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MY INSANE CULT
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.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE
SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...
... it's up to us to figure it out.
Like today.
I knew it was going to be a big day...
- 7 hrs
- 87 miles
- 10,500' of vert
... on Monday.
There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.
For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.
Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...
... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.
It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...
... in desperate need of lube and love.
Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.
I've narrowed it down to a few things...
- going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
- rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
- hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday
... and I should know better.
I'm gonna add to that...
- probs too much tire pressure
- def hotter today than our last attempt
- carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration
... some I can control, some I can't.
In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.
On a positive note, given the fatigue level...
... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.
Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.
Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.
Time for...
- In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
- some good sleep
- and a day off
... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT TOPSECRET SECRET
THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...
... because it works.
There is a hitch.
The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.
There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...
... sometimes by knockout.
Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.
I'm onboard with that.
There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.
Wherein lies another hitch.
If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.
Which begs the question...
... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?
Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...
... on my vision board.
===
164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IMAGINE THAT!
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...
... our lives were boundless.
What happened?
Did reality set in?
Did we set conditions on our dreams?
Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?
The thingaboutitis...
... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.
We've already imagined...
- the trainging
- the equipement
- the travel and accomodations
... to start.
More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...
... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.
Which isn't child's play.
It's actually...
- life
- business
- relationships
... how doers get it done!
As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...
and the shirt I'm wearing right now
This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...
... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!
Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.
Use this code: LET'SRIP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free
===
162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN
WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...
... the burn is coming for us.
Is it minimizable?
Maybe.
If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.
For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.
From reps of 10 to reps of 30.
If you haven't done them lately, or ever...
- standing
- to full "ass to grass"
- to standing
... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.
When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...
... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.
Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...
... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.
Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.
Best I've felt in weeks/months.
Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.
But, even if that's the case...
... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.
Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.
(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)
===
165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK
IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...
... is real, and tantalizing.
The known vs the unknown.
Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...
- forget about us
- reject our return
- change and move on
... it's risky.
No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.
But!...
... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.
The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.
The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.
Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...
- significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
- much higher average and normalized power
- and, the best, all my pals were there
... to smack me in the face!
For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.
And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.
The fellas were all welcoming...
... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.
Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.
===
165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVE ME 10 WEEKS
HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE to get into top shape for an A race is a question we'd all like answered. For an Olympian, it might be years. For us...
... we might have a few months.
Or less.
Depending on when we sign up, and the vagaries of life.
But, let's just say we are fitter than most,
not as fit as some.
Then our focus will be...
- long climbs or power climbs
- slogs into the wind or a million turns
- finishing in ones and two or a ripping bunch sprint
... more on race specific training.
Given a good baseline of fitness, my general rule is...
- our bodies
- our equipment
- our travel and logistics
... it takes 10 weeks to really sharpen the saw.
For me, aiming for Leadville on 8.15.26, I've got time...
... but, no time to waste.
And, so it begins.
===
164.6
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
81/72/9 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: The Search, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PREPARATION/EXPECTATION EQUATION
DECONSTRUCTING OUR RECENT PERFORMANCE is critical for improvement. The longer we wait, the foggier our recollection. Details we were sure of...
... become memories full of bias.
It's natural.
Who wants to remember what went wrong, when we can glory in all that went right?
Other than screwing up yet another sprint for the line, nothing really went sideways for me at BWR UT.
And, if I'm being honest, Billy tested my legs on the overpass coming into to town. Whether or not he knew it, and I stayed glued through the the pain...
... I was hurting.
There are a few things that went really right...
- The chef's pasta the night before at Chef Alfredo's, with Danny and Lisa, was delish and just what I needed.
- The AirBNB I found at the last minute - a 3-bedroom house was perfect and the beds wonderful.
- The 8:30 start was a little too late to skip breakfast, so I went with my gut and mowed down a couple of chocolate Entenmann's donuts, half an apple, and a couple of cups of my trusty mushroom hot chocolate.
- I picked up Skratch Super High Carb and ran 6 scoops in my 2-liter pack and another 3 in one bottle.
- To stay ahead of cramps, I ate a Salt Stick chews.
- For the bike set up,
- Ceramic Speed chain held up really well to all the dust, even after getting doused with cold water by Smitty at the final aid station.
- The tire pressure was pretty low, 22lbs in back 20lbs up front. I rimmed out a few times over the random chunky stuff while in a paceline. That's always risky. But, I also felt like I was much more comfortable than other competitors who dropped off the group over time.
... the last was mindset.
Preparation vs Expectation.
I came in pretty rested having spend the previous 2 weeks on my MTB in Park City.
Because of the altitude, it was difficult to put in hard efforts of any meaningful time. Hours in the saddle were solid, but even a lot of that was spent ripping down hill.
I'd give me preparation a B, which was fine for a B race.
Knowing that, my expectations were quite low.
Here's the point...
... poor preparation with high expectations is a formula for frustration and a crummy day on course.
Whereas...
... awesome preparation with low expectations always makes for a fun race and often surprising outcomes.
===
163.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 70 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
82/74/7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
IF THINGS AREN'T ENDING UP as we'd like them to, the obvious thing to do would be dong something different. But, that can be a hard pill to swallow because...
... we're comfy and don't wanna change.
Hope isn't a strategy.
Or, a tactic.
So, even though I was hoping I'd be able to fend off the change with a few hundred meters to go at BWR UT, the mofo I'd been working with for the last 30 miles...
... stuck a shiv in my back.
There was nothing I could do.
Had no answer.
Surfergirl, bless her little beating heart, could see I was frustrated with myself and...
... accidentally twisted the buried blade.
What are you going to do about it?
I think it was an innocent, honest, loving, caring question due to the fact that she's seen me frustrated with something...
... then, draw up a solution and make it happen.
Truthfully, does it really matter if close out a racing effort by taking some cat on the line who I may never see again?
Not even.
What matters, to me, is that I execute the plan.
In this case...
... having something left at the end, to rip a fast finish.
The kool kids call that durability.
I call it having your shift together when it counts, which means I'll be needing to...
... wrap up long rides with sprints that sting.
===
164ish no scale
7.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/86/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE RACE TOMORROW?
THE NIGHT BEFORE any race is not a normal night. No matter how practiced we are there's always something different to our routine. Sometimes...
... we just make it up.
Why not?
It might work,
or not.
Surfergirl keeps asking me are you excited?
I wanna say yes,
and I know I will be tomorrow...
... about a millisecond after we start.
Until then,
my energy tends to be low.
Not depressed low.
Hybernation low.
Lethargic.
Slothy.
Trying to amp me up, she asks...
... have you looked at reg to see who's going to be there?
That's the kind of thing that...
- if I glanced at it now
- the night before the race
- when I'm trying to chill and sleep early
... would def keep me up and tossing and turning.
No, that's not my agenda.
I prefer to...
- lose all hope
- ditch all desire
- punt all pretense
... and shut 'er down with my favorite pint.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/70/11 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOSTALGIA
WE ALL STARTED this endurance journey somewhere, likely not where we are today. Introduced by a friend, sometimes on purpose, others inadvertently. While we may change locales, and the friends become distanced…
… we’re still here.
In the game.
We may have the opportunity to go back to where it all started.
For me, it was…
- my roommate’s bike
- a finagled purchase of my own
- secrets of sprinting revealed by Bret, who raced track nationally for San Jose Bicycle Club
… in Provo, UT.
I rearranged my classes…
- to start as early as possible
- so I could ride every afternoon
- before cruising the library to cruise the cubicles in search of a “study” partner.
… because I had priorities to attend to.
Today I hit a climb I’d always wanted to check out, Cascade Springs, but it was a battered gravel road back in the day.
Now, it’s pristine pavement all the way up over 8000’
Followed by a plummeting descent that is as magical now as it was 40 years ago.
I’ve moved,
but, I never really moved on…
… and, I’m quite okay with that.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
81/68/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TRUE PRICE OF FREE ADVICE
A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...
... advice on what we're doing over here.
Today, we met for lunch.
Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.
No different than...
- capabilities
- weaknesses
- peak seasonal events
... planning the race season with a coach.
After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...
... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.
Like any great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...
... and gave me the confidence to go for it.
I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.
In the end it could be way more expensive than that...
... if I don't take action.
It could cost me 100s of 1000s.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/77/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE SUFFERING AND EPICCING TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
WE ALL KNOW that group workouts are torturous by nature. It's not a secret. Yet, we continue to show up beating after beating because...
... suffering loves company.
Alone, for most of us, is no good.
We won't see it through,
we'll ease up when we should be hardening up.
The bonds we end up forming are often unbreakable...
... we're in agony together.
Suddenly people who barely knew each other are fist bumping and ready for the next one.
What's the opposite bondforming experience?...
... when we're pushing geographic boundaries together.
Like today.
It wasn't the 90 minute climb topping out at 9160'.
Nope.
It was the 60 minutes of downhill...
- ripping through the trees
- sliding around gorgeous berms
- jumping rocks and roots and stumps
... feeling like we were cheating life.
Epiccing, like suffering, loves company.
We set off in search of adventures that will push beyond the comforts or riding around the block...
... the unknown and undiscovered beckoning to be shared.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COOCOO FOR CLIMBING
IF WEIGHTED SQUATS are a lot better than air squats, is climbing a lot better than riding on the flats? And, if climbing is better...
... is climbing with a weighted vest mo' bettah?
Things one wonders.
And takes to extremes.
I remember backintheday, rolling out with 100oz hydration pack on my back and 2 large waterbottles filled with sand.
It seems so silly now,
almost as all the ruckers.
On a bike we can measure power.
So, we know.
We know we don't need to stress our backs with extra weight or stupid add ons...
... we can just pedal faster.
Velocity X Force - Power
Which taken a step further...
... climbing aint gonna train us any better than flats.
We gotta put out the power.
There is a caveat, if we like...
- climbing big mountains
- ripping punchy stuff
- pounding the flats
... our bodies will adapt and become more efficient at the one we love and gravitate towards.
Me personally?
I'm coocoo for climbing,
and bananas for bombing.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/63/17 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HEAR ME OUT
SOMETIMES IT'S JUST PLAIN FUN to make fun of Velo, "powered by Outisde". Whether it's their clickbaity titles, AI drivel, or soulselling advertorials...
... there's at least one good laugh a day.
Here's my current favorite.
Stop Complaining About Sound, These Are The Best Headphones for Cycling
Roight!
Because decreasing our ability to engage with our surroundings when traveling 20+ miles per hour in our underwear on...
- trails
- gravel
- pavement
... is a great idea.
Genius.
Next up...
... Stop Complaining About Night Vision, These Are The Best Sunglasses After Sunset.
There is no best.
At best, assuming it's not clickbait or advertorial would be...
... These Headphones Least Worsen Your Ability To React To Danger When Riding.
Or, for the trailrunners...
... These Earbuds Reduce Getting The Shift Scared Out of You When A Bike Rider Has Been Saying 'Hey There' For 5 Minutes and Finally Gives Up and Passes You.
Now for you in the back jumping up and down ready to tell me to not be so closeminded...
... I hear you.
===
164ish no scale
8 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
>
POP TART POWERED, BEE STUNG... ATHLETE unINTELLIGENCE
SOMETIMES, we just gotta change it up. Do something different just fer fun. Go against...
... conventional wisdom.
I thought it had been a good week...
- 177 miles
- 17:26 hours
- 20951' of vert
... given I'd been knocked down by a 24 hour bug.
Mostly in the dirt,
mostly with friends.
Yet, every single ride Strava's Athlete Intelligence...
... scored it as recovery or recovery and endurance.
Apparently, the AI couldn't account for the fact this sea leveler was suffering at 7000-10,000 elevation.
Rolling out this morning...
- a few scoops of Envy
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 Carbs gel
... I grabbed what I had + 100 ounces of water.
While I hoped to put down some power, since all I'd done was "recovery and endurance" rides...
... I knew the truth.
Leaving with a simple plan,
ride until I ran out of food and water.
It was an epic day in the mountains...
... topped off with a bee sting in the gut a few miles from home base.
Memorable.
===
164
9 hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ADVENTURE
SOMETIMES, the road really is better than the inn. We realize that whatever we are aiming for may not be all that great, but...
... putting in the work gives outsized returns.
Gratitude blooms.
Like today.
My pal Charles charts out this loop...
- 32 miles
- 4700' of vert
- topping out at 10,000'
... which seems really cool.
Until we hit our first massive fallen tree and bushwhack around it.
Then, patches of snow,
too long to ride.
Followed Puke Hill.
The view...
- The Great Salt Lake to the west
- Park City to the East
- Not a soul around
... stunning.
Somehow the goals seem weak, lacking...
... when beauty abounds.
If we'll just stop to look.
===
165ish, no scale
7ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN TRAINING ISN'T ACCORDING TO PLAN
THE BEST LAID PLANS can go sideways for a variety of reasons. I'm not gonna list 'em since I don't want to poison your mind and have you...
... manifesting awfulness.
'Cause I'm questioning just that about myself.
Did I manifest...
- 3 days off at I Do Epic
- riding with friends short on time
- puking my guts out last night after a miserable 70 minute ride
... or, is it just life?
Doesn't matter too much,
except part of my GrandMasterRipOnRaceDay plan...
... was a massive training week this week to make up for last week
and leave me slightly buried for BWR next week.
I consulted AI all night...
