The Triathlon Brick Session

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Derrett shares his journey as a triathlete, discussing his experiences in various races, including the extreme Patagon Man and the iconic Ironman World Championship in Kona. He reflects on the importance of personal growth, respect for fellow athletes, and the challenges of balancing a full-time job with rigorous training. Stephen also opens up about his struggles with chronic fatigue and the lessons learned from his health challenges. The discussion highlights the significance of preparation, consistency, and the joy of racing, which extends beyond just winning. In this engaging conversation, Stephen shares his experiences and insights from the Patagon Man triathlon, discussing race strategies, the dynamics of competing against renowned athletes like Alistair Brownlee, and the unique challenges of the course. He reflects on the beauty of the scenery, the camaraderie among competitors, and the importance of enjoying the journey in racing. Stephen also contemplates his future in the sport, emphasizing the significance of his recent victory while acknowledging the challenges that come with it.

In true Brick Session fashion, Mark doesn’t hold back as he unloads on what he famously calls the T100 “cake and arse party” in Dubai — and yes, there may be a bit of swearing, so consider yourself warned. As always, Caroline brings a more balanced perspective as the two of them break down the many factors that led to athletes miscounting bike laps and failing to complete run course.In a thought-provoking segment, Caroline asks whether a formerly banned (doping) triathlete should still be allowed a voice in the sport?  Mark’s answer might surprise you. This episode also dives into Mark and Caroline’s recent Himalayan adventure, where they completed the full Manaslu Circuit in just 5.5 days.  A route that normally takes two weeks or more. They share detailed insight into altitude, acclimatisation, what to do if severe sickness hits, and practical tips for anyone dreaming of a high-altitude expedition. Finally, they express heartfelt thanks to everyone who has generously donated to the Peak Education Nepal charity. A packed episode full of honesty, adventure, insight, opinion — and plenty of Brick Session character.  Enjoy!

This week’s episode is packed with racing, travel, and adventure! Mark and Caroline dive into the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships — the first time this event lands in Europe, hosted in Marbella, Spain. They break down the course specifics, including the challenging hilly bike route that could shape the results. Will this terrain favour the stronger climbers? They also look at the female pros coming straight from Kona — will fatigue and travel impact their form over the shorter distance? And with several short-course specialists lining up, could we see a few surprise performances from athletes who are fresh, fearless, and ready to shake up the field? Caroline shares her experience winning the first-ever UCI Gravel Race in Thailand, before the pair reflect on visiting the Kanchanaburi War Memorial and the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai — a moving historical stop on their travels. They also talk about Thailand’s incredible cycling conditions: smooth roads, minimal traffic, and endless training potential. The adventure continues as Mark and Caroline begin their first week in Nepal, training and preparing to tackle the Manaslu Circuit — a stunning, lesser-known trekking route reaching over 5,200 m altitude. Their goal? To run/hike the entire circuit in under a week (because of course they would!). Finally, they highlight the Peak Education Nepal charity, meeting the children and families whose lives are changing through listener donations. It’s an inspiring segment that shows the real-world impact of community and compassion. Tune in for racing analysis, adventure stories, and a healthy dose of perspective from two athletes living life on the move.Enjoy! 

Welcome back to The Brick Session with Mark and Caroline Livesey.In this episode, we dive into a stacked week of endurance sport. Caroline takes us inside her incredible race at the Gravel World Championships, where—at 46 years old—she lined up in the elite field and finished just seven minutes behind the world champion.Mark shares stories from his latest bikepacking adventure across Spain, complete with the usual mix of mishaps, mountains, and magic moments.The team then breaks down the Kona World Championships, giving their honest take on the racing, the course, and what really stood out this year.We also catch up with elite triathlete James Teagle, fresh off his third-place finish at Challenge Mallorca, who gives us a quick race brief and some inside perspective.And finally, we wrap things up with a chat about the latest Strava–Garmin spat that’s been making waves in the endurance world.So grab a coffee—or your bike shoes—and settle in for another episode of The Brick Session.

In this episode of The Brick Session, Mark and Caroline dive into a packed weekend of racing news, starting with the Ironman World Championships in Nice. With the legendary Kona course giving way to the French Riviera this year, the event sparked considerable debate. Mark and Caroline unpack the brutal bike course that left its mark on the field, reflected in a notably high DNF rate. They question whether Nice was given a fair chance to prove itself as a long-term alternative to Kona, or if the tradition of Hawaii will always overshadow any new host.The conversation naturally turns to the race dynamics, where the Norwegians once again proved their dominance, sweeping the podium with a remarkable top-three finish. Mark and Caroline explore what makes their approach so consistently successful, and what this says about the future of long-distance triathlon.Closer to home, Caroline shares her personal experience at the British Gravel Championships held in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire. In a race that attracted some of the UK’s best off-road talent, she put in a gritty performance to take 8th place overall — a standout achievement at 46 years old. Together, they reflect on the growth of gravel racing in the UK, the technical demands of the Dalby course, and what draws so many athletes to the discipline.It’s an episode that balances the global stage of triathlon with the personal stories of racing at home — packed with insight, opinion, and the usual dose of Brick Session honesty.