Are you unknowingly sabotaging your triathlon performance with your nutrition?

In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the 7 biggest nutrition mistakes triathletes are making in 2026 and why they’re holding you back from training hard, recovering properly and performing on race day.

Some of these mistakes have been around for years, but there are a few new ones creeping in, especially with the rise of AI and tracking apps. If you’ve ever felt flat in sessions, struggled with gut issues or wondered why your race day doesn’t reflect your training, this episode is a must-listen.

 What you’ll learn:


Why AI-generated nutrition plans can do more harm than good (and how to use them properly)


The problem with macro tracking apps that ignore the bigger picture


Why copying pro athletes is a fast track to frustration


How leaving nutrition until race season is costing you performance


The importance of fuelling for the work required instead of eating the same every day


Why you need to train your gut like you train your body


The real reason investing in your nutrition education changes everything

Nutrition isn’t the last piece of the puzzle, it’s the piece that holds everything together.
If you’re not fuelling properly, you’re leaving performance on the table no matter how good your training plan is.

Chapters:


00:00 - Introduction: What’s changed in triathlon nutrition in 2026


01:50 - Mistake #1: Blindly following AI-generated plans


04:50 - Mistake #2: Relying on macro tracking apps without context


10:10 - Mistake #3: Copying what the pros do


13:20 - Mistake #4: Leaving nutrition until race season


15:50 - Mistake #5: Eating the same every day


18:20 - Mistake #6: Not training your gut for race day


20:30 - Mistake #7: Trying to figure it all out on your own

 Links & Resources:


Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy waitlist: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy


Listen to Episode 224: The Problem with Outsourcing Your Nutrition to AI


Grab your free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Ready to take action?

If you saw yourself in any of these mistakes, that’s your sign to do something about it.

TheTriathlon Nutrition Academy is opening soon. This is your chance to stop guessing, start fuelling properly and finally unlock your performance.

 Get on the waitlist now: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy

Other Links & Resources

Download the FREE audio seriesThe 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your triathlon performance with your nutrition?
In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the 7 biggest nutrition mistakes triathletes are making in 2026 and why they&rsquo;re holding you back from training hard, recovering properly and performing on race day.
Some of these mistakes have been around for years, but there are a few new ones creeping in, especially with the rise of AI and tracking apps. If you&rsquo;ve ever felt flat in sessions, struggled with gut issues or wondered why your race day doesn&rsquo;t reflect your training, this episode is a must-listen.
&nbsp;What you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li>
Why AI-generated nutrition plans can do more harm than good (and how to use them properly)
</li>
<li>
The problem with macro tracking apps that ignore the bigger picture
</li>
<li>
Why copying pro athletes is a fast track to frustration
</li>
<li>
How leaving nutrition until race season is costing you performance
</li>
<li>
The importance of fuelling for the work required instead of eating the same every day
</li>
<li>
Why you need to train your gut like you train your body
</li>
<li>
The real reason investing in your nutrition education changes everything
</li>
</ul>
Nutrition isn&rsquo;t the last piece of the puzzle, it&rsquo;s the piece that holds everything together. If you&rsquo;re not fuelling properly, you&rsquo;re leaving performance on the table no matter how good your training plan is.
Chapters:
<ul>
<li>
00:00 - Introduction: What&rsquo;s changed in triathlon nutrition in 2026
</li>
<li>
01:50 - Mistake #1: Blindly following AI-generated plans
</li>
<li>
04:50 - Mistake #2: Relying on macro tracking apps without context
</li>
<li>
10:10 - Mistake #3: Copying what the pros do
</li>
<li>
13:20 - Mistake #4: Leaving nutrition until race season
</li>
<li>
15:50 - Mistake #5: Eating the same every day
</li>
<li>
18:20 - Mistake #6: Not training your gut for race day
</li>
<li>
20:30 - Mistake #7: Trying to figure it all out on your own
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;Links &amp; Resources:
<ul>
<li>
Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy waitlist: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
</li>
<li>
Listen to Episode 224: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/podcast/episode-224">The Problem with Outsourcing Your Nutrition to AI</a>
</li>
<li>
Grab your free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist">https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist</a>
</li>
</ul>
Ready to take action?
If you saw yourself in any of these mistakes, that&rsquo;s your sign to do something about it.
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is opening soon. This is your chance to stop guessing, start fuelling properly and finally unlock your performance.
&nbsp;Get on the waitlist now: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
Other Links &amp; Resources
Download the FREE audio series<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes"> The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day</a>
SUPPORT THE PODCAST<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend"> HERE</a>
CONNECT WITH TARYN
<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">Website</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/"> Instagram</a> |<a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved"> Facebook</a> |<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dietitianapproved"> YouTube</a>
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy&reg; is a podcast by Dietitian Approved&reg;. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Podcast! Brought to you by Advanced Sports Dietitian, Taryn Richardson. Listen as I break down the latest science to give you practical, easy to digest strategies to transform yourself into a Supercharged Triathlete! You have so much untapped potential...and I want to help you unlock that with the power of nutrition.

