#364 : Lessons From An Olympic Coach with Bobby McGee

The Effortless Swimming Podcast

#Effortlessswimming #Ironman #Openwaterswimming #Swimsmooth #Triathlon #Triswimcoach #Brenton Ford #Swimming #Sports #Endurance Sports

30:55

A secret field that summons lightning. A massive spiral that disappears into a salt lake. A celestial observatory carved into a volcano. Meet the wild—and sometimes explosive—world of land art, where artists craft masterpieces with dynamite and bulldozers. In our Season 2 premiere, guest Dylan Thuras, cofounder of Atlas Obscura, takes us off road and into the minds of the artists who literally reshaped parts of the Southwest. These works aren’t meant to be easy to reach—or to explain—but they just might change how you see the world. Land art you’ll visit in this episode: - Double Negative and City by Michael Heizer (Garden Valley, Nevada) - Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson (Great Salt Lake, Utah) - Sun Tunnels by Nancy Holt (Great Basin Desert, Utah) - Lightning Field by Walter De Maria (Catron County, New Mexico) - Roden Crater by James Turrell (Painted Desert, Arizona) Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.…

18 weeks ago 1:28:36

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Imagine this, a room filled with some of the world's top Olympic coaches from sports as diverse as gymnastics, field hockey, and bobsledding. Bobby found himself immersed in conversations that challenged his perspective and sharpened his skills. And it wasn't just about technique or training plans. It was about understanding people on a deeper level.

And this experience opened Bobby's eyes to the power of emotional intelligence in coaching and performance. It's something he's applied ever since. And in today's episode, Bobby shares some of the lessons he learned in that room. How understanding yourself and your coach can unlock new levels of performance and trust, and why mastering pacing strategies is crucial for success, and how fine tuning your mechanics can help you move more efficiently.

It's a fascinating conversation filled with a lot of actionable advice, and whether you're a swimmer, a runner, a triathlete, I've got no doubt you'll take away a lot from this episode with Olympic run coach, Bobby McGee. Let's get into it.

Coaching Concepts Athlete Profiling: Understanding Each Individual Athlete Emotional Analysis Building Trust Coaching Philosophies Coaching Olympic Level Athletes and Mid-Range Athletes Hardness Factor Thrive Mentality You've Got To Have That Killer Mentality Identifying Inefficiency Looking More Into Conditioning in Swimming Breathing Technique In Running Stroke Length and Stroke Rate Pacing and Energy Conservation Visualization

380 episodes

#364 : Lessons From An Olympic Coach with Bobby McGee

The Effortless Swimming Podcast

117 subscribers

published 18 weeks ago

MP3•Episode home

380 episodes

#Effortlessswimming #Ironman #Openwaterswimming #Swimsmooth #Triathlon #Triswimcoach #Brenton Ford #Swimming #Sports #Endurance Sports

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1
#377 : How Actually 'Engage Your Core' When You Swim with Carl Reader 29:38

7 days ago29:38

29:38

In this episode, Carl, our go-to strength and conditioning guru joins us again to finally demystify core engagement for swimmers. We're unpacking the Pilates inspired Halloween technique. Versus Stuart McGill's bracing method and revealing simple land drills. Think step ups, carries and hip rotations that make your core switch on automatically. Once you hit the water, Carl will share why loosening your hips could be the missing link in your freestyle. How to balance front, back and side core work. And one posture tweak that instantly transforms your catch. If you've ever felt your hips sink, or your kicks play, or your back start to ache mid set, this episode is for you. Grab your goggles and maybe a chair, because by the end of this, you'll know exactly how to build a swimming core that's strong, supple, and effortless. Let's get into the podcast. Timestamps: 01:51 Introduction to Core Strength 04:32 Understanding Core Engagement Techniques 07:20 Common Mistakes in Core Control 10:27 Exercises for Core Strength in Swimming 15:30 Bracing vs. Automatic Core Engagement 18:19 Posture and Its Impact on Core Function 21:22 Strengthening the Back for Core Stability 24:22 Conclusion and Key Takeaways…