- possibly caused by using pure table sugar on my rides
- hydration via room temp peppermint tea
- a few Tums
... while Surfergirl laughed at me and secured the remedy.
Arose after 10 hours, feeling a lot better.
Energy seems good enough to day...
... to meet up with the local slayers.
The prudent thing would be to skip the meet up,
spin at most, or sleep...
... a proper adjustment.
But, screw it...
... I've got plans, too.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/22 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HE'S A GENIUS
WE ALL HAVE, or should have, wish we had, that friend who can fix anything. Even though we've upped our skills over the years there's always that...
... next level repair.
We can't do it.
Like my SID fork, today...
- packing in on descents
- rebound slower than a sloth
- adjustment dials backing out and loose
... I was in a bind.
Turns out the great C Gonzer lives where I'm visiting,
racing pals from a decade ago.
Within about about 20 minutes,
he had it working nearly good as new.
How'd you learn how to do this?
I just really like working on my bikes.
That's it?
Well, I am a mechanical engineer by trade.
That's it...
- love what we do
- study the basics
- achieve mastery
... genius level work.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/23 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GETTING HIGH
TRAINING AT SEA LEVEL is no way to prepare for high elevation activities. Sure we have extra oxygen to go hard, which is always nice. But, it'd be even nicer...
... to be able to rip when high.
Which begs the question...
... why am I working so darn hard, putting out so little power?
Nah, that's obvious.
Kinda.
90 minutes into the ride today,
we'd been ripping up Big Mountain Pass (f'real).
Challenging?
Yes.
Wheezing?
Yes.
Gapped?
Indeed.
Here's the rill dill...
... even though the power is relatively low,
the breathing is labored.
Which presents a realhonesttogoodness truth...
- breathing too hard
- not thinking 100% clearly
- focusing on staying on pace
... it's hard to stay on top of the hydration and nutrition at altitude significantly above our normal.
We, me especially, gotta force it.
Another important consideration at high elevations...
... it's better to pace on HR than PWR.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/71/12 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SETTLING...
THE IDEA OF SETTLING, for most of us, is repulsive. We'd never do that because our standards are too high...
... or, so we think.
Because we don't know better.
Welp,
today I realized
I've totally been settling.
While we do have trails to ride near home...
- skinny single track with rain ruts
- weeds elbow high
- punch climbs
... it's nothing like Utah..
Today, outside of Kamas was incredible.
My pals, PViddy and TimmyV, had been telling me it was great up here.
But, c'mon...
- smooth, fast and flowy
- adorned with greenery and trees
- berms so perfect the suspension compresses as you no-brake it
... expertly engineered trials.
Waywaywaywayway better than my home trails.
Once we know we're settling the only question is...
... what are we gonna do about it?
===
165ish, no scale
8ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/61/21 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A GOOD BREAK
TAKING TIME OFF can be restorative. Sometimes it's on purpose, other times its an unplanned forced situation. Either way...
... we're anxious to get back at it.
Like right now.
Being that I was committed to be all in at the biz conference...
... I skipped the last few days.
Including the typical epic Saturday.
Everything feels really good except my gut, which is feeling quite bloated...
... after lots of good food.
I suppose that's part of the anxiety, not...
- the drop in fitness
- the packed on pounds
- the connecting with the crew
... the sensation of being a caged animal.
Some might caution,
don't over do it.
A fair warning if working back from an injury.
But, this belly is yellin' at me,
get after it,
right now.
Can't wait to start shedding and shredding manana.
(I've got 10 days to turn it around before BWR UT)
===
165ish, no scale
78ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/63/20 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
AI DRIVEN?
AI could be all it's cracked up to be, if we can only learn how to use it to our benefit. But, new things can be...
... a challenge to learn.
Even scary.
One of the take aways on day 3 of I Do Epic was regarding AI,
and it got me thinking about racing...
... because as we say, Racing is life!.
My grand takeaway is AI's ability to deliver what we are looking for has much to do with regarding the prompts.
For example, knowing what you know about me...
... create a training program as if you were Javier Sola
Just like us at a race,
AI needs its head screwed on straight in order to deliver.
And a proper prompt is the starting point.
Making it human...
... what is the main prompt driving our training?
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/73/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WE CALL IT SPOOKED
THE UNMISTAKABLE ENERGY of the start line can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. We feel it the moment we arrive at an event, and when we line up the vibe can take us...
... from confident and courageous to literal shaking.
Plans melting.
Rather than the controlled missile launch we'd imagined, we are overcome by the complete chaos of undirected explosions.
And, that's okay,
until we want a different outcome.
On Day 2 of I Do Epic, we spent much the day in a massive barn learning how a master horse trainer teaches and guides the beasts with energy vs force.
Demonstrating the animal's sensitivity to each other in the herd as well as to us humans, as we approached and worked with the horses.
Thankfully, the inanimate endurance tools we depend on...
- bicycles
- helmets
- shoes
... cannot sense our moods or energy.
Can you imagine mounting a spooked bicycle?
I've often wondered how I am able to reach a place of calm and certainty with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of my "closest friends"...
... so close to losing it?
I don't have a good answer other than...
- a safe race
- an unleashing of the training put in
- finishing knowing there was nothing left in the tank
... experience and expectation.
But, the old cowboy did share one nugget that really resonated with me...
... We create what we anticipate.
===
165ish, no scale
8ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/84/3 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
START WHERE YOU ARE
TRAVEL BRINGS IT'S OWN CHALLENGES when it comes to maintaining our fitness. Will we have time, will there be space, do we have the equipment...
... will we even want to?
Have the energy?
When I signed up for I Do Epic Live in the hinterlands of Idaho, I figured we'd be starting early and ending late so...
- 27 hours
- 380 miles
- 27000' of vert
... I made sure I'd put in a large training block prior.
Taking a break made sense, but...
... a funny thing happened when I woke up.
I had two and half hours to kill,
while situated on the shore of the Snake river,
with a lovely and lonely gravel road echoing my vibe.
My original plan was out...
- a long walk
- a ton of push ups
- a million air squats
... a quick and glorious spin was in.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
89/97/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANTED TO STOP SO BAD
GETTING AFTER IT for a long period of time can be a beautiful thing, if we are in the right mindset and our bodies are prepared...
... and we're used to it.
Even addicting.
But, if our head's not into it,
our bodies not prepped,
it's been a while...
... quitting looks might tasty.
Like today.
There we were, riding up one of the most beautiful climbs in Utah, the Alpine Loop...
- few cars on the road
- perfect spring weather
- forever views up into the snowpack
... a coupla dudes riding a good fast tempo.
And, about 45 minutes in...
... I wanted to pull over.
Have a smoke, errr bite of my bar,
dip my toes in the stream.
It would have been so easy,
and lovely.
Which is why I didn't do it.
Because I know from experience pushing through these moments is...
... what it takes to finish anything strong.
Well, and the reward of a chocolate chip cookie at Sundance...
... would be that much sweeter.
===
165.8/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
91/107/-17 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE OTHER CROSSTRAINING
IF WE'RE IN A RELATIONSHIP of any kind we're most likely going to be exposed to activities which don't perfectly align with...
... our primary objective.
Got it?
Yeah, we get it.
The thingaboutitis...
... it's usually more than okay.
Surfergirl loves to hike.
Any time we're roadtripping and I'm in a hurry to get to the beddown...
... she's plotting a once in a life time hike.
Like today,
just after 6pm
3 hours from our destination...
... we absolutely had to hike Kolob canyon for no less than 2 hours!
Yes, that's an explanation point because...
... old diesels need their beauty sleep
Her "reward" for this detour is me stretching out while she drives, which I'm pretty sure...
... she purposely fakes like she's tired and unnecessarily jerks the wheel so I'll get behind it.
While I have to admit the hike was outstanding, and served to remind me that I should do some regular hiking to prepare for the potential to be hiking at Leadville...
...it's pretty clear I have not properly trained her on driving in a relaxing and soothing manner nor bowing down to the needs of her old man's sleep.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
no Stretches
88/98/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
BECAUSE I ASKED...
MEMORIAL DAY IS A BUSY ONE around here. All kinds of people out enjoying the day: runnin, bikin, swimmin, surfin, paddlin...
... things were chaotic.
I got a late start.
Preferring to get some work knocked and start prepping the van for our road trip...
... I slipped out just past noon.
There is a steep hill above a picturesque beach that attracts locals, nonlocals and everyone in between.
At the top, I saw an older woman lugging two chairs for her and her ancient father.
Normally, I'd just wiggle around them and the rest and go on about my day...
... but I remembered.
Hi there, can I help you with those chairs?
Oh, yes, please.
Leaned my bike on a palm tree.
Let's go down a little bit more, where it's a little flatter.
C'mon dad, over here.
This looks pretty good.
Thank you.
No problem.
How did you know we needed help, nobody else noticed?
Oh, I prayed I'd be useful today.
With that, I was off on a lovely tour of the southern part of our county...
... pavement, gravel roads and single track.
You're probably thinking Nice virtue signal Todd...
... to which I'll say, thinking of others is not my default or my strong suit.
I have to work at getting my heart to be fully functional.
===
165.8/12.7%
8.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
91/113/-22 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RANDOMNESS OF PROGRESS
NICHING DOWN is a legit way to go about maximizing results. We study the experts, learn all we can, put it into practice. The goal is...
... supreme mastery.
But, is narrow and deep the only way to get it done?
The best way?
Personally, I think I've learned more studying endurance athletes and coaches from other sports than I have focusing on bike racing.
Maybe, probably, there is more literature and research available.
Here are a few of my favorites
- running - Born To Run, Christopher McDougall
- triathlon - anything by Phil Maffetone
- swimming - Total Immersion Method, Terry Laughlin
- natural fitness - Natural Born Heroes, Christopher McDougall
... because they introduced me to new ways of thinking about endurance and fitness.
Bringing in randomness to our experience...
- events
- people
- travel
... can deliver game-changing progress hacks.
If we'll just open our ears, eyes, hearts.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
88/99/-11 per Strava
>
AFTER TAKING SEVERAL READINGS
SIMULATING OUR 'A' EVENTS months in advance can be quite revealing, in bad...
... and good ways.
Once, isn't enough.
Every weekend is too much.
It's not a damned if we do,
damned if we don't situation.
More like a...
- damn?
- damn!
- hot damn!
... outcome.
With that in mind I turned to Grok to help me assess today's simulation because...
- what happens if I cut ballast?
- what workouts would improve my time?
- are there supplements that aid lung function at altitude?
... AI is damn fine when it comes to crunching numbers.
Because I'm a true and proud supernerd...
- 2 previous attempts in last 7 years
- body weight on those days
- power numbers as well
... I have the data, going back years.
I put Grok to work...
- I can improve
- I'm in a pretty good place already
- This is gonna be a heckuva lotta fun
... and came out with what I already sensed.
Grok thinks I can beat my previous PR,
which seems absolutely ludicrous...
... mainly because I have a lot of higher value things I want to accomplish this summer.
This is a typical use of AI for me...
- confirm/test/explore what's possible
- learn how to do things I can't figure out
- assist in leveraging my tiny helmet covered bean's processing power
... are you using AI to evaluate and make moves?
As the great Wille Nelson sings...
... After taking several readings I'm surprised to find my mind's (and body) still fairly sound.
===
167/12.7% oof!
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
90/114/-24 per Strava went kinda deep today
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S A LONE WOLF'S WORLD
NO MATTER HOW MANY friends are planning to do the A event with us, regardless of how many weekends we link up to train together...
... the bulk of our efforts are alone.
Unseen.
By nearly everybody, except that neighbor who we pass by at the same...
... godforbidden time each dark morning.
We're on the hunt...
- miles
- skills
- fortitude
... for more.
And even when we do link up, if we're truly committed...
... we might breakup, or off.
For example, I'm committed to ride a spritely tempo between all the worthy climbs tomorrow...
... where I'll move into the bottom to mid-threshold.
Because that's gonna be my pace at the A race,
and I've really got to train it now,
to maintain it then.
So, yeah, 7 miles up the climb I'll probably be alone...
... just like I'll most likely be on raceday.
Which is why I'm working on this jersey to where in in Leadville.
Personally, I feel like an inspirational, personalized jersey is good for...
... a 1-2% increase in performance.
If you're of the same persuasion...
- super aero jersey
- amazing imported Italian fabrics
- no minimum order required, make just 1
... go here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
===
165.6/12.7% (time to start trimming blubber)
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
85/82/2 per Strava (time to bump these numbers up)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
13 WEEKS SHOULD BE ENOUGH
AT SOME POINT, the training for the A event has gotta get real. Sure we have our base miles just because we are base-ically addicted, but...
... that's not gonna cut it.
Gotta get specific.
As of this moment, I'm 13 weeks out from starting the Leadville Trail 100.
It'll be my 8th time.
While I know the drill, I also know...
... I'm nowhere near ready.
Haven't done an hour long climb...
... since I don't know when.
Haven't ridden over 5 hours since October.
Haven't ridden my MTB more than twice a week in ages...
... haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't.
Equally overwhelming and energizing...
... the challenge is elephant-sized.
And, I'm gonna attack it one mile at a time.
===
164.6/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/89/-4 per Strava
>
STRETCH GOALS
STRETCHING seems to go in and out of popularity. When, how long, which moves are a essential...
... and that's not counting yoga and pilates.
Where to start?
That's a good question.
I'm no expert, which is why I check in with my physical therapy pal, Scott, from time to time.
