Shows
Purple Patch PodcastThe One Decision That Could Redefine Your 2026Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On the episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon, offering free Needs Assessment calls to help athletes plan for 2026. He emphasizes the critical role of physical challenges in improving performance, both for athletes and non-athletes. Dixon explains that physical challenges provide embodied learning, immediate feedback, and confidence-building experiences. He highlights the neuroscience behind high-stakes situations, noting that controlled stress paired with recovery enhances resilience and performance. Dixon encourages listeners to set ambitious physical challenges now to ensure a successful and well-prepared 2026 season. If you have any...
2025-10-0139 minPurple Patch Podcast376 - Stop Getting Injured: The Longevity Guide for Endurance Athletes with Renee Songer DPTWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon performance, offering complimentary Needs Assessment calls to help athletes prepare effectively. He introduces Renee Songer, a physical therapist at Purple Patch, who emphasizes the role of physical therapy in performance enhancement beyond injury recovery. Renee emphasizes the importance of pre- and post-activity preparation, the significance of multi-planar strength, and the necessity of individualized approaches to mobility and stability. She also addresses common mistakes athletes make, such as neglecting upper body mobility and overlooking the importance of strength...
2025-09-241h 04Purple Patch PodcastMost Triathletes Do Off-Season Wrong - Here's the FixWelcome to Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon, emphasizing it as a critical phase for performance breakthroughs. He highlights three open spots in their one-to-one coaching program and offers complimentary off-season needs assessments. Dixon outlines a five-step plan for a successful off-season: nailing basics like nutrition, hydration, and sleep; reducing training load by 30-40% while maintaining rhythm with strength and technical sessions; infusing fun and flexibility; tackling specific projects to address weaknesses or build strengths; and leveraging team and coaching support. He emphasizes the importance of...
2025-09-1056 minPurple Patch PodcastSucceeding in Triathlon - Inside the blueprint that has qualified over 1500 busy athletes to World ChampionshipsIn this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss the Purple Patch coaching program, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, personalization, and community in achieving long-term athletic success. They highlight the success of their tri-squad program, which has helped over 1,500 athletes qualify for World Championships and boasts an average athlete duration of 29 months. Key elements include adaptable training plans, regular check-ins, and coaching consultations. The program also leverages community support through the Purple Patch hub, live events, and video coaching sessions. Metrics show high satisfaction and retention rates, with 98% of departing athletes considering...
2025-06-181h 02Purple Patch Podcast358 - Podcast Takeover: Matt Dixon on Tim Reed & Sam Appleton's Triathlon Therapy PodcastWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On today's episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon, host of the Purple Patch Podcast, discusses a special episode featuring a re-screening of the Triathlon Therapy Podcast with former Pro Triathletes Tim Reed and Sam Appleton. Dixon reflects on his coaching journey with Reed and Appleton, emphasizing the importance of health, mindset, and adaptability. He highlights the significance of integrating training into daily life, the value of perceived exertion over data, and the need for athletes to focus on fundamentals like sleep and recovery. The conversation also touches on the challenges of coaching multiple...
2025-05-1452 minPurple Patch PodcastHow To Race Smarter Faster in Hot Humid ConditionsWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses strategies for performing well in hot and humid conditions. He emphasizes the importance of heat training, which increases plasma volume and sweat rates, enhancing the body's cooling mechanisms. Key strategies include avoiding pre-race fatigue, adapting pacing plans, and using hydration and cooling techniques. Dixon recommends sauna or steam room sessions post-workout to boost plasma volume and suggests practical tips like choosing light, breathable race apparel and using cooling sleeves. He also highlights the importance of smart hydration and walk breaks to manage overheating. Dixon...
2025-05-0744 minPurple Patch PodcastWIN CYCLE by Purple Patch: Getting out of your comfort zone to improve leadershipIRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces a new direction for the Purple Patch podcast, focusing on performance in life and work rather than just triathlon. He emphasizes the value of getting out of one's comfort zone, termed "win cycle," and how it applies to both athletes and professionals. Dixon shares stories of clients like Ben Cooper and Carmel Galvin who improved their lives and leadership skills through physical challenges. He outlines ten reasons why business leaders should take on physical challenges, including leading by example, fostering resilience, and enhancing team dynamics. Dixon also highlights the benefits of coaching for...
2025-02-2643 minPurple Patch PodcastThe Mighty PanosIRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon interviews Panos Kakoullis, a long-time Purple Patch athlete, at the Hawaii IRONMAN training camp. From Boardroom to Finish Line—Listen to Panos Kakoullis on Balancing High-Stakes Leadership with Elite-Level Endurance Performance. Panos shares his Greek Cypriot background, growing up above a fish and chip shop, and his journey from becoming an accountant, later Senior Partner at Deloitte to CFO at Rolls Royce. He discusses his transition from powerlifting to endurance sports, influenced by his wife, and his 16 IRONMAN completions. Panos emphasizes the importance of consistency, recovery, and integrating sport into life. He highlights the ro...
2025-02-0556 minPurple Patch PodcastBeyond the Finish Line: Winning As A Triathlete in 2025 Part 4IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon concludes a four-part series on winning at triathlon in 2025, emphasizing the importance of defining success, embracing the journey, and adopting a high-flex integration mindset. He highlights key strategies such as choosing races that align with strengths and weaknesses, avoiding common pitfalls like under-fueling and over-reliance on FTP, and prioritizing sleep and consistent strength training. Dixon also shares insights from a Purple Patch athlete, Dave Pray, who emphasizes the broader impact of endurance sports on health and longevity. Dixon explains how Pray and his focus on cycling and participation in the Purple Patch program has...
2025-01-2959 minPurple Patch PodcastBeyond the Finish Line: Winning as a Triathlete in 2025 - Part 3In Part 3 of Beyond the Finish Line: Winning as a Triathlete in 2025, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon from Purple Patch Fitness discusses his high-performance coaching approach, emphasizing a team-based methodology that has helped over 1,500 athletes qualify for world championships. Their coaching includes remote sessions with real-time feedback and ongoing education. Dixon outlines five principles for success: focusing on daily actions rather than outcomes, keeping things simple, responding proactively to challenges, reflecting regularly, and building a supportive team. He uses Stuart, an athlete with ambitious goals, as a case study to illustrate these principles, highlighting Stuart's resilience and adaptability in...
2025-01-2247 minPurple Patch PodcastBeyond the Finish Line: Winning as a Triathlete in 2025 - Part 2In part two of a four-part series on winning at triathlon in 2025 IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon outlines Purple Patch's coaching offerings, including individual coaching and the tri squad program. He discusses the Purple Patch coaching model for triathletes, emphasizing a smart mindset and practical strategies for performance improvement. He outlines the training phases: off-season (October-December), pre-season (January-March), build phase (April-June), and race-specific (July-December). Dixon advises a preparatory mindset in pre-season, focusing on winning workouts and building foundational fitness. He recommends a three-week training block structure, balancing key sessions with supporting workouts, and integrating strength training. Dixon stresses the...
