Ethan Caldwell

I have stood in the transition area at 5 AM, heart racing, suddenly realizing I forgot my bike shoes. That sinking feeling taught me the hard way why a race day checklist for triathlon is not just helpful, it is essential. After completing dozens of races and helping hundreds of first-timers at the Nautica Malibu … Read more

Carb loading explained simply means maximizing your body’s fuel stores before a big endurance event. I have used this strategy for half marathons, century rides, and triathlons ranging from sprint to full IRONMAN distance. When done right, it can improve your performance by 2-3% and help you avoid the dreaded wall. In this guide, I … Read more

You glance down after a long run and notice your toenail has turned an alarming shade of black. I have been there more times than I care to admit during my years of marathon and triathlon training. That dark discoloration under your nail is not just an eyesore; it is a common running injury called … Read more

Stress fractures sideline nearly 20% of competitive runners at some point in their careers. I have seen training cycles derailed, race registrations wasted, and passionate athletes lose months of progress to these tiny bone cracks that start as barely noticeable aches. Learning how to prevent stress fractures from running is not just about avoiding pain. … Read more

Most triathletes obsess over their swim splits, bike wattage, and run pace. They track every metric, analyze every session, and fine-tune their equipment for marginal gains. Yet many completely overlook the fourth discipline: nutrition. I learned this lesson the hard way during my first Olympic-distance race when I hit the wall at mile 18 of … Read more

That sharp, stabbing pain on the outside of your knee hits at mile three, and you know exactly what it means. Your IT band is acting up again. I have been there, limping through the final miles of what was supposed to be a long run, wondering if my training season was over. Here is … Read more

I remember standing at the starting line of my first marathon, pockets stuffed with energy gels I had never actually tried during training. By mile 18, my stomach was in revolt and I learned the hard way why experienced runners keep preaching about practice. That race taught me more about energy gels than any article … Read more

IT band syndrome causes and treatment are essential knowledge for any triathlete pushing their limits. This frustrating overuse injury can sideline your training when you need consistency most. I have worked with athletes who have struggled with this condition through all three disciplines, and I understand the unique challenges triathletes face. The iliotibial band is … Read more

I remember the first time I felt that stabbing pain in my heel. It was , six weeks out from my A-race, and I had just stepped out of bed onto my hardwood floor. That first morning step felt like someone was driving a knife into the bottom of my foot. Like many triathletes, I … Read more

Endurance athletes face a frustrating paradox when it comes to sodium. General health guidelines tell us to reduce salt intake for heart health. Yet spend three hours sweating through a long brick workout, and your body is literally crying out for sodium replacement. I have seen this confusion play out at countless triathlon events. Athletes … Read more