https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
REFRAMING EASY DAYS
WHEN THE EASY DAY is on the schedule, we kit up, check ourselves out in the mirror and wink...
... time to go easy.
Most of us,
most of the time,
utterly fail to hit the mark.
We go way beyond.
Why?
Because we are endure-ance athletes,
and if we ain't enduring,
we aren't satisfied.
We need a reframe, and as the great Scott Adams taught...
... a reframe does not need to be logical or fully true. It only needs to work.
Here's one that works for me.
Usual frame: Easy days are a waste of valuable time, so...
... Imma gunna go sorta kinda easy.
Reframe: Easy days done properly set up the hard days for maximum execution and benefit, so...
... Imma gonna go super easy.
===
163.4 lbs/12.3%
8ish hours sleep
570 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
86/82/3 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BEWARE THE SELF-COACHED ATHLETE
WHEN SOMEONE "comes outta nowhere" we interested in where they came from, for sure. But, what we're really dying to know...
... is how the heck they did it.
Take Vinny Mauri.
Never heard of him?
Of course not, no one in the marathon world had either...
... until he recently put down a 2:05 marathon.
His first crack it...
... fourth fastest time by an American, ever.
How?
Well, he's self-coached...
- most of his training is on a Planet Fitness treadmill
- clipping along at a 5 min/mile pace
- for hours at a time
... with a very unique approach.
Like, insanely unique.
That 2:05 was at a small time event,
no competition,
no pacers.
What does the future hold for him?
Better yet...
... where are we delivering sub-par performances because our training and thinking is stuck in tradition?
Get the details here: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2026/10/after-one-of-the-most-insane-marathon-buildups-ever-how-fast-can-strava-legend-vinny-mauri-run-at-the-chicago-marathon/
===
163.4 lbs/12.3%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
90/103/-14 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
HOT IN, SO HOT IN...
WHEN WE KNOW SOMETHING WORKS, it's hard to imagine a completely different pathway yielding the same results...
... even when we see them in real life.
Take altitude training.
Athletes from all kinds of sports go to camps high in the mountains to gain the benefits of training high in the mountains...
... mainly, more red blood cells delivered to working muscles.
Today, I was deep into suffering through the heat wave plaguing us right now...
... miles from home.
Dying.
Not dying...
... wilting a slow, agonizing demise.
Why?
Cuz I'm an idiot, and cuz...
... the heatwave is gunna last all week.
Potentially, into our epic SurfNSummit...
- 123 miles
- 15000 of vert
- 12ish hours of adventure
... next Saturday.
I wanna try and heatproof myself.
The other reason is purely inspired by our current World Road Champion Brandon McNulty...
- expand blood plasma
- lower HR and core temps at a given pace
- with a rise in hemoglobin mass similar to short camps
... who shuns the altitude days in favor of the blistering Arizona summer heat.
===
I wasn't a total idiot...
... stopped twice for a popsicle and ice in my bottles.
Still smoked when I arrived to our airconditionless casa.
===
161.8 lbs/12.3%
7.5ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 1 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
90/103/-14 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW'S EVERYTHING GOING?
WE QUESTION SO MUCH when focusing on getting the most out of our efforts to improve. The infoolencers on the socials, the clickbait ads...
... the local hero dropping hints of how it's done.
But, here's the real question.
And, I bring that up because I was inspired to reach out to a number of friends with a simple text...
... How's it going?
It's a heart felt question,
and it solicited answers like...
- Let's chat, it'll be good to talk
- All good, working through challenges with aging parents
- Howdy! Everything is good... just taking a break after a busy summer of racing
... to Dude just calling me right back and yakityyaking for 20 minutes.
I posted this on X...
... Is logging time on social media essentially infidelity in my marriage?
'Cuz honestly...
... are we (me) paying attention to what's going on in the lives of those we profess to love?
Before you reply How's it going Old Diesel?...
- connecting with God often
- family is amazing and growing
- biz is up 18% on the year, but I gotta up my value delivery to hit the annual goal I set
- I'm still a ways off from: sub-160 lbs, 10 pullup and 50 pushups in a row, but I'll get there
... consider this your invitation to let me know how things are going for you,
and check in on a few friends.
Sometimes we get to ask in person, like today when I ran into...
... "young" Kevin Vermaerke in his UAE kit on the road.
How's it going?
Great, just got back from Canada.
Which reminds me, a lot of are feeling extra patriotic after Brandon's killer V.
... this kit is rad in person, and when you purchase Jersey and Bibs you save 15%.
WE QUESTION SO MUCH when focusing on getting the most out of our efforts to improve. The infoolencers on the socials, the clickbait ads...
... the local hero dropping hints of how it's done.
But, here's the real question.
And, I bring that up because I was inspired to reach out to a number of friends with a simple text...
... How's it going?
It's a heart felt question,
and it solicited answers like...
- Let's chat, it'll be good to talk
- All good, working through challenges with aging parents
- Howdy! Everything is good... just taking a break after a busy summer of racing
... to Dude just calling me right back and yakityyaking for 20 minutes.
I posted this on X...
... Is logging time on social media essentially infidelity in my marriage?
'Cuz honestly...
... are we (me) paying attention to what's going on in the lives of those we profess to love?
Before you reply How's it going Old Diesel?...
- connecting with God often
- family is amazing and growing
- biz is up 18% on the year, but I gotta up my value delivery to hit the annual goal I set
- I'm still a ways off from: sub-160 lbs, 10 pullup and 50 pushups in a row, but I'll get there
... consider this your invitation to let me know how things are going for you,
and check in on your top 3 friends.
Sometimes we get to ask in person, like today when I ran into...
... "young" Kevin Vermaerke in his UAE kit on the road.
How's it going?
Great, just got back from Canada.
Which reminds me, a lot of are feeling extra patriotic after Brandon's killer V.
... this kit is rad in person, and when you purchase Jersey and Bibs you save 15%.
===
162 lbs/12.4%
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
87/92/-5 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
CLARITY AND DISCIPLINE
WHEN WE ARE NEW to endurance sports we start off with a lot of enthusiasm. Learning all kinds of new skills and tricks, wanting to...
... go as far and fast as possible.
Our commitment shocks the onlookers.
We aren't just new to the sport...
... we are new.
Comments like, You sure have a lot of discipline are common.
Flattering.
But, do we?
Have a lot of discipline?
Discipline is for children...
... we have clarity.
We don't say No to cake...
... we say Yes to ripping on raceday.
===
163.2 lbs/12.5%
8sh hours sleep
640ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 96 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
88/98/-10 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
NOW THIS IS BEAUTIFUL
THE BEAUTY OF THE UCI WORLD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS is a combination of things which I really appreciate and enjoy, and...
... one thing stands out among all that is different.
Communication.
No race radios.
It makes for way better racing, and we can understand the challenges because...
... it's exactly how we race on the amateur level.
Be it the local group ride or pinning number on.
We have our heads on a swivel, and we're paying attention to everything that's happening and...
- no update from the car
- no teammate telling us they are otb
- no braintrust analyzing all the data points for us
... we are making decisions based on intuition and experience.
Which makes the USA's win...
- Simmons setting it all up early on going in a long range break
- Jorgensen sucking the life from all contenders
- McNulty soloing in for the win at 32k to go
... a truly beautiful thing.
