What does it take to be an "Iron-Mom?" The complete analysis, the data, and the dissertation
Fri Feb 06 2026
This week, we have a special interview with Iris Nafshi about her PhD study, which analyzed over 300 moms who also compete in Ironman. She wanted to answer the question: Among those who experience high levels of "mom guilt" how do they complete the training anyway? What does it take?
But first, Katie, Kelly, and Joanne discuss the latest triathlon news: the 20-meter draft rule for pros, the new Supertri calendar and format finally announced, and can you guess what secret race Joanne is doing? Send us a voicemail to yourfriends@livefeisty.com or at www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon
And then Katie shares some of her insights on what it took to race at the top-level after having her first kid — and how, in some ways, balancing work now with two kids is even more challenging.
What can everyday athletes learn from Dr. Nafshi's research? In her words:
"My research found that athletic identity doesn’t compete with maternal identity, it expands it. So claim the space you need. Pursue something big unapologetically. The mothers who finished Ironman didn’t become less devoted to their kids, they became MORE of themselves. And kids don’t need perfect, self-sacrificing mothers. They need whole, fully-alive mothers who show them what’s possible. Be that mother."
See the full dissertation: "Beyond Grit and Guilt: Uncovering the Psychological Resources Fueling IronMoms in Ironman Training and Racing"
Strong Retreat in Atlanta, April 17-19, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-strong-retreat-atlanta/
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Support Feisty Triathlon Partners:
Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/maTzL
Momentous: Use code FEISTYTRI for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com
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This week, we have a special interview with Iris Nafshi about her PhD study, which analyzed over 300 moms who also compete in Ironman. She wanted to answer the question: Among those who experience high levels of "mom guilt" how do they complete the training anyway? What does it take? But first, Katie, Kelly, and Joanne discuss the latest triathlon news: the 20-meter draft rule for pros, the new Supertri calendar and format finally announced, and can you guess what secret race Joanne is doing? Send us a voicemail to yourfriends@livefeisty.com or at www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon And then Katie shares some of her insights on what it took to race at the top-level after having her first kid — and how, in some ways, balancing work now with two kids is even more challenging. What can everyday athletes learn from Dr. Nafshi's research? In her words: "My research found that athletic identity doesn’t compete with maternal identity, it expands it. So claim the space you need. Pursue something big unapologetically. The mothers who finished Ironman didn’t become less devoted to their kids, they became MORE of themselves. And kids don’t need perfect, self-sacrificing mothers. They need whole, fully-alive mothers who show them what’s possible. Be that mother." See the full dissertation: "Beyond Grit and Guilt: Uncovering the Psychological Resources Fueling IronMoms in Ironman Training and Racing" Strong Retreat in Atlanta, April 17-19, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-strong-retreat-atlanta/ Leave us a Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/feistytriathlon Follow us on Instagram: @feistytriathlon Feisty Media Website: https://feisty.co/ Support Feisty Triathlon Partners: Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/maTzL Momentous: Use code FEISTYTRI for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com