TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS

GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...

... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.

This week, I bit.

Finally jumped to wider tires.

From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...

... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.

My testing took place on our local single tracks...

... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.

I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.

Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s

My initial...

• they go from edge to edge much quicker
• seem to roll very fast
• traction is great

... reactions.

I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.

===

166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION

IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...

... has countless benefits.

Number 1 being speed.

Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...

... Pain Cave.

When we're on form, 
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.

Today was much easier...

• the group was slowish
• BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
• catching up and discussing next year's goals

... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.

That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.

Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.

Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...

... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.

===

If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.

Deal below.

Use promo code: VELOBONES

To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.

Expires on 12.5.25

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all

===

165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

OTB OR OTB?

WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it... 

... the cryptic they become.

Here's the mechanic's favorite...

... I was just riding along.

His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...

... JRA.

I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...

... he called them Freetards.

I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.

But, this one...

... it's been hard to stay away from.

OTB.

This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.

Off the back...

... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.

Over the bars...

... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.

===

165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?

WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...

... they can lead and guide us to a better future.

Truly powerful.

One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.

Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...

... decides he must do something completely different.

He must go...

• runs
• pulls a sled
• carries logs
• throws boulders
• chops down a tree

... to snowy and freezing Siberia.

Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...

... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.

===

166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

EARNING VS LEARNING

LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...

... we're just running around having fun.

Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...

... we're not all created equal.

I can throw,
my aim is woeful.

I can run,
my friends are faster.

I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.

Most of us here, found we love to endure...

... persistence and suffering are out super powers.

We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...

... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.

That's the journey we are on.

Learning how to be our best.

===

164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TRAINING BLOCKHEAD

FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...

... do something different.

Makes sense.

The next season is a long way off.

Just one problem.

Physics.

You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.

Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.

So, whatawee 'posed ta do?

Personally, I'm gonna...

• have fun
• be more socisl
• challenge my skills

... while logging some solid base mile.

===

166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

ARE YOU COMFY?

WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...

... more than we can be.

Who wants that?

Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.

I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.

Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...

... in a state of flow, relaxed.

Comfy.

The good kind.

Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.

Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...

... Are you riding cautious?

I wanted to say...

... Heck no, and Screw you!

Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.

Hard.

It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.

Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.

Effortlessly.

===

164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB

SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...

... set legit goals.

The mountain ain't movin'...

• 9 miles
• 3000'
• 6.3%

... but, we are.

The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.

53:10

The next 9 are local legends...

... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.

There are two ways to view...

• I'm slow, and I suck
• I'm slow, and I can improve
• I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals

... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.

One more takeaway.

When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.

It was a goto.

And, it got me thinking...

... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.

Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?

===

164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...

MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...

... Did you ride or run today?

Which deserves...

... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.

Earning an...

... I bet your hungry!

Usually followed by a...

... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!

At some point someone will turn on "the game".

As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...

... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.

Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...

... the Great Hershel Walker.

Dude was devastating in college and NFL.

This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....

• 2000-3000 pushups/day
• 3000-5000 crunches/day
• hundreds of pullups/day
• hundreds of dips/day
• air squats and lunges thousands
• 20-50 yard sprints

... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.

Damn.

We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...

... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.

Dedicating little time,
from home.

===

164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

STRATEGY VS THE DREAM

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...

... so, it might not be too soon.

There's no rule on that.

I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.

What comes first...

... strategy or the dream.

Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.

You know which ones kill me....

... literally saw this one today...

... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!

hahahahahah

But, you get the idea.

We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...

• Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
• One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
• Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride

... we start looking for a race to unleash.

I've done it,
still do it.

We can all be suckers, 
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.

Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was... 

... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...

... is kinda right.

The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.

In other words, once we identify the...

• A race
• impossible PR
• unconquerable route

... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.

Let me say it differently.

We can quickly toss aside...

• techniques
• strategies
• hacks

... the worthless dross.

Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...

... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.

NOT AS GOOD?

JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...

... bother seeing with our own eyes.

This is gold.