Triathlon Nutrition Academy

Seven Nutrition Mistakes Triathletes Are Making in 2026

Why you’re still struggling with your nutrition (and what to do about it)

You’re training consistently, trying to eat well and doing all the “right” things… so why do you still feel exhausted, hungry and stuck?

If you feel like your nutrition isn’t matching your effort, this episode will help you understand exactly why and more importantly, what to do about it.

Because here’s the truth… it’s not that you need to try harder. You need a better approach.

In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the most common reasons triathletes struggle with nutrition, even when they’re putting in the work and how to finally start seeing results from your training.

What you’ll learn in this episode:


Why doing “all the right things” still isn’t getting you results


The biggest mistake triathletes make focusing on the wrong nutrition priorities


How inconsistency is quietly sabotaging your energy, recovery and performance


Why you need a structured nutrition system (not random tips from everywhere)


The problem with “winging it” and how it leads to constant second guessing


What actually matters for endurance performance and long term progress

Key takeaways:

You can’t out-train a poor nutrition strategy

Your body adapts to what you do consistently, not occasionally

The basics done well will always outperform the fancy stuff

A clear system removes the mental load and creates better results

Chapters:
00:00 – Do you feel like you’re doing everything right but still struggling?
01:00 – Why the issue isn’t effort, it’s your approach


03:00 – The trap of focusing on supplements and small details


04:00 – The “big rocks” that actually drive performance


05:00 – How inconsistency is holding you back


06:20 – Why your body needs consistency to adapt


07:00 – The missing piece: a structured nutrition system


08:00 – Why winging it leads to frustration and confusion


09:00 – What proper triathlon nutrition actually involves


10:50 – How to take action without overwhelming yourself


11:40 – Your next step to start making progress

Ready to stop winging it with your nutrition?

If you’re tired of second guessing what to eat, feeling flat in sessions and not seeing results from your training, it’s time to take a more structured approach.

Inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, you’ll learn exactly how to fuel for performance with a clear, evidence-based system that evolves with your training.

👉 Register your interest now: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy

Other Links & Resources

Download the FREE audio seriesThe 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

