• Episode #146: Mastering the Art of Race Day — From Surf to Starting Blocks!
    2026/06/16
    Ever wondered how to tackle massive surf or nail the perfect race start? Coach Gerry shares decades of tips—from managing ocean chaos to dialing in that crucial race takeout effort. Plus, a deep dive into swim strategies, athlete breakthroughs, and those sneaky electrolytes making all the difference!In this episode: Why surfing the Wedge is like coaching the lifeguard's nightmare The controversial world of enhanced games and performance boosts Matt Hanson's surprising swim breakthrough and his secret sauce Race start tactics: it's not all-out, but it's close! Building a swimmer's foundation from zero to hero Training in crazy conditions: safety, strategy, and mindset How to practice race takeout speed without blowing up The hidden science behind ultra short race pace training (USRPT) The evolving science of electrolytes and altitude swimming Upcoming guests and why you should stay tuned for more! Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Wedge, UFC & the art of wave management 02:20 - Why looking disheveled every Monday is a badge of honor 04:41 - When the lifeguard job becomes impossible 06:12 - Managing surf conditions like race day 10:15 - Matt Hanson's journey: from zero to front pack 13:03 - How race placement and effort matter in triathlon swimming 19:27 - The importance of swim-first, run-second training 30:39 - Long sets and building endurance: the secret to a solid base 33:24 - Race takeout speed: how hard should you go? 35:41 - The myth of all-out effort in the first 100 meters 46:02 - The controversy behind enhanced games & doping guidelines 50:36 - How to create your own media empire (or podcast) 52:44 - Current open water training & preparing for race day 58:17 - Upcoming guests and what's next on the show!Resources & Links: Precision Hydration TW26 - Load up on electrolytes Top Swim & Race Strategies - The go-to for open water mastery Matt Hanson - Pro triathlete turning swim struggles into success Andy Potts - Olympic legend & USRPT advocate Enhanced Games - The controversial battleground of performance enhancement Connect with TOWER 26: Instagram Twitter And that's a wrap, folks! Tune in next time for more secrets, science, and maybe some ice cream adventures. Stay race-ready!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    59 分
  • Episode #145: Open Water Skills and Triathlon Triumphs
    2026/05/07

    In this episode, Jim Lubinski and Coach Gerry Rodrigues discuss triathlon training, race strategies, safety in open water swimming, and the importance of consistency and simplicity in training. They analyze recent race performances, training sets, and safety measures, providing valuable insights for athletes aiming to improve and race safely.

    triathlon, open water swimming, race strategy, training tips, safety, Ironman Texas, marathon, nutrition, athlete performance, coaching


    Key Topics

    Ironman Texas race analysis
    Open water safety and safety measures
    Training sets and workout structure
    Nutrition strategies for endurance athletes
    Performance insights for athletes over 40


    Sound Bites

    "Safety in open water is a shared responsibility"
    "Keep it simple — ham and toast for race day"
    "Athletes are pushing each other to new heights"


    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction
    05:09 Ironman Texas Highlights
    09:52 Safety in Open Water Swimming
    20:00 Tragedy and Responsibility in Triathlons
    24:53 London Marathon Breakthroughs
    30:52 Triathlon Success and Training Insights
    35:03 The Evolution of Running Shoes
    39:10 Open Water Swimming Skills
    49:44 Sharpening Phase and Training Techniques

    resources

    Ironman Texas Results 2023 - https://www.ironman.com/imtx-results-2023
    Precision Hydration - https://www.precisionhydration.com code: TW26
    Tower 26 Swim Program - https://www.tower26.com
    Jim Lubinski on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JimLubinski


    Guest links

    Website - https://www.tower26.com

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 3 分
  • Episode #144: Unlock Your Triathlon Potential. Secrets to Success
    2026/04/16

    Jim Lubinski and Gerry Rodrigues discuss race strategies, training techniques, and the evolving landscape of triathlon and college sports, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills, adaptability, and scientific training methods.


    key topics

    Race strategy evolution with new draft zone rules
    Importance of foundational swimming mechanics and tautness
    Training tools and techniques for open water success
    Impact of college transfer rules on athlete development
    Nutrition and recovery science in triathlon training

