Cairns Ironman 70.3 Debrief

Episode 19: Kona Kaos The 2026 Ironman World Championships in Kona promised high drama, but what unfolded on the Big Island was pure, unadulterated carnage. In this episode of the Hot Tub Tri Machine, Ursula and The Beast dive deep into the absolute chaos that defined this year's race. From the moment the cannon fired, the island threw everything it had at the world's best athletes. The hosts break down the brutal, unforgiving conditions that included blistering heat, oppressive humidity, and those infamous, bike-swallowing winds. Race strategies were left by the wayside as top contenders were forced into survival mode. Grab your recovery shake and jump in the tub, and listen to Ursula and The Beast recap the spectacular blowups and the heroic finishes from another historic day of racing in Kona. There was shouting, gasps, tears, laughter and goosebumps. https://www.tri247.com/triathlon-news/elite/ironman-world-championship-kona-2026-live-updates Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected]. Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page. Join the Hot Tub Tri Machine Podcast club in Zwift and join our virtual group ride events. Zwift Companion app - https://www.zwift.com/int/companion Zwift - https://www.zwift.com/ Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Garageband

Episode 18: Fangirling with LATriathlete Carolyn Carter, better known as LA Triathlete, joins Ursula and The Beast in the Hot Tub for a candid, funny conversation about triathlon, racing, and finding joy in sport. She shares how stepping away from pro racing opened the door to an off-road chapter filled with gravel riding, trail running, and her first ultra marathon - a demanding 50K she’d happily do again. Carolyn weighs in on what’s overrated and underrated in triathlon, from disc wheels and recovery boots to strength training and practice swims. She explains why a professional bike fit and good running shoes can be worthwhile investments, while beginners can save money with used bikes and simple, accessible race nutrition. The conversation also covers her favourite and toughest races, her advice for athletes who feel intimidated by the sport, and how she keeps going on difficult days: focus on the finish, remember the comforts waiting afterward, and try to have fun. The girls share their Kona podium predictions before wrapping up with some ridiculous triathlon “would you rather” scenarios. This episode is a warm, practical listen for new triathletes and experienced age-groupers alike. This episode is a reminder that you don’t need the most expensive gear or a perfect race to belong in the sport. Links Carolyn Carter LATriathlete Instagram https://www.instagram.com/la_triathlete/?hl=en Read the full story of Stacey Duffy’s ride around Australian https://bicyclingaustralia.com.au/news/stacey-duffy-completes-record-breaking-ride-around-australia/ Article on 1000 consecutive ultra marathons - Shannon-Leigh Litt https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/361041547/1000-days-1000-ultramarathons-and-somehow-shannon-leigh-litt-isnt-finished Article: Exercise before surgery improves outcomes and shortens recovery time https://theconversation.com/exercise-before-surgery-improves-outcomes-and-shortens-recovery-time-new-research-292597 Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected]. Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page. Join the Hot Tub Tri Machine Podcast club in Zwift and join our virtual group ride events. Zwift Companion app - https://www.zwift.com/int/companion Zwift - https://www.zwift.com/ Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Riverside and Garageband

Episode 17: From Couch to the Surf with Hilary Topper Open-water swimming is where triathlon gets real, and Hilary Topper has spent years helping beginners stop panicking and start thriving in it. If the thought of cold water, rough conditions, sighting, or that first jump off the pontoon makes you tense up, in this episode of Hot Tub Tri Machine, Ursula and The Beast welcome author, endurance athlete and open-water swimming advocate Hilary Topper. Hilary talks about conquering one of the biggest hurdles for many triathletes: getting comfortable in the water when there’s no pool wall, no lane rope and absolutely no hiding! Hilary shares the story behind her new book, Unlocking the Open Water Swim: The Beginner’s Guide to Success in Open Water Events, and her own remarkable journey from “couch potato” to confident open-water swimmer — starting to swim at 53 and eventually tackling long-distance challenges, including an 8.3-mile swim around Mackinac Island. Topics will range from dealing with cold water, rough conditions, sighting, breathing, race-day nerves and that slightly terrifying moment when you realise you actually have to jump off the pontoon and swim! Hilary shares practical tips for staying safe and calm in open water, along with the mental strategies, gear and training techniques that can help nervous swimmers build confidence. If the thought of swimming in open water makes your heart rate rise before you've even started, this episode is for you. Hilary proves that you don't have to be a lifelong swimmer, or even think of yourself as an athlete, to become an open-water swimmer. links to the books:

Episode 16: Angelina’s winning reflections on her 70.3 DNF Those Queens of Chaos, Ursula and the Beast, are back in the hot tub with their first European guest: Angelina, a Scottish mother and age-group triathlete whose journey from inactivity to endurance sport is anything but ordinary. Angeline is a vibrant and authentic character who has grown an inspired and inspiring Instagram following. Angelina shares how she learned to run and entered her first triathlon despite barely being able to swim, owning no bike, and never having raced before. She talks candidly about attempting Ironman Bolton, missing the bike cutoff by just three minutes. She reflected on her effort and came up with a list of simple things she could do differently next time. She returned stronger, more knowledgeable and with an unstoppable attitude at Challenge Almere. Along the way, she reveals how sport helped her rebuild her identity, maintain sobriety, and inspire her daughters. Ursula and the Beast explore the barriers that hold women back from triathlon, including confidence, money, time, and motherhood. Funny, honest, and packed with hard-won lessons, this episode proves that anyone can start from zero and become an athlete. Angelina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelina.i.daly?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected]. Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page. Join the Hot Tub Tri Machine Podcast club in Zwift and join our virtual group ride events. Zwift Companion app - https://www.zwift.com/int/companion Zwift - https://www.zwift.com/ Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Riverside and Garageband

Episode 15: Endurance, Exhaustion & Everything In Between In this episode of Hot Tub Tri Machine, Ursula and The Beast sit down with endurance athlete James Carter for a candid conversation about what it really takes to go the distance. From first-time marathons and open-water swims to 25 marathons, Ironman-distance races, and back-to-back ultramarathons, James shares the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons from his endurance journey. The discussion goes beyond training plans and finish lines, exploring the impact of diet culture, chronic fatigue, body image pressures, and the challenge of balancing ambition with recovery. With plenty of humour along the way, James recounts race-day mishaps, including lost contact lenses, navigational disasters, and the realities of pushing the body too far. James also speaks openly about inclusion in endurance sport and the importance of supportive communities that make athletes feel welcome and seen. Together, Ursula, The Beast, and James unpack why nutrition, sleep, and recovery are just as important as training volume. The result is an inspiring and honest episode that reminds listeners that endurance sport is for every body, progress is rarely linear, and resilience often begins with self-acceptance. Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [email protected]. Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page. Join the Hot Tub Tri Machine Podcast club in Zwift and join our virtual group ride events. Zwift Companion app - https://www.zwift.com/int/companion Zwift - https://www.zwift.com/ Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Riverside and Garageband