Best ACL IT Academy Podcasts (2025)

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Iron Cowboy: What It Takes to Do 100 Ironmans in 100 Days 41:58

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7d ago41:58

41:58

What on earth does it take to complete 100 Ironmans in 100 days? James Lawrence – aka the Iron Cowboy – joins the podcast to share the physical, mental and nutritional toll of his epic Conquer 100 challenge. Spoiler: it involved over 12,000 calories a day, a few Costco muffins, and being fed through a massage table hole. Whether you're a beginner o…

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The Science of Exercise with T1 Diabetes – with Dr Sam Scott 24:42

10h ago24:42

24:42

Managing type 1 diabetes as a triathlete isn’t just tough – it’s a constant balancing act. But with the right tools, strategy and support, you can absolutely perform at your best. In this episode, I chat with Dr Sam Scott – exercise physiologist, diabetes researcher and former Head of Research for Team Novo Nordisk – about the science and strategy …

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From ACL Surgery to 70.3 – Brian’s Nutrition-Fuelled Comeback 23:28

21d ago23:28

23:28

Could your comeback story start with your plate? In this inspiring episode, we hear from TNA athlete Brian McLean, who proves that nutrition isn't just for race day. Nine months after tearing his ACL in a backyard basketball game, Brian is back training for 70.3 races, stronger and more dialled-in than ever. His secret? Strategic nutrition from day…

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Sweat Science: The Truth About Electrolytes and Hydration for Triathletes 18:32

28d ago18:32

18:32

Think you’re nailing hydration because you’ve got a pastel-coloured electrolyte drink in hand? Think again. In this episode, I bust through the marketing fluff and break down exactly when, why and how triathletes should use electrolytes. Forget what TikTok says, here’s the science-backed truth from an endurance sports dietitian. 🔍 Here’s what we co…

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The Gut Microbiome Explained – How It Affects Performance 16:39

1M ago16:39

16:39

Is gut health just another nutrition fad, or a legit performance game-changer for triathletes? In this episode, Taryn breaks down the gut microbiome in a way that makes sense for endurance athletes. Discover what it is, what it does, and how to support it without expensive supplements or trendy fermented food obsessions. Key Takeaways: Your microbi…

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Back of the Pack: Why Nutrition Isn’t Just for Fast Triathletes 23:05

1M ago23:05

23:05

Think nutrition is only for podium chasers? Think again. In this inspiring chat, we meet Dr Sarah Barr, a proud back-of-the-packer, cancer survivor and one determined triathlete chasing big endurance goals including a full Ironman for her 62nd birthday. As a long-time calorie counter and clean eater, Sarah thought she had nutrition sorted... until …

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Should I Be Using Different Fuelling Strategies When On My Period? 26:15

2M ago26:15

26:15

Are your hormones hijacking your training? If you've ever felt off during certain weeks of your cycle and wondered if your nutrition needs to change, you're not alone. This week, we're tackling one of the most common questions from female triathletes: should you be fuelling differently during your period? With new research emerging, it's time to bu…

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Whoop vs Oura – What the Science Says for Triathletes with Shona Halson 37:38

2M ago37:38

37:38

Is your wearable helping or hindering your performance? In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Shona Halson – globally respected expert in sleep, recovery and athletic performance – to unpack what the science actually says about popular wearables like Whoop bands and Oura rings. With more age group triathletes collecting 24/7 data, it’s easy to g…

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Why Training Hard Isn’t Enough – Lessons from Triathlete Brent Saltmarsh 28:53

2M ago28:53

28:53

What happens when you train like a pro but still bonk on race day? In this episode, I’m joined by Triathlon Nutrition Academy athlete Brent Saltmarsh — a retired Army veteran turned endurance addict — who shares his eye-opening journey from cramping and gut blowouts to PBs and cramp-free racing. We unpack the rookie nutrition mistakes that nearly r…

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Five Obsessions Triathletes Think They Need vs What Actually Moves the Needle 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

