Episode #141 Strength Training! Personalized Strength Training for Athletes Marilyn and Jesse discussed the importance of personalized strength training for athletes, emphasizing the need to consider an athlete's specific needs, training history, and response to different training loads. They highlighted the significance of progressive training, starting with bodyweight exercises and gradually introducing weightlifting, while ensuring proper form and technique to prevent injuries. Jesse and Marilyn also stressed the value of video feedback, using mirrors, and consulting coaches to improve form and ensure effective training. They agreed that athletes should respect the timeline for progression and adapt to each training block before advancing to the next level. Strength Training Techniques and Safety Jesse and Marilyn discussed the importance of proper form and technique in strength training to prevent injuries, emphasizing the need for athletes to assess their current form and seek visual feedback if necessary. They highlighted the importance of understanding the purpose of strength training, whether it is to improve performance in their sport, overall health, or both. Jesse shared a personal anecdote about a fall during a run, illustrating the benefits of having adequate muscle mass for injury prevention. The conversation concluded with a brief discussion on periodization and the use of specific exercises like deadlifts in training programs. Endurance Athlete Exercise Recommendations Marilyn and Jesse discussed exercise recommendations for endurance athletes, emphasizing the importance of proper form and equipment. They agreed that exercises like the leg press and seated row are beneficial for endurance athletes, while deadlifts should be approached with caution. Jesse shared his experience with pull-ups and banded pull-throughs. Marilyn advised on appropriate footwear for lifting and the importance of calf raises and hopping exercises for injury prevention in older athletes. They concluded by emphasizing the importance of good form, progression, and not overcomplicating core exercises.

Episode # 140 Racing your race!  In this episode we chat about the Women's race at the Ironman World Championships and what take aways athletes can use in any race. We explored the importance of adapting race strategies to environmental conditions and personal limits, emphasizing the value of pacing, self-regulation, and tactical decision-making during competitions. We also discussed the benefits of multi-sport training, shared experiences with recent races, and highlighted the need for athletes to develop strategies that balance fitness levels with race-specific demands.

Episode #139 Intensity control in triathlon training In this Episode Jesse is joined by Cameron Lamont, Head coach of the Wildcats Triathlon Team. They chat about how they use intensity control with the team, and go into how each of them use it with there individual athletes they coach. They end up chatting about intensity control coupled with intuitive training, all in all a really fun chat!   Jesse Vondracek - https://topsteptraining.com/ Cameron Lamont - https://cams-world.de/

Episode #138 Triathlon Training through Pregnancy  Jesse and Marilyn are joined by Emily Machiela-Leestman to share her story on training during pregnancy and postpartum. She is an open book and shares her story including miscarriages, pregnancy, and getting back to sport as well as offering advice for other women facing similar challenges. We know this process is extremely individual, but Emily offers great insights on what worked for her and she has some great take aways for  daily practices for physical and emotional well-being that everyone can learn from!

Episode #137 Swim Block training for triathletes In this Episode I am joined by a blast from the past - Elliot is back! Elliot and I dive into block training and how it can be effective and we seemed to really deep dive into this idea with the swim, we head down a few other tangents on the swim, a fun episode, not for the linear listener!! 

Episode # 136 The Fartlek Run Workout   The Fartlek Run Workout for triathletes - a personal favorite of mine. My running partners will affectionately remember them as "a few strides" until after the workout starts and I tell them the plan. In this episode we dive into the Fartlek run workout and how you can use it in your training effectively. A great listen for understanding the nuance of building a fartlek workout.   

Episode #135 Are you race ready?   In this episode Marilyn and Jesse roll through all the factors that can make you race ready! “Am I Ready?” — The Real Markers of Readiness Readiness for performance isn’t a simple checklist of fitness metrics or generic data points. It’s personal, layered, and often emotional. It evolves as we do—shaped by age, experience, setbacks, and growth.  

