The Be Fierce & Tri Podcast
by Jill Bartholomew, Be Fierce Multisport
Be Fierce & Tri is a IRONMAN Triathlon podcast and endurance training podcast covering Marathon, runDisney and ultra endurance training for athletes who want to train smarter, race stronger, and build long-term performance without burnout.Hosted by triathlon coach, Ironman World Championship qualifier, and endurance athlete Jill “The Tri Mom” Bartholomew, this podcast covers triathlon training, IRONMAN training, marathon training, and endurance training, with a practical, real-world approach designed for busy, motivated athletes.The show also features dedicated conversations around runDisney training, including Dopey Challenge training, Princess Weekend preparation, race execution, recovery, and the mental side of completing multi-day endurance events. Whether you’re training for your first runDisney weekend or balancing long-course triathlon goals with life off the race course, Be Fierce & Tri meets you where you are.Each episode delivers actionable coaching insight, honest discuss
Episodes
-
Debugging My Kona: Heat, a Concussion and My Longest IRONMAN Ever
Jill expected somewhere between 10:40 and 11:40 at Kona this year. She finished in 13:14. In this episode she treats herself like any athlete she coaches, going back through the data to separate the conditions, the mistakes and the residual effects of an August 8 crash that totaled her bike and...
-
The Results Say Fourth: Carolyn Olsen on Ironman Maryland
Chapters 0:00 Intro: The results say fourth 0:48 Meet Carolyn 8:11 The swim 16:37 The bike 21:15 "The grass is green, the sky is blue" 24:40 The run and the mile 22 cramps 32:57 Fueling and cooling on hot courses 36:48 The accident on the bike course 37:41 Road safety for triathletes 40:54...
-
From a Fatal Plane Crash to Kona: The Promise Scott Christmas Kept
In this episode The plane crash that left Scott with less than a 3% chance of survival The fisherman and former Special Forces medic who helped save his life Losing his best friend, Captain Owen “Wynn” Duke The three promises Scott made during his recovery How triathlon helped rebuild his…
more -
Mike Reilly: What Happens After the Finish Line?
For 33 years, Mike Reilly was one of the most recognizable voices in endurance sports. As the legendary Voice of IRONMAN, Mike witnessed thousands upon thousands of moments when months—or years—of work came down to a single finish line. Now he's asking a different question: What comes next? Jill...
-
You Belong Here: Meet Coach Nicki & What We’re Building at Be Fierce
We hit 700,000 downloads—and after a few unexpected weeks away from the microphone, Jill is back. For this episode, she’s joined in person by Nicki Atkinson, the newest coach at Be Fierce Multisport, for a conversation that starts with Nicki’s story and ends up getting at something much bigger:...
-
From Age Grouper to Pro: Carolyn Olsen on DNFs, Kona & Chasing the Dream
Professional triathlete Carolyn Olsen joins the podcast to discuss her journey from age-group athlete to professional racer and the lessons she's learned along the way. From qualifying for Kona and winning IRONMAN Texas as an amateur to overcoming mechanical failures, DNFs, and race-day…
more -
Inside IRONMAN Lake Placid: Course Strategy, Equipment, Lessons & Race-Day Stories
What was it really like to race IRONMAN Lake Placid 2026? Fresh off the finish line, Coach Jill Bartholomew sits down with fellow triathlon coach Thomas Skelton to unpack one of the most memorable editions of IRONMAN Lake Placid in recent years. From smoky skies caused by Canadian wildfires to...
-
How to Prevent Triathlon Injuries (And Recover When They Happen) with guest DPT Steph Peterson
Have you ever wondered whether that lingering ache is just soreness—or the beginning of a real injury? In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill Bartholomew is joined by physical therapist, triathlon coach, bike fitter, and fellow endurance athlete Dr. Steph Peterson for an…
more -
Triathlon Joe Breaks Down the Return of 70.3 Worlds to the USA
The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is returning to the United States in 2027—and specifically, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you've spent any time in triathlon circles recently, you've probably seen the reactions online. Some athletes are thrilled. Others are wondering why Chattanooga was…
more -
IRONMAN 70.3 Happy Valley Race Recap: The Highs, Lows & Lessons From Race Day
In this episode: Why IRONMAN 70.3 has become a favorite distance for many athletes Travel, race-week preparation, and managing pre-race anxiety First impressions of the Happy Valley course and expo experience Swim conditions, wetsuit decisions, and navigating the long transition Funny race-day...