Still cramping or bonking despite all your shiny gear? In this episode, I reveal five of the biggest distractions that age-group triathletes obsess over. From carbon shoes and sperm helmets to the latest supplements, and explain why they aren't the biggest drivers of better performance. You’ll learn what actually does move the needle, so you can st…

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3 Race-Day Fuel Hacks We Proved at Sunny Coast 70.3 41:38

3M ago41:38

41:38

Are you training hard but still falling short on race day? In this episode, we're coming to you live from Mooloolaba after an epic weekend at Sunny Coast 70.3. TNA athletes Kelly Estes and Kathleen Gilton join Taryn to share the three race-day nutrition strategies that helped them perform at their best, even while racing internationally. Whether yo…

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The Worst Nutrition Advice I’ve Seen This Month 18:42

3M ago18:42

18:42

Are you falling for BS nutrition advice without even knowing it? In this episode, Taryn exposes the worst triathlon nutrition advice doing the rounds right now—from electrolyte stickers to dodgy online race calculators and outdated carb loading hacks. If you’ve ever wondered whether that expensive supplement or online tool is actually worth it, thi…

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Creatine Gummies Exposed – 9 Brands Tested, Half Failed 14:30

3M ago14:30

14:30

Are your creatine gummies actually doing anything? In this week’s episode, we reveal the results of independent lab testing on nine popular creatine gummy brands—and it's not pretty. Some delivered the goods, but others? Utterly useless. With creatine booming across social media and mainstream marketing, it’s easy to fall for fancy packaging. But a…

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What It Takes to Fuel Your First Ironman 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

What It Takes to Fuel Your First Ironman with Steve Duquette Thinking about doing your first full Ironman? Don’t leave your performance to chance. In this episode, I’m joined by long-time TNA athlete Steve Duquette, who recently completed his first Ironman at Ironman Canada—and felt strong from start to finish. We dig into the practical nutrition s…

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Why Sleep Is Your #1 Recovery Tool with Dr Michael Grandner 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

Struggling to recover despite solid training and nutrition? You might be missing the most powerful recovery tool of all — sleep. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona and a world-leading expert in sleep science. We break down exactly why sleep matters so mu…

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Are You a Burnt-Out Triathlete? Answer These 3 Questions 13:41

4M ago13:41

13:41

Feeling flat, foggy or just can’t be bothered to train? Burnout doesn’t always come in hot with a meltdown and a for-sale bike post. Sometimes it’s the slow creep of fatigue, motivation dips and sugar cravings that chip away at your performance and love of the sport. In this episode, Taryn unpacks the 3 key questions every triathlete should ask the…

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs Ibuprofen – What the Science Says 12:55

4M ago12:55

12:55

Did you know the humble bottle of extra virgin olive oil in your pantry could be doing more than just making your salad taste good? In this episode, I’m unpacking a game-changing compound found in high quality EVOO – oleocanthal – which behaves just like ibuprofen. We’re talking natural anti-inflammatory power that can help reduce exercise-associat…

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200 Episodes In – Fuel Tactics That Made TNA Athletes Faster 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

Think you're eating right for triathlon but still underperforming? In this milestone 200th episode, the mic flips as four inspiring Triathlon Nutrition Academy athletes interview Taryn about the game-changing strategies that turned their training, racing and health around. From ditching the guesswork to losing 20kg, improving diabetes, and smashing…

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Plant vs Animal Protein – Which Builds More Muscle? 14:28

4M ago14:28

14:28

Are plant-based proteins really good enough for triathletes chasing strength gains and performance? Or do animal proteins still reign supreme? In this episode, I dive into a brand-new systematic review comparing plant and animal proteins on muscle mass, strength and performance outcomes – and break down exactly what it means for you as a triathlete…

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Three Triathlon Nutrition Myths Costing You Performance – Stop Doing Them! 24:01

5M ago24:01

24:01

Still chasing race weight? Skipping food before training to burn more fat? Meticulously tracking every calorie? In this week’s episode, I’m calling out the three biggest nutrition myths that are still messing with triathletes in 2025. If you’ve been feeling flat, frustrated or just not seeing the performance gains you expect—this one's for you. Lea…

