark's impact on and off the race course continue to be an enduring legacy in triathlon. His preparation and mindset are legendary and you won't want to miss Mark's perspective on training methods, spirituality in sport, and coaching high-performance age-groupers and pros. #ironman #triathlon #swimming #cycling #running #mindset #motivation #runningmotivation ✌🏼 - BigMetz  This Episode Is Brought To You By: PRECISION FUEL AND HYDRATION Get 15% 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz Get a free Fuel & Hydration Plan for your next race 👉 https://visit.pfandh.com/bigmetz-planner LEVER MOVEMENT Get 20% OFF ALL DEVICES  👉 https://levermovement.com/Enter code: "ENDURANCEMATTERS20" BUYCYCLE Get 30% OFF SELLER PROTECTION  👉 https://buycycle.com/endurancematters THE MAGIC5 GOGGLES Get 10% OFF BY CLICKING THIS LINK 👉 bit.ly/Magic5EMPEnter: "endurancematters10" Mark Allen Social Links: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/markallengrip LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/EMPitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/EMPspotifyAmazon: https://bit.ly/EMPamazon