The Unlikely Triathlete

Join The Unlikely Triathlete with host Rob Hardstone & Matt Davies for an entertaining and humorous, yet brutally honest celebration of the grit of the "unlikely triathlete" and everyday athletes defying the odds. From weekend warriors to those overcoming physical challenges, we share inspiring stories of triumph in triathlon and beyond. Featuring athletes, celebrities, and extraordinary individuals who’ve conquered the impossible, this podcast fuels your drive to tackle events like Ironman. Supporting the Green Mamba Tri coaching business and a sportswear line crafted for everyday athletes, we’re here to empower your journey. Whether you’re hesitant about your first race or seeking motivation, tune in for heartfelt conversations and practical tips. New episodes every week! Subscribe now and find the spark to cross your finish line!

The Unlikely Triathlete is a health podcast hosted by Rob Hardstone, with 20 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rob Hardstone hosts The Unlikely Triathlete, a health show with 20 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #20

  Cancer, POTS, and Car Crashes: How Nick Overcame Incurable Odds to Finish an Ironman

  Aug 12, 202651 min

  In this episode of The Unlikely Athlete, co-hosts Rob and Matt sit down with Nick Klingensmith, a guest whose story defines what it truly means to be an "unlikely athlete". Nick's life has been a relentless test of resilience, marked by battles with cancer, a severe car crash, and a diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)—a condition doctors told him had no cure. Instead of accepting a passive, restricted life, Nick used his diagnosis as a catalyst to sign up for an Ironman. In this conversation, Nick, Rob, and Matt discuss the mental mechanics of overcoming extreme adversity, how to channel "teenage defiance" when life hands you setbacks, and why the Ironman finish line is merely a victory lap for months of silent personal growth. Key Takeaways The "Victory Lap" Mindset: Crossing the finish line on race day isn't where transformation happens; true growth occurs during the months of quiet, disciplined training leading up to the start line. Channeling Defiance: Overcoming massive life obstacles requires a refusal to give up—a mindset that treats every setback not as a dead end, but as an opportunity to sharpen your skills. Redefining Diagnoses: Receiving a tough medical diagnosis doesn't mean life is over; taking ownership of your health and mindset allows you to pursue extraordinary goals regardless. The Power of Your Support Network: Behind every solo endurance athlete is a dedicated team of family, partners, and friends whose support makes the journey possible. Timestamps 00:00 — Intro: Meeting Nick, the guest who ticks every box of an "Unlikely Athlete". 03:23 — Life Before the Storm: Reflecting on health prior to the first diagnosis. 11:20 — Understanding POTS: What happens when doctors tell you there is no cure? 14:35 — The Ironman Pivot: Why an incurable diagnosis became the ultimate motivation. 19:44 — The Team Behind the Athlete: The vital role of family and spousal support. 24:57 — "Race Day Is Just a Victory Lap": Re-framing the Ironman experience. 34:53 — Setbacks & Accidents: Rebuilding after a severe car crash post-race. 41:00 — The Power of Defiance: How to refuse to let life's punches keep you down. 47:44 — Final Nuggets: Book recommendations and taking the first step today. Nick Klingensmith Links Nicks Book - https://amzn.eu/d/0cLzGuPR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stridemotivation/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@stridemotivation/featured Social Links ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone ⁠ Coach To Finish Line Application: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Matt Social Links Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/