Oh that all pro racing was that way.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8sh hours sleep
640ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
89/101/-13 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE WE EATING TOO MUCH?
IN THE MAD DASH to fuel for, and the recovery from, the next heavy training session, is it possible we might overdoing it...
... to our detriment?
I mean, look around.
For a herd of endurance athletes...
... are we gazelles or elephants, or somewhere in between?
The reason I'm asking is today, after a fairly rigorous start...
- 5:30 am start, as always underslept, normal rise is around 6am.
- 60 miles, 5000' of vert, 225w Normalized (good for me)
- over an hour at threshold or above
... I felt unusually awesome.
What I did was...
- Ate light dinner vs a bunch of extra carbs
- Pre-ride skipped the oatmeal in favor of 3 Trader Joe's peanut butter cups.
- Got home, pounded a Fair Life chocolate milk vs. a pile of Kodiak cakes and a smoothie.
... not on purpose or as a test.
Just life.
Hanging out with one of the grands all evening before.
Getting home to a work crew taking over the downstairs and clearing out amidst the chaos so I could get some work done.
Results are in...
- slept amazing
- had awesome energy all morning
- and cranked out a buncha work before noon
... and I'm asking a legit question.
Am I eating too much?
===
163.8lbs/12.5%
7sh hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
89/109/-20 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT IS AN EVENT SO GOOD WE WOULD PAY TO HOST?
THE BEST EVENTS OFTEN START WITH NEED AND PASSION, or both. They grow organically from there until...
... they are famous and selling out.
What would be one so good we'd be willing to bankroll it ourselves?
Free entry.
That was the question on a recent Founders podcast.
It got me thinking the...
- lots of people I'd want to hang out with
- and be challenged and stimulated by
- share the experience with
- add in some killer eats
- outrageous awards
- swarm of vendors
... things that would be worth it.
That's the kind of event I'd be interested in putting together.
In the meantime...
- parting with our cash to help finance it
... isn't that what we are basically doing when we register for any event?
===
163.8lbs/12.5%
8sh hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
86/90/-5 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TWO NOTEBOOKS
DOCUMENTING OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS is something many of us do. Whether it's a framed race photo, or race numbers with medals on the mantle...
... if it matters, keep it memorable.
What about the future?
Do we document that?
Each morning I bust out two notebooks...
- just after reading something uplifting
- meditating on it
- before all else
... one for imaging the future, one for the todos.
The dumb ideas get axed,
the good ones have a shot at life.
The tasks get completed and crossed out,
the survivors either get done or killed.
What does that have to do with racing, life?
Everything.
===
Deeper Dive
To image the future is to deliberately build a picture of what has not happened yet so that picture can shape what you do now.
It is not fortune-telling and it is not daydreaming. It is the constructive work of taking pieces of memory, observation, values, and desire and assembling them into a scene, a feeling, or a story of a possible tomorrow.
How the mind actually does it
Your brain uses the same machinery for remembering the past and picturing the future. It pulls familiar people, places, objects, and emotions out of storage and rearranges them into events that have never occurred. Neuroscientists call this constructive episodic simulation. People who lose the ability to recall personal memories often also lose the ability to vividly imagine their own future.
There are at least four related modes:
- Simulation — constructing a specific scene (“I see myself finishing the climb, breathing steadily”).
- Prediction — estimating likelihood.
- Intention — deciding what you want.
- Planning — laying out the steps.
They usually operate together.
Why the pictures matter
Sociologist Fred Polak argued that the images a person or a culture holds of the future are a driving force of history. A living, attractive image of a better world pulls people forward; a decaying or purely catastrophic image produces paralysis or decline. The pictures are not just reflections of reality—they help create it by directing attention, effort, and courage.
That is why practices such as writing a “best possible self” letter, running scenario workshops, or simply sitting still and seeing a concrete good outcome in detail can change mood and behavior. The image becomes a reference point you can steer toward.
Two common mistakes
- Treating the image as a rigid prediction instead of a working sketch that can be revised.
- Only imaging disaster. A mind that rehearses only collapse has less material with which to invent alternatives.
Imaging the future, then, is the act of making the not-yet visible enough that you can start living toward it today.
===
162.6 lbs/12.4%
9ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
87/98/-12 per Strava Power & Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Black List, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SOMETIMES PRE-VIEWING IS JUST A HECKUVA A GOOD REMINDER
THE FIRST WE EVER RACE A COURSE, taking the time to recon from parking to finish, even if it's just the first 5 miles...
... can pay oodles and oodles.
If we have the time,
pay the dime.
Pre-view it all.
But, what if we've already raced it?
Trust me on this...
- the turns
- the sunlight angles
- how the herd responds over undulations
... we'll never have the course as dialed as the locals.
I was reminded of this today
- 36 miles
- 4500' of vert
- most of it off road
... pre-riding the first 33ish miles of our upcoming epic SurfNSummit.
The reminder wasn't the route so much as these specific issues...
- check your batteries - the one day I don't check the shifter batteries the night before and my casual spin to the start turns into sprinting home to replace a 2032 and then pin it to meet the crew - we don't wait, ever.
- respect the pre-ride like we'd expect the race day - I went low on my calories/bottle and extra gels in the pocket and really suffered for it on the way back
- if at all possible - have the cold/icy water if it's going to be hot vs the "room temperature" free water that was as warm as the outside air of 100º. this made eating the NutttrButtrs during the last 90 minutes impossible because my stomach wasn't loving the hot water
- have the bike in the finest working order - that fouled rear 2-speed unable to access my 3 lowest gears made the 50 minute climb unnecessarily challenging
- pace to race - in this case, while grateful to have 4 of the posse join us, they weren't doing the whole thing and rather than high zone 2, we were bouncing between tempo and threshold for the first 90 minutes, which is not the plan for the epic adventure
... that said, it was great to push the pace and be reminded of such idiocy.
Interestingly, while the big climb was a definite grind, and with the superlow cadence I couldn't put out as much power...
... my time was only 7 seconds slower than during the event last year.
Go figure.
No.
Go preview,
as much as possible.
And if we can't in person,
we try and dig up some YouTube intel.
===
165.4 lbs/12.4%
7ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
89/113/-24 per Strava Power &Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SHARPENING THE EDGES WITH ANGER
HAVING CONTROL OF OUR EMOTIONS on race day doesn't mean just playing it cool. Some emotions are better than others...
... for those who know how to harness them.
Like anger.
I'm not ashamed to admit, below that happy go lucky, come what may demeanor...
... is one hacked off dude.
If I have to/I've been known to...
... conjure up the most heinous reasons to crush the least deserving, most innocent competitors on the line.
Don't worry,
they never know.
Anger works for me.
I had a business partner say...
... you're so mellow
and
... dude, you have authority issues
... during the same meeting!
lol
Here's the real dill.
When I was younger it was uncontrollable and cost me a lot of points on the tennis court and life in general.
These days, if I'm rejected, disrespected, doubted, stomped on...
... that rocket flame of anger is powerful stuff.
Suddenly, I have this amazing laser focus combined with get outta my way energy.
I love that.
- heck no I don't want cookies
- heck yes I'm doing that work out
- heck no I'm not staying out late
- heck yes I need that upgrade
It's way better if I can get it going months, sometimes years in advance, but...
... making it up on the start line is a great way to lock in and race.