-
From First Sprint to What's Next: Our Baby Triathlete's Triathlon Debrief
In This Episode Sharon's first sprint triathlon race recap Navigating transition and race morning logistics Pool swim challenges and crowded swim lanes Managing race-day nerves and swim anxiety Bike course strategy, hills, and passing athletes Lessons learned from a first triathlon experience...
-
From Kona to Kansas: Taking on Unbound Gravel 200
In this episode: Lindsay's journey from Ironman and Kona to gravel racing Why she chose Unbound 200 as her first ultra-endurance gravel event What makes gravel racing so different from road cycling and triathlon Racing through thunderstorms, lightning, mud, and changing conditions How Unbound's...
-
The New Triathlete Diaries: Open Water, Wetsuits & Pre-Race Nerves
In this episode: • Sharon shares her experience completing her first-ever open water swim event • The unexpected challenge of wearing a wetsuit for the first time • Why open water swimming feels completely different from pool swimming • Learning to sight and stay on course • Race starts, swim...
-
Just Keep TRI-ing: Jim Logan's Road from Stage 4 Cancer to Kona
In this episode: Jim shares his stage 4 cancer diagnosis and treatment journey How he continued training through chemotherapy, surgeries, and setbacks Why he believes endurance sports prepared him for the toughest challenge of his life His philosophy of discipline, sacrifice, suffering, and pain...
-
IRONMAN Jacksonville 2026 Race Recap | First-Year Course, Brutal Heat & First Finish Stories
What’s it like to race the inaugural edition of a full-distance IRONMAN? In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill Bartholomew sits down with fellow athletes Dawn Edens and Belinda DeWitt to break down their experience racing IRONMAN Jacksonville 2026 — from the unusual tidal…
more -
When Race Day Falls Apart: Erin Byrge on Crashing at IRONMAN Texas
Have you ever had a race that didn’t go the way you imagined? Coach Jill Bartholomew welcomes fellow coach and athlete Erin Byrge to the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast for an honest conversation about what happens when months of preparation collide with unexpected setbacks on race day. After crashing at...
-
Race With Purpose: Behind the IRONMAN Foundation
Have you ever wondered what the IRONMAN Foundation actually does? In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill sits down with Shane Facteau (President) and Audra Tassone (Executive Director & VP) to pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful—but often overlooked—parts of the...
-
90 Days to Your First Sprint Triathlon: What to Do Right Now
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...
-
Why Your First Outdoor Workouts Feel So Hard (And How to Fix It)
You’ve been consistent all winter — on the trainer, treadmill, and in the pool. So why does your first outdoor ride, run, or open water swim feel so much harder? In this episode, Coach Jill Bartholomew explains why your fitness hasn’t disappeared — but your body has lost something else. From...
-
No Swim, 50mph Winds, and First-Timer Chaos | Little Elm 70.3 Breakdown
In this episode of the Be Fierce & Tri Podcast, Coach Jill sits down with Julie and Tony from Team No Coasting to unpack one of the most talked-about races of the season — the inaugural Little Elm 70.3. What was supposed to be a fast early-season race quickly turned into a test of adaptability,...
-
How to Fit Endurance Training Into a Busy Life (Without Burning Out)
If you’ve ever looked at your training plan and wondered how you’re supposed to fit it all in, you’re not alone. In this episode, Coach Jill Bartholomew dives into one of the most common challenges endurance athletes face: balancing training with a busy, real-world schedule. Whether you’re…
more -
Inside RunDisney Princess Weekend: Expo Chaos, Rainy Races & Magic Kingdom Miles
runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2026 Recap In this episode, Jill and friends break down their full experience from Princess Weekend at Walt Disney World. They discuss: The Princess Weekend Expo experience The runDisney gear phenomenon (and why Brooks shoes are everywhere) Race...
-
Race Cheating, Corrals & Crowd Physics — What Really Happens on Race Day - Brian Davis Interview PArt 2
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?...
-
Dead Last Start, Balloon Ladies & Course Cutting: Inside runDisney Stats with Brian Davis (Part 1)
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...
-
Medals, Mylar & Mayhem: Disneyland RunDisney Race Weekend Recap
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...
-
From Pro Card to Age Grouper: Carolyn Carter on Identity, Pressure & Loving Triathlon
In this episode, Jill and Carolyn discuss: Carolyn’s path to earning her pro card and racing professionally The realities of competing at the pro level Managing expectations and race-day nerves Imposter syndrome in endurance sports How Carolyn defines success today Balancing training with a...
