I’m inspired by professional athletes.

They are at the top of the game and in the 0.01% of humans competing at a sport.

Today we talk to Harry Palmer. He’s one of the circuit’s pro triathletes and has gone head-to-head with some of the best in the world recently at Ironman Lanzarote, finishing T-15 in contention with the likes of Daniel Bakkegard.

He’s also documenting everything on Youtube. Watch here.

Introducing Harry.

The Main Feature

Leg one: Introducing Harry.

_{What drew you into endurance sports?}

“I guess initially it was just because I was good at it. Then as I progressed I found seeing that progression really satisfying and there has always been that question of “how far can I take it?” Which keeps me motivated and above all disciplined.”

Each time we speak to a pro on this newsletter this is a theme - there is no perceived limit. As age-groupers and amateurs we can learn from this, there is always a way to progress and aim for another goal.

How did you end up with the ambition to become a Pro triathlete?

“I never really considered it until my coach mentioned that it was a possibility. Once he’d told me that, it gave me a lot of focus and that added fuel to the fire.”

I think this should ring true for more people - external help can unlock what is possible. Taking on a coach or expert support can help you see things you may not have thought were possible. Such as becoming a professional in the sport you’re passionate about.

T-1: Mental Preparation

Leg 2: Learning & goals

What have you learned from the top athletes in the world?

“No matter how important training and racing is, there’s always time for beer with fellow athletes and mates.”

Amen. Even the best in the world can save time for external plans & downtime.

What are your goals for 2023?

“Ultimately, with the way the sport is going, leaning towards PTO racing, my goal is to climb the ranks as much as I possibly can and just put myself out there at different races. I want to gain better results but also help others with the videos I produce and hopefully educate, entertain and inspire others.”

Harry currently has 17k followers on his Youtube channel here. It’s where I initially found him (reviewing a Giant Trinity triathlon bike). It’s a genuine channel following his progress in the sport.

T-2: Gear to change into

• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. Shop here.

• Orro Venturi STC SIG Dura-Ace Di2 Road Bike (2023). Shop here.

• MAAP Sphere Pro Hex Jerseys. Shop here.

• Men's STFR Mechanism USA Speedsuit. Shop here.

Shop natural supplements formulated to enhance performance: 

🌱💊 542 Performance Nutrition Daily Green’s ultimate super greens capsules are a perfect blend of superfoods, vitamins, minerals and wholefood-sourced ingredients enhancing your immune system to help you perform in training.

🍄 542 Performance Nutrition Mushroom+ capsules are single-ingredient, high-strength mushroom supplements, helping you deliver energy to your body for training.

💪 542 Performance Nutrition Marine Collagen is the highest quality, and most bioavailable source of collagen available, helping to provide structural integrity to joints and bones.

💤 542 Performance Nutrition Ashwagandha+ (KSM66) is formulated with Cordyceps & Ginseng to help combat stress and adrenal fatigue, while also supporting the immune system, energy levels & mental performance. 

🏋️‍♂️ 542 Performance Nutrition Plant Protein delivers 17g of premium vegan protein per serving with just 1.5g of carbs, 88 calories & no artificial sweeteners.

🏋️‍♂️ 542 Performance Nutrition Whey Protein delivers 22g of premium whey protein per serving with just 1.2g of carbs, 108 calories & no artificial sweeteners.

Leg 3: insert heading

What is the biggest tip you’d give to an aspiring endurance athlete?

“Have patience! It’s very easy to want results straight away and be discouraged when you don’t see progression as fast as you’d like. Things don’t happen over night so stay disciplined and patient and you’ll see some big gains over time.”

In a dopamine fuelled world where overnight success can appear easy, remember it’s the furthest point from truth. Harry’s been racing since 2014.

What do you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?

“Triathlon is too expensive… do something else😂. All joking aside, probably just not worrying about what other people think and not comparing your own progression to others.”

Triathlon is not cheap - but Harry’s now racking up the sponsors through his Youtube account. Now supported by Swiss Side.

There’s a serious point here, stick to your own goals and you’ll be happy. Try not to compare your own targets with others, everyone has their own journey.

So that’s Harry.

Aid station: Listen as you recover

• That Triathlon Life Podcast: Triathlon Running Shoe Rotation. Listen here.

• Triathlon Mockery: Doping in Triathlon. Listen here.

• Jocko Podcast. If You Want To Be A Champion. Listen here.

• Modern Wisdom: Dr Peter Attia. The Health Metrics That Matter Most For Longevity Listen here.

Coaches Corner

WOTW: Workout of the week

Run for Time

In this workout, we will focus on running at your threshold pace, which is the pace that you can sustain for an extended period without fatiguing too quickly. This type of workout can help you increase your speed and endurance.

Warm up:

• Start with a 5-10 minute light jog to get your muscles warmed up and increase your heart rate.

• Follow this with some dynamic stretches, such as leg swings, walking lunges, and high knees, to improve your mobility and prepare your muscles for the workout.

Main set:

• Run at your threshold pace for 3 minutes.

• Take a 1-minute recovery jog at an easy pace.

• Repeat this cycle for a total of 5 sets.

• After completing the 5 sets, rest for 2 minutes.

• Run at your threshold pace again for 5 minutes.

• Take a 1-minute recovery jog at an easy pace.

• Run at your threshold pace for another 3 minutes.

Cool down:

• Finish the workout with a 5-10 minute cool-down jog at an easy pace to lower your heart rate and prevent muscle soreness.

• Finish with some static stretches, holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds, to help your muscles recover and improve your flexibility.

Remember to listen to your body during the workout and adjust your pace if necessary. Always stay hydrated and fuel your body with the right nutrients before and after the workout.

Finishing line: Races next week

• 22nd April. IRONMAN Texas - The Americas Championship. More info here.

• 23rd April. IRONMAN 70.3 Monterrey. More info here.

• 22nd-23rd April. XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni. More info here.

• 23rd April. TCS London Marathon. More info here.

Tweet-athlon

MemeOTW

Thank you for reading this weeks newsletter.

You can keep up with us daily on Instagram here and follow my (Robert, triathlete - Ironman 70.3 athlete) Strava here.

Currently training for Ironman Staffordshire in June.

DM me on Instagram personally if you're London based - we're always out for group runs & rides. Connect here.

Have a great week.

Robert