Mostly when I'm miserable
or injured.
Which got me thinking.
The last couple of days my bike fit felt like it had changed...
... which is impossible, right?
Then, I thought...
... could my body have changed somehow?
Thinking back on my many visits with Scott...
... and how stretches had fixed various aches and debilitating pains.
It hit me like a ton of lycra!
I haven't been stretching regularly,
at all.
Got back at it this morning...
... dang, I'm stiff!
But, guess what...
... the bike fit felt back to awesome.
Stretch goals are the kind that have us reaching to our limits to accomplish what seems nigh impossible...
... I like setting those.
New/old stretch goal...
... stretch every night as part of my shutdown sequence.
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/91/-6 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT MASTERING THE BASICS LOOKS LIKE
THE VERY BEST PROS have mastered the basics. From techniques to tools, from sleeping to sprinting. They have it...
... all down cold.
How do we know?
Because at the very the very best are still practicing the basics...
... only the output is at a much higher level.
Duh!
Yeah, I know.
But, the real question is are we chasing...
- fads
- trends
- shiny objects
... or working diligently on mastering the basics?
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FROM FLOOR TO CEILING
BUILDING FITNESS can appear to be a mystery to the uninitiated. For the reasons, holding onto it is illusive. And losing it...
... downright easy.
It's a shame.
If the unwashed simply established a floor...
- a minimum daily commitment
- built over weeks
- and months
... they'd find their ceiling to be nearly limitless.
Instead, they get the bug or come clean with their naked selves...
... and progress rapidly for a short season.
Get thrown off track,
and start over.
We know different.
Our floor maybe is simple as getting outta bed and kitting up...
... knowing it's easy to get out the front door at that point.
After that, it's just a matter of raising the floor...
... to see how high we can fly.
Things I think about while riding zone two for 2 hours...
... because that was my floor today.
And, I always ride on Mondays.
===
165.6/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/90/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PRISONS WE CHOOSE TO LIVE INSIDE
>
HOW FAR SHOULD WE TAKE OUR BRO-SCIENCE?
ONCE WE FIGURE OUT the gear and products that work for our bodies, it's, honestly, just amazing. It fits. It works. And we stick with it...
... because we rip.
Easy.
We don't want to change.
That can be a problem if what we love goes out of stock or worse...
... out of production all together.
A few years back, when Wahoo acquired Speedplay they dumped my tried and MTB pedals.
The Frogs.
Had I known, I'd have purchased at least 10 pair of pedals and probably 100 sets of cleats.
To my horror, I logged on and learned the sadsad news.
No mas.
When I woke and realized I was out of my favorite carb mix today...
- water
- plain ol' sugar
- and Liquid IV for flavor and electrolytes
... well, yeah, I took a stab a making my own.
You should witnessed the...
- disgust
- concern
- warnings
... from the crew when we stopped to refill our bottles midride.
I shared my mix was 4 tablespoons of sugar...
- you're gonna get diabetes
- go into a coma
- die early
... I could only laugh.
Just what exactly do you think is in your favorite powder or gel?
I got the idea from an ultra-trail runner I follow on YouTube.
He'd wanted to experiment and discovered how sucrose...
- quickly absorbed glucose
- more slowly absorbed fructose
... breaks down in the small intestine.
It's a 1:1 ration,
most high end mixes are 1:.8.
Ever look at the ingredients of what you're drinking?
My 4 very level tablespoons = 50 grams of carbohydrate.
But, isn't that gonna kill ya?
It's about the same as a can of Coke,
or a couple of candy bars.
So, yes, it will absolutely...
- crush our health
- give us that orange with 4 toothpicks look
- and lead to all kinds of degenerative diseases
... unless we are ripping and burning it up.
That 50 grams is about 50% of what I consume per hour...
... when getting after it.
How'd it work over 3 bottles?
Flawlessly.
Gonna test full strength this week.
This is bro-science...
... so take it with a literal and proverbial grain of salt.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
660 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
FIRST (TASTE OF) BLOOD
WE'RE LIKE WILD ANIMALS. Once we get the first taste of adrenalin, charging through the countryside...
... with reckless abandon.
We're hooked.
The thingaboutitis...
... we gotta get that first taste.
16 years ago, my pal Dr. Jeff couldn't keep from...
... slobbering all over me.
About gravel riding.
You would love it.
Seems kinda lame.
Trust me.
Tell me why.
Well, it'a a combination of two things you love: road and mtb.
And it's fun?
Oh yes!
It took me 5 years to finally see a signal...
- steel
- heavy
- leather bags
... a lonely gravel bike on sale at the local bike shop.
I thought it was radical to ride the tires at such low pressure...
- 38mm
- 60 lbs
- with tubes
... now I'm on tubeless carbon hoops, rolling 18 up front 20 in the back.
So much has improved!
For the first year or more I rode gravel alone...
... like a lunatic in the wild.
It took 5 more years till a few of us were getting together...
... and another 3ish to do what we did today.
Ruckus URBN GRVL group rides.
In town for the weekend, Jeff joined us for today's masterpiece...
... I'm not sure he made the connection on the impact he's had on us.
===
165.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
6200 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
88/101/-14 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STOP BEING MEDIUM
THERE'S A REASON so many of us struggle to improve. Especially the newest of us...
... doing all we can to hang on.
Never improving.
I heard it said so well and succinctly today by one of my fave running coaches, the great Fred Duncan.
The question how much work we can survive in one session, it's...
- hard
- easy
- hard, again
... how many high quality outputs can we stack over weeks and months and years?
If we aren't resting, active-recovering we can't go hard enough on our hard days to see any improvement...
... we become really excellent at medium.
And, stay there.
Which is fine, if you're into that sorta thing.
But, I know you're not.
Which brings up today's ride...
- 23 miles
- ave HR 93
- ave PWR 102
... we did the impossible.
I say impossible because it's nearly impossible to get a group of athletes together and not start pushing...
... we pulled it off by setting the tone ahead of time.
The BRO ride is a super easy conversational cruiser...
... because bros need bro time.
Before slaying it on the weekend.
If you want to do a deeper dive on Fred's post it's here: https://x.com/Fred__Duncan/status/2055274916199502322?s=20
===
164.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/75/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ZONE TWO MUCH
ANYBODY CAN RIDE ZONE 2. It's easy. Zone 1 is easy. Coasting is easier. The trick is...
... to stay there.
For a long time.
The past few months I've been doing my Z2 on the mountain bike,
on kinda steep trails.
Not spinning,
a lot of torque...
... then completely off when descending.
Which is somewhat easier than what I did today...
- keeping on the pedals
- with high cadence
- limited coasting
... Zone 2 on mainly flat, with a few rollers.
Turns out 2:80 spend doing...
- 90 minutes Z2
- 31 min Z1
- 9 min z3
... is it's own kinda hard.
1261 calories burned ain't nothing.
The mental game to stay at a given pace and basically never stop pedaling...
... regardless of the terrain.
I know you zwifties are wanting to mock me,
and I'm totally down with how much harder
it can be on a trainer.
I get it.
The real point is this kind of training...
... is extremely effective at building physical and mental endurance.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF MID-WEEK RACING
MID-WEEK RACING has been around for ages and continues to endure because it's great training, fun to bring the community together...
... and get in some ripping intensity.
400 showed up to race Over The Hump last night.
A very healthy number of age group competitors...
... ready to battle.
I've missed the last two seasons,
so it was exciting to finally make it out.
I entered Elite 45+ looking to see how I'd rate.
Warming up,
I saw a lot of friends.
But, I was missing one.
My pal Eric was senselessly killed last year while riding his bike early in the morning, by a druggy.
After a decade of racing together...
- bro hugging each week
- seeing his babies grow up
- and turn into fine little racers
... there was a hole in my heart.
On the start line,
the energy was high,
the confidence eager.
We shot out.
I maneuvered leading into the first single track,
thinking okay this feels right.
There was only one solid climb,
20 minutes of redlining.
From leading,
to wheezing,
to 7th.
Ouch!
The downhill was a couple of miles long,
and it felt good - even PRd it.
Sliding out onto the double track,
I could see 5th and 6th,
and closed the gap.
Two of the three of us were pulling hard back to the finish line.
Just as we're about to hit the final single track before the finish,
we're caught by some of the guys we'd dropped.
At the same time,
we enter the tight turns we merge with the Beginners and Sport racers.
It's not pretty.
Some of us give the slower riders space,
others mob through.
I go from 5th to 8th.
Frustrated.
Upset about getting beat by the dude who wasn't pulling with us.
Finishing,
I stormed off.
Not my finest moment.
After a recovery drink and some spinning...
- reveling in my anger
- knowing it would motivate me
- looking forward to some specific training
... I realized how great it is to be racing.
Once I'd changed into my tshirt and jeans, I had time to reflect...
- we live in a free and prosperous country
- have the time and energy for mid-week racing
- I'm feeling 100% recovered from my TBI, while Eric is riding in the heavens and his family navigates life without him.
... and be extremely grateful.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
590 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CONSISTENCY IS BORING AND...
THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CHATTER on the interwebs regarding what happens by simply being consistent. What is often left out is the biggest battle...
... which must be won.
Boredom.
That's what the naysayers are thinking as we head out into the morning sunrise doing the unfathomable.
Sure, it can be monotonous to do the same workout over and over.
But, we aren't newbs or drones and know how to counter that by mixing it up, and socializing with likeminded beasts.
With unholy motivation we focus...
... on the rewards.
Months and years later,
we're nothing like the person we started out as.
Consistency might look boring to an outsider, but...
... we know it's lethal.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DANGEROUS ENCOUNTERS
THERE'S DANGER just crossing the street. But, people do it and a lot more because it's part of life. We, on the other hand...
... like to raise the stakes.
Ignoring the warnings.
For years, I have casually read the signs regarding mountain lions and rattle snakes on our local trails and all over the western US.
In the process I've...
- a close up encounter with a big cat
- run over many sunbathing snakes
- stared down coyotes
... had one real scare and many thrills.
The cat was the most shocking.
I thought I was seeing a large loping coyote way up the gravel road.
Not uncommon.
Keep going.
Kept seeing as elevation changed.
Rounded a corner only to see a giant cat perpendicular to the road.
Staring at me.
Didn't do what you're supposed to do...
- stand your ground
- make yourself look bigger
... back pedaled and ripped up a single track, braking to make the turn at the top.
Went back to that spot many, many times,
raced up that hill as fast as possible...
... never came close to needing to brake to make the turn at the top.
That my friends is living.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TIMING
TIMING IS EVERYTHING, and there is so much to be timed when it comes to racing. To time anything to perfection necessitates...
... starting very early.
Ultimately, requiring less energy.
We saw this today at the Giro.
The winning sprinter producing fewer watts than 2nd or 3rd place...
- 1480w
- 1870w
- 1580w
... making it look easy(er).
Because he timed his acceleration perfectly.
Not unlike sprinting for the line, the great Scott Adams stated...
... the secret to success is energy management.
Which helped me lean into doing my best and most important work early in the day when I'm most alert and creative.
What else...
- workouts
- relationships
- spiritual exploits
... can we improve with better timing?
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
>
BLAME IT ON THE DONUT
STAYING ON TOP OF THE RECOVERY is super easy to skip. Especially, if we are really on top of it...
... day after day.
We're rested.
When the opportunity presents itself to overdo it...
... we do it.
We think we'll be fine.
We aren't going to do die, but...
... we will be less than fine.
Like today.
After shortchanging myself on sleep two nights in a row,
getting talked into more than easy spinning,
skipping the hyper-ice sessions...
... all variables I couldashoulda controlled,
I suffered today.
The sting of ripping,
felt stale and suffocating.
When looked back on the data...
- on trails I've ridden
- raced up
- stomped
... I actually set some PRs.
The difference when between being fatigued vs fresh is stark...
... longfaced-droopy vs JUBILANT.
Eventually, I succumbed to the efforts,
pulling the plug halfway up a steepytechy...
... and limped to the donut shop.
Where, after a few moments and calories and water I miraculously...
... felt very fauxfresh!
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
6500 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/100/-13 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BRO!
ALL RACING AND TRAINING ain't the way to do it. The ubersuccessful connect with others on a deeper level, it's the glue we need...
... to help us hold it all together.
Not the training and racing.
Life.
Some say getting out and getting after is...
... cheap therapy.
I won't argue with that.
Getting out, and away, for a conversational workout...
... can be life changing.
Lifesaving.
But, we already know that.
Most of our friends don't,
or don't make the time,
or have the friendship.
Which got me out on the road way earlier than I wanted to today,
because I knew my pal had been traveling a ton,
and could squeeze in a ride.
And got me thinking...
- early start
- easy terrain
- all bikes welcome
... why not create a BRO ride?
Details in the image.
(Surfergirl has had this going with the Trail Angels for decades).
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/84/0 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BEST EFFORTS OSCILLATE
DOING OUR BEST. We hear from the time we take our first steps, through our teens, into adulthood. Then we preach it...
... to anyone who will listen.
Because it works.
As the great Tony Horton used to say on the P90X videos...
.. do your best, and forget the rest.
It's a legit way to live, except...
... our best oscillates.
We can get better at our best...
... is there anything more exciting than knowing that?
I found a fun features on Strava today.
The Best Efforts Power Curve has a little box we can check and...
... Show Estimated FTP.
The last 6 weeks I've been pretty dialed.