2025-01-1541 minPurple Patch PodcastJAN 8 UPLEVEL in TRI 2025IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces a four-part series on winning at triathlon in 2025, emphasizing personalized performance improvement. He outlines Purple Patch's coaching offerings, including individual coaching and the tri squad program. Dixon shares a case study of an athlete named Sam, detailing her goals, strengths, and weaknesses, and the three-pronged approach to her training: a swim project, a bike booster project, and a nutrition project. Sam's success in 2024 included improved swimming, stronger cycling, and faster running. Dixon encourages listeners to adopt an optimization mindset, focus on strengths, address weaknesses, and maintain supportive habits for sustainable high performance.
2025-01-081h 05Purple Patch PodcastPriming for the New YearIRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon, host of the Purple Patch Podcast, outlines the mission for 2025, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals and maintaining a high-performance mindset. He introduces a four-part series, "Winning in Triathlon 2025," focusing on training strategies and mindset. Dixon shares his coaching philosophy, which includes setting a vision, planning priorities, executing with accountability, and reflecting on progress. He advises athletes to focus on strength training, conversational running, and technique in swimming during January. Dixon also highlights the importance of alignment between coach and athlete, ensuring clarity and commitment to long-term success. He explains the...
2025-01-0155 minPurple Patch PodcastQ&A Part 2 with Fuelin's Scott TindalWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! Matt Dixon and Scott Tindal discuss the evolving landscape of nutrition in endurance sports, particularly in IRONMAN Triathlon. Scott, co-founder of Fuelin, talks about establishing a foundation of healthy eating habits, including 6-9 servings of vegetables per day, 2 pieces of fruit, and appropriate protein intake (1-2 grams per pound of body weight). Focus on sleep quality and aim for 7-9 hours of time in bed per night. Increase daily movement and non-exercise activity, not just relying on structured workouts. They also mention in the off-season to consider stress management techniques and find...
2024-11-2051 minPurple Patch PodcastQ&A Part 1 with Fuelin's Scott TindalWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! Matt Dixon and Scott Tindal discuss the evolving nutrition landscape in endurance sports, particularly in triathlon. Scott, co-founder of Fuelin, shares insights from the Hawaii IRONMAN World Championship, emphasizing the importance of tailored nutrition plans based on individual energy expenditure. He highlights the need for athletes to balance caloric intake with training intensity, noting that high-intensity athletes may require up to 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour, while lower-intensity athletes should consume less. They also discuss the importance of consistent, high-quality nutrition for overall health and performance during races and daily life.
2024-11-1347 minPurple Patch PodcastPerformance Lessons From Olympians and Elite CoachingWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! With the Paris Olympics all wrapped up, we have a perfect opportunity to reflect on the outstanding athletic performances and their relevance to you. In this week's episode, Ironman master coach Matt Dixon, fresh from his trip to the Paris Olympics, shares his insights on the common trends among the athletes in various events. Matt compiles a series of performance lessons for all athletes based on observations of competing Olympians in the women's team gymnastics final, triathlon events, swimming finals, and track and field. You don't have to be...
2024-08-1443 minPurple Patch PodcastProper Nutrition for Peak Racing Performance - Q&A with Scott Tindal of FuelinWelcome to the Purple Patch Podcast. This week, we have a special edition of the podcast featuring Scott Tindal, the co-founder of Fuelin, a personalized sports nutrition coaching program and app for triathletes. Fuelin is our partner and resource for everything related to nutrition, race fueling, and hydration. Scott has worked in multiple professional sports, from rugby to rowing to NHL hockey, and now he is one of the most trusted resources in the sport of Ironman Triathlon. He has worked with numerous professionals in the sport, including the great Jan Frodeno. In this episode, IRONMAN Master...
2024-07-2435 minPurple Patch PodcastPurple Patch Case Studies - with Rachel Brown and Tiger PatonWelcome to the Purple Patch podcast. This week, we continue our series on Purple Patch Case Studies, where we hear first-hand experiences of time-starved athletes on their journey towards improved performance in sports and life. This week, Matt welcomes Purple Patch athletes Rachel Brown and Tiger Paton. Rachel, a busy mother of seven boys, is a passionate runner with a wonderful story of shifting perspectives. By embracing the tri-squad approach, Rachel evolved her understanding of training and multi-sport to become a faster runner and unlocked abilities she never considered. Tiger Paton, a well-known figure in...
2024-05-221h 10Purple Patch PodcastIRONMAN Europe's Game-Changing Partnership With Precision Fuel & Hydration – an Inside Look With PFH's Andy BlowThere is some exciting news in the world of Ironman. All Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events across Europe, including the Vinfast Ironman World Championships in Nice this fall, will be supported by our friends at Precision Hydration. Access to Precision Hydration is a big change from having Gatorade delivered on course. It is fantastic news for our athletes who are competing there. Since the news broke, our athletes have had many questions about the specifics behind the changes and how they will impact their fueling and hydration plans. In this week's episode, IRONMAN Master...
2024-05-1450 minPurple Patch PodcastFree Speed - Practical Strategies for Getting FasterWelcome to the Purple Patch podcast with IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon. In this week's episode, Matt shares valuable insights into how athletes can improve their speed without spending more time, money, or energy than they already have. Matt believes that instead of relying solely on metrics and data, you can achieve "free speed", or "Smart Speed" as he calls it, by thinking outside the box and focusing on elements that maximize your overall performance. He covers various strategies that can help athletes improve their speed in all three disciplines of triathlon - swim, bike, and run...
2024-05-0851 minPurple Patch PodcastPerformance is Performance: Consistently Excelling Across All Areas of Life"How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice." This age-old saying has stood the test of time. There is no shortcut to success, and achieving elite status in any field requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Consistently high performance can only be achieved through practice, or following a set of practices that are designed to bring out your best performance. IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon has developed a simple premise that applies to all areas of performance. This concept is at the heart of the discussion in this week's podcast - Performance is performance. In...
2024-04-2443 minPurple Patch PodcastEpisode 305: Swim Secrets – A Conversation With Purple Patch Swim Coach John StevensSwimming can be a frustrating sport, especially for those who don't start early. With 90% of your body weight displaced, it's like competing in the weightlessness of space. Moreover, finding pool times, commuting, and improving technical skills can be quite challenging, especially for amateur triathletes. However, as a triathlete, swim training is essential for overall improvement. You need to minimize the time spent swimming to go faster while limiting physiological costs and fatigue. Swimming also has a cross-pollination effect on other sports, such as improved cardiovascular conditioning. If you're time-starved and already have much on your...
2024-03-131h 00Purple Patch PodcastTraining for Grit – Why Do So Many Executives Love IRONMAN and Triathlon?Throughout our coaching journey, we have shared numerous stories of success in training top-tier triathletes and C-suite executives who strive to achieve and maintain high performance in their personal and professional lives. Over two decades of coaching both groups, we have observed strong parallels in the challenges they face and the solutions to those challenges that are universally applicable. In this week's episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Ironman Master Coach Matt Dixon highlights those elements by focusing on executives and CEOs. He delves deeper into the reasons why many of them choose to take on the...