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  Episode #19

  How 2 University Students Transformed Their Bodies & Minds with an Ironman 70.3

  Jul 29, 202632 min

  Hey there sports lovers, in this episode of The Unlikely Athlete, host Rob and co-host Matt welcome back two very special guests: Rob’s oldest daughter, Michaela, and her chiropractic student classmate, Celeste. After taking on the Durban Ironman 70.3, the duo reflects on their remarkable transformation from self-described non-runners struggling with body image and anxiety to confident, glowing multisport athletes. Michaela and Celeste open up about the raw reality of their journey, including dealing with student budget constraints, last-minute race registrations, muscle tears, and overcoming a deep fear of falling off a road bike. They also detail the emotional high points of race day, from breaking down in tears mid-run to crossing the oceanfront red carpet finish line surrounded by their massive support community. Key Takeaways The Mindset Shift: Tackling a hard physical threshold—like going from the couch to a 10K or half marathon—rebuilds your self-confidence and proves you can handle hard things in everyday life. Overcoming Obstacles over Perfection: You don't need a year of flawless preparation or a huge budget to do an Ironman 70.3; taking a chance and starting before you feel completely ready beats waiting for "perfect" conditions. The Power of Community: Having a strong support network—from family and spouses to CrossFit communities and local clubs—makes facing intimidating goals achievable. No Excuses for Busy Schedules: Squeezing short, efficient workouts (like a 30-minute swim or a quick run) into a busy student or work schedule actually boosts daily energy levels rather than draining them. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Rob & Matt welcome back Durban 70.3 Finishers Michaela & Celeste 02:24 – The Extreme Physical & Mental Transformation (Weight Loss & Mindset Shift) 05:45 – The Turning Point: Going From "Couch to Half Marathon" 09:48 – Overcoming Financial, Physical & Gear Obstacles Before Race Day 13:31 – The Support Circle: How Friends, Family & Crossfit Communities Step Up 16:52 – The Emotional Finish Line: Red Carpet Moments & 10k Tears 22:15 – Balancing College Life with 2-a-Day Workouts: No Excuses! 25:38 – Killer Advice for Anyone Struggling to Take the First Step Social Links https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone Coach To Finish Line Application: ⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header⁠⁠⁠ Matt Social Links Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/⁠⁠⁠

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  Episode #18

  200 Marathons in 200 Days! Megan Boxall - The Fastest Women to Run The Coast of The Britain

  Jul 15, 20261h 4m

  Hey There Sports Lovers, In this deeply moving and inspirational episode of The Unlikely Athlete, co-hosts Coach Rob and Coach Matt sit down with Megan Boxall, an extraordinary individual whose story will completely reshape how you view mental health, resilience, and the limits of the human body. After battling severe clinical depression and surviving a near-fatal suicide attempt, Megan experienced a profound mental epiphany during a simple, spontaneous run. That pivotal moment set off a chain reaction that led her to quit her job, sacrifice her savings, and embark on an almost unfathomable 204-day endurance challenge running around the coast of Britain. Rob, Matt, and Megan dive deep into the logistics of organizing a massive physical expedition, surviving severe physical setbacks like shin splints, and how finding the right support group can literally save your life. Key Takeaways Movement as Medicine: Megan shares how getting outside and moving shifted her perspective from absolute despair to finding beauty and a reason to live in everyday sights. The Clinical Reality of Depression: Rob and Megan speak candidly about the chemistry of depression, removing the stigma surrounding medication, and why high-performing athletes are not immune to mental health crises. "Start Now, Get Perfect Later": Megan, Rob, and Matt discuss why over-planning is a form of procrastination. While details are comforting, actual momentum and problem-solving happen on the road. The Power of Your Foxhole: The critical importance of having an uncompromising support system—like Megan’s sister and her supporter, Lottie—to lift you up during your darkest physical and emotional hours. Chasing Passion Over Finances: The reality check on funding a 204-day expedition, choosing personal fulfillment over corporate misery, and why money naturally follows when you align with your true purpose. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Welcoming Megan to the show to share her jaw-dropping story. 05:09 — The January 11th Spark: The day a simple run saved Megan's life. 08:12 — Fighting the Stigma: Rob and Megan share their honest experiences with clinical depression and medication. 13:41 — Decision to Action: How Megan began planning her massive multi-month coastal expedition. 20:25 — "Plans are Worthless": Why getting started matters so much more than over-planning. 22:37 — Overcoming the Roadblocks: Battling severe shin splints and logistical nightmares. 27:42 — Building Your Foxhole: The critical importance of having a strong support group. 36:09 — The 40% Rule: How your body and mind can endure far more than you think. 46:25 — The Reality of Finances: How Megan managed to fund her 204-day running challenge. 51:01 — Megan's New Mission: How she is using her experiences to help others find a way out of the dark. 57:22 — A Final Golden Nugget: Stop worrying about what other people think and take action. Coach To Finish Line Application: ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header⁠⁠ Megan Boxall Links https://meganboxall.com/ https://www.instagram.com/megan.runbritain/?hl=en Donate Here https://www.justgiving.com/page/megan-boxall-run-britain Matt Bio & Links Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down.  Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/⁠⁠ Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/⁠⁠ Social Links ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone⁠⁠ Rob BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• 