According to the app I've raced FTP 10 watts.
The feedback is helpful.
Knowing we can improve...
... is a devine gift.
===
165.6/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/91/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GO BIG, PUNK!
THROWING THE GEARS TO THE BIG RING used to be much more of a thing. With the advent of 13-speed, not so much. Lot's of 1x drivetrains...
... making things simpler.
Better...
- lighter
- more aero
- cleaner look
... depends on the use case.
MTB started it all,
can't even buy one with 2x.
Gravel bikes are mostly there,
some 2x systems.
Road and TT have special use for 1x.
Track and BMX have always kept it clean and simple.
Anyway, there I was this morning doing my dawgawn bestest to try and recapture my PR from Jan 2026 on a segment called Pain Cave because...
... who wants to just cruse home after hammerin'?
And it dawned on me...
... back in Jan I forced myself to stay in the big ring all the way up the steeps.
Did it work?
Kinda.
Knocked 2:47 off of last week's tepid attempt...
... still 48 seconds off the PR.
I looked back at my scale logs...
... I'm 2 lbs heavier, .5% higher in body fat.
Then my weight training...
... I'm doing a lot more leg work Sunday and Monday.
Probably not a great way to prep for Wednesday.
Lastly I looked at time spent in Zone 4 or above...
... 48 min in Jan vs 49 min today.
I'll take another cracky at it...
- come in lighter
- more rested
- caffeinated
... attacking with punk blazing style.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-punk-collection
===
165.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/92/-7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SUPER SUCCESSFUL DIET THAT IS POTENTIALLY KILLING OUR POTENTIAL
THERE ARE A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL plans to decrease our extra ballast. Perhaps the most powerful is one that we rarely actually apply to getting lean...
... yet allow to dictate our ultimate potential.
Case in point.
Eat the same meal, day after day...
... we'll get sick of it.
Eat less.
Waste away.
Lose muscle.
It's just a fact.
Yet, we do that same thing...
- same group rides
- same strength work
- same A race targeted
... with so much of our activities.
The inertia against improvement is overwhelming.
We can't do more,
become more.
We stall,
or worse,
we give it all up.
And why not?
It's become boring.
However, who can blame even the most monk-like amongst us who pack on the pounds because...
... there are so many amazing food choices to be had.
These days, living in any kind of a city, even the smallest, there can be found really creative and fun dining experiences.
We can eat more,
yes, become more.
Maybe not the more we are looking for.
If we're really going to reach new heights...
- new groups
- new strength work
- new A races targeted
... we must mix it up.
PS this applies to everything: love, family, business, sprituality.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
720 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY COACHING IS MAGICAL?
REACHING OUT TO THOSE we think are in the know is pretty common practice. We can glean a lot. Getting serious about outcomes and...
... hiring a coach is next level.
#worth-it
I was thinking about this because last week I had two different people reach out to me about training questions.
Asking for my input.
Here's the dill.
For the most part a coach...
... isn't going to wave a wand and fix us.
What we're really paying a coach to do is...
... to tell us what we don't want to hear and hold us accountable.
It's rarely a question of knowing what to do.
Much more a question of willingness to do it.
And, ya know, when you're payin' for it...
... it does magically work.
(and, I heckuvalot faster than wingin' it)
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I HAVE AN INHERITANCE PROPOSAL FOR YOU
Sep 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WOW, I'M SO FLATTERED! I've been waiting my whole life for an offer like this. Finally, all the blogging and vlogging and fbing and youtubing has paid off...
... with an inheritance from Princess Roselinda.
Got the email today!
It is so dawgawn tempting, but if there's one thing I've learned racing and pr-ing...
... we make our own fortune.
Sure, we might inherit some good DNA, but DNA...
... ain't nothing without TNA.
Not that T 'n A, get your mind outta my gutter.
This one...
... Time 'n Aspiration.
Put in the time,
stay focused on what we want.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Do it in chunks.
I like 10 weeks.
Have you taken the challenge?
It's free, so it's easy to start and quit.
Which you won't do, because you're not a LOOOOOOOOOZER.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
162.1 lbs
16.6%
60.9%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW STRONG DO YOU WANT TO BE?
Sep 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS A HARD RIDE, but not insanely hard. We were working hard, but not breathing too hard. It is a ride with a reputation for being hard...
... because the riders are hard.
But, one guy is the hardest of the all.
By far.
When he's there, everybody is very conservative because when he attacks its all most can do to simply hang on...
... the ride is actually easier.
When he's not there, everybody is frisky and feeling like that got a shot...
... making the ride harder.
Which begs the question how strong do you want to be?
Strong enough to sniff the front when the hardest riders are absent or strong enough...
... to dish it out under all conditions.
You gotta risk it, to get the biscuit.
And, lathering up with PR Lotion is a good way to increase the odds of success.
Here's a crazy deal for you nonbelievers
Use this promo code to save 25%: PRsMadeEz
---
163 uh oh
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE WILL BE FLATS TODAY
Sep 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT, I stumbled into the garage anxious to divert a potential disaster. It was raining for the first time in months and would continue to do so, which meant only one thing...
... there will be flats today!
I unscrewed the valve cores,
poured sealant like chemist,
aired back up.
The first time I messed around with tubeless I felt like I was handling radioactive material. The whole concept...
... was laced with suspicion and superstition.
It took about an hour to do two tires,
last night it took 10 minutes,
tops.
Was it worth it, adding an ounce of sealant?
Yep.
Sprung a leak a half mile from the start of the ride.
Sprayed sealant all over my leg and bike.
Sealed and rode 50 more miles.
No prob.
Meanwhile, I saw multiple guys stopping with flats. Such were the road conditions.
Do I miss tubes?
Nope.
Do I carry tubes?
Nope.
I carry darts and cartridges.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
If the hole is too big, or the sealant is dry...
These are easy to use and work most of the time, unless it's a huge tire slice.
Use promo code: FlatsStink
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
161
6 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU WANT TO BE THE BEST, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO DO THIS
Sep 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A FEW TOPTOPTOP LEVEL PROS who have displayed remarkable crossover talent. They snag gold medals and win big stages...
... it is tempting to think we should do the same.
But, I don't think it's the way to be the absolute best.
It's refreshing to mix in a lot of different styles of riding and racing. It's fun and challenging to mix things up...
... and comes with a cost.
Pidcock raced some road last year and won a Olympic Gold Medal in MTB,
he raced a lot of road this year and finished off the podium at MTB World's.
Van der Poel raced a lot of road last year and was a favorite for Olympic Gold MTB,
he crashed badly in practice and really hasn't been the same since.
Unfortunately, to be the best...
... we might have to be boring.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
You know what's not boring...
... what's really daring?
Nothing says I'm committed like a wallet with your goal on it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
---
160.3
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
PEOPLE I RESPECT
Sep 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ITS HARD TO EARN RESPECT IN THE PELOTON. If you're new to town, new to sport, clothes aren't cool, body a different shape, helmet askew, legs unshaven...
... there's always gonna be a reason to be disrespected.
I respect the riders and racers who:
- race a challenging category vs the easy win
- back down their pace to keep to their plan
- stop to help fix a flat
- teach others etiquette
- have long range plans
- pull through
- stay in the back when the front is too much
- plan a group adventure
- work on their skills
- fix their own bikes
- ride bikes they can easily afford
- keep the original bike that got them going
- bring enough food
- head up a team
- start a group ride
- help the youth
- teach how to handle a bike
- get up early, stay up late to get it all done
- keep their cool while racing
- hold their line
- pull a straggler up to the group ride
... chase their own PRs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
The thing I like about this shirt is it's only for those who get it...
... outsiders won't get it, but you do.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
---
160.2
7.75 hrs
1 strength rotation
25 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
SOME COACHES TALK ABOUT LIMITERS
Sep 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LIMITERS IN COACHSPEAK are the things we're not great at. If you're not good at sprinting, power to surface area could be a limiter. Not a good climber, power to weight...
... these aren't bad things.
They are just things we have to deal with as racers and people getting after our PRs:
- Gravity
- Aerodynamics
Are two of the biggest.
Don't wish they didn't exist, they are what makes it all so fun and challenging...
... the ultimate rules of the game.
As the great Jim Rohn said...
... Don't wish things were easier, wish you were better.
Of course, sometimes being better is really easy...
... there's no way I would ever show up to a race without PR Lotion.
It's that good.
Here's a crazy deal for you nonbelievers
Use this promo code to save 25%: PRsMadeEz
---
160 lbs.
7/5 hrs
59.5% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU ACCEPT MY CHALLENGE?
Sep 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE REASON THE RACEDAY READY 10-WEEK CHALLENGE™ works is simple. It is not a goal. Goals are not the secret sauce, neither are affirmations...
... they've never gotten me to where I want to go.
It took me a long time to figure this out, and I don't want you to waste all that time if you can avoid it.
So, here goes.
The 10- week challenge is all about doing:
- the right activities
- consistently
- over time
That's it.
The goal is to do the work, every day, for 10-weeks.
That we can control.
Winning?
Can't control that.
Can't control the competition.
Can't control the weather pattern.
Can't control countless things on RaceDay...
... but, we can control what we do ever day to get ready.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
I'm starting another round of the challenge myself..
... getting ready for the Surf N Summit.
There's always something on the horizon.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
160.2 lbs.
8 hrs
59.6% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU STILL CHEATING?
Sep 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
NOBODY LIKES A CHEAT. But, many of us cheat. Too many. I used to be big into it, regularly cheating because I'd read somewhere it was a good idea...
... to have a cheat day.
That was then, this is now.
One of the takeaways of this summer's epic quest was the value of not having a nutritional cheat day, a day of gluttony, a day zero discipline...
... was taking 4-5 days to drop the gained weight.
Here's what happened when I stopped cheating myself:
- Sugar cravings never activated
- Weight stabilized a few pounds lower
- Not having the slothful feeling from binge eating
A cheat meal,
a dessert,
a treat.
Sure, occasionally.
Like today,
with family and friends...
... better after a good ride or workout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
Days like today, can be like a triathlon. A ride, a long walk, maybe a swim.
Might have to bust out the TRIATHLON Specific RaceDay Bag™.
The pockets on this bag flow with marking specific for Triathletes...
... one of my favorite new products of '22.
If you have triathlete friends they'll love it, if you have triathletes on your team let me know and we'll add the bag to your team store.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
---
160 lbs.
8.5 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IS IT OKAY TO LET YOUR FITNESS SLIP?
Sep 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY FITNESS IS SLIPPING. This summer, just before my A race I saw an all time high, according to Starva. I had shot it to the moon...
... just in time to taper and rip at the race.
I learned how to do that last summer.
It's a secret combination of workouts, intensity and duration.
They say you can't maintain top fitness year round, and I agree...
... but, not because of the physical demands.
Those are hard, but they are also fun. A lot of fun. It's bike riding for hecksakes.
So, why can't we maintain high fitness year round?
Me personally, it's the mental game.
To balance the secret workouts with running a company and being involved with family and friends takes extreme efficiency.
- No time can be wasted.
- Every second must be planned.
If not, the wheel of life becomes untrue at which point I ask myself...
... what that heck am I doing this for?
So, there you have it. I'm letting my fitness slip a few notches because I want to and...
... I think it's healthier in the long term.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Which means, more than ever the principles of RaceDay Ready must be adhered to...
... so when I do ramp up the riding, I'm strong like bull.
The second I see my weight creeping up too far, I get right back to obeying the 4 Don'ts of the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161.8 lbs. (probably gonna be this week)
8.5 hrs
60.1% Body Water
0 Strength rotation
0 minutes recovery
115 minutes reading + Journaling
RESULTS FROM THE $20 TRIATHLON
Sep 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA BEAT UP THE KIDS. Today I won a bet placed 14 years ago. I love betting long range...
... especially when it's with my kids.
It all started after my then 15 y/o son Shane smoked me in a 5k. That bet was for $30...
... each time he lost, the amount we reduced by $1.
It cost me 29 bucks...
... you can't buy entertainment like that.
As we walked home after my beating, I plotted my revenge. It would have to be a long way out, get him past his prime, busy with career and family...
... put us on equal footing.
Well, it went down today.
Trevor, Spencer and Surfergirl joined in.
At precisely 945, we rode out to the local mtb trails. They were all on MTBs, I rode what was left. My gravel bike.
It wasn't close.
Stage 1 goes to Old Diesel.
Stage 2 was at the beach.
A short run up and down the coast followed by a swim out to a buoy and back.
First, I warned the lifeguard that a bunch of yahoos were gonna running then swimming farther out than most...
... You're all good swimmers right?
Yes.
Truth be told, neither Shane or I had swum in years. But, Trevor and Surfergirl we looking forward to the stage. So was the runner, Spencer.
While the kids lit out, the Wile E. Coyote in me set a sensible pace...
... the secret is to be able to breathe when the swim starts.
As I rounded the buoy, everyone was behind but Trevor was gaining fast...
... nooooooooo.
All my planning with zero training was about to sink...
... $20 more dollars to these punks?!
But, ya know it'll be a wet day in helk before before the Old Diesel stops chugging.
The only question now is...
... how long until the grands think they have a shot?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Not only did I give up my racewinning MTB...
... but I shared this goodness to there would be no excuses.
Use promo code FUELMEUP to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
159.4 lbs.
8 hrs
59.9% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU WATCHING THE RETURN?