2024-02-2145 minPurple Patch PodcastREBROADCAST:Ep.263: Maximizing Your Training on an Indoor Bike Trainer - with Robbie VenturaThis week, we're revisiting one of the most insightful interviews we've done here on the Purple Patch Podcast. With a fresh year just beginning and more athletes than ever logging miles on their trainer, we felt this conversation with Robbie Ventura was worth sharing again! If you want to experience the benefits we discuss around speed and performance, come check out our training programs: 🟣 Purple Patch Tri Squad: purplepatchfitness.com/squad 🟣 Purple Patch Live & On-Demand Bike Sessions (with 10 day free trial): purplepatchfitness.com/bike -- Robbie shares experi...
2024-01-171h 01Purple Patch PodcastPerformance Base Layer Series - Part 3: Pillars of Performance Applied (Nutrition)Welcome back to the 5-part Performance Base Layer Series on the Purple Patch Podcast. This series aims to emphasize the importance of the foundational aspect of high performance, which is the performance base layer. It's built on the foundation of positive habits that foster a strong physiological readiness for good physical and mental health year-round and for years to come. The Purple Patch pillars of performance, which include endurance, strength, nutrition, and recovery, make up the core elements of the performance base layer. Each week of the series, we have focused on a different pillar of performance...
2023-11-2949 minPurple Patch PodcastPurple Patch Case Study Series - #3 - Chris HughesWelcome to this week's episode of the Purple Patch Podcast! Today, we're continuing our Purple Patch Performance Case Studies series, where we delve into real-life examples and the experiences of real athletes to provide practical insights about performance. Joining IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon on the show is Purple Patch Tri-Squad member Chris Hughes, whose story is one of remarkable athletic evolution. Chris has been on an impressive streak of individual race results lately, but in 2019, he almost quit the sport due to years of frustration, setbacks, and injury. Despite putting in a lot of...
2023-08-1648 minPurple Patch PodcastEpisode 278: Purple Patch Case Study Series - #2 - David FarsaiOn this week's episode of the Purple Patch podcast, we present the second part of our Purple Patch Performance Case Studies series, where we share practical insights about performance by analyzing real-life examples. Matt welcomes Purple Patch athlete David Farsai to the show. David is a busy executive seeking performance in sport, work, and life. He recently qualified for the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice after a remarkable performance at the IRONMAN Coeur d'Alene in Idaho. Aside from his impressive racing accomplishments, David's story highlights the importance of coachability and offers a lesson in optimizing...
2023-08-0952 minPurple Patch PodcastPurple Patch Case Study Series - #1 - Matt Lieto and Meredith KesslerThis month on the Purple Patch Podcast, we're highlighting Purple Patch Performance Case Studies. We wanted to share practical insights about performance, so we're analyzing real-life examples rather than just theories. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon begins our case study series by examining the performance journeys of two prominent members of the Purple Patch Pro Squad, Matt Lieto and Meredith Kessler. Matt and Meredith played a crucial role in the success of the Purple Patch Pro Squad and were instrumental in developing the coaching approach...
2023-08-0252 minPurple Patch PodcastEpisode Rewind - Your Guide to Race Day Fueling and Hydration with Andy Blow of Precision HydrationWith race season in full swing, we've received a flood of requests asking us to tackle the topic of race-day fueling and hydration. So this week on the Purple Patch Podcast we are doing a special Episode Rewind. We are bringing back a timely conversation with renowned Sports Scientist and CEO of Precision Fuel and Hydration, Andy Blow. We pulled an episode out of the archives to help you fine-tune your fueling and hydration strategy. EP. 162 - Your Guide to Race Day Fueling and Hydration with Andy Blow of Precision Hydration
2023-06-141h 03Purple Patch PodcastTackling High Heat & Humidity - Preparing the Body for AdversityImagine you are in the midst of a tough race in the middle of hot and humid conditions and suddenly your body begins sending you signals of surrender. Anyone who has exerted any type of energy in the sweltering heat can attest to the difficulties posed by the conditions. Nothing sucks the speed out of the legs more than high heat and humidity. So, how do you go about setting yourself up for success when the sun is beating down on you and the humidity becomes claustrophobic? In this week's episode of the...
2023-05-2453 minPurple Patch PodcastMaximizing Your Training on an Indoor Bike Trainer - with Special Guest Robbie VenturaToday on the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon welcomes former U.S. Pro Cyclist Robbie Ventura to the show. Robbie is the founder of Vision Quest Coaching and Velocity, an online indoor cycling training platform. Robbie shares experience and knowledge from his 12-year career as a pro cyclist, and more than 20 years providing expert training programs to endurance athletes of all levels, to dial in what he believes are the critical skills every cyclist should develop. Using Robbie's approach and development as a model for training as a time-starved athlete, Matt focuses...
2023-04-191h 02Purple Patch PodcastThe Emotional Decompression Model: A Powerful Framework for Post-Event Analysis ft. Dr. Danielle Adams Norenberg & Sarah CecilIn this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, instead of focusing on the training, planning, mindset, and tactics that go into the lead-up to a race or major event, Matt explores the equally critical yet often undervalued process of post-event decompression and assessment. Post-event is a huge part of the fabric of your athletic journey. Win, lose or draw, the experience can be a confusing and destabilizing time filled with distractions and complex emotions, both positive and negative. There is a natural desire to analyze your performance, find answers, process and move on to the next big...
2023-02-011h 17Purple Patch PodcastWinter Health - Building Resilience & Minimizing Risk of SicknessTis the season to be jolly, but unfortunately tis also the season of sickness. Be it flu, cold, Covid, or RSV, everywhere you look you can see the signs of illness. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter, darker, and colder and all of the elements needed for a winter bug to spread are perfectly aligned. So what can you do this holiday or postseason to avoid getting sidelined with the sniffles? In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Matt provides a game plan to help you build your resilience...
2022-12-0749 minPurple Patch PodcastThanks to You - The Purple Patch Podcast Experience This week on the Purple Patch podcast, we are scaling back a little to give thanks to everyone who helped make the Purple Patch podcast what it is today. We are grateful for all of the support we have received over the past few years as we continue our journey and explore the evolution of the podcast experience. With nearly 250 episodes under our belt, we would like to say thank you to the more than 6 million listeners who have stood by us and inspired us as we have evolved our focus and approach. In this...
2022-11-2321 minPurple Patch PodcastThe Winter Running Project – A Framework To Improve Running Performance for All LevelsIn this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master coach Matt Dixon presents the Winter Running Project, a tried and true method for improving next year's running performance regardless of your running level or overall goal. The Winter Running Project is a chance for triathletes, fitness enthusiasts, injury-prone athletes, or those frustrated with the results of their running performance to improve their running technique and overall performance without getting depleted or shackling themselves with rigid structure in the postseason. (18:20) "What we're looking for in a project like this, again, is not burning up at...
2022-11-1642 minPurple Patch PodcastDeep Recovery - Post-Race Assessment and Recharging for a Magical Year of PerformanceWhile every performance journey requires commitment and hard work, the thing that sets enduringly good athletes apart from the rest is the dedication and time they put into establishing great fundamental habits around recovery. Postseason recovery doesn't just mean it is time to lay on the couch, jump in an ice bath, or strap on recovery boots. Getting recovery right is key to avoiding underperformance or injury and instead achieving a sustainable performance in both sport and life. As the holidays loom and you settle into the postseason, it is important to engage in the...