A journo says...

... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.

On the heels of saying...

... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.

He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.

Wait,
what?

He's not as good,
but he beats him?

Oh, journo.

Here's the dill, and...

... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.

On certain courses... 

... certain riders are unbeatable.

The challenge is to find our course.

MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE

FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...

... I'm an endurance junkie.

Hi Todd.

When we come clean with the general population, Today I...

• swam 10,000 yards
• rode for 5 hours
• ran 20 miles

... they think we're crazy.

We're not.

The adrenaline rush of ...

• 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
• the swimmers blue mind
• the runner's high

... we need that hit.

Regularly.

This risks we take...

• sending it down the mountain
• running along into the cold, dark night
• impossibly holding our breath one more length

... would freakout any life insurance company.

These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...

... are often all that's keeping us stable.

In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...

... stay dangerous my friends.

The sane kind.

===

165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS

SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve.  It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming.  This is... 

... how I solve my problems.

It's a question of time, right?

The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...

• clearly identify what needs to be solved
• set aside time
• get outside

... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.

The only goal is to solve the problem.

A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...

... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.

The best problems take require more...

• miles
• creativity
• "fuel" stops

... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.

Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...

• goals
• events
• milestones

... for next year.

Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.

And they think we ride just for fun and fitness! 

===

165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL

WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...

... leave a lasting impression.

On others,
on ourselves.

Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?

Let us not gaze into our own navel but...

• racers
  
• promoters
• business leaders
• matriarchs and patriarchs
• community and governments

... appreciate for better or worse.

It is what it is.

I was recently struck by a singer...

• unknown by most
• unwilling to submit to label demands
• who died without much fame or fortune at 33

... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.

What?!... how? who?

The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener, 
with uncommon love and passion.

Nothing more.

May we all do our thing with such beauty.

===

Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U

===

164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

ON THE GAS

A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...

... speed is our friend.

Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?

You didn't have a motor Dingdong!

No, it's more than that...

... and I've thought about it a lot this week.

The 92-mile race

• low gradient climbs and descents
• long, long straight roads
• mostly flat

... provided very little coasting.

We had to stay on the gas.

It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.

Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...

... 90% of FTP, without coasting.

I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).

It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.

But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.

===

By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...

... which means you'll probably love the kit.

If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection

There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection

TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING

GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...

... so, what do we do?

To speed it up.

There are my goto...

• Zicam at first hint
• Pollo Loco tortilla soup
• Insanely hot and long showers

... rider's tales.

Then there's what I did today...

... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.

I woke up,
it was cold.

I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.

I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...

• raise your body temperature
• the nose will start to flow
• blow that gunk out

... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.

Torture.

I've had mixed success over the years.

I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...

... or good as new tomorrow.

===

165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE

BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...

... that's where we thrive.

And, we're moving fast.

Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.

Not less.

I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.

We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.

No one else was there but us.

Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.

No cell service.

The only inputs,
each other and nature.

The peace and solitude remarkable.

Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.

We were cozy,
the van has a heater.

Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...

... we were shocked by the reality of nature.

Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.

To God.

To acquire the land...

• the extreme temps at 7000'
• the distance by horse or wagon to town
• the loneliness during the months no one came to visit

... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.

How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?

I feel it when I'm...

• there
• in the surf
• on our local trails
  

... and love it.

Need it.

And so...

• walk
• hike
• ride
• run
• surf
• swim
• camp

... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.

Outside.

===

164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...

DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...

... which is our favorite.

Then, why?

Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.

Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.

There's an orphan in all of us.

Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.

Could be naysayers,
could be something else.

It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.

The point isn't...

• Where's my prince charming?
• Who will save the day for me?
• Why am I not picked?

... to wallow in our sorrows.

The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT’S IN OUR DNA

TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…

… what could be more important?

To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.

Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.

Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.

Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.

They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.

And the communities were quite friendly with each other.

You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.

Not so.

I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.

Maybe somethings are meant to be.

But, that’s not really the point.

This is hard country,
the high desert.

