The long awaited return of AGFL Pod. Catch up on recent events and discuss personal growth in triathlon and life with podcast hosts Colin and Danny. A smorgasbord of updates!
Key Takeaways
Colin is dealing with a sacral stress fracture, not a hip issue as initially thought
Danny has had a solid B-level season so far, with mixed results across races
Both hosts emphasize the importance of mental resilience and adapting to adversity in racing
The Top Guns triathlon team is performing well and fostering a supportive community
Topics
Colin's Health Update
Initially thought to need hip replacement, now diagnosed with sacral stress fracture
Using forced break for personal growth through meditation and self-reflection
Finding balance and new perspectives on triathlon and life
Enjoying mountain biking with kids as alternative activity
Danny's Race Season Review
Competed in Chattanooga 70.3, Eagleman, and Maine 70.3
Consistent 1:35-1:36 half marathon times, aiming to break 1:30
Equipment issues at Maine (lost hydration system) but adapted and finished strong
Using teammates' performances as motivation to push through challenges
Top Guns Team Performance
Kyle Jones impressive mental toughness at Ironman Lake Placid (3 flats, still attempted sub-3 marathon)
Strong showings from teammates at various races (Sam, Amanda, Mike, Alden)
Growing recognition and respect for the team in the triathlon community
Parenting and Youth Sports
Danny's approach to daughter's swim team commitment and balancing push vs. support
Colin's connection with kids through mountain biking
Importance of leading by example in work ethic and passion
Mental Aspects of Training and Racing
Value of meditation and being present in the moment
Dealing with adversity and maintaining perspective during races
Balancing triathlon obsession with other life priorities
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The long awaited return of AGFL Pod. Catch up on recent events and discuss personal growth in triathlon and life with podcast hosts Colin and Danny. A smorgasbord of updates!
Key Takeaways
Colin is dealing with a sacral stress fracture, not a hip issue as initially thought
Danny has had a solid B-level season so far, with mixed results across races
Both hosts emphasize the importance of mental resilience and adapting to adversity in racing
The Top Guns triathlon team is performing well and fostering a supportive community
Topics
Colin's Health Update
Initially thought to need hip replacement, now diagnosed with sacral stress fracture
Using forced break for personal growth through meditation and self-reflection
Finding balance and new perspectives on triathlon and life
Enjoying mountain biking with kids as alternative activity
Danny's Race Season Review
Competed in Chattanooga 70.3, Eagleman, and Maine 70.3
Consistent 1:35-1:36 half marathon times, aiming to break 1:30
Equipment issues at Maine (lost hydration system) but adapted and finished strong
Using teammates' performances as motivation to push through challenges
Top Guns Team Performance
Kyle Jones impressive mental toughness at Ironman Lake Placid (3 flats, still attempted sub-3 marathon)
Strong showings from teammates at various races (Sam, Amanda, Mike, Alden)
Growing recognition and respect for the team in the triathlon community
Parenting and Youth Sports
Danny's approach to daughter's swim team commitment and balancing push vs. support
Colin's connection with kids through mountain biking
Importance of leading by example in work ethic and passion
Mental Aspects of Training and Racing
Value of meditation and being present in the moment
Dealing with adversity and maintaining perspective during races
Balancing triathlon obsession with other life priorities
AGFL Triathlon Episode 126: Elite Amateur Triathlete, Donald Brooks
Age Grouper For Life Podcast
1 hour 8 minutes 17 seconds
11 months ago
AGFL Triathlon Episode 126: Elite Amateur Triathlete, Donald Brooks
In this episode, Colin interviews the amazing Donald Brooks. Donald won his age group at the World Championship in Kona by over 20 minutes, with an impressive time of 8:58:51. His training emphasizes consistency, balancing family life, and adapting workouts around commitments. Enjoy the latest podcast as they discuss Donald’s athletic background, keys to his successes, training approach, nutrition strategies, and upcoming races. Thanks for joining the Age Grouper for Life Podcast, Donald!
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Show notes:
Donald's Athletic Background
• Started triathlon in 2014 after background in underwater hockey and masters swimming
Underwater hockey provided strong cardiovascular base and hypoxic training benefits
Transitioned to triathlon, quickly entering an Ironman-distance race (too soon, in retrospect)
Recent Race Successes
• Won 4 world championships in 4 weeks in 2023:
o 70.3 Worlds in Finland (age group win)
o Ironman Worlds in Nice (age group win by 17 seconds)
o World Triathlon Championships in Spain (super sprint and standard distance wins)
o Kona 2023: Age group win with 8:58:51 (52min swim, 4:36 bike, 3:00 run)
• Key to success: proper fueling (94g carbs/hour at Kona), heat acclimatization, and strategic race execution
Training Approach
• Swim: 4x/week (3 morning sessions, 1 evening speed work)
o Heavy use of paddles to build upper body strength
• Bike: 6 days/week, mix of outdoor rides and indoor trainer
o Tuesday night "chain gang" group ride for high intensity
o Long rides on TT bike closer to race
• Run: 3x/week, mostly steady-state (5:00/km pace)
o Parkrun on Saturdays for speed work
• Minimal strength training, some single-leg squats for stability
Race Nutrition Strategy
• Focused on increasing carb intake: 94g/hour at Kona vs. 43g/hour at Nice
o Proper hydration crucial for absorbing nutrition during the race
• Heat Acclimation
o Used heat chamber at local university for 10 days before Nice
o Improved sweat rate and ability to maintain effort in heat
Balancing Training and Life
• Works as director of an electrical company
• Married with two children (ages 12 and 9)
• Adapts training schedule around family commitments
Next Steps
• Focus on 2024 race season:
• 70.3 World Championships in Taupō, New Zealand (declined)
• Ironman World Championship in Nice, France
• 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain
Age Grouper For Life Podcast
The long awaited return of AGFL Pod. Catch up on recent events and discuss personal growth in triathlon and life with podcast hosts Colin and Danny. A smorgasbord of updates!
Key Takeaways
Colin is dealing with a sacral stress fracture, not a hip issue as initially thought
Danny has had a solid B-level season so far, with mixed results across races
Both hosts emphasize the importance of mental resilience and adapting to adversity in racing
The Top Guns triathlon team is performing well and fostering a supportive community
Topics
Colin's Health Update
Initially thought to need hip replacement, now diagnosed with sacral stress fracture
Using forced break for personal growth through meditation and self-reflection
Finding balance and new perspectives on triathlon and life
Enjoying mountain biking with kids as alternative activity
Danny's Race Season Review
Competed in Chattanooga 70.3, Eagleman, and Maine 70.3
Consistent 1:35-1:36 half marathon times, aiming to break 1:30
Equipment issues at Maine (lost hydration system) but adapted and finished strong
Using teammates' performances as motivation to push through challenges
Top Guns Team Performance
Kyle Jones impressive mental toughness at Ironman Lake Placid (3 flats, still attempted sub-3 marathon)
Strong showings from teammates at various races (Sam, Amanda, Mike, Alden)
Growing recognition and respect for the team in the triathlon community
Parenting and Youth Sports
Danny's approach to daughter's swim team commitment and balancing push vs. support
Colin's connection with kids through mountain biking
Importance of leading by example in work ethic and passion
Mental Aspects of Training and Racing
Value of meditation and being present in the moment
Dealing with adversity and maintaining perspective during races
Balancing triathlon obsession with other life priorities