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
    03:03 Coaching Insights and Athlete Behavior
    05:45 Nutrition and Race Day Strategies
    09:53 Race Dynamics and Pro Athlete Performance
    21:57 Changing Mindsets in Triathlon Racing
    28:48 The Importance of Structural Integrity in Swimming
    32:01 The Changing Landscape of College Sports
    41:35 Recognizing Outstanding Athletic Performances
    50:18 Innovations in Swimming Technology and Training

    resources

    Precision Hydration - https://www.precisionhydration.com/
    Form Goggle - https://www.formswim.com/
    Finis Tempo Trainer - https://www.finis.com/
    Coaching Tower 26 - https://coaching.tower26.com/
    Freestyle Biomechanics by Jan Yoss - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C123XYZ

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 5 分
  • Episode # 143: What Should Elite Athletes and Amateurs BOTH Focus ON?
    2026/03/06
    In this episode, Jim Lubinski and Coach Gerry Rodrigues discuss heat training, technique in swimming, the importance of proper training structure, and insights from Olympic sports to improve triathlon performance. They also explore decision-making in injury management and the value of technical focus in training. Key Topics Heat training and sauna use for endurance athletesTechnical swimming skills and common flawsThe importance of structured training and mental modelsDecision-making in injury management and racingInsights from Olympic hockey and speed skating Chapters 00:00Podcast Format Changes and Sauna Introduction 02:57Training with the USA Triathlon Elite Team 06:03Technique and Alignment in Swimming 10:13Lessons from Olympic Sports and Athlete Development 15:02The Importance of Technique in High-Level Competition 20:05Lindsey Vonn's Decision to Compete and Athlete Support 26:05Making Tough Decisions in Sports Injuries 27:35Understanding Athlete Decision-Making 30:41The Importance of Long-Term Health in Racing 32:43Technique vs. Volume in Training 36:30Managing Injuries and Training Load 40:34Social Media Pressure in Athletic Performance 43:51Evaluating Quality of Work Beyond Controversies 48:29Workout of the Episode: Pacing and Technique 55:48Transitioning to the Sharpening Phase Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: gerry@tower26.com To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at jim@tower26.com. To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    58 分
  • Episode #142: Foundation is the KEY to Success!
    2026/01/23

    Gerry and Jim talk about the foundation phase of training and how crucial it is to your season long success.

    Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage

    For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner

    Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: gerry@tower26.com

    To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at jim@tower26.com.

    To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com

    All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    53 分
  • Episode #141: What's Possible
    2025/12/12

    Jim and Gerry go into detail on what MUST happen in order to become a better athlete/swimmer.

    If you would like to join the TOWER 26 Cords and Core Session at 5:45am Pacific Time THIS Monday(12/15) use this link:


    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84644309264?pwd=oLPX2PEJaCOnJxgdJTuQ7ELX5bWwoJ.1

    Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage

    For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner

    Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: gerry@tower26.com

    To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at jim@tower26.com.

    To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com

    All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    48 分
  • Episode #140: TAP Into Better Swimming
    2025/11/18

    Jim and Gerry revisit the TAP phases of training. Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to join the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Program.

    Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage

    For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner

    Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: gerry@tower26.com

    To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at jim@tower26.com.

    To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com

    All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 13 分
  • Episode #139: The Tortoise or the Hare
    2025/10/17

    Gerry and Jim talk about the TriDot/Swim Smooth controversy, early retirement, improverments in nutrition, and swim stroke analysis. ENJOY!

    Jim's Nice Race Recap

    Elite Minds

    FastCat

    Thank you to Precision Fuel and Hydration for supporting the show. PF and H is the GO TO hydration and nutrition fueling product for enduance sport. For 15% off to be applied to your account click this link, https://www.precisionhydration.com/us/en/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=homepage

    For 15% off applied to your account AND To access the Precision Fuel and Hydration Nutrition Planner which tells you EXACTLY what your need to take in on race day, click here. https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?code=TW2025&utm_source=tower+26&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_id=tower+26&utm_content=planner

    Go to https://coaching.tower26.com/home/ to subscribe to the TOWER 26 Swim Subscription Plan, the TOWER 26 Triathlon Training Program, or the TOWER 26 Cycling Training Program For Swim Video Analysis email: gerry@tower26.com

    To ask questions to be answered ON-AIR, tweet @Tower_26 or email the show at jim@tower26.com.

    To listen to the show, subscribe to the TOWER 26 newsletter, read the Tower 26 blog, or to see what Tower 26 is up to, go to https://training.tower26.com

    All information and content heard/disseminated on the "Tower 26-Be Race Ready Podcast" is property of TOWER 26 and shall not be copied, retransmitted, or rebroadcast without TOWER 26 consent.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分