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How I’d Upgrade Your Nutrition If You Were My Athlete 23:52

5M ago23:52

23:52

Think you're doing everything right with your training and nutrition, but the results just aren't stacking up? You're not alone. In this episode, Taryn walks you through the four most powerful nutrition upgrades she'd make if you were her athlete. These are the exact strategies she uses inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy to turn underperforming…

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Why Troy’s Training Didn’t Truly Work – Until He Fixed This 22:32

5M ago22:32

22:32

Think you're training hard enough to deserve better results? Troy Bauerle sure was. But it wasn’t until he sorted out his nutrition that things really clicked—and the gains speak for themselves. In this episode, Troy returns to share what’s changed since completing the Triathlon Nutrition Academy program. From DIY gel confidence to podium finishes,…

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Not All Sports Drinks Are Equal: Pure Race Fuel vs Electrolyte Hydration 21:34

5M ago21:34

21:34

Not all sports drinks are created equal – and using the wrong one could wreck your race or your gut. In this episode, I compare two sports drinks from the same brand – Pure Sports Nutrition – and break down the real differences between their Race Fuel Drink Mix and Electrolyte Hydration Mix. While they both look like sports drinks on the surface, t…

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Smashing PBs & Chasing Kona Dreams with Samantha Zeps 22:19

6M ago22:19

22:19

What does it take to go from consistent age-group triathlete to Ironman podium finisher and Kona qualifier? In this inspiring episode, Samantha Zeps shares how she’s levelled up her performance with smarter fuelling strategies, better recovery habits, and a fresh mindset around nutrition. From a 14-minute PB at Geelong 70.3 to winning her age group…

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The Real Cost of Poor Nutrition 19:30

6M ago19:30

19:30

You're logging hours in the pool, on the bike, and pounding the pavement. Your training plan is dialled in, your gear is sorted, yet something's still not clicking. If your nutrition is off, you might be flushing months of hard work down the drain without even realising it. Today, I want to expose the real – and often hidden – costs of poor nutriti…

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Smashing Her First Ironman: Christina's Journey to the Finish Line 24:56

6M ago24:56

24:56

Completing an Ironman isn’t for suckers. It's something that many triathletes dream about and today, I want to share the story of one of my Triathlon Nutrition Academy athletes, Christina, whose journey to the finish line of her first Ironman is truly inspirational. Christina isn't a professional athlete – she's a full-time interior designer and de…

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How Do You Lose Weight When Training for a Triathlon? 30:51

6M ago30:51

30:51

You're logging endless kilometres in the pool, on the bike and in your running shoes. Your training plan is meticulous. Yet somehow, the numbers on the scale refuse to budge. If you're feeling exhausted, constantly hungry and frustrated that you’re not losing body fat despite all that training, you're not alone. This is one of the most common strug…

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FORM Goggles Review: Game-Changer or Waste of Money? 23:10

7M ago23:10

23:10

If you've ever found yourself 300 meters from the buoy on race day or struggling to maintain pace during training, there might be a high-tech solution out there for you. No magic bullet will ever replace good old fashioned swim training, but could FORM Smart Goggles be game changer? Or are they just a fancy new gadget, or even worse, a complete was…

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Long Ride Fuelling: 5 Real Food Ideas from a Sports Dietitian 27:58

7M ago27:58

27:58

Let's be honest – choking down another gel at hour three on a long ride isn't anyone's idea of fun. If you’re done with flavour fatigue, you’ve been struggling with nasty GI issues or you’ve crawled home like a zombie after bonking mid-ride, this episode is for you. While gels and sports nutrition products have their place, they're not the only ans…

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Creatine Gummies vs Powder: Which One Actually Works? 11:31

7M ago11:31

11:31

Creatine is having a serious moment right now! From bodybuilders to busy mums, we’re all being told to jump on the creatine bandwagon to improve our strength, muscle mass and performance. And to sweeten the deal, creatine is now available in the form of convenient and tasty gummies that claim to give us the same muscle boosting powers and benefit…

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The Triathlete’s Guide to Thyroid Nutrition 43:48

