Be Fierce & Tri | Triathlon & runDisney for Everyday Athlete

The Be Fierce & Tri(athlon) Podcast

Be Fierce & Tri is a triathlon and runDisney podcast for everyday endurance athletes pursuing extraordinary goals.Hosted by coach, business owner, Kona qualifier, and seven-time Dopey Challenge finisher Jill “The Tri Mom” Bartholomew, the podcast combines practical coaching advice, race recaps, and inspiring conversations with athletes balancing big dreams with work, family, and real life.Whether you're training for your first sprint triathlon, preparing for an IRONMAN, tackling the Dopey Challenge, or chasing a personal best, you'll find expert insights, honest stories, and actionable strategies designed to help you train smarter, race stronger, and enjoy the journey.From course previews and race recaps to age group athlete stories and conversations with coaches, professionals, and everyday endurance athletes, Be Fierce & Tri celebrates the people who prove that extraordinary accomplishments are possible at every stage of life.Real athletes. Real stories. Real inspiration.

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Welcome to the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast

Big goals. Early mornings. Long rides. Finish lines that once felt impossible.

The Be Fierce & Tri Podcast is a triathlon and runDisney podcast for everyday endurance athletes who are chasing extraordinary things while balancing careers, families, and real life. Hosted by coach, business owner, Kona qualifier, and seven-time Dopey Challenge finisher Jill Bartholomew, each episode brings together practical coaching advice, honest conversations, and inspiring stories from athletes proving that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

Whether you're preparing for your first sprint triathlon, dreaming of crossing the finish line at an IRONMAN, training for the Dopey Challenge, or simply looking for motivation to keep showing up, you'll find a community that understands the journey.

From race recaps and course previews to inspiring athlete stories and expert interviews, Be Fierce & Tri is here to remind you that your biggest goals may be closer than you think.

Because being fierce isn't about being the fastest. It's about having the courage to chase what excites you.

Our Favorite Episodes

IRONMAN Women's World Championship Kona Race Recap with Age Group Athletes

16

Oct. 23, 2025

IRONMAN Women's World Championship Kona Race Recap with Age Group Athletes

In this episode, Jill Bartholomew hosts a discussion with Cheryl and Jen, two triathletes who recently competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona. They share their experiences from training, traveling logistics, the unique atmosphere of Kona, and the challenges faced on race day, including the swim and bike courses. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among athletes, the emotional rollercoaster of competition, and the importance of preparation and nutrition. In this engaging con

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Race With Purpose: Behind the IRONMAN Foundation

36

April 17, 2026

Race With Purpose: Behind the IRONMAN Foundation

What is the IRONMAN Foundation—and why should you care as an athlete? Coach Jill sits down with leadership from the IRONMAN Foundation to break down how racing can directly give back to communities around the world. From funding local nonprofits to getting bikes and swim lessons into the hands of kids, this conversation goes beyond the finish line. If you’ve ever considered racing with purpose, this episode is your inside look.

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From Kona to Kansas: Taking on Unbound Gravel 200

41

June 13, 2026

From Kona to Kansas: Taking on Unbound Gravel 200

After reaching the pinnacle of triathlon with a trip to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, coach and athlete Lindsay Long set her sights on a completely different challenge: the legendary Unbound Gravel 200. In this episode, Lindsay joins Jill to share what it's really like to tackle one of the world's most iconic gravel races. From riding through lightning storms and axle-deep mud to managing nutrition, crashes, mechanicals, and the mental challenges of a 15-hour day in the saddle, Lindsay

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Recent Episodes

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How to Prevent Triathlon Injuries (And Recover When They Happen) with guest DPT Steph Peterson

45

July 10, 2026

How to Prevent Triathlon Injuries (And Recover When They Happen) with guest DPT Steph Peterson

Injuries are part of almost every endurance athlete's journey—but they don't have to define it. In this episode, Coach Jill Bartholomew sits down with physical therapist, triathlon coach, bike fitter, and longtime endurance athlete Dr. Steph Peterson to talk about preventing injuries, recovering from setbacks, and returning to training stronger. Steph shares her own experiences battling stress fractures, ankle injuries, underfueling, and navigating different seasons of life while balancing racin

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Triathlon Joe Breaks Down the Return of 70.3 Worlds to the USA

44

July 3, 2026

Triathlon Joe Breaks Down the Return of 70.3 Worlds to the USA

Triathlon Joe joins the podcast to discuss the return of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship to Chattanooga in 2027, course speculation, heat, logistics, qualification, and why this race may surprise a lot of athletes.

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IRONMAN 70.3 Happy Valley Race Recap: The Highs, Lows & Lessons From Race Day

43

June 27, 2026

IRONMAN 70.3 Happy Valley Race Recap: The Highs, Lows & Lessons From Race Day

What is it really like to race one of the toughest IRONMAN 70.3 courses in the country? Coach Jill is joined by athletes Lindsay and April to break down every part of the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Happy Valley experience—from race morning nerves and swim strategy to brutal climbs, mental battles on the run, and the lessons they'll carry into future races. The trio offers three unique perspectives: a podium finisher, a middle-of-the-pack racer, and a first-time full-distance athlete using Happy Valley as

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From First Sprint to What's Next: Our Baby Triathlete's Triathlon Debrief

42

June 19, 2026

From First Sprint to What's Next: Our Baby Triathlete's Triathlon Debrief

In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Jill catches up with Sharon from the Bib & Tiara Podcast after her very first sprint triathlon. After months of training, learning to swim, embracing cycling, and stepping far outside her comfort zone, Sharon officially joins the ranks of triathletes. Together, Jill and Sharon break down every part of race day—from navigating transition for the first time, to swimming in a crowded pool-based triathlon, to discovering a newfound love for the bike co

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41

June 13, 2026

From Kona to Kansas: Taking on Unbound Gravel 200

After reaching the pinnacle of triathlon with a trip to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, coach and athlete Lindsay Long set her sights on a completely different challenge: the legendary Unbound Gravel 200. In this episode, Lindsay joins Jill to share what it's really like to tackle one of the world's most iconic gravel races. From riding through lightning storms and axle-deep mud to managing nutrition, crashes, mechanicals, and the mental challenges of a 15-hour day in the saddle, Lindsay

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The New Triathlete Diaries: Open Water, Wetsuits & Pre-Race Nerves

40

June 8, 2026

The New Triathlete Diaries: Open Water, Wetsuits & Pre-Race Nerves

What does it really feel like to prepare for your very first triathlon? In this installment of our New Triathlete Diaries series, Sharon from Bib & Tiara returns with just 11 days until her first sprint triathlon. Since our last conversation, she's tackled one of the biggest hurdles facing new triathletes: her first open water swim. We talk about the reality of swimming in open water for the first time, unexpected wetsuit panic, learning to sight, navigating race starts, practicing transitions,

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View all Episodes

Welcome to the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast

Our Favorite Episodes

IRONMAN Women's World Championship Kona Race Recap with Age Group Athletes

Race With Purpose: Behind the IRONMAN Foundation

From Kona to Kansas: Taking on Unbound Gravel 200

Recent Episodes

How to Prevent Triathlon Injuries (And Recover When They Happen) with guest DPT Steph Peterson

Triathlon Joe Breaks Down the Return of 70.3 Worlds to the USA

IRONMAN 70.3 Happy Valley Race Recap: The Highs, Lows & Lessons From Race Day

From First Sprint to What's Next: Our Baby Triathlete's Triathlon Debrief

From Kona to Kansas: Taking on Unbound Gravel 200

The New Triathlete Diaries: Open Water, Wetsuits & Pre-Race Nerves

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