Fresh from the Haute Route Alps, Ironman Coach Matt Dixon returns to the podcast to share his thoughts on the experience, the lessons he gleaned from the 7-day event, and how to apply them to your athletic pursuits. The conversation covers training versus race execution and a look at the principles and elements of Matt’s preparation as a time-starved athlete that supported his performance. (22:19) "I think I arrived at the race really vibrant and healthy. We always talked about fit and fresh. I think I actually managed to succeed in doing that. And that was really beneficial for me. The challenge was the mental test. Every single day I finished I thought, goodness me, I've just done too much damage to myself today. But the interesting thing about these is not judging yourself, not buckling mentally, and just maintaining a curious mind of what is the body going to pay me back with. And every day the body responded for myself and the rest of our team. And it was -- I just felt fresh every day." Matt walks us through the Haute Route with a look at his approach to the challenges of the ride and offers his five key takeaways and lessons from the experience. 5 Lessons from the Haute Route: (26:08) The importance of taking on a scary challenge (29:13) Prepare effectively without it dominating life (30:50) The critical importance of training self-management (33:38) A methodology and Coaching Matters (35:38) Being a part of something amplifies everything This episode aims to provide insight into approaching a multi-day event and provides principles and insights you can apply to your training approach towards your athletic challenge.   Episode Timestamps 0:00 - 03:09 Welcome and Episode Introduction 3:20 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 232: Lessons and Insights From the Haute Route Alps Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Live Webinar - Free Speed: Essential Strategies to Help You Align Trained Potential with Race-Day Performance Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp Training Camp - 2023 Kona Triathlon Camp Learn More About The Haute Route Learn More About Precision Fuel and Hydration Use the code PURPLEPATCH_SQ93 on Precision Fuel and Hydration products Learn More About FuelIn Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Training Camp - 2022 St.George Triathlon Camp The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch and Episode Resources This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch - Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don’t just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events