Sep 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IMAGINE RIDING YOUR BIKE FOR THREE WEEKS through beautiful country, on ribbon-like roads cascading through glorious mountains, and regularly bouncing down to startling coastlines...
.... would you return?
La Vuelta, translated The Return, is my favorite race to watch and this year is better than ever in terms of viewing and racing action.
Remco should win it.
He looks unbeatable.
Which means, if he does, next summer's Tour de France will be off the charts.
But, that does not explain why I love La Vuelta so much...
... I love it because the riding is more explosive.
Shorter stages
Steeper climbs
Riders with something to prove
When you think about it, that's a great reason to return to a race or race at all...
... prove to yourself, and everybody else, you've got what it takes.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Which is exactly what I'll be doing tomorrow at the showdown...
... aka Brown family triathlon.
Question is, will I share this goodness with my competition?
Use promo code FUELMEUP to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
1588 lbs.
7.5 hrs
59.8% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE BE COUNTING CALORIES
Sep 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
A WHILE BACK I WAS RIDING WITH A FRIEND new to the endurance/epic adventure game. He loves it. He's addicted. He's hungry to know more...
... so, I invited for a little 80 miles of gravel.
It was going pretty good at the start.
His handling skills have come along way since our first ride a few years ago
His position on the bike is finally set up by a pro
His bike is in good working order
His fitness is much higher...
... but, two and half hours in he was fading, hurting, dragging.
You eating?
Oh yeah.
How much?
Oh I had oatmeal before I left.
What have you had since then?
Nothing.
Well are you drinking calories?
Oh yeah.
How much?
A scoop of Skratch in each bottle?
And, there's the problem. He's bonking. Not enough calories...
... yes, we should definitely count calories.
Depending on the intensity and the duration I'll do from 0 to 400 calories/hour.
Here's a basic look at what I do:
One hour recover ride,
just water, unless I'm hungry. If I'm hungry I'll grab a handful of nuts or maybe a scoop of Skatch.
Two hour endurance,
for sure a scoop in two bottles, and some food in the pocket in case I get hungry.
If it's race pace,
I'm doing 2-300 for an hour event,
3-400 for 2 hours,
400 for 3+ hours.
We stopped and downed a soda, some chips and he loves Skittles...
... ain't nothing better than sugar when bonking.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Here are some of my go to calories
Use promo code FUELMEUP to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
158.9 lbs.
7.5 hrs
59.9% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW DO YOU SPELL CONFIDENCE?
Aug 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHETHER CHASING A PR OR GOING FOR THE RACE WINNING MOVE, it comes down to confidence. Do you believe? A friend told of an epic race and battle that came down to 6" at the finish...
... he finished 6" behind the winner.
Proudly he told me the other day...
... I lost that race because I didn't believe I belonged there.
Imagine that.
Battling for hours
Culling the herd
Not believing...
... not having the confidence to finish it off.
So, here's how I spell confidence...
... P-R-E-P-A-R-A-T-I-O-N.
But, it's more than that because we've got to recognize...
... and remember all the work we've put in.
He's going back to that race soon.
Not only prepared, but confident like a shark among prey...
... I wish I could be there to watch him feed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
I'd be wearing one of these killer SuperTech T's...
... they are so good for this time of year.
On and off the bike.
Use promo code TODDSFAVET to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
---
159 lbs.
7 hrs
59.7% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
MY KNEE HURTS
Aug 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I KINKED MY KNEE TONIGHT. Happened during the last sprint of the local leg ripper. It's an out and back, and we set a vicious pace heading out. With a tailwind pushing us...
... it was fast and brutal to hang on.
Pro tip: if you attack into a tail wind, it's hardashell for the chasers to catch because there's not much of a draft to work with.
On the way back, the headwind was akin to getting clubbed in the helmet each time we pulled through...
... and when I say we, I mean the seven or so actually working.
Everyone else was hiding, saving it for the sprint or just shot from the roost down to the turn around.
About a mile to go, things started to take shape.
It would be foolish to be anywhere near the front if one had intentions to sprint.
A half mile to go it's straight as straight can be. A downhill spilling onto the final...
... flat and always fast and always with wind from the left side finish.
Manuevering up to what I figured would be a good position, I was waiting for the front to implode and following last week's winner...
... perfect position.
Except that sneakybastard Rramsey comes flying by...
... pegged to the fence on the right with no way to latch on and get any draft.
Plus, he's going sodang fast!
And, that's where I think the kinking happened...
... because like a dog chasing a car, I just had to give it a shot.
Pray he would fade.
I passed a couple of cats who blew...
... and felt my own blowing coming on.
I should pulled up.
I haven't been sprinting since waywayback in early March.
Which is a problem.
Because if you haven't been sprinting regularly, and you really getting after it on a long one...
... it can really jack you up.
Good thing I have a bike so i can rehab.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
There won't be an sprinting on an adventure like the SurfNSummit...
... riding from San Clemente to Big Bear and back.
130ish miles and 15000ish feet of vert to get there, then recover for a day, and return.
The code below expires on 8/31, are you going to use it?
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 8 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160 lbs.
7.7 hrs
59.8% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST RACES ARE FREE
Aug 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE BEST RACES ARE FREE. Well, that's mostly true, at least for me. Because I've had far more fun setting ridiculous challenges for myself than..
... paying to be challenged.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE racing. But, chasing PRs has always been more satisfying to me.
The pay off, of course, is multifaceted.
- The satisfaction
- The confidence
- The fitness
My all time favorite goes back decades to the first time I discovered Harding Truck Trail.
It's a 9 mile gravel road, that climbs 3000'.
My PR is 1:03.
A good time, but not outrageous. Most of my friends have gone faster...
... in fact, most have gone under an hour.
Which was always my goal.
I think that's why I like Harding so much...
... because it's just not my thing.
Because it's not my thing, when I train for it and really focus on long sustained climbing...
... I push way beyond what comes natural to me.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Another benefit of chasing PRs is always being fit enough to take on an adventure like the SurfNSummit...
... riding from San Clemente to Big Bear and back.
130ish miles and 15000ish feet of vert to get there, then recover for a day, and return.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 9 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160 lbs.
7.7 hrs
59.8% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW HARD ARE 'A RACES?
Aug 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S PRETTY FUNNY ISN'T IT? You've just finished your big A race of the year, your friends and family are equally congratulatory and astonished. You just rode your bike farther than manyt have driven in the past 6 months...
... and they think that was hard.
Did you ever consider the shape of the letter A?
Two lines, meeting at the top...
... like us training to meet our destiny.
The line across the middle, that is what nobody else can see: the plateaus, the breakdowns, the illness, the fatigue or the fatigue...
... we blasted through, sometimes patiently, to get to the top.
Yeah, the race was hard.
But, you should have seen what I did to make it happen...
... that was monumentally difficult.
Done right, the A is dessert.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
That's because we have a good grip on our goals...
... like the good grip on our bars with the Superlight Race Gloves.
Have you jumped on the BOGO?
Right now, you can buy gloves and matching socks...
... and the socks are free.
No promo code needed, it's calculated at check out.
Just be sure to put both items in your cart.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.8 lbs.
7ish hrs
60.3% Body Water
0 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
But nowhere near how hard we pushed prepping.
INDOCTRINATING A FRIEND INTO MY EVIL WAYS
Aug 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE FRIENDS AREN'T BLEEDING you're not pushing them hard enough. Really? Well, maybe. But is it really that bad...
... if you're still smiling at the end?
Today I took a friend on a little recon of our SurfNSummit ride.
I bill SurfNSummit as a gravel ride, but it's really a Frankenride:
- Road
- Gravel
- Singletrack
If you can ride a road bike, you can ride a gravel bike on the the road no prob, on gravel slight prob, and on singletrack...
... big prob.
Unless you're an MTBr.
Even then, the skinnish tires, lack of suspension and drop bars take some getting used to.
It's so easy to grab a ton of front brake on dusty, steepish trail...
... go bibs over bars.
Which happened today, with minor abrasions with lotsandlots of dust.
The thing I appreciate about all my friends is their attitude...
... It's only a flesh wound!
Dude, you're bleeding.
I'm ok.
I'm sorry.
Don't be, it was my fault.
Yes, I'm evil...
... I'm gonna push you to the limit, sometimes beyond.
At the 100plusyearold, outoftheway General Store, my scraped up pal called me out on my hypocrisy. Not the...
... We'll take an easy route, one.
Worse, he thought.
I thought you don't drink soda?
I do.
And Reece's Peanut Butter Cups?
Yep.
BBQ chips?
Love 'em
But, you preach against all that.
Not on a 5 hour adventure.
Oh, my Padawans have so much to learn.
On the way back, I really got my hooks into him.
His heart rate was waywayway higher than mine. It was bumming him out. I knew I had him...
... and I pounced.
Are you ready to take your fitness to a new level?
Yes!
Ok, you gotta do my 10-week challenge. Can you handle 10 weeks?
Yeah, I think i need to do it.
It's gonna be hard.
That's okay.
We'll see.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
I hopepray he does it, because I know what it will do for him.
Plus, he's doing the SurfNSummit and donning this sexy jersey...
The ride Frankenride from Dana Point to Big Bear...
... in 10 weeks.
My diabolical drive knows no bounds.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161 lbs.
7.2 hrs
60.1% Body Water
0 Strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Aug 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE CLOCK IS TICKING, but do you hear it? Probably not, because it's digital. I know I don't hear my stop watch when I'm working my legs over wtih the Hypervolt, 3 minutes per leg until pain subsides...
... that might be part of the problem.
Its easy wind up at the end of the week wondering where the time went?
Didn't get all the work finished.
Didn't get the rides in.
Didn't get it done.
This is gonna hurt some of ya...
... great athletes are great time managers.
Especially, the amateurs.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
It's definitely a focus of RaceDay Ready For Life.
The details aren't final, but you can get a hint of what we'll be working on in '23.
Check it out here:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
158.9 lbs.
7.7 hrs
60.3% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO RUIN YOUR OFF SEASON
Aug 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT THE NEXT TRAINING BLOCK. For a lot of us, the next training block is going to be the offseason. I'm already in it...
... here's how to really screw it up.
- Stop riding
- Give up the spartan diet and gorge baby gorge
- Go back to staying up super late
- Follow that up with caffeine all day long
- Reacquaint yourself with the donut shop crew
- Watch football and eat and drink and sit and sit and sit
- Stop stretching
- Do not go to the gym
- Do not cross train
- Do not run
- Do not hike
- Put all your cycling gear away, out of site.
- Do not think about next season
- Do not set goals for next season
- Do not look at next season's events
- Do not associate with cyclists
- Do not weigh yourself.
- Do not watch bike races
- Do not visit bike sites
- Do not go to bike shops
- Do not go to bike club socials...
- ... and for hecksakes, DO NOT REVIEW THIS PAST YEAR AND THINK OF WHAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE BETTER.
I know, it's a little early...
... but, I wanted to plant the seed just in case you have a moment of weakness.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
One thing I'm doing is planning some adventures, play time.
The prime one being the SurfNSummit...
... riding from San Clemente to Big Bear and back.
130ish miles and 15000ish feet of vert to get there, then recover for a day, and return.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 9 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
159.8 lbs.
7 hrs
60.6% Body Water
2 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DR. PETER ATTIA'S LATEST POST, I DISAGREE
Aug 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I FOLLOW PETER ATTIA. He's a longevity expert, ex-time trial racer. A good dude, with a good heart, and some good info. But, when I saw the latest post on Overcoming Depression, I had to disagree...
... because I've battled depression.
Oh there's the little things, all my friends are faster and have better bikes. The medium things, work is hardashell and everyone else is making money in their sleep. And the big stuff...
... disharmony at home being chief.
Riding can and does certainly help...
... but, it's not enough.
The very best thing I've found to cure depression...
... is to help someone else.
My friend Todd D carries a bar or bagel or $20 on every ride, and hands out to those in need.
I saw him do this on the Nosco charity ride once.
There we are, ripping in this fantastic paceline heading into a formidable climb...
... and he pulls over.
I pulled up and soft pedaled.
What happened?
I saw a hungry man.
What did you do?
Gave him my food.
I'll never forget that. There was no show, no big announcement...
... just a human helping a human.
Then he told me it's something he is prepared for on every ride...
... and it always lifts his spirits.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Riding with my friends and being challenged physically is also a go to activity to cure any wo-is-me's...
... and the Surf-N-Summit is sure to be challenging.
That's why the finishers get one of these supertech-t's
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 10 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.6 lbs.
7 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD I RETURN MY BARS?
Aug 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WELL, I HAVE SOME NEW BARS. I love 'em. I'm clearly a lot faster. The only problem I'm having is they cost me a lot. So, I'm thinking about returning them, because...
... I'm not sure I can afford them.
In particular, I got really used to weighing less than 160lbs.
Previously, it was a miracle to be under 165.
But, the reason I'm thinking about keeping this bar is...
... I remember when sub-170
... and sub-175
... and sub-180
... and, yes, sub-185
... was challenging.
Truth is, I like my new bars.
Truth is also, now that I'm home and the A race is behind me and I'm in my old haunts that produced the old bars...
... it's hard to hang onto.
Like the squat bar.
It's really dumbbells, but the old bar was 60lbs. Then I ramped up to 60lbs per hand. In fact, I purchased a new set to squat my weight. 80lbs per hand...
... might actually need a bar to go beyond that.