Why you&rsquo;re still struggling with your nutrition (and what to do about it)
You&rsquo;re training consistently, trying to eat well and doing all the &ldquo;right&rdquo; things&hellip; so why do you still feel exhausted, hungry and stuck?
If you feel like your nutrition isn&rsquo;t matching your effort, this episode will help you understand exactly why and more importantly, what to do about it.
Because here&rsquo;s the truth&hellip; it&rsquo;s not that you need to try harder. You need a better approach.
In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the most common reasons triathletes struggle with nutrition, even when they&rsquo;re putting in the work and how to finally start seeing results from your training.
What you&rsquo;ll learn in this episode:
<ul data-start="831" data-end="1300">
<li data-section-id="vuwo1r" data-start="831" data-end="899">
Why doing &ldquo;all the right things&rdquo; still isn&rsquo;t getting you results
</li>
<li data-section-id="1lb34v8" data-start="900" data-end="983">
The biggest mistake triathletes make focusing on the wrong nutrition priorities
</li>
<li data-section-id="1ndycyo" data-start="984" data-end="1065">
How inconsistency is quietly sabotaging your energy, recovery and performance
</li>
<li data-section-id="1injvf1" data-start="1066" data-end="1146">
Why you need a structured nutrition system (not random tips from everywhere)
</li>
<li data-section-id="1aunyyw" data-start="1147" data-end="1225">
The problem with &ldquo;winging it&rdquo; and how it leads to constant second guessing
</li>
<li data-section-id="cmqb29" data-start="1226" data-end="1300">
What actually matters for endurance performance and long term progress
</li>
</ul>
Key takeaways:
You can&rsquo;t out-train a poor nutrition strategy
Your body adapts to what you do consistently, not occasionally
The basics done well will always outperform the fancy stuff
A clear system removes the mental load and creates better results
Chapters:
<ul>
<li data-start="1627" data-end="1709">00:00 &ndash; Do you feel like you&rsquo;re doing everything right but still struggling?</li>
<li data-start="1627" data-end="1709">01:00 &ndash; Why the issue isn&rsquo;t effort, it&rsquo;s your approach</li>
<li data-section-id="1e24vsg" data-start="1773" data-end="1842">
03:00 &ndash; The trap of focusing on supplements and small details
</li>
<li data-section-id="10h66q9" data-start="1843" data-end="1906">
04:00 &ndash; The &ldquo;big rocks&rdquo; that actually drive performance
</li>
<li data-section-id="1lf0e00" data-start="1907" data-end="1960">
05:00 &ndash; How inconsistency is holding you back
</li>
<li data-section-id="1yokr5a" data-start="1961" data-end="2017">
06:20 &ndash; Why your body needs consistency to adapt
</li>
<li data-section-id="1fhzhi" data-start="2018" data-end="2082">
07:00 &ndash; The missing piece: a structured nutrition system
</li>
<li data-section-id="1jtq015" data-start="2083" data-end="2148">
08:00 &ndash; Why winging it leads to frustration and confusion
</li>
<li data-section-id="1nkab2u" data-start="2149" data-end="2214">
09:00 &ndash; What proper triathlon nutrition actually involves
</li>
<li data-section-id="owbd1b" data-start="2215" data-end="2279">
10:50 &ndash; How to take action without overwhelming yourself
</li>
<li data-section-id="1stlo0w" data-start="2280" data-end="2335">
11:40 &ndash; Your next step to start making progress
</li>
</ul>
Ready to stop winging it with your nutrition?
If you&rsquo;re tired of second guessing what to eat, feeling flat in sessions and not seeing results from your training, it&rsquo;s time to take a more structured approach.
Inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, you&rsquo;ll learn exactly how to fuel for performance with a clear, evidence-based system that evolves with your training.
👉 Register your interest now: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy" data-start="3062" data-end="3103">https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
Other Links &amp; Resources
Download the FREE audio series<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes"> The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day</a>
SUPPORT THE PODCAST<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend"> HERE</a>
CONNECT WITH TARYN
<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">Website</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/"> Instagram</a> |<a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved"> Facebook</a> |<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dietitianapproved"> YouTube</a>
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy&reg; is a podcast by Dietitian Approved&reg;. All rights reserved.

Struggling With Your Nutrition? This Is What You’re Missing

What if one of the biggest factors affecting your energy, recovery and long-term health wasn’t your training or nutrition… but the light you’re exposed to every day?

Most triathletes spend hours dialling in their fuelling, sessions and recovery protocols. But modern life has quietly changed something fundamental to human biology. We now spend around 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that is very different to the sunlight our bodies evolved with.

In this fascinating episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson sits down with Professor Glen Jeffery, a neuroscientist from University College London and one of the world’s leading researchers on how different wavelengths of light influence our biology.

Professor Jeffery explains how light interacts directly with your mitochondria, the tiny energy factories inside your cells. And why certain types of light may influence everything from energy production and inflammation to recovery, metabolism and ageing.

You’ll also hear why athletes might be using red and infrared light the wrong way, and why the biggest benefits could actually come after hard training sessions rather than before.

If you’ve been curious about red light therapy devices or wondering whether they’re worth the investment, this episode will help you separate real science from marketing hype.

And if you want the full deep dive specifically for athletes, check out the brand new Red Light Therapy Masterclass here: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy

In This Episode We Discuss


Why light is far more than just something that helps us see


The surprising role of mitochondria in responding to light exposure


How modern LED lighting may be quietly impacting metabolism and health


The difference between short wavelength light vs long wavelength light


Why sunlight contains critical wavelengths most indoor lighting lacks


The link between light exposure, inflammation and blood glucose regulation


Whether red light therapy can actually improve athletic performance


Why athletes may benefit more from post-training light exposure for recovery


The problem with many expensive red light therapy devices


Simple, low-cost ways to improve your daily light environment

Key Takeaways for Triathletes


Mitochondria respond directly to certain wavelengths of light, influencing energy production.


