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Summary:

In this final recap of Ironman Florida 70.3, Coach Justin reflects on his 16-week journey preparing for and completing the race on December 14, 2025. Despite battling a significant injury and overcoming mental and physical hurdles, Justin shares insights into his training metrics, race day experiences, and personal challenges. He highlights the importance of perseverance, faith, and the support of family, friends, and teammates. This emotional journey showcases not only the highs and lows of endurance sports but also the transformative power of commitment and resilience. Subscribe for more training tips, race stories, and inspiration!

Coach Justin hosted his race report and all of the Ironman Florida 70.3 related content on the Tabula Rasa Racing website. The link to the Ironman Florida 70.3 content is below. Here you will find all of the weekly videos, weekly training summary graphics, and the weekly training plan (pdf) he followed for this preparation for the race. The race report is included in pdf download section of the page.

https://tabularasaracing.com/ironman-florida-70-3

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

Summary:

Join Coaches Justin and Katie on this episode of the Endurance Athlete Journey Podcast as they dive into the concepts of metabolic efficiency and metabolic flexibility. In the first part of this two-part series, Katie leads a comprehensive discussion on the nutritional strategies behind improving the body's ability to burn fat and switch between fuel sources. The conversation covers the science behind

• Fat and carbohydrate utilization
• Benefits and limitations of being fat-adapted for endurance athletes
• Importance of balancing performance with overall health
• Explore practical approaches to fueling
• Impacts of different dietary strategies on training
• Key signs to look for when assessing your own metabolic adaptations.

Whether you're an endurance athlete preparing for a long-distance event or simply curious about optimizing your performance through nutrition, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips. Tune in for expert advice, real-world experiences, and a preview of the next episode focused on training strategies for metabolic health.

Additional References:

Louise Burke research on race walkers: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5407976/

Low carbohydrate, high fat ketogenic diets on the exercise crossover point and glucose homeostasis. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1150265/full

The Endurance Athlete Journey Podcast Episode 25: Periodizing Your Nutrition for Race Day Success: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450527/episodes/17901870

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

Summary:

In this episode of the The Endurance Athlete's Journey, Coach Justin takes listeners behind the scenes of his final preparations for Ironman Florida 70.3 in Haines City. He candidly discusses the physical and mental challenges of race week, including managing a lingering posterior tibia tendonitis injury, adapting his training during taper, and drawing strength from his faith and family support. Justin shares insights from swim and bike course previews, race-day strategies, and the value of trusting the process after a year-long commitment to training. He reflects on the importance of community and the motivation he receives from listeners, and invites those interested in coaching or connecting to reach out as he looks ahead to the next season.

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

Keywords: running, pregnancy, coaching, athlete stories, nutrition, postpartum, fertility, training, women in sports, endurance athletes

Takeaways

• Jen Fishman shares her journey as a runner and coach.
• Running experiences can vary greatly during pregnancy.
• The importance of a supportive coach-athlete relationship.
• Women often face unique challenges in sports and coaching.
• Pregnancy can impact running performance and training.
• Nutrition is crucial during pregnancy for both mother and baby.
• Stress can affect a woman's ability to conceive and train.
• Postpartum recovery requires patience and understanding.
• Listening to your body is essential during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Community support is vital for athletes navigating pregnancy.

Summary

In this episode of the Endurance Athlete Journey podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Katie sit down with Jen Fishman, a running coach and athlete, to discuss her experiences with running through pregnancy. Jen shares her journey from being a non-athletic child to becoming a competitive runner and coach. The conversation delves into the challenges and joys of running during pregnancy, the importance of nutrition, and the impact of stress on fertility and training. They also touch on postpartum recovery and the unique experiences women face in the world of athletics. This episode aims to provide insights and support for athletes navigating the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jen Fishman's Journey

01:27 Jen's Running Background and Early Experiences

06:23 Navigating College Running and Coaching Dynamics

14:01 Transitioning Back to Running as an Adult

16:24 Experiences of Running During Pregnancy

21:50 Challenges of Pregnancy and Fertility

30:45 The Impact of Stress on Training and Pregnancy

37:28 Advice for Pregnant Runners and Coaching Considerations

46:14 Coaching During Pregnancy: A Unique Perspective

48:43 The Importance of Communication in Coaching

50:45 Maintaining Fitness During Pregnancy

53:38 Nutrition Needs for Pregnant Athletes

58:40 Adjusting Training Routines During Pregnancy

01:05:49 Sleep Challenges and Recovery in Pregnancy

01:11:35 Postpartum Considerations for Athletes

If you are interested in learning more about Jen as a running coach you can check out her profile on Team RunRun at this link: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/jen-fishman-fort-collins-running-coach/

She is also on Instagram @run.fish.run

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

Summary:

Coach Justin provides a comprehensive week 15 recap of his preparation for Ironman Florida 70.3, detailing his training and recovery strategies during the first week of taper. Despite dealing with posterior tibia tendonitis, he managed to complete all planned swim, bike, elliptical, and strength workouts, adjusting his approach to accommodate his injury and emphasizing recovery with physical therapy, massage, and mobility work. Justin describes successful wetsuit swim practices, focused tempo bike sessions, and purposeful elliptical workouts in place of running, while sharing personal insights about managing stress, trusting in his faith, and relying on his support team. He reflects on the importance of adaptability and maintaining a positive mindset as he heads into race week, expressing gratitude for the professionals who have helped him on his journey.

