#13 - From Heartbreak to High Performance: Paula Findlay’s Consistency Playbook

How do you rebuild world-class endurance performance—physically and psychologically—after injury, public disappointment, and inconsistent results? In this conversation, Olympic and Ironman Triathlete Paula Findlay and Dr. Greg explore sustainable training (boring but brilliant consistency), proper fueling, and a healthier competitive mindset that removes unhelpful pressure while still racing at the front. She breaks down the “no secrets” method that brought her back—relentless consistency, intelligent volume, and fueling to match the work. Paula also shares how moving to middle-distance triathlon and building That Triathlon Life with Eric Lagerstrom renewed her joy and results. Along the way, we dig into confidence, expectations, and what it really takes to stay healthy at the top of the sport. You will learn why consistency beats “epic” workouts; how Paula structures 25–30 hour training weeks without breaking down; the recovery habits (simple, repeatable, unglamorous) that keep her healthy; how her nutrition philosophy flipped from restriction to fueling; and the mindset shift that comes from lowering external expectations while still racing like you belong at the front. You will discover that elite endurance success is far less about secrets and far more about boring, repeatable systems—consistent aerobic work, adequate calories, and steady recovery—executed for months on end. That formula rebuilt Paula’s performance and confidence Most driven athletes and leaders over-optimize complexity and under-value consistency. Paula’s approach shows you how to escape the burnout loop—train and fuel enough to adapt, not so much that you implode—so you can perform for years, not weeks.