Hall Of Fame Swimmer Turned Triathlete: Chad Rolfs On Training, Racing And Nutrition

When you think of an elite athlete, a Division One All-American swimmer might come to mind. But what if that same athlete also excelled in triathlons, coached others to success, and balanced a full-time job? Meet Chad Rolfs, an extraordinary athlete who joins me fresh off an incredible performance at the Washington 70.3, to share his passion, his journey, and his nutrition strategy.  

Chad began his athletic journey as a distinguished swimmer. A Division One All-American swimmer in college, Chad was inducted into the Washington Interscholastic Aquatics Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was known for events like the 50m Free, 200m Free, and 100m Backstroke, boasting impressive times such as a 21.15-second 50m Free back in 1989. After concluding his swimming career, Chad transitioned into coaching high school swimming for nine seasons. His passion for sports didn't wane, and in 2017, he ventured into triathlons.

Fast forward to 2024 and Chad has just completed the Washington 70.3 with a 19-minute swim, a two-hour-and-42-minute bike, and a one-hour-and-48-minute run. These results are remarkable, especially considering swimming is often seen as his primary strength. Our conversation delved deeply into how nutrition played a pivotal role in his preparation and race-day performance. Here are the key points we touched on:

1. Carbohydrate Loading: Chad admitted his initial attempts at carbohydrate loading left him feeling too full and uncomfortable. Through the Triathlon Nutrition Academy program, we’ve been working on fine-tuning his carb-loading strategy, ensuring he gets the energy needed without discomfort.
2. Day-to-Day Nutrition: Chad then highlighted the impact his everyday nutrition habits have on his race day performance. Balancing macronutrients, understanding recovery meals, and adjusting intake based on training intensity are all crucial aspects that contribute to long-term success.
3. Hydration: As part of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, we worked on refining Chad’s hydration and fuelling plans, particularly for the run portion. Ensuring timing and mixture accuracy were pivotal steps that contributed to his recent race success.
4. Building a Team: Chad also stressed the importance of building a support team of experts in various fields. From having a triathlon coach to working with nutrition and strength training experts, he believes in treating oneself like an elite athlete to achieve the best results. "Who doesn’t want the best outcome possible?" he said.
5. Lifelong Learning: Chad is a learner at heart. His dedication to continually improving his knowledge and incorporating new strategies is a key factor in his success.

 With the triathlon season concluding, Chad is focused on strength and mobility training. He plans to participate in a half marathon soon but is also setting his sights further. His ultimate ambitions include races like Kona, 70.3 Worlds, and possibly even Ultraman events.

I’m immensely proud of Chad’s progress and eager to see what the future holds for him. For those of you who aren’t sure if you should invest in your nutrition, let Chad’s story be a testament to the difference it can make.

If you’re looking to take your performance to the next level, consider joining us in the Triathlon Nutrition Academy. Our doors are open until the 5th of October, with the next cohort starting soon. Head to dietitianapproved.com/academy for more information.

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