To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…

… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.

Who is an ancestor that inspires you?

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form) 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL

IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...

... they sound/seem totally normal.

Like today.

I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...

... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.

It wasn't horrific, 
still, glad no one was around. 

Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.

Doing my best. 

Jumping from group to group.

I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.

And, I hear her say the funniest thing...

... I wanna put a dent in that girl.

Speaking of the other racer.

I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.

Hahaha.

Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...

... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.

Not the hatchet...

... if you know what I mean.

These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...

... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form) 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?

RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...

... someplace we've never been.

Would never go.

Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.

This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.

Small town,
somewhat forgotten.

Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...

... surrounded my endless gravel roads.

I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...

• Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
  
• He's a huge fan of our products
• I'm a huge fan of gravel races

... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.

Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.

Funny story.

I have actually been here before.

Back in the 80's.

I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.

We were greeted with...

... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)

So we...

• spent the night in Motel 6
• chomped Pizza Hut
• watched ESPN

... forgot all our Spanish.

And crossed back the next day.

I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.

Good night now.

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HURRY UP

IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...

... we are better than most, not as good as some.

Who's better?

By that, do you mean...

... how could anybody be better???

We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.

Mostly.

Here are...

• Sprints
• Weights

... the missing ingredients.

I know, I know...

• sprinting sucks
• weights can be dangerous
• and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?

... what you're thinking.

According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.

You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.

So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...

...  move faster, age slower.

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% 
7.5 hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GIVERS

THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...

... people just reach out and offer their assistance.

Just giving where there's an obvious need.

I ran into a selfish one tonight.

The sun had set,
my headlight was on.

I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...

... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.

As a get there...

... did I say it was pitch dark?...

... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.

Creepy?
Scary?

Nope, I knew what he was up to.

Not burying bodies...

... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.

I stopped.

Introduced myself.

Thanked him profusely.

No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.

To which I could only say...

... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.

Is there a better gift?

===

165.8 lbs/12.6% 
8ish hours sleep 
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY

LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...

... started making super aero computer mounts.

3D printed gloriousness.

My new MTB was in need.

I reached out.

Got a mount for Roval bars?

Yes.

Cool, I'll get one.

We haven't tested for lights yet.

He thought I was asking for my road bike.

So yeah...

• the road mount is super aero
• looks freakin' awesome
• supports a light

... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.

Did my evil test void the warranty?

I dunno.

But, this is...

• come up product ideas
• make it
• test it

... what we do around here.

Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% 
8ish hours sleep 
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?

WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...

... the perfect amount of work.

I know where it is.

You do to.

Look back over the year.

Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...

• hours
• distance
• intensity

... I can do this every week.

Bonus/verification if you had any...

• Segments
• PWR
• HR

... PRs the following week(s)?

That's your Goldilocks number.

Mine's about...

• saddle time
• bit of strength work
• some sort of other fun

... 13 hours/week.

What's yours?

===

164.8 lbs/12.5% 
8ish hours sleep 
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

YOU GET 1 WISH

2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...

... and, yes, races.

You get 1 wish.

Here it is...

• lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
  
• scour the interwebs for races
• pick one, and do it

... no limitations.

Imagine it...

• Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
• Any time of the year
  
• Dream equipment
• Fantastic lodging
• Clear schedule

... and ask yourself.

If not this year...

... when?

'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...

... we could probably make it happen.

It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...

... where, when and why.

Me personally, my top choices...

• Gravel Burn, South Africa
• Oregon Trail
• Rebecca's Private Idaho

... are gravel stage races.

Gravel Burn looks insane.

===

You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

===

164.4 lbs/12.5% 
8ish hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING

EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...

... until something sparks.

How does that work?

Like this.

About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.

My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.

A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.

I got it,
understood where they were coming from.

Except, I was having so dang much fun...

... I didn't care.

I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.

It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.

The last two Saturdays, most telling.

Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.

30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...

... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!

Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.

He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...

... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!

Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?

Maybe.

But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.

Then again...

... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?

I am your father.

