In this episode of the Where Your Feet Take You podcast, host Kayla Bowker interviews Lisa Becharas, a pro triathlete coach and member of the Real Triathlon Squad. Lisa shares her journey as a triathlete, including her successes, injuries, and surgeries. She emphasizes the importance of staying positive and having a strong support system during challenging times. Lisa also discusses her love for different endurance sports, such as triathlon, XTERRA, and mountain biking, and how she balances her training for each discipline. Lisa Becharas shares her experience as a guide in triathlon races, specifically for visually impaired athletes. She highlights the importance of finding a strong cyclist as a guide and the challenges of navigating the sport's rules and regulations. Despite the challenges, she finds joy in racing with her athlete and witnessing her success. Lisa also discusses the rewarding aspect of guiding and the selflessness it brings to the typically selfish sport of triathlon. She talks about the adrenaline and pressure she felt to be Taylor's guide and the importance of taking opportunities when they arise. Lisa also discusses the incredible abilities of para-triathletes and the different categories in paratriathlon. She expresses her hope for more development races and support for women in the sport. Lisa shares her upcoming race plans and her excitement for the future of triathlon.

Takeaways

Staying positive and having a strong support system can help athletes navigate through injuries and setbacks.
Finding joy and having fun in the sport of triathlon is essential for long-term success and fulfillment. Being more than just an athlete and building meaningful relationships with sponsors and supporters is crucial for professional athletes.
Celebrating the accomplishments of others can create a positive and motivating environment for personal growth and success. Guiding in triathlon races requires finding a strong cyclist as a guide for visually impaired athletes.
he incredible abilities of para-triathletes and the different categories in paratriathlon
The need for more development races and support for women in the sport

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:20 Getting to Know Lisa Becharas
06:06 Navigating Injuries and Setbacks
12:45 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
18:14 Finding Joy and Fun in Triathlon
21:27 Balancing Training for Multiple Endurance Sports
23:50 The Appeal of Mountain Biking and Leadville 100
29:41 The Dynamics of Guiding in Triathlon
35:32 Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
38:21 The Importance of Accessibility in Triathlon
40:46 The Joy of Racing with a Visually Impaired Athlete
43:08 Remaining Open to Future Guiding Opportunities
45:42 Racing with a Visually Impaired Athlete
51:18 The Limited Racing Opportunities for Women
55:39 The Need for More Development Races and Sponsorship Support
58:24 The Financial Challenges of Being a Pro Triathlete
01:01:40 The Love for the Sport and Competing Against Amazing Athletes