You might be askin' What the heck is wrong with you Diesel?...
... let's just say getting rejected on a home we were trying to buy has me pouring jet fuel on PEDAL industries.
Yeah,
harnessed anger is lit.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
155/138/17 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
REAL VISION
ALONG THE WAY to a glorious A race we face a lot of decisions. Some are micro, others macro. How we handle them...
... depends on our vision of how it will end.
What are we seeing?
I've long been fascinated with visualization techniques.
Once I learned of the concept via the great Denis Waitley's Psychology of Winning...
... the pieces began to fall into place.
Things I was underconciously aware of suddenly made sense.
The question that remained was...
... Could it be mastered and controlled?
From a practical standpoint, I can confirm that having a clear vision of how I want to cross the finish line...
- good food choices
- commitment to excellent sleep
- making time for and executing the critical workouts when desire is flat
... has given me the strength to accomplish the steps necessary along the way.
Which lends immense and undeniable confidence as the A race approaches…
… because we approach all the prep as if the finish has already happened.
We literally see everything with new eyes.
But, what if it works in all areas of life, not just racing?
What would that be worth,
what does it tell us about our present circumstances...
... what are we going to do about it?
===
162.8 lbs/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
480ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
158/156/2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SPRINTING FOR THE WIN
UNLESS WE ARE ACTUALLY sprinters, racing events on the track or crits, it's unlikely we'll ever sprint for the win. We might race our pals to the city limits sign or...
... bang bars with other pack fodder.
So, why practice sprinting?
Here are my top reasons...
- to maintain, increase strength
- as a supplement to weight training
- to cement in neuromuscular connections so I can harness said power
... I have one dedicated sprint day per week.
This is not an interval session,
with efforts lasting minutes.
Yuck!
This is all out getting after it,
in bursts of 5-15 seconds,
spaced with full recovery.
I like to do 'em offroad.
Tonights was particularly fun.
Yes fun!
On the downhill sections, any time I had a chance to get on the pedals hard and keep my speed up, I went for it.
Not only was I recruiting the sprint muscles...
- legs
- butt
- core
- back
- arms
- shoulders
... I was reinforcing how it all works together over rapidly changing terrain.
Which is, in a sense, sprinting for the win.
The win being staying strong and coordinated.
===
163.4 lbs/12.6%
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 60 push ups, 14 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 20 box jumps (24"), Bulgarian split squats with 25lb dumbells, nordic curls, heel and toe raises
161/170/-10 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE F-WORD NOBODY WANTS TO USE
IT'S JUST INCREDIBLE the amount of reasons we can come up with when we find ourselves OTB (off the back)...
... whether it's dropping anchor or slipsliding away.
Bring on the excuses.
Like today's TMWC stacked with visiting hitters...
... we were pinning it something vicious, all the way..
Until I started spinning the slowslide of shame,
with five miles to go.
Giving me plenty of time to think of all the reasons...
- haven't shaved legs since July
- got to bed to late
- creatine made me put on 5 lbs
- my Classified hub is dying and dragging
- upped my box jumps and other leg stuff Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday
- walked 3 miles in the sand Sunday (normally just 2)
- left a little late and had to hustle to meet group
- gravel pedals and shoes vs road
- unaero gravel frame
- somewhat shallow road wheels
- less than aero helmet
- extra weight from lights now that it's dark
... while gimping to the finish.
But.
We all know the truth...
... and it starts with F.
FATIGUE.
It's offseason fur cryin outloud!...
... what the heck am I doing?
Well, just the most lifechanging, epic adventure on SoCal...
- 120 miles
- 15k of vert
- around 12 hours (including stops)
... the SurfNSummit on 10.10.26
Sooooooooo... 1 more extralarge Saturday,
then two weeks to taper,
and feel fresh.
Might have to skip the legwork the week of,
or sooner?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
7 hours sleep
630ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
162/179/-18 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SPY
WE LIKE TO SAY this is my escape, to ride/run/swim for an hour or few per day. Our happy place isn't a pain cave as much as it is...
... a world without staring at glass.
Is it novel?
There was a pithy post on X this week...
... I'm inviting a bunch of people over this weekend to doomscroll together.
My other non-scrolling/glass moments are reading.
Ingesting something uplifting in the wee morning hours has been a goto for years.
But, then this happened.
The wind down used to be watching "just a few minutes" of TV,
then onto binge watching...
... now it's a full-on addiction to reading spy novels.
They're all basically the same character...
- ex-special ops dude with skills his government needs
- always going off the range to get the job done
- while mixing in some lady-drama
... and I can't seem to get enough.
It started after my TBI,
as therapy.
Who knew staring and scrolling glass was bad juju for brain function and ocular wellness?
In about 30 months, I've read...
- all of Jack Carr (10)
- all of the Gray Man series (15)
- all of the Pike Logan series (20)
- and I'm on book 11 of 25 in the Scot Harvath (series)
... with no end in sight.
From a therapeutic standpoint, my ability to rip downhill on my MTB has returned to about 90% of where I was.
From Oh crap! every ride,
to Heckyeah! this is fun!
Is there any connection between being a spy and racing?
Well, yeah.
If being resourceful, able to adjust on the fly, and see the mission through to completion is how you like to rip on raceday...
... this is your genre.
===
166.2 lbs/12.6%
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
156/144/12 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOW FOR THE REST OF OUR SHOW
WE'RE WRAPPING UP THE 3RD QUARTER, heading into the final three months of the year...
... but not the end of the racing the calendar.
Am I right?
We aren't going to...
- hang it up for 2 months
- watch games
- eat chips
... because we know the truth.
Now is the time to...
- bank strength
- build base
- hone diet
... for springtime cometh.
That's what I'm doing.
Shoot, tonight I passed on cake an icecream.
It wasn't hard, once I gave up sugar, the cravings were gone.
In years past, I'd say Bring it on, it's offseason...
... to the point of friends saying It's good to see fatTodd is back.
Imagine that.
Actually, don't.
Imagine ripping it up next spring, right on through the summer.
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 20 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
159/163/-4 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TORQUE TRAINING... STILL?
SOME OF US ARE WILLING to take chance with our equipment. Opting to go with the yet to be tried and true...
... can lead to great advantages.
And, big challenges.
As I struggled mightily up a rather steep pitch today...
- 52/42 chainrings
- 13/26 6 speed cassette
... I remembered how tall the gearing was back in the day.
It was brutal.
But, one of the benefits we didn't realize back then was forced torque training...
- high power
- low cadence
- in place of gym time
... something coaches preach in today's era of super wide gearing.
So, why was I doing it today?
Because my super niche 2-speed rear hub from Classified, which replaced the front derailleur dual chain rings...
... has been acting up for the last 2 weeks.
And died today.
Leaving me with the lowest gear of a 46 in front x40 in back.
Manageable on most road climbs...
... swear-inducing on the dirt steeps I faced throughout today's epic URBN GRVL ride.
I've had the system for just over 2 years,
and it has been great.
Superior, I think, to traditional 1x most cats are running offroad.
Because the Surf N Summit is fast approaching...
... I'm in a real pickle.
Classified is based in the Netherlands...
... which is much father away than the hinterlands.
They have few dealers in the states.
Hopefully, they'll get back to me in time to get the system functioning like the racewinning force it has been.
