The results page says fourth. It never tells the whole story. Pro triathlete Carolyn Olsen joins Coach Jill to break down Ironman Maryland: her third full-distance Ironman of the year after a four-year break, and her best professional finish yet. She finished in 9:22 with bike and run PRs, despite racing with no support crew and cramping her way through the final miles. We get into the brutal, choppy swim, riding blind with no splits, the mental coaching mantra that carried her through 112 miles, and what happened when her body started shutting down at mile 22. Plus: how to cool yourself on hot courses, road safety for cyclists, why a human coach still matters, and her advice for anyone thinking about Maryland as a first Ironman. Be fierce. Be you.

Thirty years ago, Scott Christmas survived a plane crash that killed his best friend, Captain Owen “Wynn” Duke. Doctors gave Scott less than a 3% chance of surviving—and even less chance of fully recovering. While lying in the hospital, Scott made three promises to Wynn: return to racing, complete the Marine Corps Marathon and bring the medal to Arlington National Cemetery, and one day race the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. In this episode, Scott takes us through the crash, the extraordinary chain of events that saved his life, and the long road back to endurance sports. He shares the tough-love conversation that changed his recovery, the people who helped him rediscover hope, and the emotional comeback race where he whispered, “Dukester, take me home.” Scott also opens up about his wife Amy, an accomplished endurance athlete and physician who died from glioblastoma at age 45. Her strength—and Scott’s experiences with survival, grief and purpose—have shaped the meaning behind hi…

For more than three decades, Mike Reilly stood at some of the most emotional finish lines in endurance sports, welcoming athletes home with four words that became synonymous with IRONMAN: “You are an IRONMAN.” But what happens after the finish line? In this episode, Jill sits down with the legendary Voice of IRONMAN to talk about the lessons Mike learned from a lifetime spent watching people chase extraordinarily difficult things—and the ideas behind his new book, Finding Your Finish Line. Mike shares what it was like to walk away from announcing after 33 years, why our “why” changes throughout life, and why reaching the goal we thought would make us happy sometimes doesn’t. They explore identity, purpose, fear, complacency, family, coaching, human connection, and Mike’s belief that while we can't control everything that happens to us, we can control what we do next. And, of course, there are finish-line stories: the greatest call Mike ever made, the first athlete he ever welcomed acr…

After a few unexpected weeks away, Jill is back—and this time she’s sitting down with Be Fierce Multisport’s new assistant coach, Nicki Atkinson. They talk about Nicki’s unlikely introduction to triathlon, why coaching is about far more than a training plan, women and belonging in endurance sports, where AI can help (and where it can’t), and the bigger vision behind Be Fierce. From coaching and bike fitting to the bike shop, endurance training center and Be Fierce & Tri Club, this episode is really about what Be Fierce is becoming—and the simple idea at the center of all of it: You belong here.

Professional triathlete Carolyn Olsen joins Jill Bartholomew for an honest conversation about what it's really like racing at the professional level—and why, despite the podiums and pro card, the same challenges every age grouper faces still exist. Carolyn shares her journey from completing her first IRONMAN® 70.3 to qualifying for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, winning IRONMAN Texas as an amateur, and ultimately earning her professional license. Along the way, she opens up about mechanical failures, DNFs, overcoming setbacks, racing through adversity, and what keeps her coming back to the start line. Jill and Carolyn also discuss: Carolyn's path from age grouper to professional triathlete Lessons learned from Kona, Lake Placid, Boise, and other iconic races Why DNFs don't define an athlete Open water anxiety and strategies for managing race-day panic The realities of racing professionally versus competing as an age grouper Why coaching, consistency, and patience matter more …

From smoky skies and changing weather to crowded swims, fast descents, equipment failures, and the mental challenges that come with racing 140.6 miles, Coach Jill Bartholomew sits down with fellow coach Thomas Skelton to break down one of the most memorable IRONMAN Lake Placid races in recent memory. Together they discuss what athletes experienced throughout race week, how the course actually rode on race day, what surprised them most, and the lessons they believe every long-course triathlete can take into their next event. Whether you raced Lake Placid, are planning your first Ironman, or simply love hearing honest conversations between experienced coaches, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, race stories, and behind-the-scenes insight. In this episode: The unique conditions that shaped the 2026 race Smoke, weather, wind and how they affected athletes Swimming Mirror Lake: crowding, drafting and pacing Bike course strategy and the famous Keene descent Racing versus coach…

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 racing, coaching, physical therapy, and entrepreneurship. Together they discuss: • The biggest causes of endurance sport injuries • How to recognize the difference between soreness and real injury • Why many athletes are unknowingly underfueling • Strength training that actually helps prevent injuries • The role of bike fit in staying healthy • How coaches use training metrics without becoming slaves to them • Recovering mentally after disappointing races • Building resilience through every season o…

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.

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 a stepping stone to IRONMAN Lake Placid. If you've ever wondered what race day really feels like beyond the finish line photos, this conversation is for you.