7M ago43:48

43:48

Nailing your training but can't shift those stubborn kilos? Maybe you’re battling gut issues despite a dialled-in nutrition plan or even dragging yourself through sessions after a solid 8 hours sleep. If this sounds all too familiar, it might be that your thyroid has been flying under the radar. As a sports dietitian, I'm seeing more triathletes pu…

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Heart Rate Variability (HRV) for Triathletes: What It Is, Why It Matters & How to Track It 31:15

7M ago31:15

31:15

Do you ever wake up feeling shattered but you just make yourself train hard anyway? I know it sounds like the thing you should do, but is that actually the best thing for your recovery, your performance and ultimately, your body? As triathletes, we’re masters at tracking watts, pace, and heart rate but there's another metric that could revolutionis…

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How an Epilepsy Diagnosis Didn't Hold Aditya Back from Triathlon 26:28

8M ago26:28

26:28

Think your challenges are holding you back from triathlon? Meet Aditya Mehta from Mumbai, India, a 35 year old endurance athlete who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4. Despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he learned how to swim freestyle at 32 years old. He has since gone on to complete triathlo…

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Award-Winning Businesswoman to Triathlete: Why Winging It with Nutrition Didn’t Work for Jo Hurley 35:01

8M ago35:01

35:01

Today I’m chatting with Jo Hurley, mum of 4, Award-Winning Businesswoman and determined triathlete, who started her triathlon journey completely winging her nutrition. You wouldn't show up to a race without training. You wouldn't tackle an Ironman without a pacing strategy. So why are you still winging it with your nutrition? I see it so often - ta…

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The 5 Signs Your Nutrition is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It) 35:04

8M ago35:04

35:04

Struggling to hit your training targets—even though you're doing all the "right" things? Your gear is dialled in. You’re ticking off sessions and watching those green boxes stack up in TrainingPeaks. But deep down, you’re wrecked. Tired all the time. Sore for days. Motivation? Slipping fast. Or maybe you're trying to shortcut your way to better per…

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Triathlon with Type 2 Diabetes: Tony Hampton’s Journey to Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Control 28:16

8M ago28:16

28:16

Picture this: you're a dedicated triathlete, passionate about your sport and you’ve got a chronic condition that complicates every step of your training. My guest today is Tony Hampton and I’ll admit, he joined Triathlon Nutrition Academy (TNA) doubting whether I could help him at all. Spoiler alert - I did. After navigating the complexities of Typ…

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Ironman’s New Bike Hydration Rules: What You Need to Know 13:11

9M ago13:11

13:11

If you're racing an Ironman this season and you don’t want to be disqualified, I’m sharing some crucial information you need to know. As of 17th of March, the Ironman rules have changed which means that your current hydration set up may now be illegal. Ironman has introduced new race regulations that limit how much fluid you can carry and trust me,…

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Microplastics & Performance: What Every Triathlete Should Know 41:15

9M ago41:15

41:15

There’s a sneaky, microscopic invader you're probably overlooking and in this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Heather Leslie, one of the world's leading researchers on microplastics, to shed some light on this topic that's both mind-blowing and crucial for anyone looking to optimise their performance and health. Dr. Leslie is a renowned researcher spe…

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How Masters Triathletes Can Stay Fast After 50 with Joe Friel 45:36

9M ago45:36

45:36

In a world obsessed with youth in sports, there's a quiet revolution happening among athletes in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. These masters of endurance aren't just participating – they're demolishing expectations and rewriting the rules of athletic performance. It’s fantastic to see, and gives me hope for my future as an ageing athlete. That m…

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Key Nutrients for Masters Triathletes: Fuelling for Performance & Longevity 27:25

9M ago27:25

27:25

If you're a masters triathlete, you might think your PR days are behind you. But here's the thing: with the right nutrition strategy, you can absolutely continue to dominate in triathlon well into your later years! I'm not just talking about finishing - I'm talking about competing at your absolute best. The reality of being a masters triathlete is …

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Nerd Clusters vs Maurten Gels – What’s Better for Fuelling Triathlon? 24:52

