Podcast
The Triathlon Brick Session
Hosted by Mark Livesey · EN
Mark Livesey is a seasoned triathlete (30yrs), coach, and endurance adventurer with a career that spans decades of pushing physical and mental limits. A former British Army Physical Training Instructor, Mark brings military precision, discipline, and resilience to everything he does — from elite triathlon competition to extreme expeditions in some of the world’s toughest environments.
As a triathlon coach and mentor, he has guided countless athletes toward their goals, combining science-based training with hard-earned experience. Mark’s racing portfolio includes IRONMAN, ultra-endurance, and multi-day adventure events across the globe — often in remote and demanding conditions.
Beyond racing, Mark is an accomplished filmmaker and photographer, capturing the raw emotion and human stories behind endurance sport and exploration. His creative work reflects the same authenticity and intensity that define his athletic career.
Driven by curiosity, challenge, and purpose, Mark continues to explore new frontiers — whether through racing, filmmaking, or inspiring others to find their own edge.
Donate to Peakeducationnepal here https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3AM9HQRXWXDPC
As a triathlon coach and mentor, he has guided countless athletes toward their goals, combining science-based training with hard-earned experience. Mark’s racing portfolio includes IRONMAN, ultra-endurance, and multi-day adventure events across the globe — often in remote and demanding conditions.
Beyond racing, Mark is an accomplished filmmaker and photographer, capturing the raw emotion and human stories behind endurance sport and exploration. His creative work reflects the same authenticity and intensity that define his athletic career.
Driven by curiosity, challenge, and purpose, Mark continues to explore new frontiers — whether through racing, filmmaking, or inspiring others to find their own edge.
Donate to Peakeducationnepal here https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3AM9HQRXWXDPC
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
T100 "cake and arse party" in Dubai, to Himalayan Highs
Nov 2901:41:46Tap to summarizeIn 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!
Transcribe →From World Champs, UCI Gravel Victory to the Himalayas
Nov 800:58:58Tap to summarizeThis 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!
Transcribe →Gravel Worlds, Kona insights and Spanish Bike Packing Adventures
Oct 1901:21:44Tap to summarizeWelcome 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.
Transcribe →Nice or Kona? Ironman Worlds on the Riviera & Gravel Grit in Dalby
Sep 1901:14:50Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →“Fair Races, Steep Climbs & Sticky Excuses”
Aug 11, 202501:16:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mark is joined by his wife, elite gravel racer and former elite triathlete Caroline Livesey, for a jam-packed chat. They tackle why female gravel racers deserve a fair race, unpack the recent TriDot–Ironman coaching split, and debate the pros and cons of using route-finder apps like Komoot. The pair also share their experience racing the legendary Alpe d’Huez Triathlon in France — epic climbs, breathtaking views, and all. Listener Gaz Hughes reports back after winning a Treacle Velo training week prize, and to round things off, the much-missed “triathlon excuse” segment makes a triumphant (and hilarious) return.https://treaclevelo.com/https://peakeducationnepal.com/
Transcribe →Alix Popham
Feb 12, 202501:46:46Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Brick Session, host Mark Livesey welcomes former Welsh international rugby star Alix Popham. A powerhouse on the pitch, Alix earned 33 caps for Wales, playing at the highest level before retiring from professional rugby.However, his career came at a cost—Alix has since been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), conditions linked to repeated head trauma during his playing days. Determined to make a difference, Alix co-founded Head for Change, a charity advocating for better brain health awareness and player protection in contact sports. But his competitive spirit hasn’t faded—he’s now channeling his energy into triathlon, taking on the challenge of long-course racing. From brutal rugby tackles to Ironman training, Alix shares his journey of resilience, adaptation, and newfound passion for endurance sports. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, pushing boundaries, and why triathlon has become his next great challenge.
Transcribe →Special guest James Teagle
Feb 2, 202500:59:27Tap to summarizeToday, your hosts Caroline and Mark Livesey are joined by none other than elite triathlete James Teagle.James has made a name for himself on the international stage with his grit, determination, and standout performances. But like all great athletes, progression comes from experience, reflection, and adaptation, especially after a disappointing year in 2024.In this episode, we dive into:1. Early season training – How James is structuring his workouts to build fitness, strength, and speed ahead of a packed race calendar. 2. Lessons learned from last season – What went right, what went wrong, and how those experiences are shaping his 2024 approach. 3. Key areas of development – Where James is focusing his efforts, from refining his swim technique to nailing race-day execution.The trio also discuss the new World Triathlon transgender rule and how that may affect the sport at the elite level.Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just starting out, this conversation is packed with insights to help you train smarter and race stronger.The podcast is advert FREE, so to keep it that way please consider becoming a patron. You also get the chance to WIN a whole range of prizes worth £1000's.https://www.patreon.com/checkout/thebricksession?rid=0
Transcribe →Could antidepressants serve as a performance-enhancing drug in sports?
Jan 17, 202501:07:45Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode, Mark sits down with Dr. Tom Robinson, to explore the intriguing question: Could antidepressants serve as a performance-enhancing drug in sports? Together, they discuss the science behind antidepressants, their effects on mood, stress resilience, and focus, and whether these benefits could translate to an athletic advantage. The conversation dives into ethical considerations, potential misuse, and the fine line between therapeutic use and performance enhancement. Tune in to uncover the nuanced relationship between mental health medications and athletic performance, and what it means for the future of sports. Enjoy!
Transcribe →Across Andes & the Patagonman extreme triathlon
Dec 14, 202401:52:08Tap to summarizeMark and Caroline discuss their experience racing the Across Andes unsupported gravel race, which is 1000 km long and has 12000m of total elevation. The Patagonman is now fast becoming the best extreme triathlon in the world. Caroline chats about her second race here and why she chose to go back. Enjoy...Nepal go fund me https://gofund.me/57f2babb
Transcribe →Kona round up with Mark and Andrew (Plus lots more)
Nov 17, 202401:16:21Tap to summarizeMark and Andrew catch up and discuss the Kona results, including rumors about athletes' bikes being sabotaged. Mark has a bit of a rant about this, so buckle up. Joe, from CES Wheels, announces a prize giveaway and Claire Jackson sends in an audio file to say thanks to PFH for winning £200 worth of nutrition.
Transcribe →