Quitting Short Course for Ironman with Natalie Van Coevorden

Natalie was close to walking away from triathlon altogether after the disappointment of Paris Olympics. Then everything changed. In this episode, she opens up about the low point, the mindset shift, and how she turned it into an explosive start in long course with two straight 70.3 wins and podiums in more 50% of races in 2025. This is the raw story of what happens when an elite athlete rebuilds, backs herself, and finds joy in racing again.0:00 Natalie is back0:18 The Tokyo heartbreak1:33 Paris dream, tough reality3:21 Why the Olympics went wrong4:09 The coaching chaos behind it all6:07 Commonwealth Games medal memories8:00 The post-Paris crash9:02 Why long course saved her love for triathlon10:08 The coach and training setup that changed everything11:21 Winning sick at Geelong12:47 Port Mac and the early momentum13:36 Vomiting before races from pressure15:05 Three wins and six podiums in year one16:38 Confidence, execution, and racing free18:45 The biggest long-course training changes19:09 500km bike weeks and full TT focus20:42 Why she runs less than people think21:43 Swim sessions that keep her sharp23:44 Inside a pro week of training26:22 The brick session she leans on28:29 Riding to watts vs riding to feel33:09 The bike strength work behind her gains34:39 The run sessions making her dangerous37:06 The injury setback that helped her improve42:13 The fueling mistake she will never repeat46:17 Watching other pros without copying them50:13 Why Ironman is not the plan yet52:29 Gold Coast disappointment unpacked58:50 Race Ranger, drafting data, and online backlash1:05:47 Her definition of success now If you want to learn how to TRAIN SMARTER and RACE FASTER, go to trivelocoaching.com.au Check us out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trivelocoaching Disclaimer: The Content in this podcast is in no way intended to be medical advice, treatment or diagnoses. None of our Content is intended to imply that any products mentioned, remedies or information provided are intended to prevent, diagnose, cure or alleviate a disease, ailment, defect or injury or should be used for therapeutic purposes. The Content is intended to assist you with running, cycling, swimming or triathlon and should not be substituted for medical advice by your healthcare professional. We do not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by the use or reliance on our Content.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.