2022-11-0945 minPurple Patch PodcastObservations of Elite Performance - What Amateur Athletes Can Learn From Gustav Iden and Kristian BlummenfeltAs a follow-up to our podcast on the evolution of the professional triathlon, this episode focuses on the tip of the performance spear with a spotlight on two athletes who have taken the sport to new heights. Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt, also known as The Norwegian Train. With stand-out Olympic and Ironman performances in recent years, the two athletes paved the way to a stellar showing at the 2022 Hawaii Ironman World Championships and a record-breaking win for Iden. The pair recently appeared on the Rich Roll podcast to shed light on their approach and...
2022-11-0249 minPurple Patch PodcastThe Winter Action Plan - Five Non-Negotiables for Every Time-Starved AthleteLike most time-starved athletes, it's the time of year when you reflect on the season and look forward to a well-deserved break. While the winter months offer a welcome shift of focus to other areas of life, your commitment to longer-term goals and your performance journey looms large. The threat of losing momentum in your athletic performance conflicts with the need to disconnect. Today IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon lays out a few strategies for developing your winter action plan, to help you find the mental relief you seek while setting up a strong performance...
2022-10-261h 00Purple Patch PodcastOff-Season (As You Know It) Is Dead - The Postseason Path to Race ReadinessFor many athletes, the offseason is the bridge between the end-of-summer finish lines and next season's starting lines. While you might be considering turning the dial down on your athletic performance, you may actually be setting yourself up for failure in the coming year. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Ironman Master Coach Matt Dixon highlights the common mistake many athletes make in their approach to training and performance habits during the most important phase of training. (22:08) "There is seldom a time where a complete removal of structure is your best option. Because...
2022-10-1236 minPurple Patch PodcastKONA - Evolution of the Pro Performance (An IRONMAN Master Coach Insight)With the Hawaii IRONMAN World Championships looming, one can't help but wonder about the level of performance to expect from an ever-growing field of high-performance athletes whose athleticism seems to trend upward every year. Beyond Kona, professional triathlon has witnessed performance and endurance levels rise and the makeup of endurance athletes shift based on the growing demands and expectations of the sport. In today's episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN master coach Matt Dixon uses his experience as both an athlete and coach to examine the shift over the past few decades in the...
2022-09-2856 minPurple Patch PodcastThe Purple Patch Performance Center - Journey to the Grand OpeningThe day has finally come to celebrate a vision nearly a decade in the making, as the doors to the Purple Patch Performance Center in San Francisco's historic Mission District officially open. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon takes us from seed to sprout with the story of how the performance center came to fruition through hard work, the endurance of spirit, and the adaptive evolution of the dream. Matt takes us from a special idea tangled in red tape to an opening day threatened by the impacts...
2022-09-2144 minPurple Patch PodcastKeys to Kona - Strategies for Success at the Hawaii Ironman World ChampionshipsIt's that time of the year, and the first time since 2019, that athletes from all parts of the world gear up for the Hawaii Ironman World Championships in Kona. Whether you're planning to compete, supporting friends, or you're just an enthusiast, ironman master coach Matt Dixon invites you to follow along as he shares everything you need to know about how to achieve success in Kona. In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Matt draws from his 15 years of experience helping athletes thrive at the Hawaii Ironman World Championships and provides a breakdown of...
2022-09-141h 09Purple Patch PodcastBreaking the Injury Cycle (Part 2) - The Role of NutritionIn part two of our three-part series on injury prevention and management, Matt Welcomes to the podcast leading performance nutritionist Scott Tindal of FuelIn for a discussion on the role of nutrition in injury prevention, mitigation, and recovery. Together Matt and Scott frame the topic of injury through the lens of under-fueling or improper fueling and its impact on soft tissue and bone health. The conversation covers: Low Energy Availability (LEA), Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS), Over Training Syndrome. Chronic vs. Acute LEA (7:06) "What I think tends to happen is athletes see...
2022-09-0752 minPurple Patch PodcastLessons and Insights from the Haute Route AlpsFresh from the Haute Route Alps, Ironman Coach Matt Dixon returns to the podcast to share his thoughts on the experience, the lessons he gleaned from the 7-day event, and how to apply them to your athletic pursuits. The conversation covers training versus race execution and a look at the principles and elements of Matt's preparation as a time-starved athlete that supported his performance. (22:19) "I think I arrived at the race really vibrant and healthy. We always talked about fit and fresh. I think I actually managed to succeed in doing that. And that was...
2022-08-3139 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 7 - Megève to MegèveWelcome to the 8th and final day of our Haute Route Alps coverage as Matt and the Drunken Donkeys cross the finish line in Megève. Matt gives us a look at the team's last day of riding as the 7-day journey comes to a close. With one last 148km push through the Haute-Savoie, Matt and the gang make their way through the Col de l'Epine, Col de la Croix Fry, and Col des Aravis. We hear from the team after the day's climb, and Matt looks at what's to come as we r...
2022-08-2602 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 6 - Méribel to MegèveWelcome to day 7 of our Haute Route coverage. Today, the team takes on THE CLASSICS. Stage 6, the riders are headed for another climb of almost 4,000 meters as they traverse the switchbacks of the Col du Tra, before facing the Cormet de Roselend. Matt couldn't resist and found his best ride of the course, Panos returns, Christopher attempts to add to his recent success, and Rob impresses everyone with his steady and sound performance. Make also makes a friend along the way and enjoys some beautiful views as the Haute Route experience heads into it...
2022-08-2608 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 5 - Méribel to Col de la LozeWelcome to day 6 of our Haute Route coverage. Today, it's Matt and the Drunken Donkeys vs time. The team faces Stage 5, LOVE OR LOATHE LA LOZE, which hosts the time trial portion of the course, along with a 10km climb from Méribel to Col de la Loze. With a good start, the team takes on the inclines while taking in the natural beauty of the course. Matt faces a crossroads with only two stages left until Megève as Chris matches his intensity in Stage 4. With the end in reach, the riders lo...
2022-08-2505 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 4 - Les 2 Alpes to MéribelWelcome to day 5 of our Haute Route coverage as Matt and his Team round the corner at the halfway mark of the 7-day journey from Nice to Megève. Stage 4, titled ON YOUR TOES, features a steep 1300m+ climb up the Col du Glandon followed by a challenging ascent up the Col de la Madeleine. Martin returns to the fold rejuvenated and Chris's youth helped him find a new gear as the entire team starts to feel the wear of four days on the saddle. Matt provides a look at the steep challenges o...
2022-08-2404 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 3 - Serre Chevalier Briançon to Les 2 AlpesWelcome to day four of our Haute Route coverage as Matt and his Team push forward on stage 3 of the 7-day journey from Nice to Megève. Stage 3, titled ALL FOR THE VIEWS, promised the picturesque landscape of the Écrins mountains and it most definitely delivered, but Matt suffers a minor setback along the way and has to adapt mid-climb. Matt gives us a look at the challenges of the day, the status of his teammates, a nice surprise from Stage 2, and what to expect as they move on to Stage 4. Be sure to...
2022-08-2307 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - STAGE 2 - Cuneo to Col d'IzoardWelcome to day three of our Haute Route coverage as Matt and his Team take off on stage 2 of the 7-day journey from Nice to Megève. The Drunken Donkeys face a sobering set of climbs in the stage known as the Two Giants. In a tour of Le Tour, so to speak, the team faces the Col d'Agnel and the Col d'Izoard, both of which have held prominent roles in Tour de France. Matt provides an update on the challenge of the day, the status of his teammates, and what to expect moving forward.
