TriDot and Ironman Part Ways – Why This Will Be Good for Coaches and Athletes

As a Coach who has been Ironman Certified since the program’s inception, I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of the Ironman coaching landscape. The recent news that TriDot and Ironman have ended their partnership marks a significant turning point — and in my view, it’s a change that could benefit both coaches and athletes.

I was spurred to write this article after listening to the recent Fitter Podcasts hosted by my good friend & colleague Bevan McKinnon. Bevan covered this topic off really well. I was encouraged to give my own thoughts on the matter, as I too see the need for Coach development to continue in an impartial and unrestricted way.

To listen to this Podcast episode, follow the links below:

• Bevan McKinnon - Fitter Radio

As an Ironman Certified Coach since the very beginning of the program, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the Ironman coaching community grow, adapt, and innovate. We’ve witnessed changes in training methods, technology, and athlete expectations. Now, with the announcement that TriDot and Ironman have ended their partnership, we’re entering a new chapter — one that I believe holds great promise for coaches, athletes, and the sport as a whole.

When TriDot took over the education process for Ironman U, the move was positioned as a way to bring cutting-edge, AI-driven insights to the coaching community. Many of us recognised the potential benefits of technology — from streamlined data analysis to predictive training models — but we also knew that Ironman coaching is built on more than just numbers.

The real value of an Ironman Certified Coach lies in understanding the whole athlete: their lifestyle, motivations, challenges, and aspirations. It’s about crafting bespoke training plans that can be adapted when life gets in the way, offering encouragement through the tough sessions, and knowing when to push harder or pull back. This kind of care and connection simply can’t be automated.

Over the past few years, the partnership with TriDot brought some visible changes in the coaching landscape. There was a sense — rightly or wrongly — that coaches using TriDot’s platform were more visible in certain Ironman promotional spaces. For those of us using other tools or approaches, that could feel like a narrowing of opportunities. I use a different platform, Training Tilt, to provide my Training Plans, and manage athlete communication. Training Tilt does have some AI tools built into it, but these are only to help me as a Coach streamline my systems, not to provide direction and guidance to an athlete's training plan. And, full disclosure here, I had AI help me write this article, so there are certainly ways Coaches can use it effectively in the Coaching space. Feedback from colleagues of mine who had used TriDot for some time were fairly consistent in their criticism of the system.

Now, with this split, Ironman has an opportunity to level the playing field. Coaches will be free to choose the systems and methods that work best for their athletes without any perception of bias in how they are promoted. Athletes, in turn, will benefit from a broader range of coaching philosophies, methods, and personalities — and they can find the perfect fit for their goals and values.

I’m especially optimistic that Ironman will continue to invest in its Coaching Certification program, which has been a strong foundation for professional development in our sport. Ongoing, balanced, and high-quality education ensures that Ironman Certified Coaches remain at the forefront of training science, athlete welfare, and sport ethics. A well-supported coaching network creates healthier, more engaged athletes and raises performance standards across the board.

In my view, this decision reflects a commitment to the human side of coaching. Technology will always be part of the triathlon landscape, and rightly so — it’s an incredible tool. But the coach–athlete relationship is built on trust, adaptability, and shared journey. That’s what turns finish lines into lifelong memories and challenges into personal triumphs.

As we move forward, I believe this change will strengthen the identity of the Ironman Certified Coach: a skilled professional, backed by robust education, delivering athlete-first, customised training plans that not only prepare athletes for race day but also inspire them throughout their triathlon journey.