-
Imposter Syndrome, Endurance Sports, and the Myth of “Belonging”
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just show up in the boardroom — it shows up at the starting line, in training cycles, and anytime we try something bigger than what we’ve done before. In this episode, Jill is joined by Sharon from Bib and Tiara to talk candidly about imposter syndrome in endurance…
more -
One Week After Dopey: Post-Race Recovery, What’s Normal, and How to Bounce Back
What one week post-Dopey recovery should feel like Why heavy legs, low motivation, and emotional dips are normal The difference between discomfort and pain Why movement helps recovery — and when it becomes too much How to safely reintroduce running, cycling, or cross-training Fueling and…
more -
runDisney Marathon Weekend 2026: Dopey, Course Changes, Expo Wins & What Runners Really Experienced
Recorded just hours after the final race concluded Panel includes experienced runDisney and Dopey Challenge athletes Covers all race distances from 5K through Marathon Honest discussion of expo flow, merch availability, and pre-orders Crowd management, corral sizing, and character stop dynamics...
-
Countdown To Dopey - Race Day! Be Present, Run the Mile You’re In
Race-day nerves and butterflies are normal The 5K is a warm-up, not a test Conditions may be humid, foggy, or unpredictable — adjust calmly Ignore comparison and other runners’ bravado If a mile feels hard, manage this mile only Adjust pace early if needed — pulling back is smart execution…
more -
Countdown To Dopey Day 1: Tomorrow’s Start Line: How to Stay Calm, Prepared, and Ready for Dopey Challenge
Shakeout runs should be very easy and optional Carb loading is complete — keep food light and familiar Avoid excessive hydration to reduce GI and electrolyte issues Stay off social media forums on race eve Lay out gear once and stop touching it Limit walking and standing as much as practical…
more -
Countdown To Dopey Day 2: The Marathon Starts Before the Start Line - Recovery, Pacing, and Fueling
Takeaways Recovery is crucial between races in the Dopey Challenge. Hydration and nutrition play a key role in performance. Stretching before the race can alleviate soreness. Plan your race day routine to include familiar foods. Pacing should start easy to avoid early fatigue. Be mindful of...
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 3: 10K & Half Marathon Strategy for Smart Execution
Takeaways You need to have discipline during race weekends. The 10K is crucial for setting up the half marathon. It's important to feel controlled during the races. Starting slow and finishing strong is a proven technique. Running the tangents can save distance during the race. Recovery is...
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 4: The 5K Is Not Free Miles - How to Run the First Dopey Race Without Sabotaging the Weekend
Takeaways There are only four days left until the first start line. The 5K is an interesting event for Dopey participants. Get some glycogen into your body before the race. Treat the 5K more like a fun run than a race. You should have plenty of time to stop at all the characters. The finish line…
more -
Dopey Countdown Day 5: Expo Strategy, Energy Management, and What to Avoid
Takeaways The Marathon Weekend Expo is a highly anticipated event. Participants often feel nervous as the race approaches. The Expo is a mix of excitement and exhaustion. It's easy to overspend at the Expo without a plan. Trying on race shirts is crucial due to sizing changes. Transportation…
more -
Countdown To Dopey Day 6: Carb Loading Myths, Science, and Smart Fueling for Dopey Runners
takeaways Carb loading is about supporting energy systems, not overeating. Muscle glycogen is crucial for sustained performance in endurance events. Avoid unfamiliar foods during carb loading to prevent digestive issues. Hydration should be balanced; overhydration can be harmful. Carb loading...
-
Countdown to Dopey Day 7: Transition to execution - Packing, Travel Stress, and Race-Week Decisions That Matter Now
takeaways Packing early reduces decision-making later on. Travel logistics are crucial for a smooth race experience. Weather can change unexpectedly, so be prepared. Race day nutrition is vital for performance. Managing race day anxiety is key to success. Bring extra gear for different weather...
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 8: Race Week Runs Should Feel Easy -Why “Boring” Is Exactly Right
takeaways Race week should feel easy and unimpressive. Tapering is different from race prep; both are essential. Hard efforts in the week leading to a race can hinder performance. Check-in runs are meant to keep your body moving, not to test limits. Acclimating to race conditions is crucial for...
