Formerly the Rad Hyrox Podcast, we’re now Atalanta - dedicated to elevating female athletes in the hybrid space. We’re here to speak up, create conversations and celebrate female athletes, it’s time for the men to move over… and let the women talk about the women!! Covering female training, nutrition, mindset and of course Hyrox. Same voices. Bigger mission.
Vivian Tafuto has quietly become one of the most consistent athletes in HYROX. An Elite 15 regular and now Elite 15 Doubles World Champion alongside Lauren Weeks, Vivian has spent the last few seasons proving that success isn't built on one standout performance—it's built on showing up, race after race. In this episode, we catch up after the World Championships to talk about the highs of winning a world title, the disappointment of her individual race, and why she's already looking ahead to what's next. We also dive into the mindset that's helped her stay at the top of the sport, balancing training with a full-time career, racing alongside Lauren Weeks, and why confidence, patience and consistency matter more than chasing perfection. We also discuss body image in elite sport, social media pressures, and why focusing on what your body can do will always outweigh how it looks. Whether you're chasing your first HYROX or racing at the highest level, this conversation is packed with honest reflections and lessons from one of the sport's very best. Follow Vivian over on instagram : @Viviantafuto If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
The 2026 HYROX World Champion is here!! Just months after making the jump from elite marathon running to HYROX, Alyssa McElheny has reached the very top of the sport. But while the result looked effortless, the journey to that world title wasn’t that straight forward. In this episode, Alyssa takes us behind the scenes of her race week in Stockholm, including the freak accident just days before competing that left her questioning whether she'd even make it to the start line. She shares exactly what was going through her head, how she managed the pressure of racing the world's best, and why she was able to smile throughout the race!! We also dive into what's changed since becoming World Champion, the lessons she's learned from her first HYROX season, how she's adapting her training as the sport evolves, and why recovery and longevity are becoming just as important as chasing performance. Whether you're racing HYROX yourself or simply fascinated by what it takes to become the best in the world, this is an honest conversation about resilience, confidence, and embracing every moment of the journey. Follow Alyssa over on instagram : @alyssamcelheny If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
What does it take to coach some of the best HYROX athletes in the world? This week we're joined by Lauren Calvert – coach at Phase 7, coach to Elite 15 athletes including Gabby Moriarty, Zara Piergianni and Kat Parnell, alongside being an accomplished athlete herself and working full-time in the supplement industry. We chat about how she balances it all, her coaching philosophy, and why building trust is at the heart of helping athletes perform at their best. In this episode we discuss: What separates the very best athletes from everyone else The importance of resilience, communication and trust Lessons from competing on SAS: Who Dares Wins Building Phase 7 alongside Camille Grimes The realities of juggling a full-time career, coaching and training Why good coaching is about so much more than programming Whether you're a coach, an athlete chasing your next PB, or simply fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes at the top of HYROX, this episode is packed with honest conversations, practical insights and plenty of laughs along the way. Follow Lauren over on instagram : @laurencalvertj @phaseseven7 If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
What do female athletes actually need to know to train, recover and perform at their best? This week we're joined by Dr Bryna Chrismas - exercise physiologist, former GB race walker, researcher at Loughborough University, and member of the HYROX Sports Science Advisory Council. Bryna has spent her career improving the health and performance of female athletes, from recreational exercisers through to Olympians, and is helping shape the future of athlete education within HYROX. In this episode we chat about: Why female-specific research has been overlooked for so long The biggest mistakes women make with fuelling and recovery Low energy availability and why your menstrual cycle matters Iron deficiency, heavy periods and practical supplementation advice Pelvic floor health, perimenopause and the conversations coaches should be having Heat, race day performance and what HYROX is doing behind the scenes What separates elite athletes from the rest Whether you're training for your first HYROX, chasing a PB, or simply want to understand your body better, this episode is packed with practical advice that every female athlete (and coach) should hear. Follow Dr Bryna over on instagram : @drbrynachrismas If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
After years competing in CrossFit, Annie took a chance on HYROX after a coach spotted her potential through physiological testing. Fast forward a few months, and she's already clocked an incredible 57:38, with her sights firmly set on the Elite 15. In this episode, we chat about her sporting background, why she made the switch from CrossFit, training around recurring shin splints, and how she's built her fitness by spending more time on the SkiErg and RowErg than running. We also dive into racing strategy, recovery, balancing a full-time job alongside elite competition, and why Annie believes the best part of competing isn't race day—it's the training that gets her there. A brilliant conversation with one to watch in the sport. Follow Annie over on instagram : @anniemilsson If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