2022-08-2204 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - The Arrival - Meet the Drunken DonkeysWelcome to day zero of our Haute Route coverage. The day before the excitement begins with stage 1 tomorrow. This is our first daily report and official kick-off show. Matt and his team are assembled and ready to ride. In this first preview of the Haute Route Alps, Matt introduces us to the gang and sets the scene for things to come. Be sure to check out our daily video breakdown of the day, every day, and follow us on all of our social media platforms for coverage of Matt's Journey. We'll...
2022-08-2009 minPurple Patch PodcastSpecial Edition: Racing the Haute Route Alps - Coverage PreviewWe have a special abbreviated podcast this week as Matt prepares for his journey to tackle the Haute Route Alps. In this episode, Matt provides a quick look at our daily coverage of his progress through the Haute Route and what we can expect. Beginning August 20th, Matt will provide daily field reports sharing his observations and insights as he and his two brothers navigate 7 days of some of the toughest cycling in the world. Matt will bring us coverage from the road as he makes his way across 800 kilometers, and more than 70,000...
2022-08-1705 minPurple Patch PodcastMatt's Journey to the Haute Route Alps – A Case Study of a Challenge for a Multi-Day Bike RaceIn this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, Ironman Master Coach Matt Dixon frames his preparation and training path as he sets his sights on the Haute Route Alps, a 7-day cycling challenge through the heart of the Alps. The Haute Route Alps is thought of as one of the toughest endurance cycling events in the world and is the original version of the Haute Route Series of events now spanning the globe. Matt and his team, consisting of his two brothers and a group of friends, will traverse some of the most challenging uphill...
2022-08-1049 minPurple Patch Podcast229 Line Thams and PTSD - Navigating Adversity and Meeting StressMatt welcomes Purple Patch Pro Athlete, Line Thams, to the Podcast. Thams is a professional triathlete from Denmark, focusing on short-course ITU racing. She sits down with Matt to provide insight into dealing with stress and adversity. Thams shares her own story of coping with family tragedy and trauma and how to leverage adversity to emerge stronger in sport and life. Over the last few years, Thams has had to navigate her mother's stroke and subsequent coma, her partner's battle with cancer, and the physical and emotional trauma of a major bike crash...
2022-07-2758 minPurple Patch PodcastHalfway There (Part 2) - Endurance and Triathlon Performance Lessons from 2022 So FarIn part 2 of our observations and lessons of 2022 so far, Matt takes a step beyond life performance and focuses on endurance sports and triathlon performance. After two years without specific goal-driven events to anchor training to, many athletes are either searching to build on the positive adaptions made during the shutdown or are looking to get their training back on track. Matt shares key insights on the habits born during the lull of the past two years and offers an approach to adapting the "pandemic training plan" to the new normal we face as the...
2022-07-1336 minPurple Patch PodcastHalfway There - Performance and Life Lessons from 2022 So FarAs we approach the midway point of 2022, it is important to pause and reflect on the challenges we faced and lessons we learned throughout the year surrounding our overall performance in life, and the habits we can establish moving forward to set ourselves up for success. In part one of our two-part series on Lessons from 2022 so far, we look closely at how we were able to adapt our lives to the slower pace and smaller scale of life in the bubble, to determine the challenges we face as life after lockdown begins to grow and pick...
2022-07-0643 minPurple Patch PodcastTriathlon in a Time-Starved Life: IRONMAN & IM70.3 in 8-14hrs/weekFor the time-starved athlete, the traditional approach to training for an Ironman or half Ironman can sometimes feel like a part-time job. Some athletes struggle to meet the demands of programs built on a foundation of accumulated weekly training hours. They often come up short when attempting to balance the demands of life and sport. Many athletes come away feeling as though the training is consuming their life, yet their race results are not reflecting their efforts or they are left trapped in a cycle of injuries. Today Matt highlights the flaws in the traditional...
2022-06-291h 07Purple Patch PodcastJan Sibbersen - (Part 2) - Insights and Training Tips to Improve Open Water PerformanceMatt welcomes Ironman World Champion swimmer and CEO and founder of Sailfish, a triathlon performance apparel company, Jan Sibbersen, for Part 2 of their discussion in which they focus on success in open water swimming. With more than 35 years of competitive swimming experience, Sibbersen shares his insights and best training practices for athletes both with a swimming background and without. In today's show, you'll learn three main things: The key differences between pool swimming, and open water swimming. (32:49) "I think we've all seen it - how good pool swimmers sometimes completely fail in open...
2022-06-221h 09Purple Patch PodcastFiltering the Noise - Navigating the Landscape of High Performance EducationIf you are reading this, it's likely because you share a common thread with many athletes, which is the desire to improve your athletic and personal potential. Dedicating yourself to learning and applying best practices and methods for achieving enduring health and high performance seems straightforward enough. Unfortunately, the challenge many people face is being able to filter through the blizzard of information and advice from performance experts and coaches. With health gurus, high-performance nutritionists, endurance coaches, life coaches, and an ever-growing list of specialists in related fields, all with seemingly sound theories and approaches, how do you know who...
2022-06-0843 minPurple Patch PodcastBecoming a Better Coach - Leveraging Experts to Help AthletesSo you've gone all-in and put your training in the hands of your coach. It's their role to build the framework of performance and provide clarity, accountability, and guidance through your evolution as an athlete. But how does a coach evolve beyond education and experience to become a more effective pillar of support? How do they improve themselves and grow in order to help you, the athlete, thrive? Matt answers that question with the help of Purple Patch Coach Mike Olzinksi and leading performance nutritionist, Scott Tindal, as they examine the role of...
2022-06-011h 14Purple Patch PodcastRace Ready Replay - A Triathlete's Guide to Run Success in RacingThe Purple Patch Race Ready Replays stride towards the finish line this week where Matt takes you through all you need to know to help facilitate hitting your potential on the run - including shoe choice, nutrition, terrain, and even walking your way to your fastest run performance. It is a triathlete's guide to run success. You come out of T2 and all you need to do is run to the finish. What could go wrong? Well, apparently, a lot. The run is the most common discipline for your race to unravel. Across the three pie...
2022-04-1849 minPurple Patch PodcastRace Ready Replay - Solutions and Strategies for Triathlon Swim SuccessThe swim leg of any triathlon is one that elicits stress and fear. You're entering into murky water with the blinding sun in your eyes. There are choppy waves that are seemingly predestined to make their way into your lungs. All the while, you're getting very physical with hundreds of your closest friends. Swim anxiety is real, especially in open water swimming. Today, Coach Matt Dixon and Coach John Stevens diffuse some of the stress around triathlon swimming and frame strategies to help you approach the swim more effectively. In this deep dive on triathlon...
2022-04-041h 09
Purple Patch PodcastDr. Brian Keeffe - How Healthy is Your Heart?Matt welcomes Cardiologist, Brian Keeffe MD, to discuss heart health. During the episode, they discuss the surprising prevalence of heart issues and potential concerns among the athletic population. Many athletes assume they are "heart-healthy" because they train, but this may not always be the case. Don't leave your heart health to hope and assumptions. This conversation will shed light on considerations, tests, and contributing factors of heart disease. Topics include: Why athletes should even care about heart health? (24:48) "People who do lifelong exercise can still develop the clogging of...