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 9: Protect Your Energy Like A Race Resource
takeaways Protect your energy like it's a race resource. Focus on lower intensity workouts during taper. Planning a racecation involves logistics and meal planning. Recovery is crucial between races, especially after a half marathon. Avoid over-scheduling during race week to prevent burnout....
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 10: runDisney Dopey Travel & Logistics - Plan Early, Race Calm
takeaways Most race weekend stress is related to logistics, not running. Confirm your travel details well in advance. Arrive early to pick up your race bib. Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. Decide on your race shoes ahead of time. Have a hydration and nutrition plan ready. Reduce...
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 11: Nutrition in the Final Two Weeks Before Dopey - Don’t Change a Thing
Takeaways This is not the time to change anything. Stick to familiar foods leading up to the race. Hydration is crucial; don't overdo it. Carb loading should happen in the 48 hours before a race. Boring nutrition is effective and safe. Consistency in diet supports training and recovery. Travel…
more -
Countdown To Dopey Day 12: What Actually Matters Now
Takeaways The final two weeks are about protecting your body. Tapering is a shift in training focus. Maintain regular running but reduce intensity. Avoid adding test workouts before the race. Control is key for athletes to avoid injury. Confidence comes from the training you've done. Being...
-
Countdown to Dopey Day 13: The Dopey Taper Is Here — And Yes, It’s Supposed to Feel Awful
Takeaways Tapering is essential for recovery before a race. Feeling uncomfortable during tapering is normal. Your body needs time to absorb training gains. Mental challenges arise when workouts decrease. Injury prevention is crucial during tapering. Workouts should still be done, but with less...
-
Countdown To Dopey Day 14: You're Ready (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)
Takeaways You are ready, even if you don't feel like it. Your main jobs are to recover and stay healthy. Tapering is essential but can be mentally challenging. Nervousness before a race is normal and healthy. Trust the training process you've followed. Self-doubt is common as race day approaches....
-
Every Mile Is Magical… Until It Isn’t: The Real Run Disney Dopey Experience
Imposter syndrome is common among runners. The Dopey Challenge includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. Disney races attract a large number of participants. The expo experience is a highlight for many runners. Merchandise at Disney races can be expensive but is highly sought after....
-
Planning For Next Year's Race Season
Setting clear goals is essential for race selection. Not every race needs to be an A race; some can be training opportunities. Logistics play a crucial role in race day success. Costs have increased for race entries and travel post-COVID. Finding joy in racing is important for long-term...
-
End Of Season? Jill & Thomas discuss the dos (and don'ts) in your recovery and planning for next year
Coaching should consider the athlete's entire life. The off-season is about maintenance, not complete rest. Setting realistic goals is crucial for motivation. Nutrition plays a vital role in performance. Strength training should be prioritized in the off-season. Mindset can significantly impact...
-
2025 Disney Wine & Dine Weekend Recap
Key Takeaways The camaraderie among runners enhances the race experience. Character photo ops are a highlight of Disney races. Registration can be stressful, especially for families. The 5K is often seen as a fun run, attracting families and casual runners. Training for races varies significantly...
-
2025 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Race Recap
The swim conditions were significantly different for the men's and women's races. Transition challenges were notable due to the long run and sandy conditions. Athletes performed well, with some achieving personal bests. The bike course had its challenges, especially with wind conditions. The run...
-
IRONMAN Women's World Championship Kona Race Recap with Age Group Athletes
This was my first time competing in Kona. I was super lucky that I have one of the hubs about 10 minutes away from my house. I was expecting it like a party the whole week and it kind of was quiet. I was surprised it was so small, but kind of was like, you know, this is the last time it's going…
more
About this show
Be Fierce & Tri is a IRONMAN Triathlon podcast and endurance training podcast covering Marathon, runDisney and ultra endurance training for athletes who want to train smarter, race stronger, and build long-term performance without burnout.Hosted by triathlon coach, Ironman World Championship qualifier, and endurance athlete Jill “The Tri Mom” Bartholomew, this podcast covers triathlon training, IRONMAN training, marathon training, and endurance training, with a practical, real-world approach designed for busy, motivated athletes.The show also features dedicated conversations around runDisney training, including Dopey Challenge training, Princess Weekend preparation, race execution, recovery, and the mental side of completing multi-day endurance events. Whether you’re training for your first runDisney weekend or balancing long-course triathlon goals with life off the race course, Be Fierce & Tri meets you where you are.Each episode delivers actionable coaching insight, honest discuss
Hosted by
Jill Bartholomew, Be Fierce Multisport