Purple Patch Podcast

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast!

On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses a unique marathon training approach, emphasizing five unconventional principles. He argues against overvaluing the long run, suggesting instead a cluster-running strategy to build muscular resilience. Dixon advocates for multi-sport training to reduce injury risk and enhance cardiovascular conditioning. He highl...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast!

On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss the importance of one-to-one coaching in athletic success. They emphasize the need for flexible training plans that adapt to life's changes, key sessions, and understanding session intent. They highlight the significance of support, accountability, and education on fundame...

On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon from Purple Patch Fitness discusses strategies for balancing summer training for IRONMAN races with personal life. He emphasizes the importance of a flexible optimization mindset, weekly clarity through the "Sunday special," and intentional recovery. Dixon advises athletes to integrate training into life, plan around travel and family vacations, and perform specific IRON...

In 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 mont...

On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts a re-airing of a fireside chat with Vincent Luis and Paula Findlay, two top Professional Triathletes, at the Purple Patch Performance Center in San Francisco. The Night of Champions event supports the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical challenges. Vincent and Paula discuss their journeys, handling pressure, and adversity. ...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss the case of David, a 52-year-old father and IRONMAN aspirant with limited training time. David's initial marathon training was rigid and stressful, affecting his family life. The team at Purple Patch adapted his training to a dynamic, flexible schedule, focusing on hydration, sleep, an...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE) in endurance sports, emphasizing its role in training and racing. He explains that RPE, influenced by factors like muscle fatigue and psychological stress, is a subjective rating of effort that complements metrics. Dixon highlights common mistakes, such as over-reliance on dat...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Coach Max Gering discuss lessons from Purple Patch Pros for racing success. They emphasize tailored training programs and the importance of mental resilience. Key stories include Sam Appleton's overcoming illness to achieve a top-six finish, Sarah Piampiano's resilience after a poor swim, and Meredith Kessler'...

Welcome 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 significanc...

Welcome 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 recommen...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts a roundtable discussion with three Purple Patch coaches—Brad Hunter, Nancy Clarke, and Max Gering—on race preparation. They discuss the importance of taper, emphasizing energy conservation and maintaining some intensity. They highlight the need for a structured approach to race week, including planning and reducing cognitive load. The conversation also cover...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon, host of the Purple Patch Podcast, discusses the Win Cycle program, designed to help leaders and teams achieve consistent performance. He emphasizes the importance of "nailing the basics" for high performance, drawing from his experience coaching elite triathletes. Dixon highlights key habits, such as the "Sunday Special" for reflecti...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast!

In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon Interviews Scot Davis, a Purple Patch Athlete and Chief Operating Officer at Crow Holdings, who completed the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons in seven days across seven continents. His journey began after caring for his mother with pancreatic cancer. Initially training with a previous coach, he transitio...

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon interviews Stephanie Go, a busy Doctor and Mother, shares her journey as a Purple Patch Athlete, emphasizing the importance of consistency and efficiency in training. Despite a demanding schedule, she achieved significant success in 2024, including qualifying for the Hawaii IRONMAN and the World Championship in New Zealand. Stephanie's training averaged just over ...

IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts Gwendolyn Bounds, author of "Not Too Late," on the Purple Patch podcast as part of the Win Cycle series, which focuses on performance in various aspects of life. Alongside Purple Patch Fitness Co-Founder Kelli McMaster, Gwendolyn shares her journey from an unathletic childhood to becoming a competitive Spartan racer in her 40s. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, commitment, ...

IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Coach Max Gering discuss the ARC process: Assess, Reflect, and Check-in. This methodology is integral to the Purple Patch coaching model, emphasizing reflection to drive action and improve performance. They highlight the importance of understanding one's "why" and assessing progress objectively, both in training and life. The conversation underscores the need for intenti...

IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon hosts the Purple Patch Podcast, focusing on integrating sport into busy lives and overcoming performance anxiety. He introduces a free webinar on preparing for triathlons with limited time, emphasizing the importance of mindset. Dixon shares a case study of an athlete named Kate, who experienced self-doubt and underperformance due to outcome anxiety. He outlines five strategies to manage...

IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Coach Max Gering discuss the importance of strategic training for IRONMAN and half IRONMAN races, emphasizing that 8-12 hours of training per week can be optimized for performance. They highlight common mistakes athletes make, such as neglecting strength training, ramping up training too quickly, and failing to increase calorie intake as training volume increases. They s...

IRONMAN 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 physic...