2022-02-231h 05
Purple Patch PodcastBest of - "Return to Triathlon Racing" SeriesIf you've raced this year, we hope allowed yourself the joy of "dusting the rust off" and approaching your events with a mindset of celebration. If you're still building up to your first race, you'll love this "best of" that encapsulates some of the earlier stand-alone episodes from earlier this year. In fact, we highly recommend you go back and listen in full to episodes 160-165. It was our 'triathlon takeover series' where we did a deep dive into each discipline as we all head back to the start line of the sport. Episode 160: Dust...
2021-08-111h 09Purple Patch PodcastMatt Dixon Talks Philosophies of High Performance on "The Greg Bennett Show"Matt is on holiday this week, so we're releasing a recent interview he did on "The Greg Bennett Show," hosted by former Olympian and professional triathlete, Greg Bennett. It was a perfect match as Matt and Greg share many of the same philosophies around high-performance sport and life. In this episode, Matt: Shares his journey from collegiate swimmer to pro triathlete. Discusses the key lessons he learned during that time to become the great coach he is. Describes how he takes a holistic view of an individual when working...
2021-08-041h 25Purple Patch PodcastBeat the Heat - How to Get Heat Adapted BEFORE Your Next Big EventIf you are running a marathon, prepping for a hot triathlon, getting primed for IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3 summer racing, then this episode is for you. Matt digs into performance readiness for HOT environments; more specifically, how to get heat adapted BEFORE your event. After outlining some rules around heat adaptation, Matt defines two of the best protocols for heat adaptation before your event: Implementing a Safe and Effective Sauna Protocol Training in the Heat Topics covered: What's happening on the inside of our bodies when we get...
2021-07-2144 min
Purple Patch PodcastDr. Amy Johnson - Why Does Your Brain Keep Getting in the Way of Performance?The Purple Patch Podcast is all about performance in sport, but also in broader life. We work with people who are seeking to improve and evolve their relationships or behavior patterns, ideally for the better. Our guest today is Social Psychologist and Coach, Dr. Amy Johnson. She, too, helps people who are seeking to improve their lives, mostly around freedom from and anxiety and unwanted habits. She also hosts a podcast called, "Changeable." Today, Matt and Amy discuss the parallels and similarities of their work and clients. The Ways We View Change and...
2021-06-2356 min
Purple Patch PodcastGreg Bennett - Being a Champion in Sport, Work, and LifeIn this special episode, Matt speaks with a living legend in the sport of triathlon - Greg Bennett. Not only is Greg one of the best triathletes in the world, but he has also successfully transitioned to a business owner as a corporate coach, speaker and podcaster. This conversation paints a wonderful illustration of a successful athlete transitioning to build a business, all with a wealth of perspective on everything related to high-level performance and resilience. Matt digs into Greg's background and journey as a young athlete, including the role of his family and parents...
2021-05-191h 27
Purple Patch PodcastA Triathlete's Guide to Run SuccessThe Purple Patch Podcast Triathlon Takeover strides towards the finish line this week where Matt takes you through all you need to know to help facilitate hitting your potential on the run - including shoe choice, nutrition, terrain, and even walking your way to your fastest run performance. It is a triathlete's guide to run success. You come out of T2 and all you need to do is run to the finish. What could go wrong? Well, apparently, a lot. The run is the most common discipline for your race to unravel. Across the three pie...
2021-04-211h 00
Purple Patch PodcastYour Guide to Race Day Fueling and Hydration - with Andy Blow from Precision HydrationThe Purple Patch Podcast 'Triathlon Takeover' continues with a step-by-step guide to race day fueling and hydration with Sports Scientist and Precision Hydration Co-Founder, Andy Blow. Matt and Andy identify and explain the three levers of race fueling – Fluids (water) Electrolytes Calories/carbohydrates Then, they outline your race day fueling prescription depending on race intensity, distance, and race conditions. Andy's biggest piece of advice – "Don't look over the fence. There are always good reasons why you shouldn't follow the herd when it comes to YOUR fueling strategy." We are...
2021-04-071h 02
Purple Patch PodcastStop Fearing the Swim! Solutions and Strategies for Triathlon Swim SuccessThe swim leg of any triathlon is one that elicits stress and fear. You're entering into murky water with the blinding sun in your eyes. There are choppy waves that are seemingly predestined to make their way into your lungs. All the while, you're getting very physical with hundreds of your closest friends. Swim anxiety is real, especially in open water swimming. Today, Coach Matt Dixon and Coach John Stevens diffuse some of the stress around triathlon swimming and frame strategies to help you approach the swim more effectively. In this deep dive on triathlon...
2021-03-311h 27
Purple Patch PodcastMatt's Guide for a Return to Triathlon Racing - It's Time to Dust the Rust Off!Celebrate Good Times, C'mon! Fasten your seat belts, folks. It is time to get back to racing and over the course of the next several weeks, the podcast is executing a "triathlon takeover" - focusing on everything you'll need to implement a successful return to racing after our extended hiatus. Today's episode lays the groundwork to arm you with the knowledge, mindset, and tactics for a confident experience. Matt outlines: Expectations - How should you prioritize your expectations for this first race? The likelihood is that it has been a while since your...
2021-03-2446 min
Purple Patch PodcastYour Catalyst to Do More? Having The Courage to RecoverAthletes often think of recovery as a weakness or liability to their training. Unfortunately, our barometer of success is often a simple accumulation of training hours without regard to the quality of those hours or what we do in between. If we do give a thought to recovery, it's usually in the form of a rest day or a little foam rolling after a tough session. But, is this true recovery? Are we really allowing our body to adapt to the training stress? Through two case studies, Matt defines recovery and teaches athletes and high-performers how to i...
2021-03-1047 min
Purple Patch PodcastSecrets for Speed -Your Essentials for Training to Go Fast in TriathlonThere is a common thread that unites all Purple Patch athletes, and likely, all athletes in general - the desire to IMPROVE. Whether winning a world championship or optimizing energy throughout the day, we, as humans, embrace and enjoy the journey more when we improve and when we see progression. So, if you want to improve and go faster, you need to train faster, right?? Well, yes, sometimes. But, the greatest catalyst of performance improvement flows from a higher load strength-based training approach. No matter where you fall on the spectrum...
2021-02-2441 min
Purple Patch PodcastIRONMAN® Triathlon: A Guide to Your SuccessYou may be committed to, or thinking about committing to, your very first IRONMAN® event. You might be salivating at a return to racing following a very dry 2020 season, or, you could be committed to making this your best race season ever and are desperate to get it right. What does it take to have your best performance at IRONMAN® racing? There is no escaping the requirement to thoroughly prepare and, as we say 'go on the journey.' A successful IRONMAN® event is not a single day, but a multi-month or multi-year journey. You want to do...
