Purple Patch Podcast

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the Purple Patch Run Squad program. He highlights the success of Pasquale Romano, a 60-year-old athlete who achieved a half IRONMAN PR and first age group win. Dixon breaks down running performance into five components: cardiovascular conditioning, muscular resilience, tissue durability, economy of movement, and biomechanics. He emphasizes the importance of frequent, easy running, strength training, and leveraging multi-sport workouts to build resilience and reduce injury risk. Dixon also cautions against over-reliance on super shoes, recommending neutral shoes for daily use and limited use of super shoes for speed work and racing. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.  Purple Patch and Episode Resources Fast Track Run Squad: purplepatchfitness.com/fasttrackmarathon Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://

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 highlights the importance of walk breaks for better pacing and form preservation. Strength training is essential for maintaining durability and preventing injuries. Dixon also emphasizes the importance of coaching and community support in enhancing performance and enjoyment. He invites listeners to explore Purple Patch coaching for personalized training plans. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: https://www.purplepatch

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, Jeff Dolan, an international executive at Starbucks, shares his journey from a busy executive to a high-performing triathlete. Initially, he struggled with balancing his demanding role with his passion for triathlon. After joining Purple Patch Fitness, he learned to focus on quality training over quantity, integrating nutrition, sleep, and recovery. This approach led to significant improvements in his performance, including PRs in 70.3 and IRONMAN races. Dolan emphasizes the importance of adaptability, energy management, and the value of small, consistent improvements. His story highlights the benefits of integrating sport into life to enhance overall well-being and performance. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfitness.com/squad 1:1 Coaching: htt

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon interviews Chris Harris, a long-time coached Purple Patch Athlete, about overcoming a severe viral fatigue that affected his performance and motivation. Chris, a busy executive and father, initially sought coaching to improve his triathlon performance. Despite initial success, he faced a six-month period of debilitating fatigue, leading to a reassessment of his athletic goals. With a flexible training plan and the introduction of walk breaks during races, Chris achieved a personal best of 2:57 in the Cal International Marathon. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, grace, and a supportive team in overcoming challenges. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Learn more about Chris Soden & Strategic Fitting: https://strategicfitting.com/ Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-c

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces the Purple Patch Podcast, emphasizing the importance of challenging oneself to extend performance, happiness, and purpose in life. It features Will Turner, a senior coach at Purple Patch, who completed a remarkable feat of six and a half Ironmans in an eight-day race at altitude, covering 914 miles. Will discusses his journey, the mental and physical challenges, and the importance of adaptability, resilience, and sustained performance under pressure. He also shares insights on setting big, audacious goals (BHAGs) and the significance of belief and confidence in achieving them. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Learn more about Will's Film: https://www.sierra914.com/  Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Learn more about Chris Soden & Strategic Fitting: https://strategicfitting.c

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, Matt Dixon and Chris Soden discuss maximizing winter training for cyclists and triathletes. They emphasize the importance of proper bike fitting, posture, and equipment for indoor and outdoor training. Chris highlights the benefits of using smart trainers and the Velocity platform for effective training, noting that proper form and equipment maintenance are crucial. He advises athletes to document changes and make gradual adjustments. Chris also offers remote consultations and equipment upgrades, stressing the importance of a solid bike position and drive train efficiency. Matt underscores the value of the Purple Patch ecosystem in enhancing athletic performance.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Learn more about Chris Soden & Strategic Fitting: https://strategicfitting.com/  Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-cal

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the Purple Patch coaching program, highlighting limited spots for senior coaching and individual coaching slots. He emphasizes the benefits of the Tri Squad program, which offers personalized, low-cost consultations and a supportive ecosystem. The focus of the episode is on training for Q1 2026, covering swim, bike, run, and strength. Dixon details technical development in swimming, endurance building, and the importance of gears. For cycling, he stresses high-intensity interval training, Terrain Management, and strength endurance. In running, he advocates for high-frequency, easy runs, technical speed intervals, and walk breaks. He also underscores the importance of strength training for performance and injury prevention.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseas

