If your pace fell off a cliff the second it got hot out, you're not losing fitness. You're adapting!

Amanda, Chelsea, and Dr. Chris break down the summer slowdown, the very real reason your easy runs suddenly feel brutal and your heart rate spikes for no obvious reason. They get into what is actually happening in your body when you train in the heat, why it is diverting resources just to keep you alive, and why pushing through it is one of the most effective things you can do for your fall race season. Plasma volume expansion, improved sweat response, glycogen sparing, and why heat training works a lot like showing up to a lighter planet after training on a heavier one.

Slower in the summer does not mean less fit. It means you are handling a whole extra set of challenges, and building something that pays off when the temperature drops.

For anyone triathlon-curious but convinced it's too complicated, too expensive, or only for people with fancy bikes and a suspicious amount of free time… this one's for you.

Amanda, Nic, and Morgan to talk through what it actually looks like to train for your first triathlon, especially if you're starting with a sprint or Olympic distance. They get into what makes triathlon feel intimidating, why shorter races are usually the smartest entry point, what kind of fitness you actually need to get started, and how little gear you truly need to toe the line. They also talk through common beginner mistakes, the reality of training for three sports without turning your whole life upside down, and why the swim deserves respect even if the rest feels approachable.

It's a practical, low-BS conversation for anyone who wants to try something new without getting swallowed whole by the chaos, cost, and culty corners of endurance sports.

Thinking about tackling an Ironman? In this episode of Black Iron Radio, Amanda, Krissy, and Chris talk through the realities of training for long-distance triathlon—from balancing training with real life to avoiding rookie mistakes. You’ll learn what to expect, how to train smart, and why your bike fueling matters more than your gear. Spoiler: perfection isn’t required—consistency is.