===

165.6 lbs/12.6% 
8ish hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT

IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...

... squarely on their shoulders.

Should it?

I do love to follow college football...

• the emotional swings
• the athleticism
• the stadiums

... so much energy and unpredictablity.

Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...

... coaches would be punted this year.

Mid-season.

The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap. 

The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...

... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.

It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...

... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.

Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...

... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?

===

163.6 lbs/12.4% 
7.5 hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES

WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture... 

... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?

Honestly.

Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...

... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?

We've all been in that arena.

Had the bell ring.

Still standing.

Somehow.

We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...

• inspiration
  
• desperation
  
• exasperation

... oozing with confidence and power.

When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.

As the great Kierkegaard said...

... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.

===

164.6 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS

FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...

... but, what are doing about it?

Like the Mastercard ad says...

... some things are priceless.

Here are five...

• Sleep
  
• Nutrition
• Strength
  
• Maintenance
• Consistency

... anybody can do. 

These are my hacks.

Sleep. 

Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.

Nutrition.

Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.

Strength.

Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).

Maintenance.

New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.

Consistency.

If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.

A final word.

I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.

I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.

I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.

I did have one thing going for me...

... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.

Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.

That's not a flex, it's just happens.

They quit.

Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time... 

... commitment and passion.

===

165.2 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!

THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...

... that's how we got here.

I'd lost it.

Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...

• more time
• more miles
• more climbing

... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.

Don't get me wrong.

I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...

... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.

Something snapped.

Or, lightning struck.

I dunno.

But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...

Screw it!

I'm cutting down the long slogs...

... and bringing back sprint days.

2-3 hours became 90 minutes.

With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...

... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.

Then, focus on my DH skills...

... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving  and carrying speed.

The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?

I feel amazing,
not pooped.

Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...

... a total mind, body soul work out.

Soul?

Yeah, trust me.

Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent. 

===

164.3 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT

WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...

... 300 meters from the finish line.

Houston, we have a problem.

Go ahead.

We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.

Sucks to be you.

Yeah.

We can't grow a beard overnight.

A good one, for some of us...

... can take months.

If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...

... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.

===

164.3 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
 √ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

CULTURE WARS

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAINING groups. Both extend invitations...

... the similarities stop there.

One culture assures...

• everyone is ready to start together
• there are plenty of stops
• nobody gets left behind
  

... fairness and concern.

The other demands...

• leaving on time
• no stopping
• no waiting

... rugged individuals.

The group we...

• join
• create
• help grow

... depends on the result we are looking for.

===

165.2 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
 √ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

DIRT WORLD PROBLEMS

EVERY SURFACE HAS it's challenges. Add in the weather, how we approach things...

... changes quickly.

Super mist.

The normally grippy sidewalk we were slaying to meet the rest of the crew, was not only glazed with moisture...

... bright green moss screamed Slow down and do not lean over.

We ain't rookies,
not a problem.

It was so misty, the glasses were tucked away.

The late Fall moon dust covering most of our trails and roads...

• forks
• shins
• lenses

... quickly 3D prints on to everything.

Bombing the first downhill...

• nearly 40mph
• no brakes
• 1 minute

... the dust and pebbles flying up stinging our eyes.

Two choices:

Wear the glasses, 
blurry, smudgy vision.

Wear no protection,
smoke your corneas or contacts.

When the sun finally burned through,
I grabbed my glasses from my jersey pocket...

... they were covered in sweat.

lol

Truly, dirt world challenges. 

===

These Ugly Sweater jerseys woulda worked well today - which include matching gloves and socks

SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY

When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)

Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025

===

EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY

Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics

Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/

===

164.4 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/99/-10 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THAT FREAKED ME OUT!

IN THE HURRY to get the miles in, sometimes we find ourselves willing to risk a potential short cut to get home early. Which is exactly what I did...

... just before halloween.

Hustling down a new trail.

The night's shadows suffocating the daylight.

A long ladder bridge spans steep canyon walls and the trail...