A bar, like these, that I'll keep.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
The bar to get one of these super cool tech t's is pretty high too...
... ride your bike from San Clemente to Big Bear.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 10 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.6 lbs.
8 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T EVER STOP LIFTING WEIGHTS
Aug 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER TWO WEEKS, I'm back lifting. I cut it way back, then stopped all together a week before my big A race. Then took the following week off. Predictably...
... I'm sore.
And weak.
I shouldn't have stopped, and I won't ever again.
Of my 3 critical moves, here's what I could have done:
- Squats to air squats
- Sets of 25 pushups to one of 5 or 10
- Pullups/Bent rows, reduce quantity or weight
Rather than daily, I could have reduced to 3 days/week.
Starting a strength training program is challenging...
... maintaining strength is much easier.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Keep training, especially if you have some adventures on the calendar...
... ya gotta be strong.
Otherwise you won't finish...
... check out the SuperTech T finishers of the Surf N Summit will get.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 10 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.6 lbs.
7.5 hrs
60% Body Water
1 Strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU'RE NOT GETTING PAID TO RIDE YOUR BIKE YET?
Aug 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SO, WE'RE NOT GETTING PAID TO RIDE AND RACE OUR BIKES. Then, why do it? Why put so much into it? Because...
... there is a payoff.
We know it, thought we may not be able to identify just what it is.
But, it's there.
For sure.
It's moving meditation we practice,
resulting in better energy,
clearer thinking.
That's the payoff...
... and it makes everything we do better.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Make it a great week!
And, if you're in need of a major break in your day in day out cycle...
... this ride is gonna be amazing, just based on who's in so far.
Use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 12 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
161.9 lbs.
7.5 hrs
60.9% Body Water
no weights
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Aug 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'D FORGOTTEN THE FANTASTIC FEELING OF A ROAD RACING MACHINE. The effortlessness of a clutchless drivetrain, the suave push through the air, the direct connection from cleat to power...
... roads here are like glass.
It was so easy.
And, so nice to be back with my posse.
Rolling up the coast with an unusual tailwind, all smiles and giggles...
... until we mixed in with the tough roadies from up north.
Then it hit me.
Hard.
Jumpiness, surginess...
... hanging on to the last wheel busting through the sound barrier.
No talking.
Gasping.
Soon, much too soon...
... I was jettisoned.
It's gonna take a while to get the road legs back.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
I'm in no hurry.
No races anytime soon.
Only thing I'm looking forward to is the adventure of the year...
... where we're riding from the coast to the mountains.
Part of which is on an unbelievable 35 mile, protected bike trail from Corona to Redlands.
If you're done racing and looking for a memory you'll share time and time again...
... use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 14 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
161.4 lbs.
7ish hrs
60.5% Body Water
no weights
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW MUCH DID IT COST ME TO SHAVE 18 MINUTES OFF MY PR AT LEADVILLE?
Aug 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SO, HOW MUCH DID IT COST? After being asked how I did it, how I shaved 18 minutes off my PR, going 7:57, and logging the 3rd fastest time ever for my age group...
... I had to dissect the numbers.
Was it worth it?
Yes.
Definitely a Hellyeah!
If you want the same results, do this:
- Lose 8 lbs (down from my PR in '19 - 20lbs down from '99)
- Double your saddle time (biggest week was 24 hrs ride time)
- Spend an obscene amount of $ on your bike and upgrades
- Lift weights every single day
- Stretch and recover every single day
- Qualify for Silver Corral previous season (start training 18 months out)
- Increase sleep 10-20%
- Eat only whole foods
- No soda
- Refine bike fit with a professional over months
- Purchase second set of race wheels
- Take wife to Mexico for a week of surf
- Use Hypervolt daily
- Remove stresss
- Move to Colorado mountains for the summer
I'm sure I'm missing little things, like Skratch Superfuel, top of the line Fizik shoes, badass Selle Italia saddle...
... but you get the idea.
I left nothing to chance, and it cost 10s of 1000s of $.
I say Hellyeah! to that because I just had to know what I was capable of...
... there is nothing more satisfying than knowing I did my best.
Did it sting to wind up second place?
Not even a little bit.
Sub-8 was the goal.
Competition with others is always a losing game.
There is always somebody better, and I'm always grateful for that...
... because it shows what is possible.
Admittedly, I have been fuming immediately after being beaten on more than one occasion. And, been wanting revenge when the winner is a tool about the victory But that passes quickly. As it should...
... it's always better to be gracious in winning and losing.
Wanna know something crazy?
I have identified two major mistakes, two things I can definitely improve...
... just might have to try it again.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
A minor thing I could have done was get a few massages...
... a good massage is most excellent for recovery.
Which is why the amazing Ivette will be taking care of us on Friday at the Surf N Summit: with massage, Bemer and compression boots.
And, use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31.
Only 16 spots left.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
159.4 lbs.
8 hrs
60.2% Body Water
no weights
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
INTERVALS THAT MATTER
Aug 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT INTERVALS LATELY. Do they matter? Which is best? Would they have been beneficial at my last race? Same things we all think about...
... and I realized my success this year had everything to do with intervals.
But, probably not the ones you are thinking of.
Do we need another interval workout or do we need to work out the intervals of our lives...
... to ride better and faster?
I mentioned in my book, there's no racing trinket or kudo that outweighs the important things in life.
And, I applied that to my RaceDay Calendar.
First, I blocked out all the family and friend activities for the year or as far forward as I could.
Then, I added crucial work commitments and deadlines.
Next, was my A races in Red.
And, I let everyone know that I was sticking to the calendar.
Which meant, when the family reunion changed to a week before my A race I bailed on it. It was not a popular decision (at least they claimed they'd miss me), but everyone was completely supportive and sent me all kinds of good messages.
It also required me to put in processes and systems I hadn't thought of so work could continue smoothly and productively. The result has been our most successful summer to date.
What about the B and C races and rides?
They get pushed around and cancelled all the time, but not the training required to make the A race as good as possible. That happens, but I'm flexible on how the week flows and mostly flexible on how the month flows.
I fear too often we chase gizmos and tactics to "hack" our fitness, when...
... most of the time it's a question of planning.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Part of that planning includes making time for adventures with amazing people.
At this point, we are 30% full on the Surf N Summit...
... with some of the best humans I know and cherish.
If you can't make time for this adventure, make time for something.
This the jersey we'll all be wearing... I'd love to make you one, too... even if it's for a different adventure.
I added in a bunch of details on what you'll be getting if you join us...
... be sure to check out link below.
And, use this code, 22SRFnSMMT, it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31 or whenever the first 10 people have registered.
We'll have 20 max.
I hope you can make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
160.9 lbs.
7.5 hrs
60.2% Body Water
no weights
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE JACK OF ALL BIKES
Aug 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE JACK OF ALL TRADES IS MASTER OF NONE. Same goes for the bike that does it all, none of it spectacular. But, what about the rider...
... with a stable of ponies?
If all you ride is MTB, can you rip on road?
If all you ride is road, can you shred on dirt?
If all you ride is gravel, do your kill it at all else?
The answer is obviously yes...
... and no.
By riding everything, you will have a much better set of bike handling skills. And, probably a better physique because of the requirements to have upper body strength on dirt...
... particularly MTB.
But, when it comes down to racing ya gotta specialize. Unless, of course, you're like Keegan Swenson, Peter Sagan or...
... other pros of unworldly talent.
Personally, I love it all.
Ride it all.
I think it's good to mix it up. Bring on different challenges.
However, the closer I get to an A race the more I ride the bike I'll be racing and the more I ride...
... the way I'll be racing.
I'm not racing now, no more A races this year...
... which means its gravel time.
The jack of all riding.
And, if I had my way we'd call it Frankenriding...
... bolting different sections of terrain into one killer ride.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
The only other event to make my A list on my RaceDay Calendar is the Surf N Summit
I've wanted to do this ride, from the coast to Big Bear, for years.
It's going to be amazing.
This code will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31 or whenever the first 10 peopel have registered.
We'll have 20 max.
Are you joining...
... the adventure of the year awaits.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
161.3 lbs.
7.75 hrs
61.4% Body Water
no weights
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
BREAKING AND BACKSLIDING FOR DUMMIES
Aug 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER A BIG MAC AND MCFLURRY ON SUNDAY, a Double-Double and fries yesterday, and a giant apple fritter today from SC Donuts, I remember what is so great about being RaceDay Ready...
... not feeling like shift.
Does that mean I'm back at it?
Nope.
But, as the great Levi Peterson's protagonist, Frank, said to Cowboy Jesus in The Backslider...
You shouldn't be smoking.
To which he replied, I know.
Sometimes we just need a break, a brief ride on the wild side.
In April, I discovered something to be true that I'd resisted for many years.
A break is good.
A real one.
Off the bike.
I'd done a few races and put in some big training blocks Jan-Mar, then took Surfergirl to Mex to surf for 5 days...
... it turned out to be one of the best things I've done.
Obviously, she was primed to be the exceptional lucky charm she is at my A race...
... and, I was refreshed and ready to really build for Leadville.
I can't eat this poorly any longer, it really is terrible.
Will I ride again?
Obvi.
When I'm ready.
In the meantime, I'll be doing the other things I love and have neglected.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
Then, it'll be time for the adventure of the year...
... something I've always wanted to do.
And, you should do too.
The SurfNSummit.
130 miles of mixed surfaces, 13,000 vert.
An adventure, not a race.
Check out pics and details here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
159.9 lbs.
8 hrs
61.9% Body Water
no weights
0 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT'S NEXT ON YOUR CALENDAR?
Aug 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I GET ASKED THIS A LOT. As if I'm not thoroughly exhausted and satisfied for this summer's accomplishments. First at Firecracker 50, second at Nationals, PR at Leadville...
... you'd think that was enough.
It is, kind of.
Along with a few races I sponsor, I've got one more adventure planned.
A ride.
Not a race.
But, it's far.
Really far.
So outrageous, only a few are willing to attempt it with me.
The first time we tried it this year a heat wave rolled through and we had to quite with 30 miles to go.
I call it the Surf N Summit.
Ride from San Clemente to Big Bear. About 130 or so miles and 10-15k of vert.
I've wanted to do it for years, and we're going to make it even crazier.
Ride up Thursday Nov 3, recover at a bitchin' house with a masseuse, good food, and an easy spin around the lake on Friday Nov 4, ride back to San Clement on Saturday Nov 5.
Details are here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
It ain't all about racing all the time...
... sometimes, most of the time, a good challenge is where it's at.
Join me, if you're into outrageous adventure.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
Who cares lbs.
7 hrs
Body Water ?
no weights
0 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
TOP 3 THINGS TO DO AFTER A RACE
Aug 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DURING A RACE, we are often already thinking about after the race. Sometimes way too soon, and not about the right things. Here's what I do...
... right after a race.
First, replenish the body with good stuff.
Obvious.
The other two things I do are to write down everything...
- that went great
- that could have gone better
There's no need to repeat the same mistakes or to keep doing a few things correctly.
As the great Tony Robbins teaches.
CANI
Constant And Neverending Improvement.
That's how to make racing endlessly fascinating.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
You might not find this fascinating, but...
... changing ponchos are also handy when you left your pjs behind.
And, you can change your clothes in public.
Use promo code CANI
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
Who cares lbs.
8 hrs
Body Water ?
no weights
0 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
EVERYTHING HAD TO GO PERFECT.
Aug 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PINKY SWEAR I'LL NEVER MOCK RACERS WHO CRY AT THE FINISH. 'Cause I did. It was all good until I saw Surfergirl. The last thing I snapped at her was...
.... Where's my bottle!
It was the final pit stop, I was in a group of pro women and fast dudes. I had to stay with them for the long and windy transition to the most challenging climb of the day, Powerline.
Also in the group was Mark Wallace, who beat me at Nationals last month.
Let's just say I had to catch that group...
... and I had to have all my nutrition for the final 2.5 hours.
Up to this point, everything had gone according to plan.
She gave me the Camelbak first, then ran next to me as I'm yelling with a bottle and shoved it in the cage...
... she's a pro, I'm an idiot.
The bike was working perfectly. Even though I did some full rookie moves yesterday.
- Andrew from BMC, replaced my dropper post for me.
- Thomas from Industry 9, rebuilt my hubs and gave me new bearings.
Don't ever do these things the day before. I did, because they were generous and I've been out in the middle of nowhere and unable to take care of before.
My food strategy also was a roll of the dice. I reverted back to my all liquid diet. 4 scoops Skratch Superfuel and 2 scoops of Skratch hydation per bottle, per hour. 400 Calories. That's a hundred more than I'm used to consuming.
The weather was perfect. Mid 40's at the start, overcast after 12. I shoved a newspaper up my jersey for the first 45 minutes to keep the cold off my chest.
Cody and Paul Iverson handled the other pit stop - we hit each stop twice, it's an out and back course. They were also great... and I also yelled at them. Apparently, I mismarked bottles. I wanted 2 for the way out and 1 for the return. Cody gave me one, I'm yelling for the 2nd. He runs grabs one and runs uphill to jam in my back pocket...
... he's a pro, I'm an idiot.
But, even an idiot can have a great day.
On the way to the final climb, Mark was dropped.
I started to think I just might win this thing, which would be a major bonus on top of reaching my goal to go sub-8.
But, he's a real competitor.
Somehow, he rallied and caught and passed me on Powerline.