Episode # 134 The Endurance of Adaptation: Living, Racing, and Thriving with Diabetes In this  edition of “The 99%,” Marilyn sits down with two longtime friends, athletes, and training partners—Eddie Fishman and Gary Allen—to talk about endurance sport, diabetes, and the delicate balance between performance and health. What unfolds is a raw, insightful, and powerful conversation that transcends diagnosis and dives deep into self-awareness, adaptation, and the athlete’s mindset.

Episode #133 Open Water Swim Skills In this Episode Marilyn and Jesse chat about going from swimming in the pool to swimming in open water. We go into ways to mimic open water in the pool and some skills you can work on in the pool to get better at open water swimming, after all how you swim in open water is really the only benchmark of success! Enjoy -   Marilyn -- swim resources  Jesse -- Top Step Training

Episode #132 The Benefits of Exercise on Mental Health   A really fun chat with Marilyn outlining all the positives of exercise on mental heath. There are so many benefits that training has on your life, we just touched on a few - goal setting, routine, health, great habits and many more! 

Episode #131 Kona, Training trends and Racing! This Episode we discuss the move of Ironman back to world championships as a one day event in Kona. We talk about some discussions on training and racing we have been hearing in the triathlon world especially after Sanders dominate start to the year.  We also talk in a bit more detail what is going on in our own racing.  Marilyn's Camps!  Check out Top Step Training! 

Episode #130 The long swim with Christina MacDougall We dive into the world of Open Water Swimming and have a great chat with Christina. She is an extremely accomplished swimmer herself and we roll through lots of the ins and outs of swimming long. She has recently completed the SCAR event in Arizona and is preparing for th English Channel Swim! Lots of great insights here!   follow Christina here! SCAR Swim Questions? Looking for individual coaching?  -- check us out! Top Step Training - Jesse MCC - Marilyn

Episode #129 Scheduling workouts -- behind the curtain In this episode Marilyn and Jesse get into what factors go into the writing, scheduling and spacing of an athletes workouts. We talk about our key points in looking at cumulative fatigue, race performance, athlete history. This is a really good listen if you have ever asked about the why behind a workout!    This document is referenced in the workout!   Looking for individual coaching? check us out! Top Step Training - Jesse MCC - Marilyn

Episode #128 Short Course Racing with Anna Zehnder In this Episode Marilyn and I are joined by Short Course rock start Anna Z. She is a duathlete and xterra athlete with Olympic goals in triathlon. She most recently raced few races in the Americas and we were fortunate to hear her take on the racing and training leading in. She is a Wildcat so I get the privilege to be one of the on deck coaches while she swims! Follow her journey-  https://www.instagram.com/annaze8/ https://annazehnder.ch/

Episode 127 Marathon in Triathlon Training Jesse and Marilyn tackle the topic of adding in a marathon into your triathlon year. We discuss the whys and the why nots for including one in your year. Ultimately, racing is an expression of passion so you need to do what you love! But, we chat about some of the pros and cons to both. 

Episode #126 The mental side of performance Do you race better happy or angry? Are you sure? In this episode Marilyn and Jesse discuss the emotional and mental state you need to be in in order to get the most out of yourself. I spend a decade doing it wrong, so have a listen, and spare yourself 10 years! 

Episode #125 Motivation with Amy VT We had an awesome chat with Amy Van tassel on motivation for the long game. VT shared her inspiration that has kept her in sport over the years. We dove into the variety of sources of motivation she has relied on through the years. It is always a great time chatting with VT!

Episode #124 Goals Goal setting in the New Year Happy New Year! In this Episode Marilyn and Jesse discuss goal setting, the multi year vision and habit creation. These steps can help you be an active participant in the process of reaching your goals!

Episode #123 The Tucson Camp Coaches In this Episode Marilyn and Jesse are joined by Tucson Camp Coaches Chris Bagg and Erin Green. We discuss how much fun we are about to have at camp! and why we are excited to go back this year!  Tucson Camp Jesse Vondracek Marilyn Chychota  Chris Bagg Erin Green     

Episode #122 70.3 worlds course preview, Tucson camp readiness! What to expect at 70.3 worlds and fielding some questions on being ready for Tucson Camp!   Tucson Camp Jesse Marilyn