A beginner's guide to the triathlon with Hilary Topper

On episode 730 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes back Hilary Topper , an inspiring endurance athlete, coach, and author. Once a self-proclaimed non-athlete, Hilary Topper shares her extraordinary journey from lacing up her running shoes for the first time at age 48 to becoming a triathlon competitor and coach. Together, they dive into her new book, Unlocking the Triathlon: A Beginner's Guide to Competing in a Triathlon , providing a roadmap for anyone curious about trying a triathlon—especially if the idea has ever felt intimidating or out of reach. In this episode, you'll learn what a triathlon really entails, the different types and distances you can try, and how to take those crucial first steps, no matter your fitness level. Hilary Topper and Coach Allan cover practical advice on gear, training, and overcoming common fears, plus the importance of mindset, nutrition, and celebrating your personal progress. Whether you're looking for a new fitness challenge, want to shake up your routine, or simply enjoy stories of transformation and perseverance, this conversation is packed with expert tips and encouragement to help you unlock your full potential at any age. Time Stamps 05:39 Progression to Endurance Challenges 07:54 Multisport Options for Everyone 14:01 Running vs. Triathlon Costs 16:12 Wetsuits and Goggles Tips 17:48 Tech-Enhanced Swimming Gear Tips 21:36 Understanding Training Zones 25:38 Effort Zones Explained 27:48 Positive Self-Talk for Confidence

You can listen to A beginner's guide to the triathlon with Hilary Topper online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

A beginner's guide to the triathlon with Hilary Topper is an episode from 40+ Fitness Podcast by Allan Misner.

This episode is 35:23 long.

This episode was published on Jan 20, 2026.

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