... whips around and under the bridge!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I was going too fast to even think about it.

Leaned on the tires.

Ducked my head.

Stopped.

Went back up and mastered it at even more speed.

I'd discovered a great way to freak my friends out...

... like finding a killer haunted house.

Gonna be good scare on the next weekly MTB ride.

===

Not as scary as these Ugly Sweaters - which include matching gloves and socks

SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY

When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)

Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025

===

EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY

Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics

Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/

===

164 lbs/12.3% 
8 hours sleep 
 √ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BRING YOUR BEST AND LET US ADD UNTO IT

MOST OF US have backgrounds in something other than endurance sports. During those pursuits we learned what our leaders believed to be...

... the best practices for excellence.

Do we leverage that?

Here's an idea.

When I surfed almost everyday...

• most days were small waves
• 2 days a week would be pretty good
• 1 week of the month would have 3+ days of epicness

... which got me thinking, what would happen if I trained more like a committed surfer.

That schedule up there, is a lot like polarized training...

... except for surfers, the good days are usually back to back.

Good days, means...

• charging through the surf
• scrapping to get max speed and catch one
• battling back through the big waves to get back out

... a lot of VO2 max efforts

Then,..

• back
• to back
• to back
• to back

... consecutive days one week a month, when a great swell hit.

After the big swells, there is usually a lull.

Good, because,
we're tired,
we rest.

That's how surfers train because that is nature's cycle...

• lots of endurance
• regular intervals
• a big week
• a lull

... maybe it should be ours, too.

===

165 lbs/12.5% 
8 hours sleep 
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE MOMENT OF SILENCE

THE START LINE WAS PACKED on Saturday. Hundreds had paid to line up and race for 50 miles. Before the National Anthem...

... we had a moment of silence.

For Eric Williams.

Killed days prior, while riding with two buddies.

Leaving a wife, and 4 small children behind.

It was actually quiet and reverent.

I thought about Eric's always happy demeanor,
how much I enjoyed seeing him,
and banging bars.

Bros riding through life,
checking in at the races.

The moment was over,
the song was sung...

... and we raced on.

The thing is, we never really know when the race is going to end.

Each of us could be summoned home tomorrow...

• text
• call 
• lunch

... so, let's be sure to reach out and let each know we're loved.

===

165 lbs/12.5% 
7.5 hours sleep 
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON RACEDAY?

WE'VE BEEN RACING SINCE we were kids. If it wasn't racing to play at recess, it was racing to eat lunch and then play. They go hand in hand...

... playing and racing.

Until it gets serious.

Somewhere along the line...

• Ribbons
• Trophies
• Podium steps

... awards and recognition become important.

What was fun and games becomes a lot more...

... when we put down our money.

A few months out,
no big deal.

A few weeks,
it gets real.

The night before,
tossing and turning.

The first morning of raceday, for most of us...

• the drive over
• the parking lot
• the starting line

... can be so overwhelming.

My biggest challenge has ranged from...

• needing to use the bathroom a million times
• massive swings in confidence
• to not wanting to start at all

... but, they all resolved over time.

It took me a while to consistently show up ready...

• left my shoes
• borrowed a helmet 
  
• raced in my swimsuit and tshirt
  

... kept forgetting the essentials.

Sooooo... What is/was your biggest challenge on RaceDay?

===

These challenges spring invention...

... one example is the RaceDay bag™.

This isn't a shameless plug,
or some kooky countdown to savings.

Just a reminder that if you've got a friend who stresses and forgets...

• we will sell out of some colors prior to Christmas
• we need 3 weeks to add custom names

... the RaceDay bag solves all, well most, problems.

SOME TECH I DON'T MISS

NEW GEAR ALWAYS PROMISES improvements to make us faster, better, smarter, efficienter. Sometimes, though, ya gotta wonder was it just to pry a few more bones outta the wallet, or...

... because it really is better.

Placebos be real, bro.

But, are the improvements?

My last mountain bike, the BMC 4-Stroke...