2021-02-1752 min
Purple Patch PodcastThe Dual Journey to Business Success and World Championship: The Story of Sami InkinenGrowing up on a farm in Finland, Sami was always intrigued by health, wellness, and athletic performance. He did ride his bike or cross-country ski to-and-from school most days, after all! He moved to the United States in 2003 to attend Stanford Business School, and it's there where he met his friend and business partner, Pete Flint, and, together, they founded Trulia, eventually turning it public. Today, he is the CEO and Founder of Virta Health, a company on a mission to reverse Type 2 Diabetes in 100 million people by 2025. It was a revelation about his own heal...
2020-11-111h 02Purple Patch PodcastBob Babbitt - The Lightning Rod of the Endurance WorldBob Babbitt is, simply put, the lightning rod of the endurance world. In 1980, he participated in his first IRONMAN on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, and has been making history ever since. He'd never call himself an elite athlete and yet, he's a member of the USA Triathlon and IRONMAN Triathlon Halls of Fame. Why? Because he believes that sport is essential for all and changes lives every day. His name is synonymous with the sport of triathlon along with his long-running Babbittville podcast, radio, and tv show. In fact, it is Babbitt, more than...
2020-10-281h 04
Purple Patch PodcastAnnouncing "Performance Reset 2020" Virtual Event - Your Toolkit to Performance in 2021Purple Patch is proud to announce Performance Reset 2020, a 3-Day Virtual Conference taking place live from San Francisco. Now is the time to reset from the turbulence of 2020 and take aim at performance. Join us for this immersive conference that will equip you with the planning, mindset, habits, and execution you need to unlock performance in the years ahead. Engage with leaders in the performance space, world champions, and premier brands and walk away with a toolkit for success in 2021. Featuring World Class Speakers and Presenters Matt Dixon, Founder of Purple...
2020-10-1439 min
Purple Patch PodcastMalindi Elmore- Multisport, Motherhood, and MarathonsMalindi Elmore is the queen of evolution. Growing up in Canada, she knew early on that running was her passion. This, after all, was a girl who was more excited about winning the 100-meter dash than the spelling bee in school. She was raised as a multi-sport athlete who participated in soccer, field hockey, skiing, waterskiing, running, and hiking, but running was her passion, and coaches took notice early on. By 12 years old, she decided it would be the sport that would take her to the Olympics. After a stellar middle-distance career at...
2019-08-071h 04
Purple Patch PodcastChelsea Sodaro - Train Like the Athlete You Want to Become (A Replay)This is a replay of Episode 55 - an interview with Purple Patch Pro, Chelsea Sodaro. After months of rehabbing an injury, Chelsea won IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Rosa with a blistering 1:16 Half Marathon split. Congratulations, Chelsea! Chelsea Sodaro was born to be an athlete. Both parents competed in triathlon and Chelsea also remembers her Dad training for the Boston Marathon! With energy like that in your life, how could you not love sport?! And she did. Chelsea fell in love with running, which took her through college at Cal Berkeley along with a post-collegiate professional ru...
2019-07-3159 min
Play to Potential Podcast46.00 Matt Dixon - Triathlon Coach on Resilience, Discipline and LeadershipGUEST
Matt Dixon is an Ironman University Master Coach and a former professional triathlete. He has a master’s degree in clinical and exercise physiology and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness and Men’s Health. Dixon is also the author of two books, Fast-Track Triathlete and The Well-Built Triathlete, available from Velopress.
Matt runs Purple Patch Fitness, an organization that provides a customized training experience for athletes of all levels. This includes multiple World Champions (Athletes that have trained with Purple Patch Fitness have amassed o...
2019-07-251h 35
Purple Patch PodcastMatt Hurley - From Prison to PodiumsThis episode features a special conversation with a man who is central to the success at Purple Patch. Matt Hurley is the Director of Coaching Operations at Purple Patch and he's also an accomplished athlete, becoming overall champion at last year's Ironman 70.3 Maine. He's a multiple qualifier to the 70.3 World Championships and is also making quite a name in the SwimRun race scene. In fact, last year, he and his partner (fellow Purple Patch Coach, John Stevens), won the overall victory at the SwimRun San Juan Islands- beating a certain Lance Armstrong and his partner, Olympic triathlon...
2019-02-1358 min
Purple Patch PodcastChelsea Sodaro - Train Like the Athlete You Want to BecomeChelsea Sodaro was born to be an athlete. Both parents competed in triathlon and Chelsea also remembers her Dad training for the Boston Marathon! With energy like that in your life, how could you not love sport?! And she did. Chelsea fell in love with running, which took her through college at Cal Berkeley along with a post-collegiate professional running career. She may be a superhuman on the track, but she is also very human, having suffered frustrating injuries and setbacks that kept her from having the running career that she truly desired. Bu...
2019-02-0552 min
Purple Patch PodcastCecilia Davis-Hayes - Balancing Professional Triathlon with Medical SchoolThis week, it's the story of a time-starved athlete, but not just any time-starved athlete. Cecilia Davis-Hayes is heading into her Residency into her fourth year in Medical School at Columbia and, at the same time, is still competing at the top level of professional triathlon. She is, quite possibly, the most inspiring athlete on the Purple Patch Pro Squad. How did she discover a love for the sport? Why was Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness a good match for her? How does she successfully balance the many priorities of training and school? What advice does she h...
2019-01-2941 min
Purple Patch PodcastGerry Rodrigues of Tower 26 - Part 2In part one of the Purple Patch Podcast with Gerry Rodrigues, Matt and Gerry reminisced about each other's careers and how coaching and training methodologies have evolved, especially for the multisport athlete. In part two, they dissect the recent IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship race and discuss the natural evolution and progression of these world championship athletes. It should come as no surprise that there are common elements of their success that are applicable to athletes and performers at all levels. Finally, Matt and Gerry look ahead to the future of the sport: What is the proc...
2018-09-2029 min
Purple Patch PodcastGerry Rodrigues of Tower 26 - Part 1Did you know that Gerry Rodrigues coached Matt Dixon in swimming when Matt was a professional triathlete? Their relationship and mutual respect span decades - as does their knowledge of the sport. Of course, this isn't a typical conversation about swim form and technique. This is a deep dive with two triathlon experts through their lens of performance and coaching. In part one of this two-part series, they reminisce about each other's careers and how coaching and training have changed, especially for the multisport athlete. In addition to great stories, they discuss: Ger...
2018-09-181h 00
Purple Patch PodcastAnna Hertel - Losing Triathlon and Gaining PerspectiveTo submit your questions for future episodes, email: questions@purplepatchfitness.com Click Here for Matt's article on Sauna Protocols mentioned in the Question of the Week. At just 34 years of age, Anna Hertel will likely never compete at another IRONMAN. Five years ago, that concept would've been devastating and unimaginable because, like a lot of people, triathlon was her identity. Anna's story is one of growth; growth as a human even in the midst of overwhelming adversity, which has come hard and fast in all facets of her life. This is also...
2018-09-111h 06
Purple Patch PodcastEd Baker -Purpose, Patience, and Performance Lead to IRONMAN Victory Article about Ed's IRONMAN Lake Placid Victory This week, we revisit a former guest with a playback of Episode 9 with Ed Baker. Ed is an accomplished and impressive business executive, serving as Head of International Growth at Facebook and then VP of Growth and Product at Uber until the Spring of 2017. In addition to his business accolades, he is the father of three children (with another one on the way this Fall) and, over the last two years, he has taken a leap of faith into triathlon under the leadership of Matt Dixon.