Long wavelength light (including infrared) may help reduce inflammation and support cellular recovery.


Athletes are already highly efficient metabolically, so red light therapy may have limited benefits before exercise.


The biggest opportunity may be after hard sessions, when mitochondria are stressed and recovery is needed.


Many commercial red light devices deliver far more energy than necessary, meaning more is definitely not better.

About the Guest

Professor Glen Jeffery, PhD
Professor Glen Jeffery is a neuroscientist at University College London and a leading expert on how different wavelengths of light affect cellular health and biological function.

Chapters:

00:00 – The surprising role of light in human health
03:00 – The spectrum of sunlight explained
05:00 – Why mitochondria are the key to energy production
08:00 – The problem with modern LED lighting
11:00 – How indoor environments may influence metabolism and inflammation
16:00 – The benefits of long wavelength light
20:00 – Can red light therapy improve recovery and health?
21:00 – Simple ways to improve your light environment
29:00 – The explosion of red light therapy devices
30:00 – Why athletes may not benefit before exercise
32:00 – Where red light may actually help athletes recover faster
35:00 – Practical advice for athletes experimenting with red light therapy
37:00 – The potential risks of overusing red light devices

If today’s episode sparked your curiosity about how light impacts recovery and performance, dive deeper with the Red Light Therapy Masterclass for Athletes here:
https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy

Other Links & Resources

Download the FREE audio seriesThe 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

What if one of the biggest factors affecting your&nbsp;energy, recovery and long-term health wasn&rsquo;t your training or nutrition&hellip; but the light you&rsquo;re exposed to every day?
Most triathletes spend hours dialling in their fuelling, sessions and recovery protocols. But modern life has quietly changed something fundamental to human biology. We now spend around 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that is very different to the sunlight our bodies evolved with.
In this fascinating episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson sits down with Professor Glen Jeffery, a neuroscientist from University College London and one of the world&rsquo;s leading researchers on how different wavelengths of light influence our biology.
Professor Jeffery explains how light interacts directly with your mitochondria, the tiny energy factories inside your cells. And why certain types of light may influence everything from energy production and inflammation to recovery, metabolism and ageing.
You&rsquo;ll also hear why athletes might be using red and infrared light the wrong way, and why the biggest benefits could actually come after hard training sessions rather than before.
If you&rsquo;ve been curious about red light therapy devices or wondering whether they&rsquo;re worth the investment, this episode will help you separate real science from marketing hype.
And if you want the full deep dive specifically for athletes, check out the brand new Red Light Therapy Masterclass here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy" data-start="1609" data-end="1658">https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy</a>
In This Episode We Discuss
<ul data-start="1696" data-end="2423">
<li data-section-id="dwcfx3" data-start="1696" data-end="1761">
Why light is far more than just something that helps us see
</li>
<li data-section-id="1a098vf" data-start="1762" data-end="1835">
The surprising role of mitochondria in responding to light exposure
</li>
<li data-section-id="likioh" data-start="1836" data-end="1908">
How modern LED lighting may be quietly impacting metabolism and health
</li>
<li data-section-id="1w6530x" data-start="1909" data-end="1985">
The difference between short wavelength light vs long wavelength light
</li>
<li data-section-id="12vrqx2" data-start="1986" data-end="2057">
Why sunlight contains critical wavelengths most indoor lighting lacks
</li>
<li data-section-id="14050e2" data-start="2058" data-end="2138">
The link between light exposure, inflammation and blood glucose regulation
</li>
<li data-section-id="1kucy5k" data-start="2139" data-end="2212">
Whether red light therapy can actually improve athletic performance
</li>
<li data-section-id="11fukvt" data-start="2213" data-end="2295">
Why athletes may benefit more from post-training light exposure for recovery
</li>
<li data-section-id="lujnu1" data-start="2296" data-end="2355">
The problem with many expensive red light therapy devices
</li>
<li data-section-id="1974ug6" data-start="2356" data-end="2423">
Simple, low-cost ways to improve your daily light environment
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways for Triathletes
<ul data-start="2464" data-end="3027">
<li data-section-id="ase5yx" data-start="2464" data-end="2563">
Mitochondria respond directly to certain wavelengths of light, influencing energy production.
</li>
<li data-section-id="188lpik" data-start="2564" data-end="2672">
Long wavelength light (including infrared) may help reduce inflammation and support cellular recovery.
</li>
<li data-section-id="ducurm" data-start="2673" data-end="2795">
Athletes are already highly efficient metabolically, so red light therapy may have limited benefits before exercise.
</li>
<li data-section-id="7y5z5y" data-start="2796" data-end="2908">
The biggest opportunity may be after hard sessions, when mitochondria are stressed and recovery is needed.
</li>
<li data-section-id="ff91h4" data-start="2909" data-end="3027">
Many commercial red light devices deliver far more energy than necessary, meaning more is definitely not better.
</li>
</ul>
About the Guest
Professor Glen Jeffery, PhD Professor Glen Jeffery is a neuroscientist at University College London and a leading expert on how different wavelengths of light affect cellular health and biological function.
Chapters:
00:00 &ndash; The surprising role of light in human health 03:00 &ndash; The spectrum of sunlight explained 05:00 &ndash; Why mitochondria are the key to energy production 08:00 &ndash; The problem with modern LED lighting 11:00 &ndash; How indoor environments may influence metabolism and inflammation 16:00 &ndash; The benefits of long wavelength light 20:00 &ndash; Can red light therapy improve recovery and health? 21:00 &ndash; Simple ways to improve your light environment 29:00 &ndash; The explosion of red light therapy devices 30:00 &ndash; Why athletes may not benefit before exercise 32:00 &ndash; Where red light may actually help athletes recover faster 35:00 &ndash; Practical advice for athletes experimenting with red light therapy 37:00 &ndash; The potential risks of overusing red light devices
If today&rsquo;s episode sparked your curiosity about how light impacts recovery and performance, dive deeper with the&nbsp;Red Light Therapy Masterclass for Athletes here: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy">https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy</a>
Other Links &amp; Resources
Download the FREE audio series<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes"> The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day</a>
SUPPORT THE PODCAST<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend"> HERE</a>
CONNECT WITH TARYN
<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">Website</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/"> Instagram</a> |<a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved"> Facebook</a> |<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dietitianapproved"> YouTube</a>
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy&reg; is a podcast by Dietitian Approved&reg;. All rights reserved.