• integrated dropper post
• remote suspension -3 options
  

... I lovvvvvvved those innovations.

Now, the new bike I built up, didn't come with a dropper or a bunch of remote suspension options.

So far, I'm not missing them.

The simplicity allows me to slip into a state of flow...

... and stay there for longer periods of time.

Less to think about.

Why?

Part of it could be I ride the gravel bike a ton,
sometimes on technical, steep stuff,
sans dropper.

As for the suspension, the World Cup layout is so good there just doesn't seem to be a need.

Am I anti-tech then?

Not even. 

I'm eyeing the Flight Attendant electronic brain for the fork...

... it will adjust even faster, and automatically.

Also, looking to upgrade a few parts to Ceramic Speed.

The moral of the story is...

... tech that makes things simple is what I want.

Or as the great Arthur C. Clark said...

... Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

===

168.8 lbs/12.9% (this is getting outta hand)
8.5 hours sleep 
20 PullUps, 60 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/80/6 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PERIODIZATION FOR THE REST OF US

WE'VE ALL HEARD about periodization, that we should go hard for a few days or weeks then go easy for a bit. Apparently...

... there are massive gains to be made.

The pros do it.

We should.

But, how?

Actually, if we're not pro and we actually have a life it can come quite naturally.

Here's the way...

• Mondays are big work days for me, and I'm tired from the big weekend ride, I go easy.
• Tuesdays the fellas get together, and we always end up going hard.
• Wednesdays I want to have some fun offroad, and wind up doing tempo with some hard efforts where the terrain is punchy
• Thursdays are good days to put in some time with Surfergirl doing something she likes to do
• Fridays, I have time for an quick and easy spin before wrapping up the work week.
• Saturdays, time to get back with the fellas and smash it.
• Sundays, are all about church and family.

... most weeks run.

The months...

• 3 weeks of good consistent training
• and one week dialed back with family and work,
  sometimes planned, sometimes not.

... have their own rhythm.

Looking at the year...

• family events
• work events
• holidays

... seem to create the longest off training blocks.

Oh, I almost forgot...

• some enjoy the break
• some go all Rocky indoors

... the weather has an agenda all its own.

The pros often sacrifice the events we might consider interruptive to our 'A' race prep...

... we are pro in a much different way.

We thoroughly enjoy what's truly important.

===

165.4 lbs/12.7% 
8 hours sleep 
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/79/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

A WRONG TURN, TURNS OUT ALL RIGHT

PRE-RIDING/RUNNING A COURSE can be the difference between winning and losing. Amateur preparation ranges from simply registering, to looking at...

... the promoter's description.

Pros memorize
it all.

Then there's lil' ol' me.

I'd raced the Filthy 50 four times previously,
seeing no need to preview it...

... or even look at the route.

The start was stout,
posting a PR on Raptor Ridge.

4 of us escaped.

I kept getting gapped and chasing.

Uncharacteristically, the pace eased into the fast, twisty single track along the lake's edge...

... and I moved to the front.

Why not?

At least that way I could control the pace.

One problem.

I made a wrong turn.

You'd think they'd wait.

It wasn't much a deviation.

I lost about 15 seconds.

Never got 'em back.

They were gone.

Outta sight.

I could have pulled the plug, but there were still 35 miles to go.

Time to play a mind game with myself.

Ride at my pace...

... and see if I could limit the damage. 

The day was a total victory..

• zero insight to how I was doing
• keeping my HR in check
• posting good power

... riding at my limit, alone.

In the end, I finished 2 minutes and 24 seconds behind the my former friends who sprinted for the win...

... we'll be friends again tomorrow.

BACK FROM OUTER SPACE

FOR THOSE OF US who are city bound, trapped in the noise and lights, among the masses, getting out into nature, however brief, is life giving...

... never long enough.

The ride/run/hike is over.

We had a chance to swim a little deeper the last few days on our road trip, while vamping (van camping).

Escaping the city lights,
a near moonless night.

A million stars filled the sky.

Silence surrounded us.