Kris Rugloski's route into HYROX is anything but conventional. A former obstacle course racer and ultra-runner, Kris first entered HYROX simply because it looked like something she'd enjoy. Just a few years later, after qualifying for the World Championships on a roll-down, she shocked the field by winning the 2022 HYROX World Championship. In this episode, Kris shares her journey from OCR to HYROX World Champion, why she still spends her summers running ultras in the mountains, and how she balances elite competition with a life far bigger than sport. We dive into the mindset that has shaped her approach to training and racing, the lessons she's learned through injury and adversity, and why gratitude, perspective and being capable for life matter more than results. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, adventure and finding joy in the process. Whether you're training for your first HYROX, chasing a PB, or simply trying to become a stronger version of yourself, there's something in this episode for everyone. Follow Kris over on instagram : @krisrugloski If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
Aimee Oliver is the founder of BodyFit Mums, a community that has spent the last 10 years supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and every stage of life beyond. In this episode, Aimee shares her personal journey with pelvic health and stress incontinence following the birth of her first child. What started as her own search for answers became a mission to help other women realise they don't have to suffer in silence. We discuss the realities of living with pelvic floor dysfunction, the impact it can have on confidence, mental health, training, and sport, and why so many women still feel uncomfortable talking about it. Aimee also opens up about continuing to compete at a high level in volleyball and Hyrox while managing these challenges, and how she is determined not to let it stop her. This is an honest and eye-opening conversation about pelvic health, motherhood, resilience, and the power of normalising conversations that too often stay behind closed doors. Follow Aimee over on instagram : @bodyfitmums If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week, we’re joined by HYROX athlete, coach, gym owner, and all-round endurance powerhouse Sam Pretty. Fresh off winning her age group in Berlin to secure a HYROX World Championship qualification, Sam shares the whirlwind few weeks that also saw her claim the Deadly Dozen UK Championship title in the women’s doubles. We dive into racing strategy, handling pressure, competing with different partners, and what it takes to perform consistently at the top level of the sport. Beyond racing, Sam reflects on her journey from school track athlete and PE teacher to marathon runner, HYROX competitor, and co-owner of Storm Performance Centre. She talks about balancing training, business, family life, and the realities of chasing Elite 15 qualification while running a gym and raising two children. We also discuss community, leadership, delegation, and why asking for help might be one of the most important skills for success. Whether you're chasing a podium, building a business, or simply trying to juggle life's competing demands, this episode is packed with lessons from someone doing it all. Follow Sam over on instagram : @sam_pretty_hybrid Follow Storm Performance : @storm_performance_centre If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week on the Atalanta Podcast, we sit down with Jess Towl – former British Triathlon athlete, CrossFit competitor, HYROX Elite 15 athlete, and one of the most versatile endurance athletes you'll meet. Jess shares her journey from triathlon, to discovering CrossFit, before eventually finding HYROX and immediately making her mark on the sport. We dive into why variety in training and competition has been key to her longevity, the lessons she's learned from competing across multiple disciplines, and why patience beats chasing instant results. We also discuss life as a HYROX athlete based in Dubai, the realities of travelling internationally to race, her experiences competing in Elite 15 doubles alongside Roisin Egan, and her recent partnership with Kate Davey as they chase success at World Champs. Jess also opens up about being diagnosed with ankylosing axial spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune condition that left her living with chronic pain and fatigue for years without realising it. She shares how finally getting answers transformed her training, racing, and overall quality of life. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, perspective, consistency, and why enjoying the process matters more than obsessing over the outcome. Follow Jess over on instagram : @jesstowl Follow Gym Nation Middle East : @gymnation_me If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week we’re joined by Elite 15 athlete Kate Hutchinson. From representing England at the Commonwealth Games in swimming, to age-group triathlon world championships, to now racing on the HYROX Elite 15 doubles circuit alongside Fern Gardner — Kate’s sporting journey is seriously impressive. We chat about balancing marathon training with Hyrox racing, running a huge 3:09 PB at the London Marathon, the reality of juggling elite sport with everyday life, and how the gym and it’s community became an important outlet during a difficult chapter after losing her dad to MND. Kate also shares stories from the Elite 15 majors this season, qualifying for Worlds, racing through the chaos of Hamburg (did someone say penalties), and why