Red Light Therapy for Athletes

What happens when someone with zero athletic background decides to completely change their life… and accidentally signs up for an Ironman four months later?

In this episode of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Podcast, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson sits down with Triathlon Nutrition Academy athlete Chris Tubbs to unpack his incredible journey from couch potato to multiple Ironman finisher.

Chris started triathlon at 48 years old, while travelling 60% of the time for work in the biotech industry. Early on, things didn’t go to plan. Despite doing the training, races were ending in DNFs, cramping, nausea and serious frustration.

The surprising part? Fitness wasn’t the problem.

Through this conversation, Chris shares how dialling in his nutrition and hydration completely changed his ability to train, race and actually finish events. From ditching an expensive supplement habit to discovering he loses more than 2 litres of sweat per hour, this episode highlights just how powerful personalised nutrition can be for endurance performance.

It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, learning from mistakes and why it’s never too late to start something big.

In This Episode We Discuss


How Chris went from “championship potato chip eater” to Ironman athlete


The moment that sparked his decision to completely change his lifestyle


Accidentally signing up for an Ironman just four months into triathlon


Why he kept experiencing DNFs, cramping and poor race performances


The surprising truth about supplements vs nutrition foundations


How he saved hundreds of dollars a month by ditching unnecessary supplements


Discovering his extremely high sweat rate of over 2L per hour


Why hydration, not carbs, was the missing piece of his race-day puzzle


The challenges of fuelling properly while travelling constantly for work


How personalised nutrition strategies helped him finally finish races feeling strong


The mindset shift that kept him pushing forward through setbacks


Why it’s faster and far more effective to get expert help rather than trying to figure it all out alone

Key Takeaway

You can be incredibly fit, train hard and still struggle on race day if your nutrition and hydration aren’t dialled in.

Chris is proof that when you stop guessing and start fuelling strategically, everything changes.