The vibe continued into the morning, riding through the vast desert...

... not a soul in sight.

Times like these, out in nature...

... it is easy to remember who we really are,
and what our true purpose is.

===

163.3 lbs/12.2% (not sure, no scale, traveling)
9 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/74/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

NEVER TRUST A SKINNY SERVER

HOW DO YOU KNOW you’ve accepted that it’s really the off-season, and what does that signify to you? By that…

… just what does off mean?

The indicators.

I’d say today is a pretty good sign I have put my sword down.

Being Surfergirl’s birthday…

·      We drove 400 miles to ride in Zion National Park

To ride a route she’d researched.

At her pace...

• 5 miles in
• my HR was 84bpm
• power in the low 100s

... she was all smiles.

Later at linner,
her choice.

I asked the server which of two options he’d select…

… if it was his final meal.

The trout.

For sure?

Bro, look at me.

Yea…

Never trust a skinny server.

Trout it is.

Little did he know Surfergirl eats like a bird,
and I’d also be having half a hamburger and fries

Later our nephew rang to let me know he’s going to be in Saint George and can ride MTB in the morning.

He's younger, faster.

We’ll probably hit it pretty good…

… something I wouldn’t normally the day before the Filthy 50.

But, ya know offseason rules are in play…

… and never trust a skinny offseasoner.

===

163.3 lbs/12.2% (not sure, no scale, traveling)
9 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/74/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

NO IMAGINATION

WHY ARE WE ABLE to do the things we do with realitive ease and so many others can barely walk a block? Just last week I saw a mid-30s man truly struggle to make it up a set of stairs...

... something we might skip up.

It's kinda sad.

My pal checked in on me post completing the massive quest of the year.

How'd your big ride go?

Amazing, super rad. Most finished before sunset. A first!

I can't even imagine doing that.

That's your problem, no imagination.

The great Napoleon Hill said, Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

Could my nameless friend do

• 120 miles
• 15000' of vert
• in under 12 hours

such a thing?

Of course, I've already seen him get into mountain biking,
get destroyed racing for a few years...

... get serious, become Expert Level State Champ.

Which I guess is the point about imagining the pursuit of impossible...

... it helps to look back on previous feats.

A lot.

===

163.3 lbs/12.2% (not sure, no scale, traveling)
6 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/73/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE ENDS OF DAYS

THE SUNLIGHT CAN BE BRUTAL at certain times of day, certain times of year. It can line up just perfect to be searing, and we need to be... 

... prepared for that.

Even then,
we can suffer.

Like today.

Love Watts and I met up for some sunrise MTB.

Weather was perfect. 

Cold if standing in your under pants...

... ideal if ripping.

There I was,
getting after it,
came around shadowy turn...

... blinded!

And so it went for the next 60 minutes,
in and out of shadows,
as our big friend rose.

My problem,
my main problem...

... my lenses have been scratched and abused.

I eventually gave up,
opting for the stylish and goofy
glasses upside down on front of helmet.

Which means the secret to surviving the ends of days...

... is keeping our vision unclouded.

===

163.3 lbs/12.2%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/85/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE EQUIPMENT PLATEAU

WE HAVE ALL THIS GEAR, much of it is very specialized which means walking over to ask our handy neighbor isn't gonna help fix something that's broken, If they try to help...

... it'll likely be more destroyed.

That's expensive.

Then there's the many decisions we need to make about what to run on a given course, under predicted conditions.

Even if we get that right.

Weather changes,
Mother Nature has her say, too.

And Handy Rob ain't gonna be there to bail us out.

I was thinking about this while listening to another racing podcast and the conversation turned to equipment...

• assembly
• selection
• set up

... dazzling me with the depth of the athlete's knowledge and skills.

The point is this.

If we...

• knew the full range of each component's function
• were able to properly maintain it
• had the tools and skills
  

... how much faster/better could we be?

Think about it.

If you knew your tire was designed to be

• leaned over 30°
• traveling 50 mph
• at 60lbs of pressure

... would you go for it?

