Tri Swim Coach Triathlon Swimming

On today’s episode, I sit down with Greg Harper: D1 swimmer turned pro triathlete, two-time Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, and swim coach who isn’t afraid to challenge coaching norms. We dig into why “gliding” is killing your swim, how ditching your smartwatch might actually help your performance, and the real link between breath control and open-water speed. Plus, Greg shares what burnout taught him about lifelong athlete development and how stroke rate beats ego every time. Connect with Greg Harper on Instagram: @gharpzorz  ================================================================== SUPPORT OUR STUFF

TEASER FOR EPISODE 170! On this episode, I sit down with Greg Harper: D1 swimmer turned pro triathlete, two-time Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, and swim coach who isn’t afraid to challenge coaching norms. We dig into why “gliding” is killing your swim, how ditching your smartwatch might actually help your performance, and the real link between breath control and open-water speed. Plus, Greg shares what burnout taught him about lifelong athlete development and how stroke rate beats ego every time. Connect with Greg Harper on Instagram: @gharpzorz  ================================================================== SUPPORT OUR STUFF

Most swimmers finish their stroke like they’re just trying to get their arm out of the way—not like they’re trying to move forward. In this solo episode, I’m diving into a concept almost nobody talks about in freestyle: the feather. The feather is that subtle but crucial outward motion at the end of your stroke that sets up a smooth recovery and gives you just a little extra propulsion, without blowing up your shoulder. It’s not just for elites. It’s not complicated. But it does take intention.

In this episode of the Tri Swim Coach Podcast, we dive into what it means to make swimming more than just another workout—it’s a lifestyle. We talk about the unique quirks of swim coaches (like why we all dress like we just got off a boat), how swimming can be a form of therapy, and why getting in the water isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for your mind. We also break down how to fit swimming into your weekly routine without turning your life upside down. Whether you’re swimming for fitness, recovery, or just to clear your head, this episode is for you.

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Alright, this episode is a wild one. I’m sitting down with Ryan Stille, an open-water swimmer who basically threw front-quadrant freestyle out the window and decided to swim like a normal human. You know, with actual efficiency and momentum not that “pause-and-pray” nonsense that everybody loves to preach. We get into the whole transformation: how he went from dragging through the water like he was towing a small boat to slicing through it like a damn torpedo.    Here is Ryan during his Lake Tahoe Swim: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9U9_zoBZUR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ================================================================== Sponsor:

Alright, this episode is a wild one. I’m sitting down with Ryan Stille, an open-water swimmer who basically threw front-quadrant freestyle out the window and decided to swim like a normal human. You know, with actual efficiency and momentum not that “pause-and-pray” nonsense that everybody loves to preach. We get into the whole transformation: how he went from dragging through the water like he was towing a small boat to slicing through it like a damn torpedo.  ================================================================== Sponsor:

So in this one, we spiral—emotionally and professionally. We talk about Top Chef making us cry, why your arms shouldn't be twins (yes, like your eyebrows), and how telling someone “real swimmers go under 2:00” is basically psychological warfare in a swim cap. Also, keyhole pulls? Trash. Gone. Antiquated like floppy disks and landlines. Oh—and one of my swimmers dropped 50 minutes off his marathon swim after we stopped doing what the internet says is “correct.” So yeah, maybe rethink that pretty little front quadrant glide. It’s a mix of rants, weird metaphors, swim coaching, and probably some oversharing. You’ll like it. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 ================================================================== SUPPORT OUR STUFF

What do eyebrows, shoulder pumps, and Reddit have in common? Apparently… swimming. We get into why your arms shouldn’t be twins, how “failure” might be the best coach you’ve ever had, and why outdated technique advice just won’t die.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood pieces of freestyle: the recovery. You’ve probably been told you need a “high elbow.” Maybe you’ve spent way too much time trying to make your recovery look pretty instead of making it functional. We’re blowing all of that up today. I’ll walk you through why the way you bring your arm forward absolutely matters, why mimicking fast swimmers can actually slow you down, and why your shoulder blade — not your elbow — should be driving the whole show. We’re talking recovery types (straight arm vs relaxed), the problem with "front quadrant" freestyle, the real reason fingertip drag drills can backfire, and how your recovery sets the stage for everything that happens next. Swimming isn’t about looking good. It’s about moving well. Let’s rethink your recovery and make freestyle way easier — and way faster. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: h

