Meet Josh Everett—ultra-endurance athlete, powerlifter, and certified hybrid machine. Whether he’s chasing a marathon PB, smashing Ironman courses, or hitting PBs on the lifting platform, Josh is the definition of versatility. His ability to shift gears between sports that demand such different physical and mental strengths is seriously impressive, and he’s just getting started!
In this Q&A, Josh gives us an inside look at how he balances strength with stamina, the unique nutrition strategies that fuel his performance, and the mindset it takes to train across multiple disciplines. Plus, a few personal gems—like his secret party trick and which athlete he’d love to grab a coffee with 👇
You've successfully competed in marathons, Ironman events, and powerlifting meets. How do you juggle your training to accommodate the vastly different demands of endurance and strength sports?
It's a bit of a balancing act! But what works best for me is putting my current training goal first, no matter what. I try to knock it out as early as possible, ideally in the morning. That way, I know it's done, and I can give it my full energy and attention.
Balancing the high-calorie needs of powerlifting with the leaner requirements of endurance sports is no small feat. Can you walk us through how you adjust your nutrition when transitioning between these disciplines?
It might seem a bit backwards, but my calorie intake is actually greater during endurance training than when I'm powerlifting. This is because the volume and intensity of endurance training demand more fuel. There isn't much of a transition in my diet itself, as my meals typically stay the same; I simply increase or decrease the portion sizes to align with my daily energy requirements, often going by how I feel to adjust my intake. I generally don't track calories or macros meticulously, but I will pay closer attention to carbohydrate and protein intake when necessary, especially after big training sessions or on demanding days.
Incorporating heavy lifting into marathon or Ironman prep isn't something everyone could achieve. What benefits have you found in maintaining strength training during endurance training cycles, and has improved cardio fitness made a positive impact on your lifts?
The benefits I've found in maintaining strength during endurance training cycles come from primarily focusing on compound lifts or movements. For me, these are foundational exercises like squats – basically movements that engage multiple muscle groups. To maintain this strength, I aim to incorporate these heavy compound movements at least once a week and perhaps include accessory exercises with lighter weights up to twice a week. I avoid maximal efforts but also steer clear of high rep ranges, typically working within the four to eight rep range. This approach seems to effectively preserve strength without overtaxing my system during endurance-focused periods.
Regarding the impact of improved cardio fitness on my lifts, I can't pinpoint a direct correlation. However, I'd like to think it has assisted me in getting an extra rep or two during heavier sets.
Do you have a hidden talent or fun party trick that your followers might not know about?
Unfortunately, no, I don't think I have any cool party tricks. The best I could do is probably the splits
How did you first get into endurance sports and powerlifting? Were there any key influences or moments that set you on this path?
My involvement in both endurance sports and powerlifting really stemmed from my early experiences playing rugby in school. As I quickly learned the importance of being both physically fit and strong. Interestingly, pushing these to the extreme lead me to events like the marathon, an Ironman and powerlifting. Beyond that, I really looked at a lot of athletes but partially Arnold Schwarzenegger as a role model.
What are your long-term athletic and professional goals?
To be honest, I haven't really mapped out my athletic and professional goals too far into the future; I generally think in terms of the next year or so. However, athletically, I'd love to compete at a really high level in an Ironman event. More broadly, my aim is to become the most well-rounded athlete I'm capable of being. Professionally, my ideal scenario would be to work for myself and find a way to earn a living through training – whatever that may look like, as it's still evolving at the moment.
For someone just starting out in hybrid training, what piece of advice would you offer to help them stay motivated and balanced?
The key piece of advice I would offer to someone starting out in hybrid training is to prioritize consistency. You're playing the long game, and building both strength and endurance takes time; it's a gradual process of dedication and consistency. It's less about the occasional big efforts but more about the small consistent actions day in and day out. Expect to go through phases of training where you'll have your peak endurance/ fitness, while having a slight dip in strength, and then periods of significant strength gains, but also perhaps a slight drop-off in fitness.
However, over time, this consistent effort will create a gradual upward trajectory, ultimately leading you to become a well-rounded and high-level hybrid athlete, effectively balancing both strength and endurance.
If you could have coffee with any athlete, past or present, who would it be and why?
Arnold Schwarzenegger - lots of life lessons and knowledge (also a lifetime idol)
And last but not least, what’s your go-to Beforeyouspeak blend?!
I seriously can't get enough of the - Performance Coffee - The OG