1
#376 : How To Be Assertive And Kick A$$ In Open Water with Damien Wildes 43:16

14 days ago43:16

43:16

What if the secret to crushing your next open water swim isn't just logging more miles, but learning to embrace the chaos, drafting like a pro, taking the occasional hit, and then surging ahead with confidence. Today on the Effortless Swimming Podcast, I'm joined by Damien from Flow State Swimming it's premier open water coaching squad. Damien didn't learn to swim in a pool. He learned to survive and thrive in choppy conditions. Mastering tactics from course recon to aggressive positioning so that you never have to feel like a victim out there. In this episode, we'll dive into the mental shift from passive paddler to assertive racer. While your catch and glide sweet spot might unlock explosive speed, exactly how to build the suffer tolerance that makes hard efforts feel effortless. Hands-on coaching hacks for feeling the water and finding flow. And whether you are gearing up for your first triathlon or hunting a personal best in an open water race, stick around. By the time we're done, you'll know how to swim hard, swim smart, and swim free. Know what's required. Let's jump in. 02:07 Introduction to Flow State Swimming 04:08 The Tactical Side of Open Water Swimming 06:22 Coaching Strategies: Propulsion vs. Glide 12:46 Finding the Sweet Spot 17:19 The Importance of Feel Over Pace 23:39 The Hell Set: Pushing Limits in Training 34:04 Success Stories: Progress in Swimming 41:38 Conclusion and Contact Information…

1
#375 : Unusual Strategies For Developing Your Swimming with Andrew Sheaff 44:16

23 days ago44:16

44:16

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Andrew Sheaff—coach, educator, and the author of A Constraints-Led Approach to Swim Coaching. We dive into one of the most important skills for adult swimmers and triathletes: learning how to self-coach. Whether you're swimming solo, training without feedback, or stuck on a plateau, Andrew shares a practical roadmap to finally break through. You’ll learn why progress isn’t about doing more drills—but choosing the right ones. We talk about how to create built-in feedback loops, what to do if you feel like nothing’s changing, and why slowing down and being intentional could be your fastest path forward. Andrew also shares one of his favorite drills—“power pulls”—and how it reveals exactly what’s working (and what’s not) in your stroke. If you’re someone who trains alone, or you’ve been working hard without seeing results, this episode could be the turning point. If you enjoy this conversation and want to dive deeper, Andrew’s Stroke Fundamentals course is a fantastic next step. It breaks down the key elements of freestyle technique in a simple, actionable way—and as a listener of the podcast, you can get 50% off. Click this link to get Stroke Fundamentals for 50% off —> www.coachandrewsheaff.com/effortless 01:58 Self-Coaching In Swimming 04:06 Setting Clear Goals For Improvement 06:22 Effective Drills For Feedback 10:35 Understanding Pressure and Technique 14:30 Improving Rotation in Freestyle 21:00 Identifying and Solving Problems in Training 23:43 Mastering Breath Timing in Swimming 26:03 Identifying and Addressing Common Mistakes 28:30 Challenging Drills for Skill Improvement 31:01 Integrating Skills and Training Effectively 36:16 Creating Engaging and Purposeful Workouts 38:57 The Importance of Consistency in Skill Developtment 41:24 Fundamentals of Effective Swimming Techniques…

1
#374 : What You’re Not Being Told Told About Sinking Legs with Brenton Ford 16:41

29 days ago16:41

16:41

Struggling to keep your legs from sinking in the water—no matter how hard you kick or how low you keep your head? You're not alone. But why do some swimmers maintain a perfect body position even when they're looking forward and barely kicking? In this episode, after coaching over 6,000 swimmers, I break down the real reason your legs are sinking, what you can do to fix it (even if you feel like a natural sinker), and share one powerful tip that can help you float more easily—something most coaches never talk about. We’ll look at how your body’s weight distribution affects your position in the water, and the key adjustments that can transform your technique. 01:40 Extend Arms Out Infront Of Head 02:33 Breathing 04:47 Be Tall And Proud 06:09 The Way Your Kicking Can Make A Big Difference 10:48 High Elbow Recovery 12:17 Catch 13:55 Head Position: Like an Iceberg 15:20 Tension…

1
#373 : Fast Comes Last: Mastering the Process Before the Performance with Frank Sole 43:56