Then I rallied on the downhill and blew on by.
Then he rallied on the paved climb...
... and I started looking at my clock.
Calculating.
Will I make it?
I was hurting.
Everywhere.
The idea of quitting, soft pedaling, sightseeing the final 12 miles was so tempting.
It would be close.
Singlespeed guy and I battled the whole way. He'd spin out, I'd go by. He'd get in a good gear and pull us.
I think we're gonna make sub-8.
That's all I want.
Me too.
All the way up the neverending dirt road, we traded pulls and encouraged each other.
7:52.
Onto pavement.
The right hand turn on to 6th Street.
I was hyperventilating.
There's the finish line.
7:55
Shift! We're gonna make it.
7:57
There's more to this story - which is why I'm late on posting.
Three years ago, when I did the race knowing my date with a 20 year goal was coming up, I set my sites on a PR. It seemed outrageous at the time. PR, at 57? My written, stated and proclaimed focus was 8:15.
I crossed the line at day at 8:15:37.
The picture on the front of my book, The Way of the RACER, is from that day.
Here's the scary part.
I remember distinctly asking...
... What if we are putting limitations on ourselves? What if it's possible to do more than we've ever thought possible?
What if?
Yes, I believe affirmations work.
More than ever, now.
But, not without work.
The great Scott Adams, in his book How to Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win, says affirmations put what we are looking for on our radar.
3.5 years ago I made a RaceDay Wallet with Leadville 8:15 on it. You have something like that on your wallet and see it everyday you and things start to change.
Since then, I came up with the Giant Race Day Calendar.
For 22, I wrote in red Sharpie Leadville Sub-8.
What about the work?
Outrageous goals take outrageous planning and work to accomplish.
This year's effort started last year, when I wrote on the giant calendar, Qualify for Silver Corral. That meant, go fast enough at the Leadville Stage Race to get into the second fastest group, right behind the pros. It required a combined time of under 7:30. I did 7:27.
Meaning, this year's goal prep started 18 months ago.
During that time, I perfected my RaceDay Ready program.
Is this a blatant pitch to sell you something?
No, there's nothing to buy.
It's a blatant pitch to share with you what is working for me.
Which brings me to Nate's 20 year celebration last night. He completed 20 Leadville 100s in a row.
During his speech to a small gathering of friends and family he harkened back to the day we met and he had no clue what he was doing. He thanked me for the advice I gave him, and the positivity that a chubby, broken soccer player in a long sleeve soccer shirt on a barely ridden bike could get it done.
Neither of us had any idea he'd go on to 20 in a row, win it on 7 occasions and had blistering times.
He did the work!
The thing is, nobody does it alone.
We need support.
Which brings me to my pal Chris.
He did an 8:06 last year, and was determined to bust 8 this year. We trained a ton together, and worked through our strategies. From what to eat to tire pressure to training to altitude acclimation to how to take care of the ladies...
... in the middle of all that he found his soulmate.
It's not easy to ride your bike when you're smitten.
Who would want to do that?
We lined up in Silver, matching Jailbreak jerseys so we'd be easy to spot on course.
He and Tim dropped me on the first climb. I caught and passed on the fast and tricky Powerline downhill. Eventually we linked up on the way to Columbine, We reached the turnaround within seconds of each other, behind schedule at 4;11. I wasn't worried, because if you do it right you return faster than you go out.
We got separated on the way down.
It happens.
It's a long day.
He finished in 8:00:00.
For me, that it'd be a win. But, I know this tiger and that second is going to keep him hungry and thirsty for more.
Which brings me to my chin resting on my stem, bombing the pavement on the way back.
I was so tired.
Wallace was on my wheel, and unshakeable.
We were an hour out, and I wanted to badly to pull over and take a nap and never wake up.
I started thinking about all the work.
All the support.
Surfergirl's patience with me.
The outlaw cowboy song She's a good-hearted woman in love with a good timing man, by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
I started thinking about you, and your well wishes and encouragement.
Then I started thinking about Leif and Zach. Two gents who rang me up at the start of the year and asked me to help them get ready for this very race. They were out on course and they'd be out a helluvalot longer than me and face helluvalot of adversity.
Almost all of us reached our goals today.
Some didn't.
Their bodies didn't respond.
Others of my pals, crashed and went to hospital. Prayers for them.
There are a thousand other stories I could share. Eric's first time 7:40sh, Coach Brian's 7:17 Kristen going 9:04 on her first attempt. The McGee brothers riding together. Brian doing it on way less than normal training. Tim getting knocked out, bleeding and still ripping an 8:10. Leif going from zero racing ever to an 11:30. Zach having a battle with bad food. Vanessa blasting 10:30. Jorge, overcoming his descending nightmares with a 9:20, Todd heaving after crossing the line, Jesse's first sub-9, Kentucky Tom's adventure...
... what's your story?
What are you going to work for?
What is your outrageous?
How can I help?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
Who cares lbs.
6ish hrs (terrible hotel choice)
Body Water ?
no weights
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
THANKS FOR SOMETHING!
Aug 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S FRIDAY MORNING, EARLY. Tomorrow is the big day, what I trained all year for.. It's quiet in the house, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude...
... for you.
Yes, you, my dear reader.
You have all been so kind and encouraging, helpful, and generous with your time and knowledge.
My original, 20 year goal, of going sub-9 hours seems easily doable. And the outrageous goal of sub-8 has a glimmer of hope if everything goes perfect.
I'm reminded there are always two lanes to every goal.
- What we are going for
- What is our minimum
In between the two is comfortable.
It's so easy to fall back on the minimum and coast in.
Going for the outrageous brings all kinds of dangers.
- Mechanical
- Lose control
- Foul up food
- etc
But, isn't that where the juiciest part of life lies? In the outrageous.
And, if we are truly outrageous the minimum can suddenly become a serious challenge.
I'm lifting my bottle to you...
... Here's to being outrageous!
Let's get 'er done.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-supertech-ts
We've updated the outrageously awesome SuperTech T's.
Yes, the ones made from the same imported, incredibly lightweight mesh from Italy...
... cut to accent your outrageous fitness.
These are all made on demand. In the USA.
I have a few more designs I want to add...
... like the custom ones for your team.
Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
---
156.4
7ish hrs
Body Water 61
no weights
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU A RIPPER?
Aug 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AS THE GREAT FREDDIE PRINZ SAID, No time for losers. As the sage Forest Gump said, Losers are as losers do. With that in mind...
... are you a Ripper?
A ripper...
- Rips on a bike
- Rips up traditional ways of doing things
- Has a ripping good time
- Rips what works in other areas and applies to ripping on a bike
- Wins
- Strives for excellence
- Is ripped.
If you're not quite there, may I suggest you challenge yourself to get there.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
We are having too much success not to share, encourage, persuade you to take the 10-Week Challenge.
I'm looking forward to see your transformation.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
157.8
8ish hrs
Body Water 61.1
No lifting
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
INTERMITTENT FASTING: MY LATEST TAKE
Aug 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVERYBODY'S INTERMITTENT FASTING. Everybody's getting results. I was fasting, too. I wasn't getting the results I wanted...
... but, now I am.
Here's what's working for me, and I'd hardly call it fasting.
For me, because I burn a lot of calories, the eat in a 4 hour window or 6 hour window or 8 hour window didn't work. I felt feeble. Weak...
... my sweet spot is 12 hours.
That means I go about 12 hours from my last meal to the first meal the following day.
Here's what's happened.
First, I get up and just get cracking on work.
By 10 or 11 am, I've knocked a good chunk.
That's about 12 hours after my bedtime snack.
Second, I've dropped a few more pounds.
Third, I've realized there's no need for 3 formal, gut busting meals.
I got back into the intermittent thing this summer during the time I was living out of the van. It seemed more trouble than it was worth to make bacon and eggs or something of the sort. Plus, I wanted to knock out as much work as possible and get on the bike before the afternoon rains hit.
In summary,
- 12 hour window
- Dropped a few pounds
- More work done earlier in day
- Tummy's ability to absorb a giant meal has diminished
Overall energy seems as good as ever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
Plus, a flatter stomach makes the new SuperTech T look sexier than ever.
I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...
... you know I'm all about PRs.
We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.
Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
---
159.2
9.5 hrs
Body Water 60.9
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU USE AN ATHLETIC SUPPORTER WHEN RIDING?
Aug 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AT SOME POINT MY FRIENDS TALKED ME INTO FOOTBALL. We signed me up, got all this gear, and went to practice. All I can remember is how weak I was, unable to do the exercises...
... and wearing my first athletic supporter.
Ah, the jock strap days.
A hard shell to protect my special purpose.
We don't wear one riding, but the nice pads in the bibs kinda make it look like we do...
... and I reckon they provide some protection when needed.
But, we do still have athletic supporters...
... wives, husbands, lovers, partners, family, friends.
People that understand what pushes us, and are there to lend a word, hand a bottle...
... keep order when chaos ensues.
A virtual hard shell, around our special quest.
The first thing I learned about a jock strap, is it goes in the wash like everything else...
... so it's fresh and clean and wonderful.
That's why I've been taking Surfergirl to nice dinners, buying her little gifts, pampering her all I can this week...
... take care of your athletic supporters.
We all need some protection and support.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
What I would love to have had back then was our SuperTechT... made with the same imported Italian fabrics we use on our jerseys.
I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...
... you know I'm all about PRs.
We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.
Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
---
158.9
8ish
Body Water 60.9
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO I ALWAYS GET SICK BEFORE AN "A" RACE?
Aug 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
FOR SOME REASON, I always get a little sick the week before an A race. The sniffles, scratchy throat. Call it race jitters, if you like. I call it...
... Damn, this is real and I'm scared and nervous.
I know it's just a bike race, but is it?
It's the same thing when I make a big marketing decision, like I did this month. I reallocated about 80% of my ad budget...
... it will be a huge win, or a huge loss.
You know what else happens during these times of proving myself? My right arm develops a rash. It's itchy. Annoying. Wakes me up.
We've all got a lot on our plates, big goals to chase, outrageous plans to hatch. The secret is not to get paralyzed when it's on the line...
... but to stay focused on the outcome we want.
The jitters, sniffles and rashes are just the bullshift our bodies throw at us...
... when are we about to open up the can of Whoopass.
Deal with it and move one.
For me, that's a round of Zicam/chicken soup/hot showers with a dab of Cortizone-10 cream.
Trust your training.
You're ready.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
And you've probably been smashing PRs all over the place.
This is my favorite SuperTech T.
I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...
... you know I'm all about PRs.
We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.
Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
---
158.8
7.5
Body Water 60.9
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU OUTRAGEOUS ENOUGH?
Aug 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TO BE OUTSTANDING, we have to be outrageous. Average, kinda good, somewhat committed, is not the way...
... champions think.
Outrageous always wins the day.
Innocent onlookers ask...
How far did you ride today?
About a hundred miles.
How fast can you go on your bike?
I've hit 63 mph.
Are you close to your early twenties weight?
Right on it.
Do you lift weights?
Every day.
For most people, any one of a dozen metrics that we consider normal...
... are completely outrageous.
I was reminded of that when my friend Nate texted the pic above. It's from 2001. His first Leadville, my third. He'll complete 20 this year...
... 20 in a row (no race in Covid), with belief shattering results.
That's outrageous.
My own 20 year goal of going under 9 hours at 60 has kept me in shape all these years. Only a handful have pulled it off...
... and I've made it completely outrageous this year by shooting for sub-8.
In the process of setting outrageous goals, we make all kinds of discoveries about ourselves and what we are capable of.
It's easy, so easy, to look back at the breakthroughs and wonder why I didn't try this before?
That's not the point.
The point is to be outrageous...
... as outrageous as possible, every day going forward.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
One of the outrageous things I wanted to do this year was create the most incredible tech t...
... after many iterations and alterations, using the same incredible Italian fabric we use on our jerseys...
... we've done it.
It's amazing.
I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...
... you know I'm all about PRs.
We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.
Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
---
159.1
8
Body Water 61.2
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
STRATEGIES VS TACTICS. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Aug 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE STRATEGIES, AND THERE ARE TACTICS. Strategies are timeless, tactics are fleeting. I share the overall strategies I use with you because...
... I want you to win, at everything.
Here's an example of a strategy, Eat like an athlete.
The tactics will change with time via The Science and your own experience.
With the filter of eating like an Olympic champion, it's easy to decide what you'll be selecting when out with your friends. And, you don't have to say something lame like I'm on a diet.
In fact, when someone asks about my food choices, you know if I'm on a diet, I just say...
... No, I'm an athlete.
The silence is so sweet, and it has lead to many conversations regarding how to shed a few lbs.
Here's another, Sleep like a baby.
I was reminded of this visiting our kids and grandson. He sleeps about 14 hours a day. 9pm-9am, and a nap from 3-5.
Ever ask yourself where kids get all that energy?
Getting enough, and proper, sleep is strategy.
I failed on this one today, Always be prepared for every contingency.
First, I had an hour or so drive and I could have entered in the time I wanted to arrive and my smartypants phone would have alerted me to leave earlier because of an event taking place along the route.
Second, early on the ride I was late for, I ran over a large piece of glass and tore a hole too big for Dynaplugs to fix. I should have carried a tube, and a boot, for just such a situation.
Fortunately, the van was nearby and I threw on a new tire.
The bottom line is we all have to figure out the strategies that matter to us, and filter every decision through them. Saves time, makes things easy...