On this episode, Mike Davison, a long-time Triathlete and member of Purple Patch's Tri Squad shares his journey of athletic success and personal growth. Despite initial plateaus and challenges, including long COVID, Mike leveraged Purple Patch's coaching and resources to improve his performance. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, true coaching, and community support. Mike highlights specific strategies like integrating blood testing, optimizing nutrition, and adapting training plans to race conditions. His story underscores the value of coaching beyond just training plans and the impact of a supportive community on overall well-being and athletic success. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses strategies for setting performance goals and training effectively in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of starting now, before the holidays, to avoid the "New Year, New You" pressure. Dixon identifies three common challenges: the overwhelmed athlete, the rigid athlete, and the mature athlete. He advises against chasing specific events and instead focuses on a year-long journey of progression. Key strategies include building a flexible training plan, prioritizing strength sessions, and maintaining consistent habits. Dixon also highlights the importance of integrating training with life demands and encourages listeners to reach out for a complementary needs assessment.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchfi

Steve Magness x Matt Dixon on joy, resilience, and what actually creates long-term success in young athletes Too many conversations about youth sports focus on podiums, rankings, and early success. But the real power of sport isn't medals— it's the humans our kids become along the way. In this special conversation, performance experts Steve Magness and Matt Dixon break down what truly matters in youth athletics: joy, resilience, confidence, identity, and the pathways that create long-term success. They bust myths around early specialization, explore what actually predicts high-level performance, and offer practical guidance for parents, coaches, and athletes at every stage. Whether your child loves sport for fun or dreams of competing at the highest levels, this episode gives you the roadmap to support their growth—as athletes and as people.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Steve Magness Books: https://www.stevemagness.com/wintheinside/ https://www.stevemagness.com/do-hard-things/  Check out our world-cla

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Human Performance Author & Coach Steve Magness discuss the importance of mental toughness in athletic performance and life. Magness emphasizes that mental toughness is not about ignoring pain but navigating it effectively. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, including sleep, nutrition, and ongoing education. Magness shares his journey from a high school athlete to a respected coach, stressing the importance of teaching psychological skills. He advises athletes to develop a mental toolkit, use self-talk, and focus strategies to manage discomfort. Magness also underscores the value of stress inoculation and the importance of putting oneself in challenging situations to build resilience.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Steve Magness Books: https://www.stevemagness.com/wintheinside/ https://www.stevemagness.com/do-hard-things/  Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a compleme

Welcome to the Win Cycle Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon and Purple Patch Fitness Co-Founder Kelli McMaster interview Sami Inkinen, co-founder and COO of Trulia and CEO of Virta Health, discussing his journey of high performance in sports and business. He emphasizes the importance of managing energy over time, integrating work, family, and personal interests, and treating oneself like an Olympic athlete. Inkinen highlights the significance of sleep, nutrition, and movement for sustained high performance. He also shares his approach to building high-performance cultures at Trulia and Virta, focusing on individualized support, community, and the role of leadership in modeling healthy habits. Inkinen's strategies include weekly planning, prioritizing rest, and fostering a culture of sustainable high performance. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Learn more about Win Cycle: https://wincycle.org/   Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assess

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In the episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of a structured off-season for athletes to avoid performance regression. He emphasizes the need for consistent, lighter training rather than complete shutdown or high-volume base building. Dixon highlights the significance of maintaining rhythm, technique, and strength during the off-season to ensure better performance in the next season. He advocates for focusing on specific projects, such as improving technique or building strength, and stresses the importance of organizational effectiveness and supporting habits like sleep and nutrition. Dixon concludes by encouraging athletes to view the off-season as a performance accelerator rather than a break.  If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@purplepatchfitness.com.    Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs asses

Welcome to the Win Cycle Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon introduces Win Cycle, a performance-first leadership system inspired by elite athlete training principles. Designed for executive and academic teams, Win Cycle aims to build systems for sustained high performance. The program, developed over 18 months and launched in 2024, has seen significant growth and positive feedback. Key components include physical foundations, mental game training, and team collaboration. Results show 100% of participants report improved energy and performance habits, with an average adherence to 10 core habits at 86%. The program has received high ratings and positive feedback from clients, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing team performance and well-being. Purple Patch and Episode Resources Visit the Win Cycle Website: https://wincycle.org/ Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatch/offseason-assessment-call Tri Squad: https://www.purplepatchf