  Episode #17

  The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Endurance Racing: Lessons from Savage Surf to Jungle Ultras

  Jul 1, 202646 min

  In this episode of The Unlikely Triathlete, co-hosts Coach Rob and Coach Matt take a nostalgic look back through their personal racing histories. Leaving behind the formal coaching guidelines for a moment, they share the raw, unedited, "good, bad, and ugly" stories from their first major athletic endeavors. From battling high-surf ocean rescues on a borrowed steel bike to running through 95% humidity in an isolated African rainforest, Rob and Matt break down how their greatest athletic triumphs and structural failures shaped them as coaches. The duo also drops their upcoming multi-year calendars, mapping out their paths to conquer extreme races like the Norseman Triathlon, the Badwater 135, and the Moab 240. Key Takeaways The "Wins and Lessons" Mentality: Every disaster on the racecourse yields more professional growth and self-reflection than a perfect race ever could. Gear Doesn't Define the Athlete: Rob proves that you can land a top-20 age-group finish using a heavy, borrowed steel-frame bicycle and a borrowed wetsuit. The Mental Game of Ultras: Success in self-sufficient multi-stage ultra-marathons relies heavily on mental resilience, problem-solving on your feet, and controlling your mindset when basic comfort is gone. Acclimatization is Non-Negotiable: Missing the mark on local conditions—whether it's unexpected freezing rain in Portugal or high humidity in the tropics—can completely derail your expected finish times. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: Rob and Matt set the stage for a trip down memory lane. [01:20] Pacing Disasters: Matt’s first marathon in Barcelona and the psychological battle against early step-counting tech. [03:45] Rob's Baptism by Fire: Tackling a rough Durban ocean swim and surviving a 70.3 distance on a borrowed bike. [09:14] Broken Bones on a First Date: Matt recounts breaking his foot right before Ironman Australia and pushing through a grueling standalone marathon block. [12:56] Freezing in Portugal: How an ill-timed head cold and unexpected downpours resulted in Rob's most disappointing 13-hour race finish. [18:20] The Jungle Expedition: Matt's ultimate race experience running a 220km multi-day ultra-marathon in São Tomé. [24:50] Conquering the Lava Fields: Why the extreme wind and steep terrain of Ironman Lanzarote remains Rob's favorite race location. [30:12] Dream Big: The hosts reveal their bucket-list events, highlighting the frozen waters of the Norseman and the extreme heat of the Badwater 135. [41:35] Turning the Page: Rob commits to documented accountability as he resets his physical baseline for a 4-year ultra-running cycle. Coach To Finish Line Application: ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVVxT7zOG0dTLFxGiSyH520mo5tjEICe3sM1apm-4im_2qA/viewform?usp=header⁠ Global Limits https://www.global-limits.com/ Matt Bio & Links Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- ⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies/⁠ Linkedin - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/⁠ Social Links ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322⁠ ⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone⁠ Rob BIO Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• 

  Episode #16

  Offshore Medic to Ironman 70.3: Beating the Odds and the Excuses with Christine Grosart

