The Stronger Stride Podcast

238. Triathlon Training, Volume & Longevity with Coach Jack Saunders
Today we sit down with triathlon coach Jack Saunders to explore the world of triathlon training, endurance performance, and what it really takes to succeed across three demanding disciplines.
Jack shares his journey into triathlon during the pandemic, how his swimming background shaped his progression in the sport, and the key lessons he’s learned as both an athlete and coach. We unpack the realities of triathlon training volume, the complexity of balancing swimming, cycling, and running and scheduling intensity into the training week.
This conversation dives deep into the often-overlooked importance of swimming technique, the role of cross-training for runners, and why strength training is essential not just for performance, but long-term injury prevention. Jack also shares insights into athlete success, coaching philosophies, and why consistency and sustainability are the foundation of endurance sport longevity.
We discuss:
• Jack’s pathway into triathlon and coaching
• Training volume and structuring triathlon programs
• Different triathlon distances and how training changes
• Why swimming technique can be a major performance limiter
• How to structure swim sessions for beginners and developing athletes
• The importance of brick sessions and transition training
• Cross-training benefits for runners and single-sport athletes
• Strength training for injury prevention and performance
• Traits commonly seen in successful endurance athletes
• Why consistency and sustainability outperform short-term intensity
Whether you're a runner curious about triathlon, an endurance athlete looking to improve performance, or someone interested in the coaching and lifestyle side of multisport training, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Triathlon Training with Jack Saunders
02:44 Jack's Journey into Triathlon and Coaching
05:44 The Life of a Triathlete: Training Volume and Structure
06:29 Understanding Different Triathlon Distances
08:40 Swimming Techniques for Triathletes
11:25 The Importance of Technique in Swimming
18:47 The Importance of Swim Technique
21:09 Balancing Technique and Cardiovascular Training
24:47 Neuroplasticity in Swimming Technique
27:51 Structuring Swim Sessions for Beginners
30:24 Cross-Training Benefits for Runners
33:03 The Role of Volume in Endurance Training
36:26 Common Traits of Successful Athletes
Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@jacksaundersau
YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA
Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: 15% off Tailwind Nutrition
STRONGERSTRIDE: 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15: 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x

This is a catch-up episode from one of our favourites from 2022!

Andy Bryant - The Barefoot Podiatrist 👣 

Andy is well known for his movement in the barefoot podiatry and running community. Andy is a podiatrist based in Melbourne, specialising in analysing individual gait patterns, prescribing specific exercises to address the underlying causes of poor function/pain. and educating clients on how to improve their movement & health. 

Andy is passionate about promoting and helping people restore their most natural foot movement pattern and function in order to prevent injury and enhance performance. We chat about Andy’s career beginnings and how he shifted away from the more traditional orthotic-prescribing practitioner into a more active, movement-based practitioner.  

We cover the details of Andy’s approach to assessing the foot, what he looks for and how his perspective has changed over the years.

Andy goes through some case studies and unpacks the importance of having strong feet for general foot health as well as injury prevention. He speaks on foot intrinsics, big toe position, shoe cushioning, lower limb load transfers in running and shoe pitch influences on biomechanics. If you’re interested in upgrading your anatomy and bio-mechanical knowledge of the foot, learning about influences of shoes on foot shape and the barefoot shoe continuum then this is the episode for you! 

You can find Andy on instagram @andybryant_podiatrist

Thanks again for all of your support! 
Please leave us a review, subscribe & follow us on insta @strongerstride.

Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training? Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at ⁠www.tailwindnutrition.com.au⁠ 

You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at ⁠www.solemechanics.com.au

In this episode of the Stronger Stride podcast, Dr. Bill Evans, a professor of Exercise Science with a PhD in Exercise Physiology, discusses the complexities of muscle fatigue, the importance of stress management in performance, and the physiological adaptations that occur through training.

He emphasises the significance of periodization in training to prevent overtraining and injuries, and provides insights into how athletes can effectively manage their training and recovery to optimize performance. He discussed the differences between easy runs, lactate threshold and vo2max training. The conversation also touches on the impact of detraining and the potential for athletes to regain fitness quickly with the right approach.

You can find Dr Bill here:
Instagram - @doctor_evans_running
His coaching services - www.endurancelaboratory.com

You can find us here:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠
YouTube: ⁠Stronger Stride ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠⁠

Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen

Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x

In case you missed it: a re-upload of one of our favourite episodes from the past, dropping every Wednesday.
*Interview starts at 19.20*
Adam Didyk is the Athletics Australia Pathways Transition Lead, Australian Olympic Team Coach (Athletics - Endurance) Tokyo 2021, SA Performance Advisor, a husband and a father among many other things. 
In this conversation, Adam gave us a deep insight into his journey as a coach and the things that he has learnt along the way. He shares his beliefs around ensuring his athletes are well-rounded on and off the track through a holistic approach to not only training but their careers and family life. 
Adam opens up about his experience with Jess Stenson (née Trengove) leading up to the recent 2022 Commonwealth Games where Jess won Gold in the Marathon. He shares the details of why they work so well together and how a few words that he shared moments before the race helped her get through.
We also discuss what you should look for when seeking out a coach, and how for Adam, it is much more about building a trusting relationship than simply writing a program. 
You can find Adam on Instagram @adamdidyk and @teamtemporun
Thanks again for all of your support!  Please leave us a review, subscribe & follow us on insta @strongerstride 
Need some nutrition or hydration for your endurance training?

Use the code TAILWINDSTRONG at www.tailwindnutrition.com.au 
You can also use our code STRONGERSTRIDE for 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes at www.solemechanics.com.au

In this conversation, Sophie discusses various personality traits of runners, focusing on the data-obsessed, highly motivated to the anxious runner who seeks reassurance and the social runner who thrives in group settings.

The conversation explores the challenges these runners face, such as fear of injury and fluctuating motivation, and emphasises the importance of understanding these traits for effective coaching.

Sophie also highlights the need for balance between personal limits and social influences in running, and the significance of tailoring coaching approaches to individual personality types.

Lydia's ep on personality types:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/45sSE6QOByvSbWfecW21fC?si=hKnYcZLqQdmB3CZqvLCeAg

Follow Us:
Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | @sophielane
YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP9eXZNoDB_9zk7WBMm9WA⁠
Find Bec here:⁠@nutrientnation⁠
Discount Codes: TAILWINDSTRONG – 15% off Tailwind Nutrition STRONGERSTRIDE – 15% off Vivobarefoot shoes
STRONGER15 – 15% off Skorcha Sunscreen
Thanks for tuning in! TSSP x