The Endurance Athlete Journey
The Endurance Athlete Journey Podcast helps runners, triathletes, and endurance athletes train smarter, fuel better, and build long-term durability in sport.
Hosted by Coach Justin and sports dietitian Katie, the show explores the training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset challenges endurance athletes actually face—without the confusion and generic internet fitness advice that often leads to burnout, inconsistency, and frustration.
From first triathlons and swim anxiety to fueling mistakes, recovery, race-day expectations, and balancing training with real life, each episode combines practical coaching insight with evidence-based nutrition guidance and honest athlete conversations to help listeners better understand the “why” behind their training and fueling decisions.
Whether you’re preparing for your first race or trying to become a more complete endurance athlete, this podcast gives you clear, experience-driven guidance you can actually apply to your training, recovery, and performance.
The Endurance Athlete Journey
Episode 34: The Endurance Athlete Journey - Athlete Stories with Chris Bonts
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Summary:
In this episode, Coach Justin and Katie interview Chris Bonts, a senior pastor and endurance athlete who shares his inspiring journey of transformation after undergoing bariatric surgery. Chris discusses the challenges he faced with weight loss, the importance of nutrition, and how he transitioned into endurance sports, culminating in his successful completion of an Ironman. He emphasizes the significance of support systems, the role of coaches, and the mental and physical barriers he overcame. Chris offers valuable advice for those considering bariatric surgery and pursuing an active lifestyle, highlighting that consistency and community are key to success.
Takeaways:
- Chris Bonts shares his journey from being pre-diabetic to completing an Ironman.
- Bariatric surgery was a turning point in Chris's life, allowing him to regain control over his health.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in the journey of an endurance athlete post-surgery.
- Training for an Ironman requires a solid foundation and gradual progression.
- Chris emphasizes the importance of pre-fueling workouts to avoid bonking.
- Support systems, including family and community, are vital for success in weight loss and endurance sports.
- Mental health is intertwined with physical health; exercise can alleviate anxiety and depression.
- Finding the right coach can help navigate the complexities of training and nutrition post-surgery.
- Experimentation with nutrition is essential for bariatric athletes to find what works for them.
- Consistency and showing up are key to achieving fitness goals.
Special Mentions:
The Bariatric Athlete Supported by Tabula Rasa Racing
For coaching inquiries:
Coach Katie → https://fuel2run.com
Coach Justin → https://tabularasaracing.com
Podcast Email → theenduranceathletejourney@gmail.com