2018-07-2438 min
Purple Patch PodcastHow Jesse Thomas Found his Purple Patch at Challenge RothThis episode is a triathlon strategist's dream come true! Matt opens the lid on the coaching mindset as he dissects the planning and performance journey of Jesse Thomas's successful podium finish at the recent Challenge Roth. When great performances happen, especially with elite and professional athletes, most people assume it's simply a result of some herculean amount of training that always had a perfect rhythm and flow. The truth is, triathlon training in a time-starved life is seldom that. This is Matt's personal case study of how he approached Jesse's entire season and...
2018-07-1052 min
Purple Patch PodcastChris Mosier - Transgender Athlete and Five-Time Member of Team USAGo to purplepatchfitness.com/transgenderathlete to receive more resources and information on Chris Mosier. Matt Dixon is back with another moving and inspiring feature with a Purple Patch athlete. In 2015, Chris Mosier became the first openly transgender man to make the Men's US National Team and, in 2016, he became the first trans athlete to compete in a World Championship. He is a 5-Time Member of Team USA, representing the United States in Sprint Triathlon, as well as both Short Course and Long Course Duathlon. He is, as the BBC...
2018-06-121h 08
Purple Patch PodcastJordan Ouida - Boston to Big Sur - Marathon Training On Just Three Runs Per WeekMatt introduces us to Purple Patch athlete, Jordan Ouida. Ouida, based in Manhattan, is a husband, father, financial executive, marathoner and triathlete. And, as you'll hear in this episode, has successfully integrated sport into life with a little "out-of-the-box" thinking. Matt explores Jordan's evolution in training and how he has managed to navigate and excel in his multisport career. In fact, Ouida recently ran two marathons, Boston and Big Sur, just two weeks apart, on a recipe of just three runs per week. Guess what? He requalified for Boston in 2019! In this conversation with coach a...
2018-05-151h 02
Purple Patch PodcastJesse Thomas - Part 2 - Balancing A Big Life as a Professional Triathlete, Husband, Father, and CEOIn Part 1 the Jesse Thomas story with Matt Dixon, Jesse and Matt reminisced about Jesse's surprising and humorous entrance into the world of professional triathlon racing with his unsuspecting win at the legendary Wildflower Triathlon. Since then, he's gone on to win six Wildflower titles, two Ironmans and countless 70.3s, performing at the top level for practically the last decade. Today, Jesse is still performing at a world-class level, but much has changed for him and his family. Now, he and wife, Lauren Fleshman, are parents to two young children. He's also CEO of fast-growing Picky Bars...
2018-04-2650 min
Purple Patch PodcastJesse Thomas - Winning Wildflower - How a Borrowed Bike and Cheap Sunglasses Catapulted a CareerClick Here to Register for the Jesse Thomas Wildflower Giveaway! In 2011, Jesse Thomas was a new pro triathlete. He was so new, in fact, that when he decided to race the Wildflower Triathlon at the last minute that year, there were no real pro spots left, so he ended up with bib number 87, the first number behind the female pro bibs. Picture this: He was on a borrowed bike and, fellow pro triathlete, Matt Lieto, let him borrow an aero helmet. Jesse slept in a closet the night before the race and he...
2018-04-241h 04
Purple Patch PodcastRecovery- Your Key to Improved PerformanceAthletes often think of recovery as a weakness or liability to their training. We see the hours that the competition appears to be logging and feel compelled to match or even beat it. Unfortunately, our barometer of success is often a simple accumulation of training hours without regard to the quality of those hours or what we do in between. If we do give a thought to recovery, it's usually in the form of a rest day or a little foam rolling after a tough session. But, is this true recovery? Are we really allowing our body to adapt to the...
2018-02-2733 min
Purple Patch PodcastEd Baker - An Executive's Thirst for Self ImprovementEd Baker has most certainly lived an accomplished and fulfilling life. He was captain of his cross country team at Harvard and then went on to Stanford School of Business. While there, he trained and ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2007. Baker's business credentials are also rather impressive, serving as Head of International Growth at Facebook and then VP of Growth and Product at Uber until the Spring of 2017. What more could one person want to accomplish? What could possibly be next for this elite performer? Triathlon, of course! Ed recently joined the Purple...
2018-02-2240 min
Purple Patch PodcastSami Inkinen - How a Time-Starved CEO Creates Sustainable High PerformanceIn this eye-opening episode, Matt goes one-on-one with one of his athletes, Sami Inkinen. Growing up on a farm in Finland, Sami was always intrigued by health, wellness, and athletic performance. He did ride his bike or cross-country ski to-and-from school most days, after all! He moved to the United States in 2003 to attend Stanford Business School, and it's there where he met his friend and business partner, Pete Flint, and, together, they founded Trulia, eventually turning it public. Today, he is the CEO and Founder of Virta Health, a company on a mission to...
2018-01-2356 min
Purple Patch PodcastThe Purple Patch StoryWelcome to Episode One of The Purple Patch Podcast. Will this just be another triathlon podcast? Absolutely not. At Purple Patch Fitness, our mission is to empower and educate every human being to reach their athletic potential. It is through the lens of your athletic potential that you will reach your human potential and our interviews and conversations will be driven by this mission. The podcast will not only help you improve performance in your chosen sport, it will help you successfully integrate that sport into the chaos of the big, time-starved life you lead. In Episode One...
2018-01-0924 min
Purple Patch PodcastThe Purple Patch Podcast - An Introduction from Coach Matt DixonThe Purple Patch Podcast, hosted by Author and Triathlon Coach, Matt Dixon, will empower and educate you to integrate sport into life in order to reach your athletic potential because, it is through the lens of athletic potential, that you reach your human potential. In addition to topics such as planning your fitness into a time-starved life, the show will provide in-depth interviews, advice, and insight into optimizing your health, work, and life performance, along with the critical habits and approaches that facilitate the success of some of the world's top performers across many disciplines. ...
2018-01-0202 min
Triathlete Training Podcast: Triathlon, Ironman & DuathlonTT095: Off-Season Training & Time Limited Training With Matt DixonMatt Dixon has experience as a professional athlete, coach to elite and amateur athletes, an exercise physiologist, and an author. His newest book is Fast-Track Triathlete. This book is geared toward athletes who want to maximize their success with limited time to train. The book explains his concepts and includes a 14 week training plan for both Ironman and Half Ironman as well as a strength plan that can be completed without visiting the gym.
We talk about the book in the second half of our interview. In the first half we focus on off-season training.
Matt was also a guest on ep...
2017-10-3100 minTriathlete Training Podcast: Triathlon, Ironman & DuathlonTT035: Matt Dixon & “The Well-Built Triathlete”Subscribe via iTunes
"It’s a resource for athletes to become empowered to think about the way that they approach their sport and give some insight into my methodology and to steer athletes to look through the correct lens of how to approach performance and how to improve over the long term."
Coach Matt Dixon
Matt is a San Francisco based coach to several pros and age group athletes. He discusses his new book, The Well-Built Triathlete. This comprehensive book is packed full of great information for triathletes, and it's one I would recommend to any triathlete. In the podcast intervi...
2014-07-2200 min