Maybe. 

But, not knowing is a hard 'No".

Then again...

... I've earned a lot of scars finding those limits.

And, that can be kinda fun, too.

===

163.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
15 PullUps, 60 PushUps + Some Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/80/8 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE SYSTEM

IN THE PROCESS of accepting and dismissing, praising and criticizing it's easy to get lost on the weeds and...

... fail to see the bigger picture.

Time is largely to blame.

Lately, I've really been enjoying the Ask A Cycling Coach podcast with Coach Jonathan Lee...

... no, this had nothing to do with riding about 50% of Leadville with Jonathan in 2019.

(did I just flex?)

He has guests who are current pros,
reporting from the trenches,
what works.

And, what doesn't.

Here's the thing...

... it takes time to see the results of a system.

We can't...

• hit over/unders
• dramatically up our carbs
• do a massive sweet spot session

... one time, and know if it works.

It might take weeks,
months.

Here's the other thing...

... why would a current, in the trenches, pro share such valuable intel?

Theses systems will all produce results...

... its up to us to figure out if any of them will work for us.

My system for testing their system?

Very unscientific...

• if it's something I've played with before
• if it aligns with my intuition
• if it sounds fun, challenging

... I'll lean into it harder than I have in the past.

See if it works.

There is no other way.

===

164.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
20 PullUps, 60 PushUps + Some Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/84/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT'S BETTER?

THE FITNESS TRACKING APPS capture and present a lot of useful data. We can geek out on all the metrics, but...

... it is useful?

It can be.

As a motivator...

• PRs
• power
• heart rate

... we can be fascinating to see our progress.

Or, lack there of.

Today felt like really good prep for next weekend's Filthy50 MTB race.

• The ride was about 90-120 minutes shorter than my typical Saturday ride.
• I spent almost the same exact time over 300W, 40 min.
• Climbed about 1000' more feet, 5500'

So...

• I climbed more
• spent just as much time at Threshold or above
• In a shorter time period

... according to the app, today's ride was easier.

A lower stress score.

Which is weird, because I thought today's shorter ride was just as hard or harder than the longer rides I've been doing...

... and I'm certainly just as smoked.

The take away?

Apps, the ones I use at least, give a lot of weight to time training.

Another takeaway?

It pays to have The Giant RaceDay Calendar...

• to slot in exceptional family time
• work and career commitments
• and our 'A' race

... then when to go deep on the training and when to taper.

Call me crazy, but here's a 20% code + Free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

The code to save 20% is: THEWAY

Here's the link: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Code expires 10.19.25

===

164.6 lbs/12.5%
7 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
91/97/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THIS IS THE WAY

GOOD MORNING, I know you're probably headed out to do something fun today. It might even be a race or something extremely challenging...

... I just want to make sure you know the way.

Which direction to head in.

It matters.

A lot.

Here's the...

• run towards what you want
• run away from everything else.

... the tried and true method.

You could walk,
or coast,
but...

... you want to get there as quick as possible.

Run _______, Run!

This is how I do it...

... The Giant RaceDay Calendar, gives a clear vision of the entire year and run towards the big goals! 

Call me crazy, but here's a 20% code + Free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

The code to save 20% is: THE WAY

Here's the link: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Code expires 10.19.25

===

162.6 lbs/12.3%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/83/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

CAN WE AGREE ON THIS?

WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVING there are so many theories and methods it's hard to stay committed to one without being won over by the next greatest thing...

... is there anything we can agree on?

Yes.

Of course.

Doing these two things...

• Keep moving every
  single
  day
• don't quit
  

... will keep us in the game.

If that's not enough for ya.

Here's my all-time favorite training advice from the great Kent Bostick...

• GC Winner
• National Champion
• Olympian (at age 42)

... I ride hard twice a week, every week.

I'll raise my water bottle to that.

===

162.4 lbs/12.5%
7.5 hours sleep
20 PullUps, 60 PushUps + 5 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/100/-2 (fitness per training peaks)

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248