... keeps us on the path towards where we want to end up.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
If you're down to learn some of my strategies and see how well they work for you.
I have a 10-week challenge for you.
It's free.
And, it works.
Mat used it to qualify for Gran Fondo Worlds, Leif used it to drop 50 lbs...
... what are you waiting for?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
161
7 (nowhere near enough)
Body Water 61
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS LOOKS LIKE A JOB FOR ME
Aug 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE TESTED THE LEGS TODAY, raceish pace up one of the major climbs on next week's A race. This is always risky. No helmet is gonna protect the psyche if a slow time is posted...
... it can create all kinds of doubt.
Who needs that?
But, the opposite is just as true...
... nothing better than confirmation things are on track.
CH always hits climbs harder than me. Instantly I was suffering. But, determined to stay with him as we have a shared insane goal, to go sub-8. Which means...
... I better push.
He settled in after a bit and I recovered.
Not long after that, we weren't chatting any more. Things got quiet. Just chains and panting.
In the zone. The good one. Not hurting. Just pedaling.
The data says we are on track.
Phew!
As the great Slim Shady says, This looks like a job for me!.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
You know that else is good for the psyche...
... looking sharp.
Matting gloves and socks.
There are way more colors than this available...
... and it's Buy One Get One this month.
All you have to do is put 2 items in your cart, and we'll handle the discount at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
160ish
6.5 hr (sleep's been hell this week)
Body Water 61ish
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
HE COME GROOVIN' UP SLOWLY
Aug 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE'RE IN LEADVILLE, AGAIN. Not the 2 mile high city. Outside of town, five miles up a dirt road, in a 20 year old cabin, a 1000' higher. Staying with friends, and more friends...
... acclimating to thin air.
The first few days are always a little rough.
Can't breath.
Body is tired from adjusting to the altitude, the travel, the change in rhythm. And, the final huge training week...
... there is a vague sense of being hit in helmet.
A fog.
It all leaves you wondering...
... what the heck am I doing?
... what have I committed to?
... what was I thinking?
... do I have to do it?
If the journey is better than the inn, then can't I check the box complete and just relax and eat bon-bons?
But, that passes.
We settle in.
Recover.
Adjust.
While our body is rebuilding itself and repairing the damage from the high training load, our brains are starting to see all the pieces fall into place...
... and our souls are ready to soar.
That's where I am now.
Yesterday, at the midweek race, was the first glimpse of what I've been working for...
... it's coming together.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
This is part of the nutrition component that is coming together.
The code is SOHOTINHERE
And will save you an additional 10%
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
159
6 hr
Body Water 61%
1 strength work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY I TRAIN IN THE HEAT
Aug 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD REASONS TO TRAIN IN THE HEAT. One is that it creates more blood plasma, kind of like training at high elevation...
... but, that's not my favorite reason.
A lot of people avoid training in the heat...
... I have good news and bad news for them.
The bad news is, eventually you will be faced with a race that is hellahot.
The good new is that since most people avoid heat training, and we don't, they'll be suffering...
... while we are ripping.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
But, ya gotta stay hydrated and salted.
This bundle will save ya some $...
... and more if you use the promo code below.
The code is SOHOTINHERE
And will save you an additional 10%
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
160.4
7.5 hr
Body Water 61.5%
1 strength work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DISCIPLINE, WILL. NOT HELP YOU.
Aug 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DISCIPLINE IS ABOUT AS USEFUL AS WILL POWER. Eventually, those relying on discipline will go flat. Tucker out. Quit. But, not us...
... because we are playing the long race.
We have a superpower called Enthusiasm.
In other words, we are our own unquenchable fire.
We get up at o'dark thirty
Say no to cake
Hit the hay early
Log the miles
Lift the weights
Do the stretching
BECAUSE WE LOVE IT!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Just like we love these Superlight and breathable gloves...
... and socks made with FastMax Compression technology.
It's buy a pair, get a pair...
... lots of colors to choose from.
Nothing says pro like matching socks and gloves.
Make sure you purchase at least one of each, and the second one will automatically be discounted 100%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
158.4
8 hr
Body Water 61.2%
2 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RISKY BUSINESS
Aug 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ON AN ICY WINTER EVE, I slid around the corner and grabbed traction just enough to straighten out before the narrow, ancient bridge in that pic above. It was close. I was thrilled. I thought she'd be impressed...
... she was, we never went out again.
We take risks all the time, and think nothing of it.
50 mph,
downhill,
on tiny tires.
Sprinting bar to bar,
on the ragged edge of control,
into the turn and out, dashing for the line.
Bombing single track in nothing but lycra,
with open face helmets
jumping gaps.
We don't think it's risky...
...we're good at it.
Comfortable.
In control.
How do you get across the finish line first?
Practice.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/running-raceday-bags™
We have a lot of variables, a lot more than runners.
But, that doesn't mean the runners in your life couldn't use a Running specific RaceDay Bag.
1. BODY GLIDE, LIP/SKIN PROTECTION, SUNGLASSES, BIB PINS, ROAD ID
2. GARMIN and CHARGER, RACE BELT/HYDRATION VEST, NUTRITION, HEADPHONES
3. RACE CLOTHES, SOCKS, HEADBAND
4. RECOVERY (ICY HOT, COMPRESSION SLEEVES, SHOWER WIPES)
5. SHOES ON THE RIGHT SIDE
6. FOAM ROLLER, RECOVERY SHOES
2 More Pockets On The Pro
7. DIRTY/WET GEAR POCKT ON THE BOTTOM - INCLUDES GIANT ZIP PLASTIC BAG
8. SLEEVE FOR 3 26OZ WATER BOTTLES
If you've got a runner in your life, we've got just the bag they need.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/running-raceday-bags™
---
159.5
7.5 hr
Body Water 60.0%
1 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE ROUTINE.
Jul 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVERY GREAT ATHLETE HAS A ROUTINE. Some mundane, some strange, some outlandish. They stick to it...
... because it works.
It doesn't matter if it make sense.
Is rooted in science.
Reasonable.
That's the hardest part of remote work, and doublydifficult if you're on the move.
Here's how I'm doing it.
As with any successful routine, it's all about the start. I stick to my regular schedule. For me, that's up reading and writing at 6. Working at 8. Riding in the afternoon.
If I can do that, I'm 90% there.
The other 10%, I have to be flexible. Dinner at a friend's at an odd hour, monsoon rains every afternoon, camping with no interwebs. Just roll with it...
... I've found many improvements that way.
Brian texted me during the ride to ask if the mini-RaceDay Bag™ would work with this dropper.
Apparently, that's an issue.
Not with this bag.
It sucks right up underneath your saddle.
Use promo code: 24
To save 20%.
---
158.4
7 hr
Body Water 60.8%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
PREVIOUSLY ON 24
Jul 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
A LITTLE OVER 24 YEARS AGO, TWO OF MY PALS GOT ME OUT OF RETIREMENT. One out of spiritual retirement, the other out of bike racing retirement. Together we raced the 24 hours of Moab...
... battling the Clif Bar team all the way.
It was epic.
Snow
Cold
Cramps
Fatigue
We wound up second,
and we wound up bonded for life.
Racing together does that.
It was fitting they join me for my biggest week of the year, maybe my of life...
... 24ish hours in the saddle.
They've done Leadville. Pete once. Jeff, 10 finishes. They've also checked off their list...
... so after 3 hours we parted.
What can I tell you?
I felt great. Putting down power all day...
... at this point, it's really only a question of nutrition.
Once you have the fitness and endurance you can pretty much go indefinitely if you're fueled correctly.
Which I was...
... until I wasn't.
Greed got the better part of me, I really wanted that 24 hours and I really wanted 8 hours in the saddle today to simulate the upcoming 100 miler.
Not a problem, except, there was no place to get food for the last 3 hours and I only had 500 calories in my pocket and bottles. I should have had at least 900...
... I was too in the zone to care.
I finally made it down off the mountain, and stopped at the 7-11.
The fact that there's a cig butt in the pic says everything.
I was feeling pretty smoked after pushing hard the final 90 minutes...
... through rain and hunger pangs.
What can I tell. you about this monster week?
According to the Stravalords, my fitness is the highest it's ever been.
140.
I'm ready.
Brian texted me during the ride to ask if the mini-RaceDay Bag™ would work with this dropper.
Apparently, that's an issue.
Not with this bag.
It sucks right up underneath your saddle.
Use promo code: 24
To save 20%.
---
158.9
7.5 hr
Body Water 61.2%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE RACEDAY READY?
Jul 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
QUESTION: How old will I be by the time I'm RaceDay Ready™?
ANSWER: The same age you'll be if you're not.
THE HARDEST PART ABOUT SETTING AN OUTRAGEOUS GOAL, isn't the goal itself. It isn't all the time required, the sacrifices we'll make...
... it's the first pedal stroke.
And then the next.
It's so easy to get hijacked and distracted and discouraged...
... it's hard, it's so far away, I can start tomorrow.
The truth is, if we play this fitness game properly, is that it's in the doing. Not the done...
... fitness is never done.
There will be new breakthroughs by the big thinkers, new methods, new strategies. But, we'll never find them...
... if we don't take that first pedal stroke towards something outlandish.
I believe we all need at least 1 "A race" per year. One day when we're gonna be at out best...
... and unleash our mighty fury.
That will keep us generally on track the other 364 days of the year.
In fact, this year is the end of a 20 year massive bet with myself and my friend Kevin. That we could go under 9 hours at Leadville in our 60's. It sounded impossible at the time, we were barely doing that in our late 30's...
... now, I've made it even more outrageous.
Not only am I going for under 9, but I believe if everything goes perfect - me, bike, weather, competitors, etc...
... I can go under 8.
How can I believe this?
Because I'm still fascinated by going fast, still discovering new ways of getting it done.
And it's working.
One pedal stroke, after another.
Never stop.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
Over the last 20ish years I've done all kinds of things to keep in shape.
I wish I had this bag when I was doing triathlons.
It's a Tri specific RaceDay Bag™, with pockets and features unique to the needs of triathletes on RaceDay.
Yes, we can make them in your team colors.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
---
160.4
8 hr
Body Water 61.9%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TOO EARLY FOR THE SUN
Jul 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S EARLY MORNING RIDING, and then there's before the morning riding. Both have their curiosities, one has unmistakable oddities...
... which I'd forgotten about.
It's been a minute since I rode predawn, offroad.
Long enough that when we rolled out this morning I was momentarily surprised.
There on my arms, along with a stream of blood, were tiny white ropes.
Very tiny.
And, they were mixed in with the assorted web of cables hanging off my bars.
The question I always have when this happens is...
... Is there a webmaking spider crawling on my back?
Hasn't happened yet.
Anyway, it's one of the wonders of the world that spiders spend all night hanging ropes across the trails...
... only to have the rest of creation ripping them down.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
Speaking of ripping down, we came prepared today with loaded Mini RaceDay Bags™.
Check out this product testimonial from another rider - got it last night.
Ever wonder where I come up with these product ideas?
Riding, every single time.
Use promo code SPIDEY at check out to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
159.4
6 hr (unacceptable)
Body Water 61.7%
1 strength work
3 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THE #1 REASON TO GET TO RACE EARLY
Jul 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO SCREW UP YOUR RACE, but we won't be talking about that. We don't screw up. We do it right...
... be getting there early.
But, I bet you can't guess the #1 reason to get there early.
First, how early.
I like to get there at least 90 minutes early. Gives me time to get my race number, visit the porta, say hi to the friends...
... and get kitted up.
So, after all that, what's left?
Well, yeah, warm up.
How long?
I like an hour. I'm a bring a trainer and do a structured warm up. Hardly. I like to get on my bike and roll around. Slow. Softly. Maybe make up a few stories about my competitors...
... to get my blood boiling.
Do some jumps.
But, that's still not the top reason to get there early.
Racing, when it comes right down to it, requires all our energy. We can't waste any...
Getting there late.
Leaving late.
... is a huge waste of emotional energy.
Conserve that awesomesauce. Store it up...
... you're gonna need it.
All of it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
You wanna know a secret to unleash massive amounts of emotional energy and blowing your expectations away...
... register early.
It's the first chapter of my book for a reason.
The book is free...
... just cover the shipping and handling.
And get after it!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
159.3
7.5 hr
Body Water 62%
3 strength work
0 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
TRANSFORM YOUR FITNESS
Jul 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...
... I increased my volume a lot.
Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...
... It has been transformational.
Who doesn't want to transform their training?
Let me pause right here.
It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...
... because I now have the time.
When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...
... an average week, about 8.
These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...
... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.
That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...
... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
In the end, it's about doing all you can do...
... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.
Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
159.3
6 hrs + 1.5 hr nap (embarrassing, I know)
Body Water 61.9%
2 strength work
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
THAT'S RICH
Jul 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE'RE SO LUCKY, to be able to ride bikes. Doubly so when we can get out of the city, on country roads, gravel roads, and single track...
... do ya ever think how poor we'd be without our bikes?
The rides and glides,
that ease the stress of life.
Answers we find around a bend,
We see, hear and feel the stoke
finding grace in every pedal stroke
So simple it's hard to comprehend.
That's rich.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
If you're headed out for a head clearing ride you might want to be loaded up.
Save 15% on top of the 10% bundle savings by using promo code RICH at check out... before Thursday.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
158.5
8.2 hrs
Body Water 61.3%
1 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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