5 weeks ago43:56

43:56

What happens when a veteran swim coach, who's spent years refining adult swimmers and triathletes, returns to coaching high school kids? In this episode, Frank Sole—coach, educator, and lifelong student of the sport—shares how “water is water” no matter your age, and why the principles of balance, buoyancy, and body awareness remain timeless. Frank dives into the biggest crossover lessons he’s bringing from Masters swimmers to juniors, the importance of teaching athletes to “own their technique,” and why he tells even his fastest swimmers to slow down and swim well, not fast. We also explore how Frank’s coaching philosophy has evolved over decades, the power of habit over outcome, and the surprising results his athletes are getting—not just in the pool, but in their lives. Whether you're a coach, a swimmer, or someone who's passionate about getting better, this episode is packed with wisdom, stories, and the kind of gold you can take straight to your next session. 05:16 Focus on Process Not On Outcome 19:17 Mastering Breathing: A Coach's Perspective 21:01 Mastering Breathing Technique 21:59 Coach Check In Routine 37:03 Evolvong Coaching Philosophy 39:16 18 Minute Rule 40:36 Embrace Ignorance Seek Growth 41:15 Evolving Mindset: From Close To Collaborative…

1
#372 : How to Improve Your Freestyle as an Adult – Olympian's Advice with Sharon Van Rouwendaal 37:56

6 weeks ago37:56

37:56

In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Van Rouwendaal, Olympic gold medalist in the 10 km open water marathon at Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, to talk all things freestyle—especially how adults can improve their technique in and out of the water. Whether you're getting back into swimming or looking to sharpen your technique, this episode is packed with actionable tips and deep insights from one of the best in the world. 01:16 – Transitioning From Competitive Swimmer To Coach 04:27 – Learning From Previous Coaches 08:20 – Slow Stroke, Take A Step Back 12:38 – Warm Up Is Important 13:36 – If You Can't Do It In Dry Land, You Can't Do It In The Water 20:07 – Sets 22:55 – If You Lose The Kick, You Lose The Rest Of Your Stroke 26:56 – Using Stronger Muscles 31:35 – The Back End Of The Stroke 33:34 – Hip, Ribs, Shoulder Connection…

1
#371 : Lessons From The Fastest Swimmer In 70.3 with Greg Harper 1:02:20

7 weeks ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Today, we have a powerhouse guest—Greg Harper, the fastest swimmer in Ironman 70.3! Greg shares his key lessons from the pool to open water, how to develop speed and endurance, and the mental strategies that set top swimmers apart. From the snowball effect of smart training to the secrets of holding a faster stroke rate, this episode is packed with actionable insights for triathletes and swimmers alike. 01:53 Transition From Pool To Openwater 05:05 Getting More Comfortable In Openwater 09:27 Snowball Effect In The Right Way 11:50 Openwater Is So Much About Awareness 17:25 Don't Stop When It Gets Difficult 20:40 Short Intervals And Speed Focus 23:50 Paddles Size 29:59 Favourite Set 36:53 Change Of Belief 42:07 Developing The Ability To Hold Faster Stroke Rate 56:12 Working On My Stroke 1:00:18 Be A Student Of The Sport…

1
#370 : I Analyzed 8,000 Swimmers—Here’s What Actually Makes You Faster with Brenton Ford 22:34

8 weeks ago22:34

22:34

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to analyze the strokes of over 8,000 swimmers and triathletes, ranging from beginners to elite professionals. Throughout this experience, I've discovered the key factors that set fast, efficient swimmers apart from those who struggle to improve. In this video, I'll be sharing the most valuable lessons I've learned from analyzing swimmers of all backgrounds worldwide. I'll debunk common myths and misconceptions often heard around the pool deck and reveal what truly makes the difference between a smooth, efficient swimmer and someone battling their way through the water. 1:07 Strava Is A Lie 02:47 Ignore Most Advice 04:01 Most Adults Overthink 05:28 Swimming Is Not Running Or Biking 06:27 The Harder You Try To Force Speed, The Further Away It's Going To Get 07:01 Confidence Comes From Seeing Small Improvements 08:24 Your Catch Is The Same In All Your Strokes 09:04 Look At The Things That Will Actually Move The Needle 12:36 We Are Own Harshest Critic-Nobody Cares 14:08 Swimming Is As Much Mental As It Is Physical 15:37 Swimming Is Like Watering Seeds 16:49 From Aerobic To Muscular To Aerobic 17:43 You Just Need To Do The Work 18:21 We Need Reminding Of Things More Than We Need To Learn New Things 20:31 Focus On Fundamentals 21:16 It Will Take Longer Than You Think…

