Fitter Radio Triathlon Podcast

We review the news and racing from the weekend.
Ruth Croft is an elite ultra-trail runner from New Zealand, recognized for her remarkable achievements in the sport including winning the prestigious Tarawera 102K for the 4th consecutive year last month. Ruth's dedication and passion for running make her a credible voice in the ultra-trail running community as she chats to us about her ultra-trail running success, training innovations and race strategies.
In this episode, Ruth Croft shares her journey from high school athletics to becoming one of the most complete female ultra-trail runners globally. She discusses her training methods including weight vest workouts, altitude adaptation and race nutrition strategies, along with insights into her race experiences and future plans.
00:00 – Calling in from Wanaka
07.09 – Tri news
25:06 – Ruth Croft introduction
26:44 – Ruth Croft
1:05:14 - Muscular durability
LINKS:
Follow Ruth on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruthcrofty/
Scott Johnston of Evoke Endurance at https://evokeendurance.com/
Paul Booth Sports Nutritionist at https://performancegainsnutrition.com/
Val Burke Exercise Physiologist at https://valburke.com/
Neversecond Nutrition at https://never2.com/
IM703 Dallas at https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-dallas-little-elm
IM703 Geelong at https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-geelong

The Anzco Foods IRONMAN New Zealand edition where we review the racing from the day and chat to first Kiwi home Jack Moody.
Rikki Anderson won the free race entry to IRONMAN Cairns. We find out more about her.

Kyle Smith, Kiwi Professional Triathlete, reflects on his journey as a triathlete, sharing the lessons he's learned from racing mistakes. We discuss the pressures of prize money in the Pro Series, the significance of consistency in performance and the dynamics of racing with a home crowd. Kyle also chats about his recovery from injury and his preparations for the upcoming IRONMAN New Zealand as he aims for a Kona slot.
Kevin Hunt won the free race entry to IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney. We find out more about him.
This weekend… IRONMAN New Zealand. We give our thoughts on how this race might play out.
00:00 – Racing from the weekend
06.00 – Temperatures in Taupo
09:20 – Kevin Hunt
16:40 – IRONMAN New Zealand
27:20 – Kyle Smith
LINKS:
IRONMAN New Zealand at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-new-zealand
Follow Kyle Smith on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kylesmithnzl/
Oceania Sprint Champs and Oceania Cup at https://trifestival.kiwi/event/oceania-sprint-distance-championships/
IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney at https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-western-sydney

We review the racing from Challenge Wanaka last weekend and what the acquisition of Challenge by the PTO might mean for racing going forward.
Regan Hollioake, the defending IRONMAN New Zealand champion, reflects on her journey as a professional triathlete. We chat about her season last year and the financial realities of being a professional athlete, plus the unique challenges of travel and race selection, particularly for athletes based in Australia and New Zealand.
Regan shares with us the issues she's faced managing hydration levels in hot races like Kona and her thoughts on the upcoming race at IMNZ and the excitement of returning as a defending champion.
00:00 – Challenge Wanaka and the acquisition of Challenge by the PTO
18:34 – IRONMAN Cairns free race entry competition
20:42 – Regan Hollioake
53:54 – The triathlon calendar 2026
LINKS:
IRONMAN New Zealand at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-new-zealand
Follow Regan Hollioake on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rlhollioake/
Challenge Wanaka at https://challengefamily.com/
IRONMAN Cairns at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-cairns

Mike shares his thinking behind his decision to protest at the recent Loan Market Tauranga Half. We discuss the implications of the newly announced Pro Series, the importance of course familiarity and the evolving dynamics of drafting rules in triathlon. He also reflects on his past races, the impact of technology on race fairness and his plans for upcoming competitions including IRONMAN New Zealand in March
After four pros inadvertently rode a shortened section of the bike course at the Loan Market Tauranga Half, protests were lodged, an appeal was heard and the final outcome saw a 2:26 time penalty added to their results. We break down exactly what happened on course and behind the scenes and discuss why we believe the final ruling reflects the proper application of the rules once the facts were established.
00:00 – Kathmandu Coast to Coast
12:24 – Loan Market Tauranga Half Protest
25:29 – Mike Phillips
LINKS:
Follow Mike Phillips on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mikephillipsnz/
Loan Market Tauranga Half at https://mountfestival.kiwi/events/tauranga-half/
Kathmandu Coast to Coast at https://www.coasttocoast.co.nz/
IRONMAN New Zealand at https://www.ironman.com/races/im-new-zealand