It was a risk when I purchased it,
and I don't regret it at all.
It's that good.
===
166.2 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
630ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
163/186/-24 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Full Black, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS CHAING HURTS
STAYING ON TOP of the maintenance game never seems like it's gonna pay off. It's a constant steady drip on our time and wallets...
... until it's not.
Then, it's chunky.
I was reminded of this today by reader Roberto (not his real name).
Here's the chat transcript:
Are wax chains supposed yo make any noise when shifting? When i freshly wax it shifting into the lighter gears, sounds smooth, but sometimes when I shift to the harder gears a little bit of a clink
hmmm usually it's the opposite. noisier in the larger rings. generally, they are super quiet until they need more wax. I prefer Ceramic Speed UFO. Is your chain new and the cassette old?
Yes chain is newish first rewax cassette is year old got a new tri bike last year
that's probably the problem. old chain was probably stretched and the old cassette is so worn it doesn't play nice with new chain. get a chain wear tool so you can stay on top of the changes in the future and extend the life of the cassette and front rings, too.
Ok will do. Im sure there is videos on how to use one
it's super easy. this is a good reminder for me to change my gravel bike chain... blog post inspo received.
Getting a new roadie soon so im gonna order a kit to match look out for order here soone
You might see a good match here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/insiders ... haven't released these just yet.
Did you notice how I slyly worked in a shameless promotion to the convo?
There's like a million color options.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
153/128/24 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
SHIFT I HATE
DO YOU KNOW WHY WE SAY If it was easy everyone would do it? It's not just because it's true, it's also because for those of us who are doing the hard stuff...
... we need to know there's a reason.
We do things we hate to do.
Here's a few of mine..
- pullups
- pushups
- box jumps
- stretching
- going to work after a glorious morning riding
- hanging on the back of the group until I literally see stars
- skipping the cookies and cake and ice cream
... and I could go on.
If we are doing things like the above so much,
if it really is that hard to be consistent...
... what is driving us?
A couple of things.
One, it gets easier once we get started.
Two, it becomes habitual, part of operating system.
Three, the really big one...
... we know.
We know this is the path to mastery...
... and few are we, the willing and committed.
To arrive at our stated destiny.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 55 push ups, 11 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 20 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
157/148/8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
THIS ONE CHANGE MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
WE ALL HAVE THAT FRIEND who we train with, who is about the speed, or even a little slower. Then, all of the sudden, seemingly out of the blue...
... they are a lot faster.
Leaving us in the dust.
What gives?
Just yesterday I was on the war path with one of these cats.
We'd opted to take a gravel route of the usual group ride, and if we reallyreally got after it...
... we'd meet/beat the group at the finish.
And romp we did.
I knew we had a shot because of his newly found powers.
And, I knew how he got them.
Because I asked.
Bro, your a lot faster and leaner.
It's my wife's fault.
Howso?
Well, she changed up her diet and she does most of the cooking and we're eating a lot cleaner.
If it's that easy then...
... why aren't we all doing it?
Maybe we don't know what eating clean is?
Here's my super simple rule...
... If I can identify the ingredients it's clean.
Steak,
easy.
Mr. Bachan's Japanese Teriyaki Sauce Surfergirl wants to smother it with,
not so much - probs not clean.
Corn on the cob,
easy.
Dorito's corn chips,
impossible - def not clean.
What is the one change we can make today that would make a huge difference in our performance?
Do it.
Then, stack it...
... with the next change.
Yes, it's that easy.
It just takes a bit of time for the results to show...
... fortunately, most of our competitors don't have time for that.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8 hours sleep
790 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 105 push ups, 21 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 40 box jumps (24"), nordic curls, heel and toe raises
160/168/-8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE ARE SOME DOOZIES OUT THERE
THERE ARE SO MANY INFOOLENCERS yaking for our attention on myriad platforms. It creates all kinds of noise and...
... makes discerning the truth challenging.
Impossible even.
I was reminded of the dangers of expert opinions today listening to The Marketing School podcast titled...
... How McKinsey Helped Nike Lose $223 Billion.
With a B.
TLDL: they hired a guy who didn't understand the business, and he leaned into all the new fangled, cool kid ideas, in the process destroying the brand.
Some were so stupid it was stunning.
Which reminded me of the Time-Crunched Cyclist podcast I'd listened to the day before...
... The Five Self=Coached Cycling Mistakes That Keep You Stuck.
TLDL: he states we're too unenlightened to coach ourselves, hire his firm.
Along the way apologizing for being so harsh. Except I didn't find it as harsh as it was condescending and self-serving.
I shared the above, so I could share this...
- we need to expose ourselves to new ideas
- test them out well before it matters
- implement the best
... using our common sense, listening to our inner voice, for the win.
Are there good coaches and consultants.
Absolutely.
As the great Charlie Munger said...
... Show me the incentive, and I'll show you the outcome.
===
166.4 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 0 box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/172/-12 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMILY FIRST. REALLY?
LOOKING AROUND AMONGST OUR FRIENDS we often see what really drives them. It's not at the races or the slaying rides where this shows up...
... it's at the events they miss.
Huh?
Yeah.
You know, we have this epic ride coming up.
It's not race, it's a social adventure.
From the beach to the mountains...
... the kind of thing you wanna do for the pure challenge.
And.
To blow your friends' minds...
... Yeah, I rode from Dana Point to Big Bear last Saturday.
WHAT?!
Yep, really fun.
No way!
Here's the dill.
A few have shared...
- planning Xterra with daughter
- family half marathon with most of family in Long Beach
- flying to Chicago to support daughter at Chicago marathon
... their reasons for missing this year.
Here's what I can tell ya about each one of these cats...
... they have grown awesome, loving families.
Nothing better.
In case weekend of 10.10 is open for you...
... it's an open invite: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit-collection
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 105 push ups, 21 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 50 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/168/-8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ANY SYSTEMS READY TO GO?
WE ALL WANNA BE BETTER, at least that's what we tell ourselves. Anybody listening to us drone on about the initiatives we're gonna take...
... might possibly be convinced we really want the prize.
But, do we?
Could our actions convict us?
Better question.
What's it gonna take?
Not the big crazy actions,
that's for sure.
We'll never get those done,
because they are big and crazy.
The real secret...
... having a system to be a little better every day.
And, sticking to it.
One of my systems is to weigh myself each morning. I get instant feedback on the previous day(s) nutrition choices. It's a simple way to stay in tune with any changes I may have/have not made...
... like I'm thinking my adding 5lbs in the last month is a direct result of the predicted 2-3% gain predicted by consistent creatine intake.
Worth it?
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 105 push ups, 21 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 50 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/168/-8 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SIRMIXALOTS GRAND MASTER GRAVEL
DEPENDING ON THE LOCALE, there can be a lot of ways to get out and cover some ground. Some areas are all paved, others all single track, others lots of gravel...
... they're all a blast.
Which is best?
I dunno.
But, I can tell you this, where we are, mixing it up on a gravel bike is a great way to get out...
... and skip most of the lights, and traffic.
Like today.
The first 90 minutes were mostly dirt...
... with nearly 30 minutes at threshold or above.
Meeting up with a slaying group ride on the road...
... pushed me to my limits and stacked on the intensity.
From there it was a JRA road, gravel and single track.
I love rides that...