In this episode, we’re cracking open the chaos that is your freestyle rotation. Spoiler: if you’re flipping over like a damn rotisserie chicken or swimming flat like a pancake, you’re doing it wrong. We break down why 45 degrees is the magic number, how your shoulder blades are secretly calling the shots, and why your kick should not be the engine turning your body. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 Sponsor

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Back for round two, and yes—we’re still talking about your kick. Because guess what? It’s still not working the way you think it is. In this episode, we’re diving deeper into flutter kick mechanics: tight ankles, sleepy hamstrings, and the mysterious “smiley face line” under your tush (you’ll know it when you feel it). We’re breaking down why your ankles matter more than your effort, how to actually use your cool down for something other than staring at the bottom of the pool, and why your legs might be sinking because… you’re literally pushing them down. Yeah. That’s happening. There’s also a surprise detour into stream-of-consciousness novels, Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, and a heated debate over Bravo’s best trash TV. You didn’t ask for that, but you’re getting it anyway. This is the kicking episode that gets into the weeds—in a good way. If your freestyle still feels like a fight, or you just want one good thing to focus on next time you swim, this one’s got it. Sponsor

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In this episode, we’re kicking things off (pun intended but not really) with the one part of freestyle everyone loves to ignore: your legs. That’s right—your lazy, sinking, drag-inducing legs. We’re talking all things kick: why “saving your legs for the bike” is a myth that needs to die, how your pelvis and core are running the show (literally), and why squeezing your thighs together like you’re trying to crush a watermelon might be the best swimming advice you’ve never heard. There’s also a deep dive into anatomy, dysfunction, Ricky Ricardo’s bongo drums, and why kickboards are basically flotation devices for denial. If your kick is more chaos than coordination—or you just want to understand how to stop fighting the water—this one’s worth a listen. Sponsor

In this episode, we’re talking coaching styles—technicians, therapists, and taskmasters—and what it really means to teachsomeone to move better in the water. We dive into a strange-but-effective drill (nips to hips, anyone?), the myth of the “perfect” catch, and why your swimmers might be soaking you on deck during butterfly. There’s also a solid detour into spider crickets, broken fingers, and what happens when you try to watch Inception with your dad. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of coach you are—or if your clients see you as one—you’ll want to listen to this one. Here's the link to funny little drill we talked about: https://youtu.be/0m5CK1joiDk #triathlontraining #triswimcoach #swimmechanics #openwaterswimming #triathletelife #dominiclatella Sponsor

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In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on with your arm recovery—and spoiler: your hand isn’t the problem. We dig into body awareness, core connection, and why your stroke might be falling apart the second you stop thinking about it. There’s talk of Pilates (yes, seriously), the myth of the “perfect recovery,” and how to stop swimming like a disconnected spaghetti noodle. #triathlontraining #triswimcoach #swimmechanics #openwaterswimming #triathletelife #dominiclatella ============================================ Sponsor

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on with your arm recovery—and spoiler: your hand isn’t the problem. We dig into body awareness, core connection, and why your stroke might be falling apart the second you stop thinking about it. There’s talk of Pilates (yes, seriously), the myth of the “perfect recovery,” and how to stop swimming like a disconnected spaghetti noodle. #triathlontraining #triswimcoach #swimmechanics #openwaterswimming #triathletelife #dominiclatella ============================================ Sponsor

Alright, folks—if you feel like you’re drowning every time you swim, this one's for you. Turns out, most people completely overthink breathing in the water. So in this episode, I’m breaking it down: why you’re probably doing it wrong, how to fix it, and a stupidly simple drill that’ll change everything. Got questions? Drop a comment. Think your swim buddy needs this? Share it with them—save a life. And if you actually wanna get this breathing thing dialed in, check out the Freestyle Breathing Crash Course. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t cost a fortune. Grab it here: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing   Want to level up your swimming game? Check out the Tri Swim Success Program - https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4     More Lissa  TSC: https://www.triswimcoach.com SwimBox: https://www.theswimbox.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lissswims   More Dominic  TSC: www.triswimcoach.com SwimBox: www.theswimbox.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tr