The Nick Bare Podcast

In this episode, I walk through my full Ironman Arizona 2025 experience—from the weeks of prep to crossing that finish line. I break down how I approached carb loading, packing, and race-week logistics, and how I handled curveballs like getting into a car accident as soon as we arrived.

I take you through each leg of the race, how I managed my nutrition, hydration, pacing, and transitions, and what was happening physically and mentally along the way.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:57 Pre-Race Preparations and Travel

02:20 Story Time

07:41 Traveling with Family and Car Accident

12:08 Bike Setup and Nutrition Planning

19:47 Final Preparations Before Race Day

29:31 Pre-Race Preparations

31:49 Swim

35:53 Transition to the Bike

36:54 Bike

41:53 Transition to the Run

46:29 Run

50:22 Crossing the Finish Line

53:12 Post-Race Reflections

55:07 Recovery and Future Plans

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In this episode, I break down how I approach tapering for big efforts, especially an Ironman.

We talk about pulling back volume and intensity without losing fitness, handling the mental itch to keep pushing, and why that restraint actually sets you up to win. I also walk through how I set up my carb load to top off muscle glycogen so I’m not leaving anything on the table.

I share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the practical strategies I use so you show up on race day.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Importance of Tapering

03:46 Defining a Taper

06:40 Benefits of a Proper Taper

18:34 Common Mistakes During Tapering

29:11 Setting Up a Proper Taper

33:10 Tapering Training Volume

35:21 Race Week Training Schedule

36:26 Experiencing the Taper

46:35 Carbohydrate Loading Strategy

58:28 Final Thoughts on Tapering and Carb Loading

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Today I sit down with 22-year-old Dylan Mandell, who is walking through his fourth cancer diagnosis with unshakable faith in Jesus. We talk trials, daily prayer, Scripture, surrender, and the strength of family as Dylan shares why he believes his healing was already paid for on the cross in full.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

06:13 Facing Cancer with Faith

11:27 Dylan's Journey: From Diagnosis to Faith

15:24 The Role of Family and Upbringing

31:22 The Importance of Discipline and Preparation

41:41 Choosing Pain Over Medication

44:31 Miraculous Recovery

45:09 Keeping the Fire of Faith Alive

49:50 The Potter and the Clay: Embracing Suffering

57:48 The Power of Words and Discipline

01:06:38 Living with Integrity and Faith

01:10:31 Finding Peace in Faith

01:18:56 Trusting God's Plan

01:22:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, I'm covering five crucial lessons I've learned from over 20 years of my fitness journey. I outline the importance of combining strength and cardiovascular training, the differences between fueling for aesthetics versus performance, the necessity of balancing hard and sustainable training seasons, and the perils of overtraining. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:41 My Fitness Journey: From High School to Now

02:55 Current Focus: Ironman Arizona Prep

04:29 Five Key Lessons from My Fitness Journey

06:25 Strength and Cardiovascular Training: A Balanced Approach

08:31 High Rocks Training: The Perfect Balance

12:34 Bodybuilding Prep: The Challenges and Learnings

14:36 Marathon and Ironman Training Insights

23:57 Post-Ironman Training Plans

29:41 Fueling for Performance vs. Aesthetics

37:09 Introduction to Bodybuilding Nutrition and CrossFit Performance

39:40 The Role of Food as Fuel

42:58 Balancing Hard and Sustainable Seasons

55:29 The Importance of Doing Less

01:06:12 Redefining Progress Beyond PRs

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Today, Stef joins me to talk openly about how our faith has changed everything — our marriage, how we parent, how we see purpose. Stef walks through her journey from growing up Catholic to pursuing a real relationship with Jesus. I share the moment I got saved and how that forced me to realign priorities, identity, and how I lead at home. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome / why this conversation

01:21 Ironman prep, strength work, and family

04:22 Stef’s faith journey

09:45 How faith changed our marriage and home

14:18 My spiritual wake-up call

20:44 Growth and struggle

27:52 Salvation story

40:45 Purpose and identity

41:25 Marriage shift

47:51 Training in a changing household

50:02 Identity and control

54:14 Raising kids to know God

01:00:24 Daily rhythms from “Habits of the Household”

01:12:05 Community and accountability

01:17:54 Encouragement for husbands and wives

01:21:11 Final thoughts

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