  Jun 17, 20261 hour

  In this episode, Rob and Matt sit down with the incredible Christine Grosart for a completely unfiltered conversation about reinvention, grit, and endurance. Christine’s path to triathlon is anything but conventional. Going from a horse obsessed kid to a Cave Diver, Paramedic, and Offshore Medic, she eventually found herself battling severe weight gain due to the grueling, unhealthy realities of offshore rig life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ditch the Excuses: Whether you're working 14-hour shifts offshore or dealing with terrible facilities, there is always a way to train if you prioritize it. As Christine puts it: "I work to live, I do not live to work." If your job is destroying your health, change it. Turn Your Brain Off: When motivation wanes, imposter syndrome creeps in at the pool, or the workout looks too intimidating, the best strategy is to stop overthinking. Silence the "yeah, buts" and just execute the plan. Find the Right Coach: Having a mentor who holds you accountable, understands your lifestyle, and doesn't tolerate complaining can be the exact catalyst needed for a massive personal transformation. Age and Starting Points Are Just Numbers: Starting a grueling sport like triathlon in your mid-40s after being significantly overweight is entirely possible. It doesn't require innate talent; it requires consistency and a stubborn refusal to give up. Stop Comparing Yourself: Focus on your own baseline. Dreaming of elite levels when you are just starting can be discouraging. Aim to be better than you were yesterday, and don't worry if you're the slowest one up the hill. BEST MOMENTS "I am no exceptional athlete... I'm just someone who doesn't give up." "I work to live, I do not live to work. And that's the important thing. If your lifestyle, if your job is stopping you from doing the things you want to do, change your job and your lifestyle." "If you weren't hard enough, you shouldn't have come." "I'd look in the mirror and wouldn't recognize myself. And when I did look in the mirror, I'd be like, 'that's not me.'" "Just turn your brain off... stop thinking, stop worrying, stop saying 'yeah, but this', 'yeah, but that'. Just turn your brain off." HOW TO CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE: https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/ironwoman https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/the-overpriced-brick-session https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/lovely-loire https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/allez-allez https://www.christinegrosart.com/blog/dare-to-tri https://www.youtube.com/@cgrosart USEFUL LINKS: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Adventures-Extraordinary-Louise-Minchin/dp/1399401181 Matt Davies Matt is a high-performance endurance and executive coach who helps ambitious business professionals train smarter, perform better, and rediscover what they’re truly capable of — whether that’s crossing an IRONMAN finish line, reclaiming their health, or simply proving mid-life doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Mixing a 20-year career in senior finance leadership alongside years of endurance coaching and racing experience (from “fat banker” to Ironman — his words, not ours), Matt specialises in premium, highly personalised coaching that delivers exceptional value, blending world-class training, accountability, and mindset coaching for people ready to make meaningful, lasting change — with just enough humour along the way to remind everyone that Lycra is still never entirely flattering.* Instagram- ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matt_james_davies ⁠⁠Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davies-precision-coach/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rob Hardstone Rob Hardstone, is a battle-tested IronmanU-certified triathlon coach with a knack for inspiring the everyday athlete. A former Crew Commander in the South African Defence Force’s 1 Special Services Battalion, Rob honed resilience during the Border Wars in an unsettled, apartheid South Africa. His daring career as a commercial saturation diver took him worldwide, facing life-threatening challenges with grit and luck. Despite his slight build, Rob’s passion for endurance sports drove him to conquer 11 ultra-distance triathlons, including 5 full Ironmans, 6 70.3s, numerous sprints, ultra swims, and 80km runs. Self-coached through trial and error, he now guides “unlikely” athletes to surpass their doubts. Rob’s humorous, brutally honest storytelling—woven with global adventures and hard-won lessons—sets him apart. Listeners will find unmatched credibility and inspiration from his journey, connecting with guests from all walks who’ve triumphed against the odds. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576327959322 ⁠⁠Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/rob_hardstone ⁠⁠TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.hardstone⁠⁠ This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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