IRONMAN Experiences Point to New CEO's Future Focus

Good morning everyone,

I’m all packed up and ready to head off to my next race. All the good nerves are starting to set in and anticipation is building. I’m actually putting a good amount of pressure on myself to get a decent result. The race fits into my strengths as an athlete and at the end of the day, it’s a good opportunity to get a solid result on the board.

• It’s an Olympic distance, which is pretty much full tilt from the gun. So I plan to race aggressively from the start and really embrace the hard moments that are sure to come!

In today’s edition:

• 🔮 IRONMAN experiences point to new CEO’s future focus.

• 🏊‍♀️ How to nail your swimming breathing.

• 🚴‍♀️ And how to improve ALL the muscles that contribute to your pedal stroke.

Thanks for being here.

-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor

Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking, or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free. 

ONE BIG THING

IRONMAN Experiences Points to New CEO’s Future Focus

What is it: At this weekend’s IRONMAN Texas, athletes will enjoy over 140 miles of swim/bike/run and a few new perks courtesy of IRONMAN.

In a recent post on the @IRONMANAmericas Instagram account, the corporation announced that they would be featuring new athlete experiences “at every race.” According to the post, some of the new experiences would include:

• Roka pre-race swim,

• Welcome ceremony,

• Hoka shakeout run,

• “Magic hour” finish line photos,

• Hyperice warmup area,

• “dine around” (count us in!)

Enter Derue: The new IRONMAN Experiences appear to be some of the first steps of the recently hired CEO, Scott Derue.

• In an interview with Sports Pro Media, Derue mentioned how from a brand, media, and partnership perspective, there are opportunities for IRONMAN that have not “been fully realized or capitalized on.”

Experiences is one of the many recent initiatives the corporation has embarked on including the creation of the IRONMAN Pro Series, and the “My IRONMAN” digital dashboard.

Tempo’s take: One person’s “experience” is someone else’s brand activation, and there’s nothing really wrong with that. Companies like HOKA, AG1, and Qatar Airways pour significant sums into partnering with IRONMAN, and these experiences are simply a higher-touch way in which to create positive brand awareness.

• For IRONMAN, it’s an opportunity to create more value for its participants, without lowering those crucial race entry fees 🤑

• Derue may be following a similar model to his previous employer, Equinox Fitness, which also charges hefty fees but provides plenty of amenities and upscale experiences.

It will be interesting to follow the evolution of IRONMAN experiences. Our theory is that IRONMAN will be introducing more revenue-generating opportunities that will provide enhanced experiences for athletes - think exclusive pre-race training opportunities and VIP toilets on race morning.

• Kind of like a slightly scaled-back IRONMAN XC program.

FAVORITES

🚴‍♀️ Improve cycling muscles: Glutes, hammys, and quads; they’re all big muscle groups that are crucial to cycling. But they aren’t the only ones! This super interesting infographic has info on ALL the muscles you use to power your pedal stroke, when they’re activated, and how you train them to be faster! [TrainingPeaks]

🏊‍♀️ Swim breathing: Are you a beginner (or advanced!) triathlete and having trouble nailing your swim breathing? It’s not an easy skill, but this video gives three great drills on how to improve your breathing while swimming. Smoother strokes ahead! [MōTTIV]

💸 Tri costs: How much does Triathlon gear really cost? This video provides a great breakdown of the costs of swim, bike, and run gear. And also has some great tips for those just starting in the sport! [Simon Shi]

🏋️‍♂️ One good exercise: No single gym exercise will get you that new PB, but this one might help improve your mobility, stability, and strength. [Fit and Well]

👏 Regular shoe, fast time: Carbon fibre-plated super shoes have taken over the running (and triathlon world) and have seen some of the longest-standing run records absolutely smashed. But you CAN still run fast in a regular run trainer like this guy did at the Boston Marathon. [BowTiedRunning]

REEL TIME

The important meetings 😆

tridurance

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RACE WEEKEND

IRONMAN Texas

The second race in the IRONMAN Pro Series, and the first one where real points will be scored!

What we’re watching 👀

• Whether Kat Matthews (GBR) will go back-to-back after winning last year. She had a minor calf tear not long ago at T100 Miami that may hold her back.

• If Fenella Langridge (GBR) will be leading the Women’s Pro Series after this race. She had a solid 6th in Oceanside and a podium here would most likely have her leading the series.

• Will former IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange (GER) show his classic form? He underperformed in Oceanside and will be looking for a big comeback.

• Whether another American can top the podium? Rudy Von Berg (USA) won last year and Matthew Marquardt (USA) who was third last year will be looking to make the jump to the top step.

How to watch: Saturday, 6AM local time - Outside Watch in the U.S. and proseries.ironman.com in the rest of the world.

QUICK NEWS

Morro trouble: With IRONMAN 70.3 Morro Bay set to return in less than a month, the event is having trouble finalizing its run course. [New Times SLO]

Zuma canceled: The Zuma Beach Triathlon - helmed by Micheal Epstein, the former owner of the Malibu Triathlon - will be canceled this year due to construction issues at Zuma Beach. [Endurance Biz]

First-ever event: World Triathlon is pleased to announce that this year’s Championship Finals in Malaga will host the first-ever World Triathlon Para Mixed relay event. [World Triathlon]

Seinesanity: Australia’s Matthew Hauser shrugs off Seine River water quality concerns, “just put me in there!” [Reuters]

TEMPO EXCLUSIVE ARCHIVE

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• Want to train and race better? You better drop your phone!

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