1
#369 : How To Easily Break 2:00/100m And Make It Feel Easy with Fraser Hill 37:38

9 weeks ago37:38

37:38

What if you could go from struggling at 2:20 per hundred to cruising at 1:55? Today's guest, Fraser Hill, did exactly that, and he's sharing exactly how he did it. Fraser started swimming as an adult, dabbled in triathlons, and eventually found himself diving deep into the world of technique, training, and open water swimming. From joining an effortless swimming camp in the Maldives, to refining his stroke using simple but powerful cues, Fraser has transformed not only his speed, but his entire approach to swimming. In this episode, we talk about the key changes that made the biggest impact on his speed. The mental battles of open water swimming and how small tweaks like fixing body position and connecting the stroke led to massive breakthroughs. If you've ever felt stuck in your swimming progress, Fraser's story will give you some practical takeaways to help you break through your own barriers. 01:48 Swimming Background 04:25 From 2:20 to 1:55 06:42 You Need Someone Else Giving You Feedback 09:48 Small Changes, Big Differences 13:19 Openwater Swimming 18:29 Next Big Improvement 27:06 Drills 31:48 Advise For Swimmers Who Are Struggling To Break The 2-Minute Mark…

1
#368 : You’ll Never Improve If You Ignore This – An Olympic Swimmer’s Advice with Brianna Throssell 40:46

11 weeks ago40:46

40:46

Imagine standing behind the blocks knowing that everything, years of training, sacrifice, and your Olympic dream, comes down to this one race. That was the reality for Brianna Throssell at the 2016 Olympic Trials, where she had just one shot to make the team. In this episode, Brianna takes us behind the scenes of her Olympic journey, what it felt like to step onto the world's biggest stage for the first time, the nerves, the lessons, and the moments that shaped her career. From grueling training camps in Thailand To the mindset shifts that helped her break through. She says an honest and inspiring look at the highs and lows of elite swimming. Plus we dive into what's next for her as she steps away from the pool for now and explores life beyond full time training. If you're looking for insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level and the mental resilience that fuels champions, you won't want to miss this one. Let's get into the podcast. 01:59 Most Nerve Wracking Race 3:58 Rio, Tokyo and Paris 05:46 Pivotal Moments 09:03 Change In Environment 12:28 Hardest Training Sets 20:57 Training Camp Schedules 22:23 Social Media During Training 24:16 Visualization/ Mental Rehearsal 27:14 Developing Technique 28:59 Increasing The Power of Kick 30:18 Character Traits and Skills 33:36 Being Able To Say Yes To Opportunities 35:45 Future Plans 36:45 Core Lessons: Resilience…

1
#367 : From 2:00/100m to A 29 Second 50m Freestyle with Alex Roman 45:30

12 weeks ago45:30

45:30

Imagine teaching yourself how to swim, never having a coach, never training in a pool, just figuring it out by watching others. That was Alex Roman's reality for most of his life. He swam to survive, but certainly not to thrive. But one day, a swimmer effortlessly glided past him in the open water. And it sparked something, curiosity, what made them so fast, and what was happening beneath the surface that he had never considered. That moment sent Alex on a journey of discovery. One that transformed him from a struggling swimmer with inefficient technique, Doing slower than two minutes per hundred into someone now who competes at national meets and swims a 50 meter sprint in under 30 seconds. His improvement wasn't just about training harder. It was about training smarter. And in this episode, Alex shares the pivotal moments that fueled his rapid progression. The techniques and the drills that made the biggest impact and why understanding the science behind swimming changed everything for him. If you've ever felt stuck in your swimming or wondered if it's possible to make huge gains as an adult, this episode is packed with insights that could change the way you approach your own training. So let's dive into it. 10:58 What Are The Big Things That Should Be Improved? 13:38 Tuning On How Your Body Feels 25:35 Controlled Chaos 30:55 The Importance of Warm Up 36:28 Building Strength 37:42 Getting Feedback 39:53 Drills…