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of off-season training for athletes, emphasizing the need for rejuvenation, flexibility, and building a foundation for next year's performance. He highlights the benefits of consistent, low-impact cycling, which not only maintains fitness but also improves cognitive health. Dixon advocates for a balanced approach, combining high-intensity interval training, skill development, and terrain management. He shares the inspiring story of Jenna Diliberto, who overcame significant challenges to achieve a top finish in an Ironman race. Dixon encourages listeners to join Purple Patch's coaching programs for personalized guidance and to enhance their cycling skills effectively.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Join us this Saturday for a FREE video-coached bike ride: https://go.purplepatchfitness.com/bike Book a complementary needs assessment coaching

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On the episode IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon welcomes guest and Purple Patch Athlete Marina Gelman. In 2000, at the age of 40, Marina Gelman lost her college-aged daughter in a tragic car accident. At the time, Gelman was a new fitness enthusiast and avid runner. Overcome by grief after the accident, however, she holed herself up for almost two years and focused only on work to numb the pain. Unfortunately, during this time, she abandoned her fitness goals, started smoking again after a long hiatus, and put on weight; reaching over 200 pounds. Ironically, it was another tragedy a short time later, the death of her Father from a heart attack, that inspired her to start training again. As it turns out, training non-stop turned out to be a blessing and a curse. Yes, she lost weight and found relief from her stress and heartache, but she was also overtraining…severely. Marina eventually succumbed to the devastating effects of chronic fatigue. Even the simple act of walking u

In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the evolution and future of coaching on the Purple Patch Podcast. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, integrating performance with life demands, and proactive coaching that anticipates challenges. Dixon highlights the need for mutual investment, collaboration, and simplification in coaching. He warns against the "magic method" and "will it work for me" traps, advocating for individualized training plans. Dixon also stresses the role of technology, particularly AI, as an assistant rather than a replacement for human coaching. The podcast is based on feedback from athletes, with high satisfaction scores and a focus on continuous improvement. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatc

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! In this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of strength training during the off-season for athletes, emphasizing its benefits for longevity, performance, and overall health. He shares a case study of Dave Pray, a 70-year-old cyclist who improved his lean body mass by 8 pounds and reduced body fat by 35% through a combination of high-intensity intervals, low RPM cycling, and strength training. Dixon outlines a practical blueprint for integrating strength training into an athlete's routine, highlighting its role in power, economy, resilience, and daily function. He also introduces a new strength training program with progressions and flexibility for different fitness levels. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calend

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On the episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon, offering free Needs Assessment calls to help athletes plan for 2026. He emphasizes the critical role of physical challenges in improving performance, both for athletes and non-athletes. Dixon explains that physical challenges provide embodied learning, immediate feedback, and confidence-building experiences. He highlights the neuroscience behind high-stakes situations, noting that controlled stress paired with recovery enhances resilience and performance. Dixon encourages listeners to set ambitious physical challenges now to ensure a successful and well-prepared 2026 season. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com.   Purple Patch and Episode Resources Check out our world-class coaching and training options: Book a complementary needs assessment coaching call: https://calendly.com/coaches-purplepatc

Welcome to the Purple Patch Podcast! On this episode, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon discusses the importance of the off-season in triathlon performance, offering complimentary Needs Assessment calls to help athletes prepare effectively. He introduces Renee Songer, a physical therapist at Purple Patch, who emphasizes the role of physical therapy in performance enhancement beyond injury recovery. Renee emphasizes the importance of pre- and post-activity preparation, the significance of multi-planar strength, and the necessity of individualized approaches to mobility and stability. She also addresses common mistakes athletes make, such as neglecting upper body mobility and overlooking the importance of strength training. The conversation highlights the importance of incorporating physical therapy into an athlete's routine for achieving optimal performance and preventing injuries. If you have any questions about the Purple Patch program, feel free to reach out at info@purplepatchfitness.com. Purple Patch and Ep