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 course. They discuss what surprised her most, lessons she learned, mistakes she'll avoid next time, and how her perspective has changed now that she's completed her first event. The conversation also explores what's next, including upcoming sprint races, Olympic-distance ambitions, and whether a 70.3 might be closer than she thinks. If you've ever wondered what a first triathlon really feels like, this episode offers an honest, relatable look at the beginner experience through the eyes of a brand…

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 offers an honest look at the realities of ultra-endurance gravel racing. Along the way, Jill and Lindsay dive into the importance of self-sufficiency, bike maintenance skills every endurance athlete should know, the differences between Ironman and gravel racing, and why pushing beyond your comfort zone can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences in sport. Whether you're a triathlete, cyclist, runner, or simply someone who loves hearing stories of resilience and adventure, this conversat…

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, and the mental challenges that come with trying something completely new. If you're training for your first triathlon—or even thinking about signing up for one—you'll hear firsthand what the journey looks like from someone living it right now. In this episode we discuss: • First-time open water swimming lessons • Why you should never wear a wetsuit for the first time on race day • Common causes of swim anxiety and how to manage them • Open water race starts and what to expect • Practicing triat…

When Jim Logan was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer, doctors told him he might have six months to two years to live. More than two years later, Jim is still training, still racing, and preparing for the biggest race of his life: the Ironman World Championship in Kona. In this episode, Coach Jill sits down with Jim to discuss his cancer journey, training through chemotherapy, overcoming setbacks, the mindset that kept him moving forward, and the release of his new book, Just Keep TRI-ing. Jim shares how endurance sports helped prepare him for the toughest battle of his life, why he never stopped training, and how his philosophy of discipline, sacrifice, suffering, and pain continues to guide him today. Whether you're an athlete, cancer survivor, caregiver, or simply facing your own challenges, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what's possible when you keep moving forward.

Three athletes. One inaugural IRONMAN. And a full day of heat, wind, tidal currents, and unforgettable finish-line moments. In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill Bartholomew sits down with Dawn Edens and Belinda DeWitt to break down their experience racing the very first IRONMAN Jacksonville. From the challenging tidal swim and windy bike course to race-day nutrition pivots, brutal Florida heat, and emotional finish-line stories, this conversation gives an honest look at what it takes to get through 140.6 miles. Belinda shares her inspiring journey from losing more than 150 pounds to finally becoming an IRONMAN finisher, while Dawn discusses chasing Kona through the Legacy Program and why Jacksonville may be one of the most beginner-friendly full-distance races in the U.S. Whether you’re training for your first full-distance triathlon, researching IRONMAN Jacksonville, or just love endurance sports storytelling, this episode is packed with practical insights, humo…

What happens when the race you trained months for suddenly goes sideways? In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill Bartholomew sits down with fellow coach and athlete Erin Byrge to unpack her experience racing IRONMAN Texas — including a bike crash at mile 60, back spasms during the marathon, and the mental battle required to keep moving forward. Together, they discuss: Racing through adversity Managing “dark moments” during endurance events The emotional side of Ironman training How athletes process disappointment after a race The role community plays in triathlon Redefining success when goals change This conversation is honest, raw, funny at times, and ultimately a reminder that resilience in endurance sports rarely looks perfect. Be Fierce. Be You.

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.

Are you training for your first sprint triathlon—or getting back into the sport after some time away? In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill Bartholomew walks through exactly what to focus on when you’re about 90 days out from race day. This episode is a repurposed live “Chat with the Coach” session, originally designed for athletes preparing for the Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon. You’ll hear real questions from athletes, practical coaching advice, and the key things that ...

Your first outdoor workouts of the season feel harder than expected — but it’s not your fitness. In this episode, Coach Jill breaks down what’s really happening and how to transition back to outdoor training faster.

A race unlike any other. From a last-minute swim cancellation to 50 mph wind gusts, Little Elm 70.3 delivered chaos, challenge, and unexpected lessons. We break down what happened, how athletes handled it, and what it means for your racing and training.

If you’ve ever looked at your training plan and thought, “How am I supposed to fit all of this in?” — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Coach Jill breaks down how to realistically balance endurance training with work, family, and everything else life throws at you. Because the truth is… there is no perfect plan. There’s only what works for your life. You’ll learn how to: Build structure into your schedule so training actually happens Identify high-value workouts vs. “nice to have” sessions Stack workouts efficiently when time is tight Adjust expectations without losing progress Stay consistent even when life gets messy Whether you’re training for your first sprint triathlon, a marathon, Dopey, or your next Ironman — this episode will help you stop chasing perfection and start making progress. 🎯 Remember: 92% done consistently beats 100% done once.

This week on the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, we’re breaking down the 2026 runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend — from expo surprises to rainy race conditions and everything in between. Joining Jill are Tony, Sharon, and Greg to talk about the full race weekend experience: the 5K, the 10K, and the Princess Half Marathon. We dive into: • What the runDisney expo was really like this year • Brooks shoes and the growing runDisney gear craze • Why the Princess race attracts such a huge female field • The chaos of sold-out merchandise • Running a wet and slippery 10K in Florida humidity • Course changes for the Princess Half Marathon • What it feels like running down Main Street in Magic Kingdom • The mental side of long race weekends Whether you’re planning your first runDisney race or you’re a seasoned Disney runner, this episode gives you an inside look at the magic — and the realities — of racing at Disney. ✨ Because at the end of the day: Be Fierce. Be You.

In Part 2 of our conversation with data analyst Brian Davis, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in endurance racing — corrals, course congestion, and what race data actually reveals about performance, safety, and race outcomes. How much does corral placement really affect your time? Is course cutting actually common — and how do race organizers detect it? What happens when pacing, crowd density, and race logistics collide? Drawing from extensive analysis across Disney and non-D...

What really happens at the back of a runDisney race? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Davis — physics professor, long-time runDisney athlete, and the unofficial statistician behind the Dead Last Start (DLS) movement — to unpack what most runners never see. We talk about: The origin story of Dead Last Start Why some fast runners voluntarily start with the balloon ladies How many runners actually cut the course (spoiler: it’s lower than you think) What congestion really does to pace W...

The Disneyland RunDisney races may be gone (for now), so we’re breaking down the final race weekend — from expo madness and merch sell-outs to corral strategy, course experiences, and why this race feels completely different from Disney World. Today on the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill is joined by returning guests Sharon, Nancy, and Greg for a full recap of the recent Disneyland RunDisney race weekend — possibly the last one for the foreseeable future. With hundreds of RunDisney finish li...