Chapters

01:10 The photo that changed everything
03:00 From couch potato to triathlon at 48
06:10 Accidentally signing up for an Ironman
09:00 Why his early races kept falling apart
12:30 The supplement mistake many triathletes make
16:00 Discovering a massive sweat rate
19:30 Hydration vs carbs for endurance performance
23:10 Learning to fuel properly while travelling
27:00 Racing in heat vs cold conditions
30:30 The mindset shift that changed everything
34:00 Why getting expert help speeds up progress
37:00 Chris’ future triathlon goals

Links & Resources

Learn more about the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Program

Listen to Episode 101: How much money triathletes waste on supplements

Connect with Chris on Instagram
@iron_clydesdale

Other Links & Resources

Download the FREE audio seriesThe 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

What happens when someone with zero athletic background decides to completely change their life&hellip; and accidentally signs up for an Ironman four months later?
In this episode of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Podcast, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson sits down with <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">Triathlon Nutrition Academy</a> athlete Chris Tubbs to unpack his incredible journey from couch potato to multiple Ironman finisher.
Chris started triathlon at 48 years old, while travelling 60% of the time for work in the biotech industry. Early on, things didn&rsquo;t go to plan. Despite doing the training, races were ending in DNFs, cramping, nausea and serious frustration.
The surprising part? Fitness wasn&rsquo;t the problem.
Through this conversation, Chris shares how dialling in his nutrition and hydration completely changed his ability to train, race and actually finish events. From ditching an expensive supplement habit to discovering he loses more than 2 litres of sweat per hour, this episode highlights just how powerful personalised nutrition can be for endurance performance.
It&rsquo;s an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, learning from mistakes and why it&rsquo;s never too late to start something big.
In This Episode We Discuss
<ul data-start="1308" data-end="2246">
<li data-start="1308" data-end="1385">
How Chris went from &ldquo;championship potato chip eater&rdquo; to Ironman athlete
</li>
<li data-start="1386" data-end="1459">
The moment that sparked his decision to completely change his lifestyle
</li>
<li data-start="1460" data-end="1536">
Accidentally signing up for an Ironman just four months into triathlon
</li>
<li data-start="1537" data-end="1609">
Why he kept experiencing DNFs, cramping and poor race performances
</li>
<li data-start="1610" data-end="1679">
The surprising truth about supplements vs nutrition foundations
</li>
<li data-start="1680" data-end="1762">
How he saved hundreds of dollars a month by ditching unnecessary supplements
</li>
<li data-start="1763" data-end="1830">
Discovering his extremely high sweat rate of over 2L per hour
</li>
<li data-start="1831" data-end="1903">
Why hydration, not carbs, was the missing piece of his race-day puzzle
</li>
<li data-start="1904" data-end="1982">
The challenges of fuelling properly while travelling constantly for work
</li>
<li data-start="1983" data-end="2069">
How personalised nutrition strategies helped him finally finish races feeling strong
</li>
<li data-start="2070" data-end="2136">
The mindset shift that kept him pushing forward through setbacks
</li>
<li data-start="2137" data-end="2246">
Why it&rsquo;s faster and far more effective to get expert help rather than trying to figure it all out alone
</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaway
You can be incredibly fit, train hard and still struggle on race day if your nutrition and hydration aren&rsquo;t dialled in.
Chris is proof that when you stop guessing and start fuelling strategically, everything changes.
Chapters
01:10 The photo that changed everything 03:00 From couch potato to triathlon at 48 06:10 Accidentally signing up for an Ironman 09:00 Why his early races kept falling apart 12:30 The supplement mistake many triathletes make 16:00 Discovering a massive sweat rate 19:30 Hydration vs carbs for endurance performance 23:10 Learning to fuel properly while travelling 27:00 Racing in heat vs cold conditions 30:30 The mindset shift that changed everything 34:00 Why getting expert help speeds up progress 37:00 Chris&rsquo; future triathlon goals
Links &amp; Resources
Learn more about the <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">Triathlon Nutrition Academy Program</a>
Listen to <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/101">Episode 101</a>: How much money triathletes waste on supplements
Connect with Chris on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iron_clydesdale/">@iron_clydesdale</a>
Other Links &amp; Resources
Download the FREE audio series<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes"> The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day</a>
SUPPORT THE PODCAST<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend"> HERE</a>
CONNECT WITH TARYN
<a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">Website</a> |<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/"> Instagram</a> |<a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved"> Facebook</a> |<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dietitianapproved"> YouTube</a>
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy&reg; is a podcast by Dietitian Approved&reg;. All rights reserved.

Seven Nutrition Mistakes Triathletes Are Making in 2026

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