- mix up the surfaces
- skip most high traffic areas
- and traverse lots of interesting terrain
... for the pure adventure.
The biggest and best one of the year is just 4 weeks away...
- Sunrise to sunset
- from Dana Point
- to Big Bear
... and you're invited.
All the details are here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit-collection 
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit-collection
===
166.8 lbs/12.8%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 0 box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-29 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Foreign Influence, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
JRA
BEING THE DEDICATED ADDICTS that we are, we eventually learn the jargon that sets us apart from the commoners who consider themselves in the know, but...
... are actually far from it.
Neophytes.
Anybody who's worked in a bike shop, particularly the service area has heard the phrase...
... I was just riding along.
And, said to themselves under muffled breath, while inconspicuously rolling their eyes...
... JRA.
What follows JRA...
- my X broke
- my Y stopped working
- my Z fell off and disappeared
... is always entertaining.
Not that it hasn't been heard before,
but the way it is camouflaged...
... as if it is somehow the shop's/mechanic's fault.
Yet, I digress.
Because what I really wanted to point out is how much fun it is to move about the country...
- breathtaking sunrises
- quiet, forgotten roads and trails
- daylight giving way to a moonless, star-filled sky
... and see so many amazing sites.
While we are...
... JRA.
===
167.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 0 box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/144/11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostle, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT FEELING
SOMETIMES when we're out riding, the feeling is just right. Like we could just keep going forever...
... and never stop.
Why is that?
I honestly don't know.
It just happens.
And, when it does it's magical.
Like this evening.
There I was, about an hour in.
On my gravel bike, connecting the...
- trails
- roads
- single tracks
... and missing all the traffic stops and lights.
Slipping into the zone...
- HR 130ish
- PWR 220ish
... slicing through town with nary a stop.
And loving it.
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 30 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/175/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IF I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERY TIME THINGS LOOKED HOPELESS...
FOR BETTER OR WORSE, as athletes we are really, really good at enduring. When things look absolutely hopeless...
... we press on.
Is that a good thing?
That's an honest question...
... with an unknowable answer.
Because choices stack.
Accumulate.
Tangent: when I had my pager business, my landlord, an old sage and jeweler by trade, told me the worst thing he ever did was keep switching careers. That it was best to lock in, and go in search of mastery.
Welp, I could see the writing on the wall and sold the pager business.
After that, I took his advice,
and can honestly say:
If I had a dollar for every time things looked hopeless and gave up...
... I'd be broke.
In sports...
... we be _____?
In relationships...
... we be _____?
As students...
... we be _____?
There is, of course, a point where things are hopeless, and we gotta/outta sell, but, if there's anything most of us can bank on it's that...
... there is such a thing as a second wind.
Reaching the finish/the goal usually just takes a little more than we initially thought we could give.
And, so, we endure.
===
166.2 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 30 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/175/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT PERSONAL, IT'S...
SOMEHOW WE FEEL IT'S OKAY to do whatever it takes to win, even if it means clobbering our friends. Ok, not all of us, but...
... definitely some of us.
We might feel, think, say...
... It's not personal, it's racing.
Shoot, one of my frenemies said this to me after a recent race post sucking my wheel for miles...
... Sorry about doing you dirty back there.
All that to say, It's okay to make things personal.
Not all things.
But, I'm definitely making The Wall personal.
It's the next to last climb...
- .88 miles
- 7.1% average grade
- my PR is 4:16, Kevin Vermaerke (yeah, the UAE one) owns the KOM, 3:06
... on our Tuesday Morning World Championships.
While I'm not sure I'll ever best my current PR, set 8 years ago on a perfect day...
- weight down in the 150s
- great pace set by Zach Lloyd
- amazing road bike I shouldn't have sold
... I do wanna get back to regularly hitting 4:40ish vs the 5:24 I did today.
When we set personal challenges like this,
it's motivating only to ourselves,
but pays off everywhere else.
It's fitness and mental fortitude we can tap into on demand.
===
166.6 lbs/12.6%
6ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 00 box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/176/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S TOO HARD TO EXPLAIN
DO WE KNOW WHY we do really hard stuff? I mean, really? We keep doing them. Like a young mother who, during the midst of labor, swears she'll never go through childbirth another time...
... and choosing to do it again.
There's something we know,
but can't put our fingers on.
As the great Carl Jung put it...
... Man needs difficulties. They are necessary for health.
It's not the difficulty that repeatedly pulls us back...
... it's the joy we experience on the other side.
Like the insanity of starting a gravel ride at Dana Point, in predawn hours...
- pavement
- to gravel
- to singletrack
- to gravel
- to pavement
- to single track
- to gravel
... and clearing the final summit above Big Bear, as the sun drifts away.
If we did alone, it would be courageous...
... if we did it with friends, it would be the memory of a lifetime.
As the great Terry from Mesa told me today...
- it's your 6th year
- I'm feeling fit
- I'm coming
... I'm always busy.
I'm in.
Are you?
===
Do you know any of these cats?
Previous Finishers
Henri Kavaja (1)
Michael Gould (1)
Richard Brown (3)
Mike Maderos (1)
Richard Ramsey (3) <12 (1)
Josh Wolff (2)
Chris Hill (1) <12 (1)
Spencer Roundy (3)
Michael Foster (4)
Ron Barrett (1)
Todd Brown (4) <12 (1)
Terry Butler (1)
Brennan Sizemore (1)
(times finished)
<12 - completions under 12 hours elapsed time.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 00 box jumps, heel and toe raises
154/139/15 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
AN ADVENTUROUS PACE
A TRUE ADVENTURE requires a pace that is fast enough to get to the destination, yet slow enough that all can...
... make it to the finish.
It's a fine line.
Shackleton had is crew on a boat.
Pacing wasn't the issue...
- hazardous journey
- low wages
- bitter cold
- long hours of complete darkness
- honor and recognition in event of succeess
... so much as outright danger.
In this case,
all the men needed was the hope of success.
Which is what a proper pace should be...
... given an adventure of epic proportions.
The Surf N Summit may not be a novel exploration of the Antarctic, but it does require...
- manageable heart rate, low power
- lots of food and drink
- solid equipment
... because, it's a legit journey from the sands of Dana Point to the peaks of the San Bernardino mountains above Big Bear.
If you're in, go here now: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-california-10-10-26
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, 30 box jumps, heel and toe raises
156/153/3 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SELLING ADVENTURE
WE SHOULDN'T NEED TO BE SOLD on adventure. It's in our DNA. Yet, often we are distracted and timechallenged and thinking...
... we are way too busy.
But,
life is short.
And,
as the great Ferris Bueller said...
... it comes at you fast.
Adventures, however...
- can be daunting
- involve the unknown
- create lasting memories
... which is why we go for them.
Especially, if we are/have...
... enlisted our posse.
On October 10th, we'll be riding the Surf N Summit for the sixth time this year.
The first two times...
- massive heatwave
- crazy early snowstorm
... we failed.
Last year, for the first time, everyone made the summit before sunset.
it's not for the timid,
those afraid to fail,
the unprepared...
... it's for the adventurous souls who dare what others fear to dream.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16111728104
===
165.2 lbs
7.8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
1560175/-15 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RING LEADER
EVERY COMMUNITY has a ringleader. The cat who's constantly inviting to do some ride or run or adventure or race. They're usually mostly fun...
