Episode Description
This episode is not about marginal gains.
It’s about the thing we all quietly assume, until we cannot: being fit does not make you bulletproof.
Nick shares what happened when he suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest during the GB National Open Water Championships (July 2023), mid-race, in open water. He was resuscitated on site, later underwent a double bypass, and then began the long, patient process of rebuilding his health, fitness, and confidence.
It’s an honest conversation about preparation, prevention, and the responsibility we all carry, not just for our own health, but for the people training around us.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- What it felt like in the lead-up, what happened in the water, and why rapid action mattered
- The chain of survival: bystanders, CPR, defibs, and how quickly outcomes change
- Double bypass surgery and what recovery really looks like in the real world
- Returning to training after a major cardiac event, physically and mentally
- The uncomfortable truth for masters athletes: training is brilliant, but it is not a health screen
Battle Ready takeaways (5 punchy ones)
- Fitness improves your odds, not your immunity. You can be in great shape and still have hidden risk.
- Learn CPR and how to use a defib. Not “someone should”, you should.
- Get your checks done, especially over 45. Do not wait for a scare to start paying attention to your numbers.
- Rehab is training. Cardiac rehab and gradual progression are the comeback plan.
- Your lifestyle habits are part of performance. Sleep, stress, nutrition, and strength are not extras, they are the foundations.
One key quote
“Being fit doesn’t make you immune.”
Practical actions to take after listening
- Book a proper health check and get your key markers reviewed (blood pressure, lipids, glucose control, plus anything your GP recommends for your age and history).
- Do a CPR course and find out where the nearest defib is at your pool, track, gym, and local venues.
- Have the conversation with your training mates: who calls, who does CPR, where’s the defib, what’s the plan.
- Take the boring stuff seriously: sleep, alcohol, ultra-processed food, and stress load all matter more as you get older.
Some links from Nick:
Book recommendation- “Motivation is P.E.A.R. shaped” by author and psychologist Simon Hartley.
http://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk
http://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org
Join the SWAT Inner Circle
And if you want structure, accountability, and a tactical plan for staying strong, mobile, and resilient all year round, the SWAT Inner Circle is where you’ll find the support to stay Battle Ready for life’s adventures. CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE:
You can find links for the following channels - Website, Facebook, podcast, Instagram, YouTube
Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
Sign up for Simon’s weekly newsletter
Download Simon’s Free ‘Battle Ready Lifestyle’ Infographic — https://simon-ward.kit.com/battlereadylifestyle
💬 Got an awkward question for Simon? Send it to beth@thetriathloncoach.com and you might just hear it on a future episode!