10M ago24:52

24:52

Today, we're diving headfirst into the sweet and sticky world of fueling strategies with a showdown you didn't know you needed – Nerd Clusters versus Maurten Gels. Which one will emerge victorious as your ultimate race ally? Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or just dipping your toes in the endurance waters, my take on this may get you looking a…

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Eat Plants, Train Hard: A Vegan Triathlete’s Nutrition Guide 26:55

10M ago26:55

26:55

One of the most common questions I get asked is, can you help me with triathlon nutrition as a vegan? And the short answer is absolutely! Sure, being vegan comes with a lot to consider and some nutrients you need to be extra careful with but you absolutely can thrive in this sport while sticking to a plant-based diet. It's all about being educated…

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How to Stay Motivated in Triathlon – Insights from Mark Allen: Part 2 26:29

10M ago26:29

26:29

Welcome back to part 2 of my conversation with the incredible Mark Allen! Dubbed the greatest endurance athlete of all time by ESPN, Mark is sharing the secrets behind his amazing results. Today, in particular, we’re focusing on mindset and motivation. If you haven’t heard part 1 yet, I highly recommend you do that first so you don’t miss any of th…

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How to Stay Motivated in Triathlon – Insights from Mark Allen: Part 1 26:28

10M ago26:28

26:28

Mark Allen is one of the greatest triathletes of all time and I was lucky enough to sit down with him for today’s episode. ESPN hailed him as the greatest endurance athlete, and he’s impressively claimed victory six times at the Ironman World Championship. He’s an absolute legend! During our conversation, Mark shared his insights into motivation, m…

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Why Your Training Plan Isn’t Enough: The Missing Piece to Smashing Your PB 32:24

10M ago32:24

32:24

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you work, and how much training you do, you aren’t getting the results your capable of achieving? I’m not surprised. You’re probably falling into the same trap I’ve seen so many triathletes fall into, ignoring their nutrition. While an excellent training plan is crucial for triathlon success, you’ll never …

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Real Triathletes, Real Results, FAST: The TNA Advantage 38:56

11M ago38:56

38:56

Ever wonder what actually goes on in my Triathlon Nutrition Academy? Well you’re in luck! For today’s episode, I invited three athletes - Ben Meier, Tony Hampton, and Kathleen Gilton - who have already been through the program, to share their experiences. We dive into how the program works, the issues they were facing when they started, and the dif…

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Steve's insider secrets to a 64 minute PB at Sunshine Coast 70.3 45:14

11M ago45:14

45:14

Today, I’m thrilled to share a conversation with an incredible athlete, and member of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, Steve Duquette. We’re going to discuss his performance at last year’s Sunshine Coast 70.3, where he smashed his PB by more than an hour. Listen in while he shares the strategies that helped him achieve this incredible result! You m…

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New Year, New PR: Nutrition Goals for Triathletes 29:38

11M ago29:38

29:38

Welcome back to the Triathlon Nutrition Academy podcast for another year! I still can't believe we're in 2025, but I hope you had an amazing holiday season filled with family, friends, relaxation, and perhaps a bit of training too. The start of a new year is when a lot of us are setting set ambitious performance goals – but I want to make sure we’r…

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Why You’re a Tired Triathlete All the Time and How to Find More Energy 25:39

11M ago25:39

25:39

Are you feeling tired and fatigued? Of course you are - you’re a triathlete training for 3 sports in a week. Plus juggling the demands of work, family, and life. But you shouldn't be completely wiped all the time. Even if you’re training for a full distance/ironman event. We often push ourselves to the limits, neglecting the importance of quality n…

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Breaking Barriers: How Three Triathletes Conquered Their Nutrition Challenges 21:41

12M ago21:41

21:41

Introducing our first Triathlon Nutrition Academy Alumni! Jill Gaudio, Luis Franco Marin and Jason Currie have all just finished 12 months of working on their triathlon nutrition. As a result of understanding fuelling for swim, bike and run, Jill improved her 5km run time by 8 minutes, her 10km run time by 7 minutes and is cycling 6km/hour faster o…