... and sometimes absolute slayers.
Even that's fun.
Why does the ringleader lead?
Because, literally, the more the merrier.
Who appoints the ringleader?
Nobody, it's more of an inner calling.
Who supports the ringleader?
Those looking for a good time.
Who pays the ringleader?
Everyone,
just by showing up.
Somecommunities don't have a ringleader...
... they're waiting for us to show up.
And lead.
===
164.8 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
151/122/28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
WHEN IT GETS ROUGH
IT DOESN'T TAKE A GENIUS to know we can go faster over a smooth surface than we can over rough terrain. That's why the most powerful sprinters...
... race on the track.
Indoors at the highest levels.
The rest of us get it done over...
- new tarmac
- gravel roads
- rowdy single track
... whatever we get served up.
Where we still need to put down the power,
whether sprinting or just plain ol' racing.
Here's the dill.
If we only ever train our sprinting on the most perfectist of surfaces...
... we're probably gonna stink it up, when it gets rough.
Practicing stomping on the pedals when it's...
- chunky
- slippery
- torn to pieces
... is a skill worth honing.
We've got to be able to perform excellently over all conditions.
When it gets challenging lower pressure in the tires is better...
- roll faster
- better grip
- faster cornering
... just like is in our souls when life gets topsy turvy.
Lower the pressure.
Which reminds me of a dear friend, the great Fritz Tomasello. who insisted we add backpack straps to the RaceDay bag...
... so he could carry his bike from the car to the track.
That's how pristine the indoor tracks are.
===
164.8 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 55 push ups, 11 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/138/16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHALLENGES CALL
THAT MONUMENTAL CHALLENGE calls to us, challenging us to prepare and be ready and we answer the call with all we've got. Not just going through the motions...
... this time.
Willing to do the impossible.
We've tried before.
Many times.
Only to fail.
Shattered.
We reconstitute.
To vanquish.
Yet again.
Not trying, doing...
.. the impossible.
===
165.6 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 80 push ups, 16 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
157/151/5 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN
MIND CONTROL is a thing. Especially on the start line when the energy is sky high due to...
... a cocktail of tapering and caffeine.
It
takes
real focus.
Just look at your "resting heart rate"...
... pumping like an outta shape donut eater on an outta control treadmill.
We aren't even moving,
because we are thinking about everything.
How do we calm that down,
achieve serenity?
This is important because if we don't get control our emotions we're going to be leaking all kinds of energy we're going to need later on.
Here are my top 5...
5. breathe deep, breathe slow
4. take in the craziness in the competitors' faces and just laugh - cuz it is funny
3. sit on the top tube, rest on the bars
2. close your eyes and trust your training
... and drumroll
... 1. race more so these feelings are welcomed
Oh, one more.
For hecksakes...
... get to the venue early.
Like 2 hours early so we can go through our launch sequence calmly.
Which brings up the ohso obvious.
Have your raceday bag loaded the night before, with everything you (could) possibly need.
Ok.
There's a lot more,
but those are the basics...
... before we unleash our mighty fury.
===
165.6 lbs
7ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
158/157/0 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Apostles, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THERE REALLY AN OFFSEASON?
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO MAINTAIN FITNESS if there are offseaons? It's a fair question and one that deserves...
... a fair answer.
I have my theory.
And it goes like this...
- get after it 2x/week
- keep stacking the base
- never get out of our routine
... there is no offseason.
But, there is an onseason.
What's the difference?
Look, we have to have a baseline of fitness.
For me, that means being somewhat respectable on the group rides.
If I let my fitness drop the point where I'm getting dropped quick,
that's dialed back too much.
When it's onseason, that means...
- I'll be charging the group rides
- stacking more endurance miles
- perfecting the every aspect of the routine
... everything gets dialed up.
Yeah, I thought of this as I yanked the gravel wheels off,
and mounted the road wheels.
Sticking with my commitment to hit the Tuesday Morning World Championships tomorrow...
... and shoot for a respectable sub-5 minute up The Wall.
===
166.2 lbs
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 20 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
153/123/29 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT'S NEXT?
THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL. Things haven't changed much. Some sit in back semicheckedout...
... others up front and eager.
Just like a new race season.
As we head into fall...
- there's still a mess of events calling out to us
- bombarding our inboxes
- popping in the socials
... we still have choices.
Before we choose what's next...
- goals accomplished
- unforgettable memories
- regrets of missed or untaken opportunites
... reflecting/celebrating/acknowledging might be the best next event.
===
165.2 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 60 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
156/142/14 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MORE AI SLOP?
UNDERSTANDING AI QUERIES, for most of us, is like understanding pig latin. If we don't have the key...
... it's meaningless.
Want proof?
Ok.
Rider X is a fast,
and uncoached.
Prepping for an upcoming, highly competitive gravel race...
... he had a sit down with Coach ChatGPT.
The recommended protocol?
Mostly endurance, but per ChatGPT I should as some higher zone work at the end of the ride to simulate race conditions.
Am I the only one who sees a problem with that?
Other than the fact that every romping gravel race I've ever done has started out like an XC race...
- completely pinned until the selections are made
- threatening to settle in before hitting it hard, again
- to the eventual war of attrition where riders finish mostly alone
... I'd say it's spot on.
lol.
So, yeah, as long as everyone agrees to save it to the last 30 mins then Coach Chat has it nailed.
In training...
- most of roll out,
- then, gradually warm up
- finally put in some good efforts
... which is probably why things unfold as they do.
Look, there are certain people I ping for their opinion knowing that whatever they suggest...
... the opposite is the best course of action.
With Coach Chat, it's not Be careful what you ask for as much as its...
... Be careful how you ask.
===
164.6 lbs
7.5ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
160/163/-3 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GETTING DESTROYED FOR THE WIN
SINCE IT'S SO TEMPTING to sandbag, we should never be surprised that it goes on. At all competitive levels...
... it's a thing.
But,
why?
To get an easy V.
Where's the victory in that?
For the day to day group rides and non-A races...
... we should be lining up the monsters.
Who are going to push to our very limits...
... destroy us.
That's winning.
Ya know what else it is?...
... putting ourselves in position to win the ones that matter.
===
164 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
153/120/33 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
>
WHY DO BODY WEIGHT EXERCISES
THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS to get stronger on the bike. Whether we want to climb better, fly on the flats or lay down obscene sprints...
... we need more power.
How do we get it?
Akshully go to a gym,
lift heavy at home,
body weight.
They all work.
Lately, I've been in love with the body weight stuff.
Not just the pullup an pushup stuff...
... but, high rep leg work.
Till.
It.
Burns.
Yeah, it produces the same I can barely walk feeling...
... after rattling 'em off.
And, I'm rightly winded to prove it.
The reason I'm really digging these is...
- plain ol' grinding up a long climb
- pushing hard the final minute to the top
- poking my nose in the wind for way longer than normal
... the fatigue resistance it seems to be building.
I feel the fatigue building,
and I seem to be able to deal with it better than high weight, low rep.
It feels so good,
I love it.
===
163.8 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 50 split squats, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/128/27 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING
MOST OF US, all of us, learned to run, swim and ride a bike at an early age. It came naturally to run, the bike a little coaxing, swimming a few pointers...
... and we were off.