she and Fern have never taken any of these opportunities for granted. A really honest and inspiring conversation with one of the most down-to-earth athletes 🤍 Follow Kate over on instagram : @katehutchinson.hy If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week on the podcast, we sit down with HYROX 45-49 AG World Champion Amy Brown — a runner turned HYROX powerhouse who proves that it’s never too late to chase something big. Amy opens up about her journey from marathon running and chasing a sub-3-hour marathon, to finding her place in HYROX and becoming World Champion in the 45-49 age group in Chicago . She also took to the floor earlier this season in the Americas Regional with her doubles partner Anne Marie McNiven. We talk about balancing motherhood, coaching, elite competition, and the mental side of all of this. We also dive into: Transitioning from endurance running into HYROX Training with purpose vs training for exhaustion Recovery, sleep, and longevity in sport Managing confidence and pressure as a competitive athlete Zone 2 training, pacing, and smart programming Competing in doubles and Elite 15 racing The realities of training through your 40s and perimenopause Amy brings such an honest and inspiring perspective to performance, consistency, and self-belief — and this conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating sport, fitness, or ambitious goals alongside real life. Follow Amy over on instagram : @runwithurheart If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout. Enjoy the episode 🎧
This week, we’re catching back up with Bryony Keys after her incredible performance at the BPN Backyard Ultra, where she became the last female standing and finished in the top 10 overall after running for 37 hours straight and covering 155miles. Bryony takes us behind the scenes of one of the toughest endurance race formats in the world, sharing what it really takes to keep going hour after hour when sleep deprivation, fatigue and mental battles start to hit. We chat about: - How she prepared for a Backyard Ultra after her previous ankle injury - Why her training looked very different to what most people expected - The mindset shifts that helped her keep going for 37 hours - Pacing, fuelling and recovery between laps - The mental side of ultra endurance racing and managing the highs and lows - Why consistency and simplicity mattered most in training This episode is packed with honest insights into endurance, resilience and learning how to stay in the fight when things get hard. Follow Bryony over on instagram : @coachbryony @fuelledlab If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week we’re joined by Alyssa McElheney — 2:34 marathon runner turned Elite 15 Hyrox athlete. With a strong background in distance running, Alyssa made the switch to Hyrox just a few months ago and has already made a serious impact — finishing 3rd in Warsaw in her first Elite 15 race, securing her spot at the World Championships in Stockholm. Making herself known for being one of the smiliest athletes on the course, Alyssa somehow managed to smile her way around the entire race in Warsaw — a reflection of the mindset she brings to competing. We dive into her journey from qualifying for the olympic marathons trials to becoming an Elite 15 Hyrox athlete, how her training has evolved, and what it takes to perform at the top. Follow the over on instagram : @alyssamcelheny If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week we’re joined by Fern Gardner, an Elite 15 athlete competing at the top level of Hyrox alongside doubles partner Kate Hutchinson. Fern shares her journey through sport—from swimming at a national level to competing in triathlon on the international stage—and how those experiences shaped her as an athlete today. After a series of setbacks, including a bike crash and a diagnosis of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, Fern had to step away, rebuild, and completely rethink her approach to training, recovery, and fuelling. We talk about: Transitioning from swimming and triathlon into HYROX What it takes to compete in the Elite 15 The realities of racing on a global stage Managing pressure, expectations, and imposter syndrome Why fuelling properly became a game-changer And as a bonus… we couldn’t not cover her title as World Coal Carrying Champion Follow Fern over on instagram : fern.fitness If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
Everyone sees the finish line. The podiums. The Elite 15 start lists. But they don’t see the first race… the nerves, the mistakes, the “what am I doing here?” moments. In this episode, Lauren Stockley takes us behind the scenes of her journey in Hyrox—from a 1:11 open time to breaking into the elite field, and everything in between. We talk about: – The reality of stepping up from Open to Pro– The breakthrough races that changed everything– Confidence, mindset, and racing the best in the world– The emotional rollercoaster of Phoenix—from Elite 15 debut to DNF, to bouncing back the very next day– Winning, losing it all in a matter of hours, and handling it with perspective– Balancing elite performance with full-time teaching life But more than anything, this episode is a reminder that no one starts at the top—and that sometimes the biggest growth comes from the races that don’t go to plan. Honest, grounded, and seriously inspiring—Lauren’s story is one a lot of people will see themselves in. Follow Lauren over on instagram : @laurenstockleyy If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