1
#366 : How Anyone Can Become A Great Swimmer with Brenton Ford 1:22:44

13 weeks ago1:22:44

1:22:44

Welcome to the podcast. This is a rebroadcast of another podcast called the Human Endurance Podcast with two friends of mine, Bruna and Fabi. I was a guest on there recently, and I wanted to share this episode with you because I feel like a lot of key things were covered that if you're a swimmer or a triathlete, this is going to help you improve. Whether you want to get better at open water swimming, making sure you fuel correctly, how you should train, what are some common mistakes and foundational skills 01:28 Meet Brenton Ford: Founder of Effortless Swimming 11:24 Common Mistakes and Foundational Skills for Swimmers 18:56 Improving Swimming Technique and Training Tips 29:16 The Importance of Drills and Effective Training 39:45 Skills in Open Water Swimming vs. Pool Swimming 44:02 Increasing Stroke Rate vs. Distance Per Stroke 47:47 Choosing the Right Wetsuit 58:15 Fueling for Long Swim Sessions 01:03:14 The Journey of Effortless Swimming 01:15:12 The Future of Swimming 01:20:38 Fire Questions…

1
#365 : The Art & Science Of Coaching Swimming with Nick Winkleman 46:26

17 weeks ago46:26

46:26

Have you ever felt like you know what to do, but you're just not sure how to make it happen? Whether you're an athlete looking to unlock better performance or a coach wanting to make lasting impact. Today's episode is for you. Our guest is Nick Winkelman, author of The Language of Coaching, a groundbreaking book on how the right words can transform how you move. Train and perform. Nick has worked with elite athletes and coaches around the world. And today he's sharing the secrets of using cues, analogies, and storytelling to spark real lasting change. In this episode, we'll cover how the words you hear or tell yourself can supercharge your improvement. Why using the right cues can make your stroke smoother, your technique sharper, and your training more effective, and the power of storytelling to break down barriers, shift mindsets, and help find your edge. And it's not just for coaches. This is about understanding your own journey. Nick's insights will help you spot what's holding you back and how to focus your energy where it really counts. Whether you're looking to shave seconds off your swim, find more confidence in the way that you're moving or performing, or learn to enjoy the process of getting better. This episode is packed with a heap of takeaways that you can use in the pool and beyond. The Start Of Language of Coaching How My Role As A Coach Is Making An Impact Internal And External Cues How Often Do You Repeat The Analogy? Nothing Seems To Stick Storytelling Technique Writing The Book…

1
#364 : Lessons From An Olympic Coach with Bobby McGee 1:28:36

18 weeks ago1:28:36

1:28:36

I'm thrilled to bring back Bobby McGee, a legendary endurance coach with a knack for unlocking an athlete's full potential. But before we dive in, let me tell you a story about one of Bobby's transformative experiences. Imagine this, a room filled with some of the world's top Olympic coaches from sports as diverse as gymnastics, field hockey, and bobsledding. Bobby found himself immersed in conversations that challenged his perspective and sharpened his skills. And it wasn't just about technique or training plans. It was about understanding people on a deeper level. And this experience opened Bobby's eyes to the power of emotional intelligence in coaching and performance. It's something he's applied ever since. And in today's episode, Bobby shares some of the lessons he learned in that room. How understanding yourself and your coach can unlock new levels of performance and trust, and why mastering pacing strategies is crucial for success, and how fine tuning your mechanics can help you move more efficiently. It's a fascinating conversation filled with a lot of actionable advice, and whether you're a swimmer, a runner, a triathlete, I've got no doubt you'll take away a lot from this episode with Olympic run coach, Bobby McGee. Let's get into it. Coaching Concepts Athlete Profiling: Understanding Each Individual Athlete Emotional Analysis Building Trust Coaching Philosophies Coaching Olympic Level Athletes and Mid-Range Athletes Hardness Factor Thrive Mentality You've Got To Have That Killer Mentality Identifying Inefficiency Looking More Into Conditioning in Swimming Breathing Technique In Running Stroke Length and Stroke Rate Pacing and Energy Conservation Visualization…

1
#363 : The Game Of Racing with Dudley Duncan 44:29

18 weeks ago44:29