In this raw and deeply personal episode, Chris interviews Dennis just one day after his emotional Ironman Hamburg experience — a race that didn’t end as planned.

Dennis opens up about the highs and lows of his preparation, what went wrong on race day, and the difficult decision to stop during the run. From tapering missteps and cold water shock to unexpected breathing issues and the emotional toll of a DNF, this is an honest reflection on the reality of long-distance triathlon.

More than a race review, this episode is about resilience, learning from failure, and the courage to keep going. Dennis shares the powerful lessons he’s taking with him — not just as an athlete, but as a person.

🎙️ A must-listen for anyone who's faced a setback, felt the weight of expectations, or needed a reminder that thriving isn’t always about crossing the finish line — it’s about continuing the journey.

In this episode, Chris and Dennis dive into what it takes to start running as part of your triathlon journey. Whether you're a complete beginner, already training, or a seasoned triathlete, this episode brings everyone together to explore how to run smarter, stay injury-free, and support a thriving triathlon community.

🏃‍♂️ Topics covered:

• How to get started with running the right way (shoes, heart rate, pace)

• Why triathlon running feels so different (hello, jelly legs!)

• The power of brick workouts and mental preparation

• The importance of feedback, drills, and community support

• Tips for beginners and those returning to fitness - including how to avoid common pitfalls

🎧 Bonus: Hear about Chris’ training missteps and Dennis’ expert tips from track & field—and why running might not always be the best first move for everyone.

Join us, get inspired, and let’s run into triathlon - together!

🎙️ Episode 3 – Strength Training for Triathletes: Yay or Nay?

In our third episode of Tri2Thrive, we dive into one of the most underestimated aspects of triathlon training — strength training. Whether you’re just starting your triathlon journey or looking to stay injury-free and powerful long-term, this episode will give you the why and how.

🏋️‍♂️ What’s Inside:

• Why strength training is essential for triathletes — not just for performance, but for long-term health and injury prevention

• Chris' honest take on struggling to make time for core work, and Dennis' practical routine that fits alongside high-volume triathlon training

• How to train functionally vs. isolated muscle groups, and why it matters

• Easy ways to build a routine — even at home — and tips on getting started without a gym

• The role of physiotherapy, balance, and longevity in training

• A powerful visual comparison of aging athletes and how training can literally reshape your body over time

• PLUS: Dennis reflects on his recent Ironman 70.3 in Venice — what went right, what surprised him, and why consistency is the ultimate superpower.

💡 Bonus insight: We discuss this article from Runner’s World on how consistent training helps preserve motor units as we age: 👉 Running Preserves Motor Units

This episode is about more than lifting weights — it's about thriving for life, not just race day.

🔁 As always, we’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, follow us on social, and let us know: How do you include strength training in your routine?

🎙️ Episode 2 – Couch to Tri: Starting Your Triathlon Journey

In this episode of Tri2Thrive, Chris and Dennis explore what it really takes to go from zero to triathlon. From awkward first swims to finding consistency in training, they share personal stories, beginner pitfalls, and key lessons from their own journeys.

You’ll hear:

1. How they started from scratch and what kept them motivated
2. Why swimming is often the hardest — and most humbling — first step
3. The role of community, coaching, and consistency
4. Tips on building habits, training at the right intensity, and setting realistic goals
5. A few laughs, personal confessions, and a whole lot of encouragement

Whether you're thinking of signing up for your first sprint triathlon or just looking to build better fitness habits, this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and start thriving — one step at a time.

🎙️ Episode 1 – Why We Tri2Thrive?

📍 In our very first episode of Tri2Thrive, we, Chris and Dennis, introduce ourselves and the story behind this podcast and growing community.

We share why thriving—not just surviving-is, is at the heart of everything we do, both in triathlon and in life.

You'll hear about:

Why we chose the name Tri2Thrive (and how tricky it is to pronounce sometimes! 😉)

Our personal journeys: how we came to triathlon, and how setbacks in life led us to pursue growth and health

What you can expect from this podcast: real, relatable conversations about triathlon, training, and living a thriving lifestyle — no elite-athlete pressure here!

Our vision for building a supportive community where progress matters more than perfection

We also give you a glimpse into our different personalities: Chris the tech-loving engineer and Dennis the nutrition and training nerd, but with one big thing in common: passion for improvement.

☕ Bonus: There's a little coffee talk, a few laughs, and a real look into why we believe everyone can thrive, no matter where you start.