A former GB triathlete, Chloe stepped away from the sport before rebuilding from the ground up. In just six months of focused Hyrox training, she’s dropped her time from 1:12 to the 1-hour mark — earning her place in the Elite 15 and securing her debut at the final Major of the season in Warsaw (confirmed since recording). In this episode, we break down: Her progression from international triathlon to Hyrox The key training changes behind her rapid performance gains Balancing volume vs intensity (and why less was more) The role of aerobic conditioning, running efficiency, and transitions Race strategy, pacing, and decision-making under fatigue Follow Chloe over on instagram : @chloeelisecook If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
Emily Atkins joins us this week for a very real conversation about fitness, pregnancy, and navigating motherhood when your identity has always been tied to training. Emily shares how quickly fitness became a huge part of her life — and how challenging it was when pregnancy turned everything she knew upside down. We talk about: The unexpected reality of pregnancy vs. what we see online Losing routine, identity, and control when you can’t train the way you used to The mental health impact of stepping away from fitness Postpartum recovery — including things no one talks about (pelvic floor, prolapse & the importance of getting checked) Body image, mum guilt, and the pressure to “just enjoy it” Learning that you can love your baby and still want time for yourself Emily is incredibly open about both the highs and the lows — from feeling at her most feminine during pregnancy, to being in survival mode, to rebuilding her relationship with fitness postpartum. If you’re a new mum, expecting, or someone whose identity is deeply tied to training — this episode will make you feel seen, understood, and far less alone. Follow Emily over on instagram : emilyjadefit If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
In this episode, we sit down with Megan Powell — former Team GB athlete, Hyrox competitor, and GP registrar — to explore what it really takes to transition from elite endurance sport into hybrid racing. With a background in high-level duathlon, Megan shares the key differences between traditional racing and Hyrox, and why success isn’t just about fitness — but how you apply it. We dive into: What transfers (and what doesn’t) from elite duathlon racing to Hyrox The challenge of managing intensity and heart rate across stations Why pacing looks completely different in hybrid racing Lessons from racing, doubles competition, and working towards a sub-hour performance Beyond performance, Megan brings a unique perspective as a doctor with a growing focus on female athlete health. We also discuss: RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and why it’s often missed The importance of understanding your training load and fuelling Contraception, hormones, and performance considerations Why more healthcare professionals need to understand athletic populations This episode blends elite-level performance insight with real-world health knowledge — a must-listen for any female athlete looking to train smarter and understand their body better. Follow Megan over on instagram : @dr_megan_powell If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week, we’re joined by Elite 15 athlete Katherine Fashbender, fresh off a huge debut performance in Phoenix where she qualified straight for the World Championships alongside partner Morgan Schulz. We dive straight into the chaos of recent racing at the Americas Regionals—unpacking the highs, the lows, and the brutal reality of racing back-to-back days at the elite level. Katherine opens up about what really happened in her solo race, the mental battle mid-race, and how she bounced back to show her true fitness in doubles. We also get into: The dynamic behind her partnership with Morgan—and why it works so well Lessons learned from racing at the highest level Training smarter (not just more) while balancing a full-time job The importance of fuelling properly—and the serious consequences of under-fuelling Navigating pressure, expectations, and showing up as a role model in the sport This episode is honest, raw, and packed with insight—from elite race strategy to the mindset it takes to keep going when everything hurts. Follow Katherine over on instagram : @fahsyfit If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
This week on the podcast we’re joined by HYROX athlete Lauren Leigh Richardson. Lauren is the Female Open Doubles World Record holder in the 25–29 age group and was also part of the team that set a Mixed Relay World Record in Dublin. In this episode we dive into what it takes to compete at a high level in HYROX, from managing race schedules to performing when the pressure is on. We talk about the realities of hybrid racing, the challenge of balancing performance and recovery, and why racing too often can sometimes do more harm than good. Lauren also shares: The pressure of racing in doubles and relay teams Lessons learned from tough races and DNFs Why fuelling properly for sessions changed her performance The impact of testing her resting metabolic rate (RMR) on training and recovery How therapy, journaling and visualisation have helped her feel more in control on race day The importance of setting boundaries and not always being a “yes” person It’s an honest conversation about the physical and mental side of competing, learning from setbacks, and continuing to push the standard in a rapidly evolving sport. Follow Lauren over on instagram : @_lauren.leighfit If you enjoyed this episode please consider following the show and leaving a review, it helps us reach more people and speak to more incredible guests! Find us @weareatalanta and remember to tag us when you listen! Thank you, see you next week! As always, a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting us on this journey. LSKD : Use code ATALANTA for 15% off LSKD MyProtein : Use code ATALANTA for discount at checkout.