Am I missing something?
Oh, yes.
Faith.
It took faith to put the coaxing and pointers into play and...
... realize we weren't gonna drown or fall over.
If, we'd just keep moving.
===
Designed this t-shirt, and realized why I love it so much.
Every successful racer begins with...
- 0 Starts
- 0 Wins
- 0 Fans
... the only difference between them and everyone else is they keep showing up.
Moving.
===
164.6 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 30 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
158/138/19 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DOORS BLOWN OFF?
OCASSIONALLY, after an A race we might back it down for a few days. Then, think to ourselves...
... we really outta do something with this fitness and rest.
But, usually there's a problem.
Most of us, especially me, think we are resting and therefore recovered and hence ready to slay it.
I mean, if the metric are indicating it like mine were this morning...
... by golly let's get after it.
Welllllll, a funny thing happened on the final seven mile stretch.
Rather than romping like a renegade,
I limped like a lost loner.
It hurt,
I pulled the plug.
How could I have so misjudged my freshness...
- 81 mi
- 11 hrs
- 9,665'
... because last week 4 rides were far from restful.
I should been spinning the flats rather than grinding the climbs.
When I finally managed to make it home,
I thought might as well upload and see how badly my doors were blown off...
... Your highest power output for 30 seconds in 2026!
Oh...
... now what if we actually rested?
===
164.6 lbs
7 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/97/54 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CAUSING EFFECT
MAKING PLANS for the upcoming event can be nerve-racking because there is so much unknown. There are really only...
... two paths forward.
It's gonna tricky,
it's gonna be awesome.
I was thinking about this, watching the highlights of Leadville.
There was our PEDALindustries flag,
right on the course,
where I imagined it.
Not just any part of the course, but a part of the course which was only open to racers who qualified much faster than me.
But, I really wanted to be there, too.
At Lost Canyon.
In my mind, it was a superior location for my feed zone.
So, made the 12' flags weeks prior to traveling.
Figuring it was gonna happen,
seeing them on course in my mind.
How'd we get the flag there?
First, I applied for a lottery to gain access.
Next, a blog reader and customer reached out and invited me to use his access to the area.
Then, I was informed I'd lotteried in to the zone myself.
That my friends is a magical way to live called...
... causing effect.
===
164.8 lbs
8 hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 50 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/97/54 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ONE REASON EATING HEALTHY MATTERS
SOMETIMES WE'RE ON POINT with our food choices, other times, for a variety of reasos...
... we fall off the wagon.
What's the damage?
Over the course of a lifetime,
probably nothing.
If it's occasional.
As the great Tim Ferriss advocated in The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman...
... having a cheat day once a week won't kill us.
Might be helpful.
Honestly, I'm not 100% sure about that.
Here's what I do know.
If my cheat day is Sunday, and I go all in on the cheating...
... I'm likely to wake up a few pounds heavier on Monday, than I was on Friday.
Which is not really the point I wanted to share.
When I whipped up a salad today, with fresh veggies and Safe Catch tuna...
... all I could think about was how good this was going to be for my body.
That kind of thinking matters,
more than some might think.
===
165ish lbs
9sh hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 50 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
155/108/46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The Last Patriot, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The entire works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE IMPORTANT THINGS
RETURNING HOME after a weekend or week(s) away on an adventure is usually awesome. The trip may have been amazing...
... but, not as much as what we left behind.
I was reminded of this today.
On a sweltering summer day,
we pushed through LA traffic...
... in time for a little family get together.
There really is nothing that compares.
===
164ish lbs
7ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/125/34 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THREESY DOES IT
DESTINATION RACES AND RIDES always bring their own challenges. One of them can be altitude, and the big question there is...
... how soon do we need to go up?
Give us a rule.
Oldtimers have a saying...
... three weeks or three minutes.
Anything else is subpar.
On the extremes, the very best I ever felt was after 6 weeks.
The worst was driving 15 hours from sea level on a Thursday,
then racing on Saturday.
Which got me thinking after yesterday's final ride above 10,000'...
- sprinting
- climbing
- bombing
... I finally felt pretty darn good.
Confirming the broscience...
... threesy does it.
===
164ish lbs
7ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/125/34 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BE STILL MY BEATING HEART
OH, THE TRAINING METRICS! They overwhelm, underencourage, lead us like a ring through our nose, promise us magic, and...
... and in the end distract us.
Potentially.
But, what about HR?
What does it really tell us?
For me, racing anything over 90ish minutes, heart rate is key.
Representing a pace I can hang onto...
- elevation
- weather
- terrain
... how I will perform regardless of the conditions.
Which reminds me of one of my favorite passages...
... As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
===
163.8 lbs
8ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/151/13 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing, Old Testament
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S EASY TO FORGET
WHEN WE HIT REALLY HIGH LEVELS OF FITNESS, we are able to do so much more. We can climb, descend, go for miles...
... with relative ease.
It's really fun.
Sometimes, with all the focus of being our best we neglect to unzip a bit and go with the flow.
I was thinking about that today,
rolling into a well-deserved recovery week.
Starting at 10,600'...
- picking my way through the rocks
- negotiating switchbacks
- searching for traction
... and riding straight up for 30ish minutes.
Taking it easy,
in no hurry.
Thoroughly enjoying the low speed challenges going up...
... while testing my willingness to keep my fingers off the brake levers going down.
The other thing we/I forget is hardly anybody on the planet can do this and...
... find it relaxing and rejuvenating.
But, we can.
'Cause we're fit,
fortunate,
blessed.
===
163.6 lbs9ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 50 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
165/156/9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PARDON THE BRAIN DAMAGE
GETTING OVER AN INJURY is a process. If we're fortunate, every day we see progress. Sometimes it's inpercptible and frustating, other times it's...
... so rapid we think we're better.
Overdoingit often follows.
Not realizing we have a ways to go.
I'm not sure this falls in that category, but I did have a TBI 2 1/2 years ago...
... and I forgot I already wrote The Leadville Letters.
How I get it done at the race across the sky.
Here are a few snippets:
Intro
ONCE UPON A TIME, A FRIEND ASKED IF I'D COACH HIM TO RACE THE LEADVILLE 100. So, I fired off an email every day... with homework.
Some of the information is tactical for Leadville... like the actual secret shtuff that's helped me go sub 9 hours on all 7 attempts and snagging a PR 20 years after the first go...
... the going 7:57 at 60 y/o in 2022.
But, more importantly, the letters reveal concepts which may be applied to any ride or race likely to leave nothing but the residue of who you are when it's over.
If you're planning to get your head handed to you at Unbound or BWR... or, just want to do an epic attack on your local mountains you love the Leadville Letters.
===
No. 1 Well, HI THERE!
Are you ready to get started?
Each day you're going to get an email from me that will likely be extremely entertaining and motivational... don't let that blind you into skipping the homework.
It's going to seem easy at first and you're going to be asking yourself what the heck did I pay for?
Don't fret.
The goal is to win Leadville (more on what that means) and Leadville wasn't conquered in a day.
Stay tuned, I'm counting on you to follow through.
XOXO, tb
===
from No. 5
HOMEWORK
How and when do you start your taper – what is a taper?
What do you eat the day before, the race morning breakfast, and while you’re racing?
What does work look like for you most Fridays and how do you hack your way out of doing too much work?