For additional content, visit https://tabularasaracing.com/ironman-florida-70-3

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

Summary:

In episode 48 of the Endurance Athlete Journey podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Katie launch a sports-specific series focused on running, specifically exploring the balance between building endurance and improving speed. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning training approaches with individual goals, race distances, and personal experience levels. The coaches address common debates and misconceptions found in running communities, emphasizing that both endurance and speed can be developed, but the optimal mix depends on the athlete’s objectives and physical capacity. They also discuss the role of run-walk protocols, injury prevention, and the need for nuanced, personalized training plans rather than one-size-fits-all advice. Throughout the episode, Justin and Katie encourage listeners to ask questions, seek guidance, and remain open-minded, noting that effective training is highly individual and benefits from creativity and thoughtful coaching.

Takeaways:

• Endurance and speed training should align with specific goals.
• The race type influences whether to focus on endurance or speed.
• A run-walk protocol can be effective for many runners.
• Training plans can incorporate both endurance and speed elements.
• It's important to adjust training based on individual recovery and biomechanics.
• Consistency in running is key to improvement, but must be balanced with recovery.
• Not all runners can handle the same training frequency.
• Personal goals should dictate the training approach.
• Speed work can vary significantly based on race distance.
• Understanding one's own body and limits is crucial for effective training. There is no cookie cutter answer for training; it varies by individual.
• Training plans should be tailored to specific goals and experiences.
• Speed work is essential for improving performance in endurance sports.
• Incorporating hills can safely build strength and speed.
• Injury risks can increase with speed work, especially for beginners.
• Improvement can come from not slowing down as much during races.
• Strength training can be as important as speed work for new runners.
• Speed doesn't always mean running faster; it can be about increasing turnover.
• Embracing discomfort in training can lead to better performance.
• Understanding the nuances of training can help athletes reach their goals.

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

In this week’s episode of the Ironman Florida 70.3 Endurance Athlete’s Journey, Coach Justin, delivers a candid update on the challenges and adaptations during week 14 of his training. Facing a significant setback with posterior tibial tendonitis in his left leg, Coach Justin shares how he navigated a week without running and limited cycling, relying instead on high-volume swim workouts using pull buoys and paddles, as well as strength training sessions—often with the help of his son. He discusses the mental and emotional hurdles of injury, the importance of focusing on what’s possible, and the need for patience and faith as race day approaches. The episode offers honest insights into injury management, the realities of endurance sports, and the value of calculated risk and family support. Coach Justin invites listeners to connect for coaching, resources, and shared community, reminding athletes everywhere that setbacks, adaptation, and growth are essential parts of the endurance journey.

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com

Send us a text

Coach Justin shares a candid and emotional recap at the end of week 13 of his 16-week Ironman Florida 70.3 training plan. This week diverged from the usual detailed training updates due to a significant event: Justin experienced a sudden and severe injury to his lower leg, diagnosed as posterior tibial tendonitis after ruling out a stress fracture at an orthopedic clinic.

Despite managing to complete swim sessions (including valuable wetsuit practice), several bike and run workouts were missed. Justin describes the progression of his injury, the pain and frustration it brought, and his stubborn determination to push through before ultimately realizing rest was necessary. He shares insights from medical advice—no running, cycling, or elliptical for at least a week, with swimming and upper body strength work as his only options.

Throughout the episode, Justin reflects deeply on his emotional journey, questioning the balance between athletic ambition and faith. He relates his experience to the biblical story of Abraham, contemplating themes of sacrifice, trust, and personal growth. Justin emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, showing both the successes and struggles of endurance training, and encourages athletes to embrace setbacks as opportunities for learning and resilience.

Going forward, Coach Justin will focus on recovery, adapting his training plan, and trusting the process—both physically and spiritually. He invites listeners to join his journey, check out resources and coaching opportunities at tabularasaracing.com, and stay tuned for next week’s update as he navigates the challenges of tapering and preparation with renewed perspective.

For all things coaching, reach out:

Coach Katie: www.Fuel2Run.com

Coach Justin: www.TabulaRasaRacing.com

Podcast Email: theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com