Fitness Scores, Training Microcycles, Treadmill Runs & the Case for Walking

The Real Triathlon Podcast crew dives into their latest TrainingPeaks fitness, fatigue, and form numbers before discussing race preparation, changing training structures, and the challenges of balancing multiple coaches. Jackson explains his new bike-focused training microcycle, Garrick shares how parenthood and sleep affect his routine, and Lisa talks through pneumonia, an intercostal muscle strain, and her return to higher-volume running. The crew also debates walking as a valuable part of endurance training, shares their best and worst workouts of the week, and tackles a series of “Pass or Smash” topics—including warm-up walks, racing from March to December, chasing Strava segments, breaking up long runs, race bibs, and black olives. Plus: treadmill sweat, race venues that hold athletes hostage, bike mirrors, and the inspiring power of simply getting out there and moving.