What do you wear so the support team can see you?
Do you have a RaceDay Bag?
Email me the answers along with your calendar.
There’s a lot to figure out, and having it dialed early will make each and every race more and more successful.
No. 14 NEGATIVE SPLIT
IF YOU'VE PACED YOURSELF CORRECTLY, you will do a negative split at Leadville.
By negative split, I mean you will cover the second 52 miles faster than the first.
Huh?
What?
I will?
Heck yes you will!
But only if you do your pacing right.
from NO. 18 CREATURE COMFORTS
I never wrote this email... this is the point John dropped out. In fact, I’m not really sure what it was going to be about. I only wrote the headline...
===
There's a taste... I'm going to update all 30 letters, put it in book form, and include massive margins so you can make all kinds of notes. It'll be rad.
===
163.6 lbs9ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 25 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 25 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
165/15411 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN IT DOESN'T GO RIGHT, THEN WHAT?
WHEN THINGS GO SIDEWAYS, and it's not what we planned, had on the agenda, or would wish on our worst enemy...
... then what do we do?
It's easy to advise from the sidelines.
Harder when it's happening.
Think about what a few of my friends faced...
- Body not responding to altitude to the point of barely being able to move.
- Being taken out when the rider ahead crossed wheels, crashing and suffering an AC separation and road rash on the face
- Having a major need to go number two at 12,000' and not porta potty nor trees in sight
- Realizing your shifter batter is dead at the bottom of the first major climb, 8 miles from the start
... at Leadville 2026.
Half were able to finish,
half pulled the plug...
... none logged a time they were capable of had things gone perfectly.
And that's the dill.
Thangs always be changin.
Ideally, we...
- review
- apply
- learn
... come out better for it.
We grab onto that hope,
refuse to let go,
regroup...
... and charge forward to the next challenge.
===
163.4 lbs
9ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 75 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 75 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/156/9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: The First Commandment, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
SMALL CHANGES FOR BIG RESULTS
Sep 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO, I got back into bike racing and started having success after a few years by implementing a series of small changes. They were discoveries...
... it took time.
It always takes time, and a lot more than we want it to take.
Here are a few of the small changes
- No bread
- No sugar
- No soda
Not all at once, over years.
Little by little.
The good news, for racers, is that most competitors
- Try to do it all at once, get frustrated and quit
- Quit before they figure it out
- Are just lazy
Make small changes,
keep moving,
don't quit.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
You can find the rest of my small changes here.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
160.9 lbs
17%
60.6%
7.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CHAMPIONS... OF THE WORLD.
Sep 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND DAVE IS COMPETING in the UCI World Championships. Yep, he made the team. He's already there, and posting pictures and...
... we're expecting big things from our local boy.
Not in Australia, with the Pros.
Trento.
Italy.
With the age groupers.
There are all kinds of World Championships.
All kinds
Pro.
Amateur.
... and my favorite, TMWC.
Yes, the most important championship in these parts...
... the Tuesday Morning World Championships.
You might think you have something similar in your area, but does yours have
- A 19th annual showdown?
- Awards?
- Ca$h?
If it doesn't, why not?
Have some fun.
We do.
Past champions include Pro Tour DSM athlete Kevin Vermaerke... he was like 15. Plus Andrew Vollmer and other youngster who went to pro contracts.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/unofficial-tmwc-2022-19th-year
It's free, unless. you want the SuperTech T
If you do, use this promo code: TMWC22
If want do something like this for your ride, I gotta guy.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/unofficial-tmwc-2022-19th-year
HOW BAD WAS THAT RACE?
Sep 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT RACING, is the not knowing. Not knowing who is going to show up, what teams will be there, how the weather will be, how I'll be...
... the further out the race the more mystery involved.
As it closer, somethings are more clear but there's always a big question...
... will it all go well?
Hopefully, yes.
But, shift does happen.
When it does, it's easy to get derailled,
want to quit,
give up.
By labeling it bad, is bad.
doesn't help at all,
makes it worse.
Now, when things don't go according to plans I have supercharge for good:
- This will make for a much better story
- I won't make that mistake again.
- That saved from something
I got a million responses...
... they're rarely bad.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
The bigger the ride, the more possibilities for better stores.
We're gonna have some doozies after this...
... registration closes 9/18.
The adventure of the year for us...
... are you coming?
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22
---
159.9 lbs
17.6%
60.1%
7.5 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
BUT, WOULD YOU DO IT?
Sep 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
OUT AND ABOUT ON THE TRAILS TONIGHT, I came across two young lads. I'd followed them up the easy route, back to the top. As I closed in...
... I could see they had stopped to look at something.
Their heads were perched above the grass, and I could tell they were investigating something.
What could it be?
Dead animal?
Fallen rider?
Oh, I see.
You guys gonna ride that?
Well, you could take this line but it's a little rutted out from the rain.
You gonna ride it?
I think it would be better over on the left.
Are you gonna ride it?
If I do it, I'll def drop in slow and land to the side before I try and hit the huge step up.
Are you gonna ride it?
Oh, no way man. We're just checking it out.
I know that feeling.
Vertical entry for first 30 feet, another 60 slightly less steep, then straight up the other side into the air, hoping you clear the 20' gap to the landing that is 10' higher than the top of the jump.
I don't actually know the feeling of jumping something like that, but I'm very familiar with analyzing the crud out of something well beyond my capabilities and...
... simply living with the thought, What would the be like?
Makes my hands sweat just thinking about a jump like that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Just another reason to wear these superlight race gloves, with real leather palms.
I wear 'em year round, rain or shine, hot or cold.
You can wear 2 pair for the price of one.
Just add to your shopping cart and the discount will be automatically applied.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
159.8 lbs
17.7%
60.8%
7 hrs
1 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BIGGEST TEMPTATION
Sep 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY SEASON IS OFFICIALLY OVER and I'm facing the biggest temptation. It's one that could ruin everything next year. It's not that delicious chocolate twist I ate last Friday...
... something far worse and sinister.
You, of course, are far wiser and more disciplined.
I'm trying to be...
... my friends aren't helping at all.
Todd, you're so fit right now let's go do Barnburner.
Can't.
Bro, Masters Crit Champs this weekend. You're going right?
Negative.
Grizzly 100 is coming up, you're gonna slay it.
Nope.
Those are pretty easy to say no to.
- They cost money
- Involve travel
But, it's never the big temptation that gets ya.
The Devil leads ya slowly down to hell...
... one pedal stroke at a time.
It's the group rides, that can get carried away,
and the months away race where I want redemption, that can make we want to train,
or a PR I wanna get after one more time.
These little innocent efforts can add up and instead of rolling into 2023 chomping at the bit like the thoroughbreds we are...
... we could up old nags searching for the oat bag.
The difference between excellence and prettydarngood, in my opinion, is how fresh we are...
... not just physically, but mentally.
As the great Bon Scot said...
... It's a long way to the top, if ya wanna rock n roll.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
Part of getting to the top is mental, a big part.
Gotta stay fresh and organized so as not to waste any mental bandwidth.
Did you know we have Triathlon Specific RaceDay Bags™?...
... talk about a group with a lot of gear.
The pockets are specially marked for out Tri brothers and sisters.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™
---
159.9 lbs
17.6%
60.1%
7.5 hrs
2 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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
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