Skye Moench on Pregnancy, T100 vs IRONMAN Pro Series and HER Podcast

Nicholas and Skye shared their personal experiences and perspectives on various topics including coffee brewing, video editing, and their work setups. They also discussed Skye's pregnancy journey, her evolving interests in podcasting and triathlon, and the challenges and opportunities in the triathlon world. Lastly, they talked about the promotion of Skye's podcast, the potential use of AI, and their personal life updates, with a focus on balancing training and family life.

Skye's Pregnancy Journey and Podcasting

Skye shared her 21.5-week pregnancy journey and the challenges of tracking progress, while also expressing her changing perspective on time. She discussed her newfound interest in podcasting as a more sustainable format for sharing her experiences and opinions. Skye's podcast, which focuses on her personal journey and the balance between parenthood and high-performance sports, has resonated with many listeners, particularly women. Nicholas expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share his perspective and fill in gaps in the narrative of their sport, emphasizing the importance of personal stories and experiences over just results. Both agreed on the remarkable achievements of women who have successfully returned to their professional sports after childbirth and discussed the evolving roles in relationships.

Skye's Adjustment to Pregnancy and Focus

Skye shared her personal experience of adjusting to pregnancy and the challenges it posed to her active lifestyle. She expressed that she has had to modify her expectations and activities, but still finds joy in her daily walks with her dog and shorter bike rides. Nicholas supported and empathized with her adjustments, recognizing the significant physical and mental demands of pregnancy. Skye shared that her current focus is on her upcoming baby and the process of labor and delivery, rather than on her triathlon goals for the next year. nicholas agreed with her logical approach to problem-solving and her focus on her well-being.

Triathlon World Evolution and Challenges

Nicholas and Skye discussed the evolution of the triathlon world, focusing on the changes in the T. 100 Miami and PTO organizations. Skye, a former board member of PTO, shared her perspective on the organization's shift from an athlete-owned, support-focused model to a race organization. She acknowledged the move was necessary for financial sustainability but also expressed that it upset many athletes. Skye suggested PTO needs to increase the field size and change the contract system to attract more athletes. Nicholas agreed, highlighting that the contracted athlete situation in the T. 100 series was a significant issue. Both agreed that these organizations need to demand more from the professional level of the sport.

Re-Evaluating Contracts for Better Prize Money

In the context of professional triathlon, Skye proposed re-evaluating contracts to offer better prize money, citing the 2022 PTO Tour where the absence of contracted athletes did not diminish the prize money or competition quality. Nicholas agreed and noted that travel and accommodation costs can significantly impact net prize money. Both acknowledged the appeal of high-profile races lies in the opportunity to participate, associated rankings, and a deeper prize purse, especially for wildcard athletes facing high costs and short notice.

Concerns About Iron Man Series and Challenge

Skye and Nicholas shared their concerns about the Iron Man Series, particularly the uncontrolled start lists, scheduling of races, and inadequate facilities. They acknowledged the challenges faced by athletes and emphasized the importance of providing feedback for improvement. They also discussed the potential of the Challenge series in the US and praised the treatment of athletes in Europe. Lastly, Skye shared her intention to participate in the Challenge Roth triathlon race and they both discussed standout performances and developments in their sport.

Female Athletes, Swimmers, and Bike Runners Dominate

Skye and Nicholas discussed the remarkable performances of female athletes in recent races, particularly highlighting the winner of Roth who also held the course record. They also noted the growing dominance of strong swimmers and bike runners in the sport, underlining the importance of proficiency in all three disciplines to compete at the highest level. Lastly, they discussed the impact of technology, such as new shoe designs, on the evolving landscape of the sport. They shared their anticipation and experiences regarding competitive events, acknowledging the challenges and stress of preparing for and participating in full-distance events.

 

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Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri