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
>
LACKING A REASONABLE MOTIVE...
Apr 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE THREE THINGS WE JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO LACK, and I'm not talking about a roof over our heads, a chicken in the pot...
... or a Ford in the driveway.
That's only enough to get you thinking you could be a winner.
I learned this from the great Ed Latimore:
If you lack discipline, you won't survive the training.
If you lack talent, you won't survive the race.
If you lack heart, you're useless.
To which I add:
If you have heart,
You'll crave discipline and training,
And develop all the talent God gave you.
Be.
Your.
Best self.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Most of the time, I'm chasing PRs...
... self-made podiums.
Every now and then I get on a real one, which is exactly what inspired our gorgeous new technical t.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.4
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
BE. DO. HAVE.
Apr 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S JUST NOT THAT COMPLICATED. The formula is simple, but because it's simple people disregard it...
... check it out.
The last time I was this svelte was after I put on all the weight following my wife's three pregnancies. Apparently, I was very sympathetic...
... weighing 30 lbs heavier than today.
I cut out a picture of my favorite racer at that time from a magazine. He was shirtless. Then, I cut out my head from a photo on hand and pasted right on top of that body...
... and put it on the inside of my medicine cabinet.
Every day, I'd get out of the shower. Towel around my torso. Swing that door open and brush my teeth looking at my idyllic body while my own body jiggled with the brushing.
Here's the tried and true formula:
- Be.
- Do.
- Have.
I didn't over complicate it.
I set a goal to PR a wellknown local climb. To crack an hour. I never did crack that hour, but I took 10 minutes off my PR simply by asking myself...
... what would he do?
Any and all fitness choices went through that filter.
Food?
Training?
Sleep?
Bike set up?
etc...
... what would he do?
Do that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
The thing I'm crazy about with our new tech t, is the cut. The way it fits an athlete's body.
We are athletes, not donutpoundingcremepuffs...
... our forms flow like life and merit the same in our apparel.
Not some lame, cut like a box, heinousness.
This tech t is grace in motion...
... made with an extremely elegant mesh with 4 way stretch.
And, we can make them to match all your race gear.
Just added some more designs tonight.
Stay tuned...
... and use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.9
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 10- Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU DON'T KNOW SQUAT
Apr 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TO LIFT OR NOT TO LIFT THAT IS THE QUESTION. And, if it's good to lift weights in the off-season why should it be bad to do so in the on-season...
... don't we need power when it's on?
A young gentleman rode side by side with me tonight.
I haven't been riding much
No?
No, I only ride a couple of days a week in the winter.
Why's that?
The cold, the dark.
Ah yes.
But, come June and July... you'll see.
A tour fan you are.
Yes, indeed.
Are you still lifting weights regularly?
Of for sure, even though I know it makes me slower.
But, does it?
Is that really true?
I think not.
After squatting almost daily for many, many months, I think it's just not true...
... a myth, a fallacy, an illusion.
Let me give you just 2 reasons to squat daily:
- Your posture will be improved.
- You will feel more confident.
- You will squat often.
- You'll be faster.
I can only vouch for the squats I'm doing with heavy dumbbells in each hand.
The posture thing is legit, and nobody talks about it. You'll just naturally stand taller and feel a helluvalot better.
Which naturally leads to feeling more confident about everything.
Soon you will notice you bend over less to pick something up. Instead, you squat down. All the way down. Easily.
And yeah...
... you'll definitely have more power on the bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
I do my squats throughout the day. 5 after breakfast, 5 on my way out the door, 5 at lunch... and so on.
Sometimes in my work clothes.
Sometimes in workout clothes.
Speaking of which, I've been working on our new Podium Tech T for quite a while.
I wanted to get the fit just right.
Then, I want to sew it up and test it using the oh-so fine imported Italian fabric we use on the front of our jersey.
It is an extremely elegant mesh with 4 way stretch.
And, we can make them to match all your race gear...
... so you look sharp off the bike,
... working out at the gym,
... or on the podium.
I'll uploading a number of striking designs in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned...
... and use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T BE A DINOSAUR
Apr 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CYCLISTS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. In fact, for sheer pleasure on the bike, there is no one size fits all. However, when it comes to endurance racing, there is one particular shape...
... that seems to rule them all.
Depending on level of commitment and which discipline one chooses to specialize in, the shape of the T-Rex seems most dominant...
... with climbers being the most typical.
Upper body power isn't their thing.
The hierarchy goes something like this:
Climbers
Roadies
Gravelers
Mountain Bikers
Sprinters.
How much you wrestle with the bike is the determining factor...
... in body type and ability to compete.
Personally, I'll gladly carry a few extra pounds to shed that t-rex look.
It ain't about racing.
Just mostly.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
If you're training has lost it's meaning, check this out.
Going into my third round of printing, and seeing all the orders of friends ordering for their friends...
... it's rewarding to know I've made a difference in a few lives.
The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
166
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
GIVE YOUR TRAINING MEANING
Apr 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M A LIFER. Around age 10, I started meeting the fellas for bike rides. After school, and every single Saturday. Then, it was just riding. Fun, transportation, freedom...
... all on two wheels.
Later, as an adult, the idea of staying in shape to keep up with the kids took root.
Thank heavens it did.
Can't imagine what their teen years woulda been like if I couldn't show 'em how it's done.
Maybe it wasn't max-fitness, but for sure I was in much better shape than most of my peers...
... and that meant bigger and better adventures for the family.
Training has more meaning when there is a finish line involved...
... all of life does.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
If you're training has lost it's meaning, check this out.
Going into my third round of printing, and seeing all the orders of friends ordering for their friends...
... it's rewarding to know I've made a difference in a few lives.
The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165.6
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
SWEET AND SOUR TRAINING
Apr 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SWEET SPOT TRAINING. It sounds so innocuous, inviting, even delicious. Oh, that it were true. It is kind of, but not when you start...
... it's quite sour.
At least that is how it felt today.
Even though I'd been looking forward to finally doing some solid sweet spot training, as I prep for my crazyquest at Leadville this summer, when I rolled out the door and pegged my heartrate to zone 3...
... it hurt.
Fortunately, the weather was pleasant and I discovered a string of fresh, new single track.
Is there a better way to start a 5-hour training ride?
Sweet spot training leads to sweet spot racing, which is exactly how I'll be approaching my outlandish goal this summer.
Actually, I did the math.
It's not as crazy as it sounds.
I averaged 12.7 mph 3 years ago. I need to average 13.1 this summer. .4 miles further per hour sounds doable as allgetout right now. Especially after today's effort.
63 miles, 9338', 12.2 mph... by myself, today.
105 miles, 10,608', 12.9 mph... with a fair amount of pacelining, 3 years ago.
Those are moving times... the race is elapsed time, which is 12.7, with the stops.
Sweet spot racing will go sour in two scenarios.
One is completely unavoidable, the other must be avoided AT ALL COSTS.
Committing to racing sweet spot means you're going to feel absolutely amazing on the first climb or the first effort of your race...
... fools lose their shift in this moment.
They throw it all out the window, and pin in it with everybody else, first chance they get. They go right to zone 4, and even zone 5. So dumb...
... so, so dumb.
The second scenario where sweet spot racing can go sour is not eating enough. Caught up in the moment of racing, feeling fantastic. It is extremely easy to think we don't need to eat and drink...
... this is suicide.
Racing sweet spot requires a tremendous amount of calories.
2 Rules.
- Stay in Zone 3, or below.
- Eat, drink, and be racy.
That's it.
You're welcome.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Someone recently referred to our gloves as crit gloves.
Makes sense.
Crits are right up there with DH and Enduro when it comes to risk.
Whatever your flavor, you need a superior feel on your bars.
Yes, the buy one get one is still going...
,,, no promo coded needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.9 (gotta dump all 4.9 of these)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 00 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
SAVED BY MY BIBS
Apr 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT HAD BEEN A LONG DAY, at the end of the long week. It could just have well been a cold morning in the dead of winter. Either way...
... sometimes it's hard to train.
But, we do it.
I learned a little trick, and it's neverever let me down. In fact, it's lead me to plenty a wonder glide around town.
When ya just aren't feeling it, all ya gotta do is...
... pull on your bibs.
Then, your
- Jersey
- Socks
- Shoes
- Helmet
- Glasses
- Gloves
By then, you've built up so much inertia it's easy to throw a leg over the saddle and pedal away...
... locking in a workout many skip.
Not us.
We do the work.
We are the industries...
... in PEDAL.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
Speaking of putting in the work...
... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?
In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.
What does this mean to you?
- We can make you custom gear with photos
- You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
---
164.7
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE GOOD STUFF?
Apr 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PODCASTS, AUDIO BOOKS, ETC. I get a lot of recommendations, nearly all I'll check out the intro, some I dive into...
... some are really good.
This week I received two good ones from readers Leif and Randy.
The podcast was a deep, deep dive into Zone 2 training. Maybe a bit two deep for me. Part of it covered the amazing talent of Tadej Pogacar, and how he incorporates Zone 2 training. It was fascinating, timely, and useful.
The book reminded me a bit of Goggins Can't Hurt Me. It had two rules:
- It's gotta be hard
- Come back alive
But, there was a third dimension which I thought glued it altogether.
These recommendations came from readers, just like you, and I found valuable nuggets in each of them I'll be incorporating in my own training.
Other times, I'll get turned onto a book like Waterlogged or Breathe or Natural Born Heroes on a ride or from a friend who's athletic or see a topic trending on Twitter.
Who we surround ourselves with, the information we consume, matters.
Riding with fast riders is great...
... sharing what they know is more great.
Look for a review of the book in an upcoming post.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
Speaking of looking...
... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?
In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.
What does this mean to you?
- We can make you custom gear with photos
- You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
---
165.1
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
NOT ACCORDING TO PLAN CAN BE PART OF THE PLAN
Apr 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WEDNESDAY AND TIME FOR HOT LAPS. Hot laps is our MTB race simulation we start up each Spring. We have 3 courses, laps take about 20 minutes...
... well, the hot ones do.
The plan was to do the usual. A parade lap, followed by an hour of getting after it.
Tonight's course was slightly altered from last year's in this area. At the top of an already longish climb, we turned right...
... for an extra 50 yards at 17%.
Then, into a ribbon of new single track tracing the mountain ridge before diving down and boomeranging off the canyon sides.
Fun stuff, for sure.
But, the plan was to get after it for 3 laps...
... tired from the weekend's racing, we made a weak effort.
When you're weak,
sometimes you need a week...
... to recover.
We are there.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™
You know what else isn't according to plan, this bag I made for my grandson's parents.
It's a Classic size RaceDay Bag™ with backpack straps and the extra pockets of the PRO bag...
... marked up to be the raddest diaper bag ever!
Right now I have samples going out to be tested.
In the meantime...
... Whadaya think?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™
---
164.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, IT'S NOT CHEATING
Apr 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVER SINCE I READ ABOUT THE HUMMER and it's ability to inflate and deflate it's tires on run, I've dreamt of the day we could do that on our bikes. Now it's here https://www.scopecycling.com/product/atmoz/...
... and I don't like it.
I can't put my finger on it.
There's just something wrong.
Like all the edge, hardness, chance is removed and we are left with...
... oh, look at the softy now.
Can you imagine a Greek god riding this tech?
We already rarely get flats, snap chains or pop spokes. Gone are the days of trailside repairs being a racing skill.
We have computers telling us how hard to pedal and how fast to spin....
... even monitors testing our blood while racing so we know when to eat.
How will we ever develop backs strong enough to carry the load of life if we keep slicing away the hard with tech?
You know what the problem is though, right?
If/when this gets wide adoption, you and I won't be competitive without it. Plus, we'll snag even more PRs with it.
Technically speaking it's not cheating...
... but, it feel like we are cheating ourselves of a better, harder experience.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started
If you're looking to harden up, get RaceDay Ready™ in 10 weeks.
Here's the answer: https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started
---
165.1 guessing, no scale
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS THING CAN QUICKLY GO DOWNHILL
Apr 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S RARE THAT SOMEONE IS FASTER THAN ME DOWNHILL. I've just done it a lot, and I've always had a good feel for going fast. So, when someone jams hard to get ahead of The Old Diesel before the downhill...
... I just shrug.
Like in Saturday's race, the young buck sprints and slams the door on me at the entrance to a long, downhill singletrack.
He's trying really, really hard.
I'm right on him, barely working.
It's a valiant effort...
... until he loses his front wheel in a sandy turn.
Poor rookie.
You'd think at that point, he'd pull over.
Not this guy.
He scrambles, while I am stopped.
Blocks the trail, while I am politely asking to go by.
Jumps on his bike...
... and goes even slower, he's shook up.
Eventually, with some notsosubtle coaxing he pulled over.
Once there is a crack in our confidence,
things can quickly go downhill.
We hesitate, overthink...
... reacting instead
of relaxing.
So much of going fast is a confidence game.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
If you're looking for increased confidence on and off the bike, check this out.
But, only if you're up for being pushed...
... hard.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
165.5 guessing, no scale
9 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST TIME TO COMMIT TO YOUR NEXT BIG RACE
Apr 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, no matter how good or awful our results, the best time to plan the next big goal...
... is right after the most recent race.
There's just something about.
If we got whacked,
we are motivated by redemption and revenge.
If we dominate,
we're looking for the challenge to conquer is easy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I keep meaning to take pics of all our gloves I see at the races, but I'm not carrying my phone much these days.
You'll just have to trust me, these are rad.
There are lots of color options.
And it's Buy1Get1 this month.
No code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
170? I dunno, no scale,
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
00 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
OTTER POPS
Apr 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY BUTT WAS SPASMING,. It was a bit embarrassing. But, there was no stopping it. At 8am on the start line, sub0-50, I was in my stretchy underwear, no warmers, no jacket…
… shivering, dressed to race!
It turned out to be my worst result of the year.
And, I was thrilled.
On the second of two 25-mile loops all I could hear was the opening to Eminems Without Me…
… Guess who’s back, back again
Diesel’s back, tell a friend.
Why?
Because for the first time in too long, I put together a good race.
- Good start
- Good nutition
- Good power
- Good finish.
It started last evening when the great Cody helped me dial in my shifting. Turns out it’s quite simple, ya just gotta know what to do.
Now I do.
I lined up early. It was mass start, and I slotted early cutting my warmup short.
Totally worth it.
We sprinted right from the start, uphill, gunning for the chicane that led to the singletrack…
… it was a clownshow.
But not for us.
The crew said just a few spots after Eric, Steven, Chris and I got through it stacked up so bad people we walking.
At the last moment, I went with two bottles per lap. About 300 calories per bottle, and one waffle.
There was one small hiccup.
When I grabbed my salt stick tablets, I popped open an empty bottle.
Ruh-roh!
Fortunately, I was relying on the Apple Watch to track my ride…
… quick texts to the crew and they had mustard and tablets when I came through for second lap.
I was 6ish minutes slower the second time around. I’d prefer to snug that up, normally I’m faster the second lap or second half of something this long. However, I haven’t done any sweet spot training this year…
… saving it for Leadville build this summer.
I finished 7th in the 50+, first finisher in the 60s. The days of racing my age group on winding down…
… I’ll be self-identifying as a yute going forward.
My biggest takeaway is big distance mountain bike racing is really fun and demanding. I’m looking forward to the very specific training this summer.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I keep meaning to take pics of all our gloves I see at the races, but I'm not carrying my phone much these days.
You'll just have to trust me, these are rad.
There are lots of color options.
And it's Buy1Get1 this month.
No code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
170? I dunno, no scale, but I've been eating all day... ending at Chris' parents for a massive barbeque.
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
00 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. RYDE
Apr 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE RACEDAY and all through the van,
one creature was stirring, an anxious fit man
the race plate was hung on the bars with care
in the hopes that the start line would soon be there...
... that's how it feels the night before.
We shine things up, pick out our favorite clothes.
Then, for me at least, it is time to go to my laboratory where the mild mannered Dr. Jekyll in me will prepare the final recipe for ripping.
Being on point with the nutrition is critical to being able to start strong...
... and finish strong.
I pre-rode the course today in 2 1/2 hours. I was really softpedaling. I expect tomorrow to be significantly faster.
But, how much faster?
Will I need 1 bottle per lap or 2?
It will be 50 degrees at the start, warming up to mid-60s by the finish.
What is the best way to consume 300 calories per hour?
The start is gonna be nuts. Full sprint for 5 minutes to try and get to the single track in front. The first 3 miles of singletrack are pretty much impossible to pass on. 10 miles in it opens up quite a bit and it should be easy to eat and drink from there on.
Don't tell anybody, ok?
I'm going to start with 1 bottle of 400 calories of Skratch Superfuel, plus 4 Honey Stinger waffles.
On lap two, I'll have 2 more bottles with 300 calories each. One with caffeine.
Also on board will be my Salt Stick tabs.
The catalyst for all that will be my TFNB playlist
If that don't turn me into Mr Ryde, nothing will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
It's never too late to make your year great.
Ain't nothing like have a GIANT CALENDAR to confront you with the reality that life goes fast and you are wasting it if you're not planning it.
No excuses to not have something challenging planned, and well-executed.
Any Dr. can tell you the benefits of an Evil plan to kickarse.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.9 (? traveling, no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
SOMETHING NEW AT SEA OTTER
Apr 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SEA OTTER IS THE LARGEST BIKE FESTIVAL IN US, A few years back, this beast killed Interbike, the industry's largest tradeshow. Oh, there were other things in play...
... but, Sea Otter remains king.
- There's the giant expo, where the latest product is revealed.
- Downtown biz meetings where the real deals are made.
- And racing
- MTB
- DH
- Dual Slalom
- Crits
- Circuits
- Road
- ... and Gravel
- Plus a host of product demos
My first visit, in the 90's, was to race the circuit race on the racecar course. There is nothing like it. A punchy climb, a 50-60mph plummet down the corkscrew...
... what's not to love?
Some how I'm never raced MTB here.
That changes Saturday.
I pre-rode some of the course. It's beautiful. Ribbons of singletrack lace through green spring grass. I'm doing the 80K, long version.
But, I might do more.
For some reason they have the gravel race on the same exact course the following day. I love ripping singletrack on my gravel bike...
... it's so very tempting.
A bunch of us are here, some racing road and some mtb and some circuit and some gravel.
There really isn't anything like Sea Otter... there are fondos and tours, too?
What I am curious to see is how many racers show up now that USACycling is not part of the event. When LifeTime purchased the event they decided to exclude USACycling.
It seems to me that effect the roadies more, because roadies are more into the category upgrades. The dirt side of the sport has always been more laissez-faire.
Oh, and I'm kinda curious to race on the famous trails of Fort Ord...
... actually, super curious...
... I love racing unknown trails.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags/products/bike-rack-banners
Another thing I love is seeing the bike rack full of bikes.
If have one of these racks, let's make you some banners.
$99, for a set of two.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags/products/bike-rack-banners
---
162.9 (? traveling, no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
25 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE A COACH?
Apr 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A GREAT COACH? The best have 1 thing in common, whether it be sports or business or relationships. Of course, they are masters of advanced techniques and the basics...
... but, this is the most basic.
On our journey towards personal greatness, there is one thing a great coach provides that makes everything better...
... and I screwed that up this week.
A young tadpole signed up for some specific coaching for a specific event. He was, and thankfully still is, very energetic in his quest...
... this ain't no I wanna be better journey.
He's after something big, and I failed to recognize where he was starting from. I threw him into the fire. Most people would have quit, and never come back. But...
... this youngin isn't most people.
This is my kind, our kind, of athlete. A fearless, freakin' charger who's only goal on the bike is to achieve his PR.
What do all great coaches impart?
Why to their athletes love them?
Confidence.
We love the feeling of confidence on RaceDay.
This, above all else, is what you want from your coach.
You know what a lot of good coaches order from PEDALindustries?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
RaceDay Bags™, because these bags give you confidence.
Do you have a friend who struggles on raceday?
Or, one who is always showing up unprepared for the big ride?
Well, I'd sure love to help you help them out.
So, check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission
---
162.9
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
DO NEW SHOES REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Apr 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PUT SOME NEW SHOES ON MY MOUNTAINBIKE. Had to. After shattering my rear wheel racing last month, I'd kinda been resigned to racing on a loaner this weekend...
... but, all that changed today.
Before I tell ya how it happened, let me tell ya my first impression.
Because I wasn't shopping for new wheels, I wasn't scouring all the reviews and scheming of just the right set. I had no preconceived notions...
... ie: marketing bs clouding my judgement.
When I picked up a new set of Crank Brothers wheels I was just excited to have something this weekend...
... that's as far as my stoke went.
I threw on some new rubber as well, the Conti RaceKings. I've had a lot of luck with them as a rear tire and chose to put one on the front as well since it's time to start experimenting with fast treads for Leadville.
- New wheels
- New rubber, less tread up front.
I snagged this without really trying. At the time, I knew I was ripping along so I was kinda curious to see the results when I uploaded...
... and not surprised.
I wasn't surprised with the result, but I was.
How could these wheels be so fast?
Could the front really track better than any wheel I've ever had...
... even with a less aggressive tread?
Well, yeah, obviously.
Was it really possible that the rear tire put down the power better?
These were the thoughts I was having because the sensations were so palpable.
Part of me wanted to hustle back and read the reviews, especially what the lying sunsaguns in the marketing department were saying. I wanted to read what their biased wordsmithing had produced...
... exactly what I was experiencing.
A helluva wheelset.
Now, you might be wondering how I was able to get these when they have a four month backlog.
To be clear, I warmed up the Amex and paid... this ain't no fluff piece from some sellout.
My inside track was through one of my pals who was kind enough to pull a string...
... making me even more indebted to him.
And, it didn't hurt that Crankbrothers R&D just moved to San Clemente...
... I really do live in the ActionSports version of Silicon Valley.
Everybody here is vibing off each other.
Pretty cool to be part of it.
You're part of it, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
Do you know why I love clear bottles?
Because you can see all the grime on the outside, and all the mold and crap that collects on the inside...
... oh, and you can see how much liquid is left.
This offer will end either Thursday or when we sell out... whichever comes first.
Promo code is NOBS
And it saves you 50% on these awesome bottles.
But, only while supplies last or Thursday.
Act Now!...
... you know you want at least 2 new bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
---
163.8
7.2 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
BUT, THEY WERE ON SALE
Apr 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LONGER WE'RE INTO THIS SPORT, the more we are able to assess value. Sure, we still drink the kool-aid our favorite brand is pouring...
... and that's cool.
What's not cool is how much this ability to assess value costs us, but I really don't have a good answer...
... I mean I do, but it might hurt.
Take this convo with my newest padawan.
How's your bike fit?
Oh, it's great!
Then, why did you get that rando cramp last night?
Uhhhh
Who did your bike fit?
Steve.
Oh, he's awesome.
How long ago?
3 years.
And there it was.
3 years.
3 years?
3 years!
No wonder he was miserable first night out with us. Poor little feller didn't have a clue...
... I set him off to a pro.
Fastforward to today.
How was the fit sesh?
Oh, man amazing.
Really?
Yeah, he changed everything.
Everything?
Well not my shoes, but I have new ones ordered.
What's wrong with your shoes?
Too tight.
You didn't know they were too tight?
No, I got 'em on sale. 40% off of $400 shoes.
We've got a ways to go, as you can see.
Want to save some money?
- Hire a coach.
- Take the veterans to lunch.
You could do some research on your own...
... just be careful with the koolaid.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
If you were racing Leadville, or any of their races, you could save yourself a ton of money reading this.
Use promo code: BUYSMART
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
---
165.6 (yikes)
8 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
5 WAYS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Apr 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS I'M PRETTY GOOD AT ON A BIKE. One of them is momentum. I have to be...
... because I'm not very good at a lot of other things.
Momentum is free and can make the difference between victory and defeat...
... after we put in the work.
Momentum through a turn,
tucking a long descent,
the final sprint.
Those are the obvious areas, but what about the unseen momentum?
- Registering well in advance for a big race.
- Always doing all I can do everyday.
- Committing to a successful system and plan.
- Expecting good things to happen.
- Reviewing each milestone along the way.
Those are the keys to lifelong momentum.
Just yesterday the Stravaverse confirmed I have some momentum.
Up one particularly punchy hill, I knew I was going good.
We started from a dead stop at a light. I tucked in behind the younger, spicer rippers. It hurt. It hurt so good. The kinda hurt where you're dawgawn sure it's a special effort. As the gradient backed off, we could see the light ahead was turning red. They eased up, I pedaled on...
... the momentum too good to waste.
Where's the unseen momentum?
Nobody could see the squats I've been doing, the pound or two I've shed...
... I'm the only one who knows if I'm doing all I can do.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
On the ride yesterday, I was smiling...
... so many of the posse were donning my Superlight Race Gloves
Maybe it's because the fit is so amazing,
or because there are so many color options,
or is it the heat sensitive thread to operate devices,
or could it be the insane buy one get one offer that's going on?
Whatever it is,
it makes me happy.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.5 (not good)
8 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
60 YRS OLD AND STILL MAKING POOP JOKES
Apr 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AHHH, THE BIRTHDAY RIDE. Happens once a year for all of us, sometimes even on a Saturday. We have this old guy...
... and today was his day.
The Gentleman (not the old guy) politely stated, I'd like to find a bathroom before we meet up with the group.
Censoring laws prohibit a direct quote, but the old guy went on about some Play-doh reference...
... some people never group up!
We're all guilty of that by my reckoning.
Long beyond using bikes for transportation, we meet up at the corner for the weekly rip around town. And, it's a dern fine thing...
... ain't it?
We rode 90ish miles today, 6000' of vert, over 19mph.
Who does that?
Do you want to go for a 90 mile drive around town?
Heckno!
Do you want to ride for 5 hours, max your heartrate, come home and collapse on the couch?
Hellyeah!
We do that.
Every year for as long as we can...
... which is why I probably still crack poop jokes.
---
After a few frustrating finishes in March, I was feeling burned out and unsure of Sea Otter next weekend. But, Hot Laps Wednesday felt great...
... and today felt even better.
I took it very easy M, T, Th, F and got after it W and S. That is polarized training, and just what I needed this week.
Stephen Seiler posted this link on Twitter, and I highly recommend it...
... it's long, but worth it.
https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-022-00438-7
I also highly recommend DZ Nutz for long rides like today.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
If I was 60 I'd crack a joke on where to apply this wonder ointment...
... but, the name is pretty good as it it.
If you're part of RaceDay Ready, use your 25% off code.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
---
165.1 (oops)
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN ON THE WAY TO A RACE
Apr 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'D SPENT THE SUMMER PREPARING TO REDEAM MYSELF. A year earlier, I'd raced the Leadville 100. I'd finished, got the big belt buckle...
... but it was a miserable day on the bike.
This year would be different.
I knew what lay ahead. I trained specifically on the biggest climbs around. Watched my weight. Got a new bike...
... there was only one problem.
As we bombed across the vast Utah desert, I grabbed my bag to find my sunglasses. It was a big dome bag and it carried everything in its giant blackhole.
I found the glasses...
... my shoes were nowhere in site.
Diving further back in the car, while the guys chatted, I started to sweat. I clawed through my other bag...
... maybe they were there?
Then, I saw them. Clean. Shiny. In my mind I could see them, in reality they were hundreds of miles behind on the back porch...
... where's I'd left them.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
This was when you paid dollars per minute to roam on your cell phone...
and boy did I pay!
- A shop in Grand Junction had shoes, no cleats.
- A shop in Rifle had cleats, but would be closed when we passed through. I begged and pleaded to pay over the phone and have them left outside.
- Meanwhile, Surfergirl was hustling to FEDEX to Next Day Air shoes to Leadville... a city, so remote at the time, Next Day Air wasn't guaranteed.
Now you know where I got the inspiration for the RaceDay Bag™ˆ.
Every one of the products we make and sell has an origin story like that.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
For example, The Changing Poncho.
My hometown is a big surfing community, world-class breaks abound. I grew up surfing, and still surf often with my lady. Most of us towel change, but it's not as easy or convenient as a giant poncho.
Not only is the poncho awesome for changing, but while I'm changing, I use it to wipe off any grime from the ride...
... not only on my body, but my bike as well.
The microfibre is durable enough for all your gear,
but soft and comfy our bodies.
Use promo code: changeINstyle
To save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.9 (oops)
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LONG, EPIC RACE
Mar 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LOCALLY, WE HAVE CREATED SOME REALLY FUN RACE FORMATS. From the Belgian Waffle Ride's unRoadRace to CritCross's go cart track with added dirt berms and jumps to the unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships...
... I love the creativity and freshness.
But, the true test, for me, is an epic.
A long, long challenging route.
Unforgiving elements.
A time cut.
There are myriad long, challenging routes.
Countless courses to curse.
But, without a time cut...
... it's just a race.
And, I don't mean a Hey, if you're slow we're gonna pull ya kind of cut...
... I mean, you miss the cut you miss
the badge of honor,
the coveted prize.
With these types of races, the challenge is not to crush the competition it is to finish. What happens is unlike all other races.
Everyone starts spunky, bouncy, full of cocky confidence and transitions into business mode. The paces are set, the nutrition consumed at precisely timed intervals. The miles roll by...
... and the racers roll on.
Friendships, no...
... alliances are struck.
The battle of wills is real, and some start to falter...
a wobble
missed turn
cramping thigh
... and then quit, retire early.
The time cut, once ticking far off, barely toc, starts to pound for those who persist...
... before becoming blaring bells of hell.
I live for that...
... to rage against the final miles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
Building the resolve to press on starts months, even years prior to the big day. For there is a lot of training, but there is also a hardening of the mind that is necessary.
This was so powerful for me 3 years ago in my quest to break my PR.
Got a Big Insane Goal?
Make yourself a reminder wallet, all you have to do is type in your goal... we'll take care of getting you a badass reminder tool...
... oh, and you'll have to train, too... can't do that for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
---
162.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE
Mar 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THEY SAY YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG, I'm a strong maybe on that premise. A few of us are aging up this year and there is one thing for sure...
... racers love getting older.
There is this sense of things getting easier, racing oldsters, etc.
So, why don't you sit down for a moment and let The Old Diesel settle this once and for all.
First, there is a grain of truth of it getting easier. It's true for about one race, maybe a few, definitely not an entire season.
Why?
Well, you've aged up. You're no longer the oldish racer being pushed by kids, you're now the kid. Being challenged by the kids keeps you on your A game. When you age up, you're the kid and the challenge will still be there...
... but, it's somehow less.
Second, the older we get the more we run into the professional amateurs. These are the blessed who have figure out their finances. These are the emptynesters who have sent their birdies off into the world to live their own lives.
They have money and time, possible more money and time than they ever dreamed of...
... this is their new outlet.
Third, and this might be the most evil of all the hope dashing spears coming your way, these are the survivors.
Their bodies are still in great shape and they are well acquainted with what is physically possible. Plus, their wiley coyotes...
... with more ways than you can imagine to do you in.
That's the bad news.
Here's the good news...
... you can be the crafty master of your domain, too!
Lots of people do it...
... getting better each year, performing at the highest levels.
How do they do it?
Two have 2 things:
- Friends who are younger than they are
- A mission to accomplish
I'm much more inspired by people who are great at what they do and continue to contribute to society well beyond the norm...
... their legacy eclipses those who pull the plug early.
That's why I'm so passionate about RaceDay Ready™...
... my legacy.
The details are here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
163.6
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyyoaWjVXYM
SPRINTING BY EVERYBODY ELSE
Mar 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I KNEW I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE UP CRIT RACING. I loved it, was good at it, but there was something about leaning shouldertoshoulder into a tight turn at 30 mph...
... that brought out the worst in me.
I'm not proud of that.
Fortunately, I found mountain biking and was able to keep some fitness as well as get out into nature...
... a perfect marriage of my BMXy youth with the road's power and endurance.
This marriage would eventually give birth to 2 National Championships on the MTB, which was a lot of fun and very gratifying at the time.
But, there is another combination I'm even more stoke about.
After I designed the RaceDay Bag™, I began production in China. It was cheaper. Duh!...
... but, cheaper isn't always better.
And rarely, best.
So, I figured out how to make the bags ourselves in the proverbial backyard. They were better. Better materials and better workmanship...
... then we had the really cool breakthrough, which is powering us right by all our competition.
I figured out how to make everything on demand, which meant we could make custom bags one at a time.
Teams as small as 1 (one), could order customdesigned product.
From bags it was easy to go to ponchos to socks to gloves...
... right on up to amazing jerseys and bibs and jackets etc.
Now, we import all these incredible fabrics from Italy to make super high quality apparel...
... one at a time, just for you.
So, I'm going to make you this insane offer. I'll design for you a custom ________ (your choice) for Free. We normally charge $50 just for the designs.
All you have to do is email me personally, and we'll get started. My address is todd@pedalindustries.com.
Can be for anything we make: bags, jerseys, bibs, gloves, socks, 10x10 pop up canopies, etc.
Remember, email me within 48 hours.
XOXO,
todd (@pedalindustries.com)
---
163.6
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SHE'S GOT A BAD REPUTATION
Mar 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I GOT A HOT DATE WEDNESDAY WITH AN OLD LOVER. Some of my friends are happy about it, most don't think I'm ready to face her again. I think they might be right...
... but, you know how love is.
We all loved her at one point last summer, she's that hot!
Those warm summer nights...
heartrate jumpy with anticipation
favorite kit looking just so
then the hardbreathing
gasps of pleasure
and pain
... our lover's nickname?
HOT LAPS.
Oh Boy! does she have a bad reputation...
... for ruining riders and racers,
boys and girls,
confidence,
swagger.
Join us if you're local: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
If not, start your own.
- Begin on time
- Do a parade lap so everybody knows the course
- Race laps should be 20ish minutes X 3 laps.
- Bonus, if you can make a loop where others can be seen
- Double bonus, for different loops each week.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Since the summer race/ride season is fast approaching, I'm going to keep this promotion going a few more days.
Use promo code: iSEEu
Saves you 20% on changing ponchos.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.5 (oops)
8 hrs (terrible night)
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
10 AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Mar 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS THE PERFECT RACE? Is it winning? Returning unscathed? An insane adventure? A performance breakthrough?...
... could be all of the above.
Or none.
For me, it's perfect execution of my plan.
Result recognition is a sideshow.
The plan has 3 parts.
Preparation
- Nutrition
- Recovery
- Time in the saddle
- Strength training
- Race Weight
- Bike Set Up
The Race
- Travel
- Accommodations
- Warm Up
- Racing
Review and Repeat
Sure we want the race to go well, but when it comes to reviewing our performance, it's critical to analyze all 10 aspects of what went into hitting the finish line as fast as possible.
We can always do better,
10 times better.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
164
8 hrs (terrible night)
6 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I IDENTIFY AS...
Mar 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS A ROUGH ONE TODAY. While I led my class up the long opening climb and down the riproaring singletrack. It didn't last forever...
... and I was left questioning my identity.
Not because my legs felt dead, not because I was beaten by better men. But, because I just didn't have it.
I didn't have what it takes to ride all out at a legit mountain bike race.
Halfway through I started to day dream, and tire out.
It can happen out here.
The terrain is gorgeous and the views expansive. Due to the very twisty course you never really see anybody unless you're right on their wheel. I found myself digging the vibe of nature...
... rather than blasting every berm.
And, just like that the fellas passed me and disappeared.
Which left me time to consider what kind of a racer I am at this point:
- Roadie
- MTBr
- Graveler
I'm not even sure because I'm spending 1-2 days each week on each bike.
Am I a triathlete then?
Say it ain't so!
After a pleasant rest of the day, talking to friends. Rehashing it all. Hatching plans for the next one I had an interesting conversation with Nic Beeschan.
Nic beat everybody today, by a lot.
He's a pro.
Lives in a small mountain community.
He only rides MTB.
And there it was.
To perform at my very best, to get those last percentages of performance, I'm going to have to specialize, go back to my roots...
... it's pretty clear.
If you don't have "it",
you've got to get "it".
Or, maybe I should stop identifying as a 20y/o punk...
... and go visit my grandson?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
No, I don't have pics of what I'm about to share, you'll have to take my word.
There we were, chatting and eating some lunch and the ladies across the way roll in after their race.
Next thing we all know, much to our disbelief said ladies strip and change.
To each their own, but maybe they need to own a changing poncho?
Use promo code: iSEEu
Saves you 20% on changing ponchos, this weekend only.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
5.5 hrs (terrible night)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IF YOU WERE CHRIS FROOME?
Mar 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING CHRIS FROOME RIGHT NOW? Going years without a result. Continuing to train your lycraclad buns off...
... and getting dropped again and again and again.
Of course you can.
We've all been there, some of us are there right now, and some of us, like Froome, may never get beyond that point of racing.
Racing is hard.
Everybody is at their best,
Everybody wants to win...
... everybody thinks they're a racer until they go months or years without a recognizable result.
And that's the difference between racers and riders.
Racers race.
Riders ride.
At this point, I'm more impressed with Froome than ever. That's a low bar. I was never a Froome fanboy. He was too humblebraggie, too awkward in his style, too robotic, and he fell off his bike too damn much...
... but, I love racers.
Especially those that keep lining up, regardless the odds.
When the world doesn't notice our struggles,
and battles and trials,
when the shyte hits the fan
and nothing is going right..
... racers keep racing.
No recognition needed.
Race on.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
Got this from one of the racers using the RaceDay Ready™ training protocol.
Have you checked it out?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
162.9
7.5 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU RIDING OR DRIVEN?
Mar 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF US ARE HAPPY TO BE RIDING, others are driven. Today, I ran into two of my pals. Each has huge, demanding events coming up this spring and summer. One is supremely confident...
... the other has a long way to go.
The one who is confident is doing BWR San Diego, a hellacious test of endurance and bike handling skill.
He's been training all winter.
When I saw him today he was on his race bike, a gravel rig. High up on the single tracks above our little town...
... ripping.
You ready?
Oh, yeah. All the dudes are scared. They know I'm coming for them.
We should all feel this sure of our selves before such a race.
But, it takes a lot work.
Hard work.
Prepration.
The less confident of my pals called me up.
I got into Leadville.
Are you training?
No, I just got over Covid - again.
Dang.
Yeah, but I'm ready to go.
Ok.
You've done it a bunch, I want you to train me and get me ready.
You're sure you're healed and ready for this.
For sure, I'm in.
Is he really ready for this?
I dunno, but we're gonna find out real quick if he's just riding it.
To be honest, I'm not sure there's a right way to do it. Both have their merits.
I only know my way, set an impossible goal and do everything possible...
... to make it happen.
If you're driven like us, check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
162.4
7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RIDE LIKE THE WIND
Mar 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE A LOT OF SAILING, you really have a limited understanding of the wind. Sailors learn to see it, feel it, hear it, taste it...
... and have a distinct advantage when road racing.
At one time, I was consumed with sailing.
The family catamaran turned into an obsession with Hobie Cats, which morphed into windsurfing...
... to eventually teaching windsurfing to pay for school.
Knowing the wind is everything in sailing.
Here's what you need to know when it comes to riding bikes:
- The wind direction changes based on how fast you are moving.
- A breakaway with a tailwind is more likely to succeed than one with a headwind because the draft is effectively neutralized with a strong enough wind.
- With speed, a side wind becomes a headwind.
- When drafting, move around behind the rider in front and find the sweet spot, where the wind is marginalized.
- A proper pace line will have the fast side leeward (protected by the wind) and the pulling off side windward (taking the wind).
- The larger the group, the shorter the time spent on the front.
- It's usually easier to be in the rotation than trying to hang onto the back of the group.
The biggest of those is the first.
In a group, or alone, the faster you are moving the more the wind will hit you in the face.
It's not so much that the wind is changing directions as much as the pace of the riding has changed significantly.
Second, be aware of attacks with a tailwind.
They are hardashell to bring back.
Crafty racers will look at the predicted wind on a weather app the day before a race.
What part of the course will the group provide shelter?
Where might an attack happen?
And check it again pre-race.
Devilish racers looking to win, will "put the race in the gutter".
This means if the wind is coming from the left they will race as far right as possible so there is little to no draft to be had behind them.
Racers who know what their doing...
... ride like the wind.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/ride-like-the-wind/527320131?i=527320136
Some months are windier than others.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Sea Otter is coming up for me.
I've had some hellawindy days on the circuit race there. Gonna do it again, and then hit the endurance MTB the next day.
All prepping for the ridiculous sub-8 Leadville quest.
You do have your RaceDay Calendar™, right?
Ships free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
161.9
8 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LIKE IT LIVE
Mar 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LIVE PERFORMANCES ARE THE BEST. They are risky. There's no faking, either you've got the talent of you don't...
... just like racing.
Sure you can crush the Zwiftoton,
destroy the groupie ride,
steal KOMmies...
... but, do you have it on RaceDay?
It's risky.
- Cash
- Time
- Travel
- Equipment
- Training
- Nutrition
- Fitness
So many things to coordinate.
And when all goes right, when you know you're ready, when you give every last bit of your body, mind and soul to delivering the performance of your lifetime...
... that's just dawgawn beautiful.
I'll watch that all day long.
Like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voH11xV4AKI
skip to 1:30
If you're looking for an edge or just to get started.
Here's where'd I'd start: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
163.4
7.4 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO TO THE BEAUTY PARLOR?
Mar 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T HIT THE BEAUTY PARLOR TOO OFTEN. It's definitely, without a doubt, my very favorite indulgence in this wonderful quest to be faster. Sitting and talking with my stylist...
... the time just flies by.
Today's beauty appoint was a bit of an emergency.
Like a total rookie, I swapped my cleats before the big AZ races. That wasn't the rookie part, not marking them perfectly before the swap...
... was so unpro.
I made do, but it wasn't great.
In fact it got to the point of knowing if I went much longer I'd be risking long-term damage. Not a good place to be when I have a big races two of the next three weekends.
The amazing Ashley may not have been...
trimming,
adding color,
waxing my ears,
plucking my brows,
or giving me a mani and pedi...
... but, I just love sitting there and talking to him while he works...
... swapping saddles,
adjusting heights,
aligning cleats.
He's a wealth of insight and knowledge. I always learn something, often a lot...
... he intently listens to all the drama in my life.
Before you ask what it costs, not you, but you the new racer just winging and eyeballing things...
... what is the cost of discomfort, untapped power and potential permanent sportending damage?
You don't know do you?
Exactly my point.
If you haven't, and most of you have, go find the best bike fitter in town. Ask for referrals. Eventually you'll find the hidden treasure you've been looking for...
... and you will feel just as fast and sexy as hell I do right now.
If you're local to me, I got just the guy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Part of feeling fast and sexy is having a great helmet.
Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.
Protone
1 Red Medium
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.4
7.7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T WAIT FOR YOUR TURN TO COME
Mar 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY WE ALL WITNESSED A MASTERPIECE OF TURNING. It was brilliant. Carving perfect lines, tires gasping for grip...
... captured on video.
Matej Mohoric's triumphant plummet off the Poggio was brilliant.
Did you notice how early he set up each turn?
You couldn't see it on the video.
You could see a lot...
... including the crazy two wheel drift he miraculously corrected, twice.
But, not the set up.
Not until the post victory interview.
I heard it, but it didn't register at first. He simply said, We worked really hard on the set up.
I tried to figure out what he was trying to explain...
... then it all came to light.
Already known as a death defying descender, he and his team mounted a dropper post on his road bike...
... which lowered his center of gravity and made him even more aerodynamic.
They set the bike up months before and then dialed in how the changes would improve his outstanding ability to get down the mountain...
... faster than anybody else.
This incremental increase gave him just enough additional speed to open up a gap of 8ish seconds...
... all he needed.
Racing the final kilometers the road was smooth and safe, a place where normally a fast descender would be caught.
Not this time.
It was over.
Months ago Matej decided it was his turn to win Milan-San Remo.
As I quoted yesterday...
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
Set your turns up early:
- Inspect the course if you can
- Choose you tires, and pressure
- Set up your bike position
- and suspension
Cross the apex, and exit in a better position than you ever have before...
... stun you competitors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
And, for heaven's sake...
... wear a bitchin' helmet.
Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.
Protone
1 Red Medium
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.4
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU AIN'T CHEATIN' YA AIN'T TRYIN'
Mar 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I THOUGHT IT WAS THE GREAT BOBBY KNIGHT WHO SAID If ya ain't cheating you ain't trying, maybe because March Madness is on or maybe just because he said so many funny and profound things...
... and I did a little cheating recently.
I use to cheat a lot.
Every Sunday, and a lot of days in between.
Chips n salsa.
Sleeves of Thin Mints.
Dozens of doughnuts.
I think it was His Excellence, Tim Ferriss, who drove the concept home in The Four Hour Body.
While there is some good info in there...
... cheat days, as I've learned relearned and learned again, ain't one of 'em.
Even once a week.
Not if you're really committed to peak performance...
... and the reason is simple.
- If you've laid back in your own personal dental chair
- with a pair of greasy vice grips in hand
- yanked hard on that sweet tooth
- and tossed it down in trash
- you know what I mean.
Once it's out...
... it's like casting out the devil.
The shackles are broken, the cords loosened...
... you are free to roam about the house with zero temptation.
But, if you're anything like me, give that devil an inch and it's over.
Just this week, Surfergirl brought home a giant, fresh, delicious sourdough bread.
Golden crust.
Thick.
Want a bite?
Nah.
Sure?
Well, okay, just a bite.
Next thing I know I'm up in the middle of the night like a feverish, drug addicted rat searching all corners for that bread I asked to be hid.
Morning came.
Uh, Handsome did you find the bread?
Mmmmmaybe.
Did you leave any?
Uhhhhhh, you know I love you and how I begged you to hide it.
I did hide it!
Not good enough.
Uh-oh
By the way, we're out of butter.
This quote of Bobby's is a little more apropos:
The key is not the will to win.
Everybody has that.
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
- Bobby Knight.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Quote's like the above are thoughtful,
thoughtful people are smart,
smart people wear helmets,
this is a helmet blowout.
Protone
1 Red Medium
1 Black Small
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Large White
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.7
6.7 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 8 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIGHT WAY TO DO ZONE 2 TRAINING
Mar 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ZONE 2 TRAINING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL TO ME. There is nothing better to build a huge cardio engine...
... but that is only the half of it.
Nearly all of my zone 2 training is alone.
Like most, my schedule can get hectic, and it is a challenge to meet others for a session more than once or twice a week...
... so, it's just me.
Not only am I riding in solitude, but the majority of the rides are off-road, in nature. Or, off the highway on a bike path.
Here is where I tap into the superpower of zone 2...
... and maybe you do the same.
I noticed it long ago, when a certain infamous champion dominated cycling's collective consciousness. As I rode along, I imagined I was him. My posture changed, my cadence changed, my thoughts were elevated to those of a champion.
Years later, I realize zone 2 can be a meditative workout.
Far from the distractions of life, I am with my thoughts. Sometimes, for sure, I am envisioning a great outcome on the bike. Reviewing what I'll do in preparation, and how I will perform at a given time...
..., but, that's not all.
I take this time to imagine all areas of life having the outcomes I desire. My marriage, our kids and grandkids. Our long-term physical and spiritual health. The people I serve. And, most definitely, where PEDALindustries is headed.
That is how I do zone 2 training...
... how about you?
When I'm out for a really, really, really long zone 2 sesh, I like to have a little lotion for my bits and pieces...
... and this is my favorite.
Lasts longer and requires less than other brands.
Use promo code: ZTWO
---
163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
FIGHTING EFFECTIVELY
Mar 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
RACING IS ENDLESS BATTLE AND CONFLICT, and you cannot race effectively unless you can identify your enemies. That's my twist on a great Robert Greene post...
... but who are your enemies?
It matters.
Because, choosing worthy adversaries and worthy races will bring about worthy training.
Which is exactly why I'm so excited to race the famous and awesome Sagebrush Safari next weekend.
Last year it kicked my butt.
This year it should have more tough competitors.
Do I have a chance at winning? To be honest, I don't think so.
And, I love that.
To race against the best guys around these parts on a classic, long loop course that is technically challenging...
... that is a worthy endeavor.
When you think about it, having enemies is kind of an immature way to look at it. Adversaries sounds a little better...
... I prefer bringoutmybesties.
And what about the enemy of my enemy is my friend?
That actually turns out to be very true in road racing. Figuring out who is likely to win and who is anxious to prove that wrong can work to the benefit of a calculating competitor.
It doesn't work so well in the dirt. The speeds aren't high enough, the terrain too challenging.
Let's not leave out this maxim: a common enemy brings us all together.
The place I have seen this be most true is in regards to a beastly course like Leadville. A bunch of us from around these parts are going this year and we'll definitely all be training together and sharing ideas about how best to go about slaying the monster.
A final note I feel compelled to share:
Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace.
On a lighter note, we made some really fun custom gloves for the promote of the Sagebrush Safari, Quick N Dirty. They wanted a mustache on the forefinger.
So, if you've to an idea for a custom glove for your team or event or shop or company, etc.
Click here and we'll get a design going for you, the minimum is only 50 pair:
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/start-a-project
---
163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
AS EASY AS 3-2-1
Mar 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ON THE START LINE IT’S INEVITABLE TO ASK, What the heck am I doing here? We know the pain ahead, the unknown treachery of the elements and competitors. There is only one way to remain calm and feel serene…
… as the announcer counts down.
Close your eyes, say a little prayer if you like, and envision your RaceDay Calendar™.
You knew back then what it would take to get you to the line, ready to slay the day. Like a general at war, you marshalled your most valuable commodity, time, and made this happen.
You...
Registered and did
All you could do.
Committed to the process.
Expect good things happen.
Reviewed every training ride and low-level race to get here.
You’re a RACER.
Some of you, knowing things would get hairy, tapped into our training and accountability…
… the dynamic daily check in.
- For 10 minutes, you jumped on a call with 9 other racers.
- Reported your stats from the day before
- Your plans for the day ahead.
- As you listened to the 9 others, your motivation grew.
- You made new friends and allies.
- You became bulletproof.
You’re ready my fine, inspiring friend…
… RaceDay Ready!™
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
There are 3 tools I use to achieve maximum success.
- The strategies in my book, The Way of The RACER.
- The RaceDay Calendar™
- The RaceDay Ready™ training and dynamic Accountability call.
Check it out here: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
163.5
7.2 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
2 VERY NASTY HABITS
Mar 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M WELL ACQUAINTED WITH TWO NASTY HABITS. You might have your own demons, too. But, these aren't drinkin' er smoking' er foolin' around...
... there just plain nasty.
You might not have developed these habits, but you might want to.
I work on 'em all the dern time.
The first I was reminded of when one of my padwans checked in after the weekend's race. He hadn't raced in a few years, and certainly not a crit. Since I'm helping him get ready for Gran Fondo Nationals, I want him to race as much as possible...
... because there are some really nasty racers out there.
How'd it go Satterdee?
Oh, not too good.
Wha' happened.
They started real hard and I got dropped.
Nasty habit numero uno: start fast, make it hard, eject the unprepared.
The second nasty habit I was reminded of riding tonight. I'd run into the great Hoffy. I've never trained with or witnessed up close a racer more capable of this...
... lowdown, no-good, sunnuvagun maneuver.
If you ever managed to get in a break with him, heck if you just did training rides with him, he'd subject you to the worst experience of your life by blasting so hard over the top you'd swear he just might lift off and keep going to the moon.
Nasty habit numero dos: always, always, always crush it over the top.
There you have it, two nasty habits that if perfected can crush the spirits of any racer.
How do I practice them?
Sometimes I leave the house (not always on purpose) with no option but to go full gas from the very first pedal stroke because if I don't I know I won't make it to the meet up with the posse.
And, when training alone I love to really push hard over ever climb simply because
... it hurts a lot.
Remember...
... If they ain't gonna lead, make 'em bleed.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
Do you have my to 3 tools for success on RaceDay?
You should.
Shouldn't ya?
---
162.5
7 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 32 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WANT TO KNOW HOW I REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE ARIZONA RACES?
Mar 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
OK, I'VE BEEN A FUNK ALL DAY. Could just be getting back in the swing of work things after a week of racing, but I think it's more. To be perfectly honest...
... I'm ticked!
It started with the 2 second places at the road stage race.
I know what you're thinking.
You should be happy with second.
I'm not.
I have collected an otherworldly amount of 2nd place finishes. It's to the point Surfergirl hesitates to ask...
... yes, it's that freakin' bad.
Of course, I would be thrilled if I didn't think I had a chanceinhell of winning.
But, I won both of those stages 3 years ago. It was pretty much the same guys except for Dougie... and I know his M.O. is to attack and get away. I really screwed it up when I let him get away and gambled on the others chasing him down...
... I mean really screwed that up on the road race.
The subsequent circuit race had a $#!|show ending.
There was nothing I could do about the race official's terrible decision to stop us 2 miles before the sprint vs a lap earlier. I don't think I could have handled it any better than I did. Going from a near standstill, with a target on my back, was difficult...
... it just stung to get pipped at the line.
The icing on the cake, of course, was not listening to my spidersense and rolling with only 20lbs in my rear tire at The Cactus Cup MTB race Saturday. I'm just too much of a charger to pussyfoot it across the rocks.
Instead of a hardearned podium on a tough course against some real MTB ninjas...
... I did a 3 mile walk of shame.
Pushing my bike while my competitors mockingly (in my mind) rushed by, along with every other man, woman and child...
... really. really, really, really stunk.
To add to my pain, I have learned that Mavic, the makers of this fine rear wheel which I have absolutely loved...
... apparently isn't even operating in the US at the moment.
Am I screwed regarding their advertised lifetime warranty????
So, there you have it...
... I'm an angry old man today.
It has nothing to do with disrespecting my competitors and everything to do with...
... my high expectations for myself!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Good thing we received a new shipment of gloves today...
... retail therapy is real, even for me the maker.
Sometimes I wonder if you realize how much I put into every product we develop and sell.
Take these gloves
- 5 iterations until I was satisfied with the fit
- Real leather palm, perforated for breathing
- Heat sensitive thread on the fingertips for operating phone screens
- Stretchy, breathable mesh on the top.
- Fit so good, you'll forget you're wearing them.
And, yes, we can make them for your team... check out the bottom pic
The last pair we made for our friends at Quick N Dirty, promoters of some of my favorite MTB races.
So, yeah, I kept a pair for myself.
Remember, all gloves are buy one get one... just add them to your cart and the discount is automatic at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.7
8 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 16 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
6 RACES, 10 DAYS
Mar 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THE LAST 10 DAYS FOR ABOUT A YEAR. Racing two 3-day stages races on back to back weekends in AZ...
... what could be better?!
The rolling terrain means fast, fast racing.
Nothing slow.
No grinding.
That's the way I like it.
Home now, I'm feeling super blessed to have been able to pull it off.
- To realize my latest training tweaks are real breakthroughs
- To hang with friends I only see when traveling
- To do some fun riding between the races
- To camp out in the middle of nowhere
- To get some pretty good results
I'll miss the quiet mornings and evenings, the expansive vistas and the clear, clean air...
... yep, feeling very fortunate.
Are you on track for the upcoming season?
If not, I highly recommend our Accountability program. You can demo it for free, starting Tuesday 3/15.
Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo
---
163ish (no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
0 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
PRIDE AND GREED, THEY'LL KILL YA EVER TIME
Mar 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I WAS SO SMUGLY CONFIDENT IT WOULD BE A GOOD DAY. I'd held back in the TT, legs felt great, bike was perfect...
... but I ignored my spider sense.
And, it cost me.
Before I get there, here's a quick run down of the race.
As our group advanced towards the start line for our wave, an official stopped us.
We're gonna call up the top 10 first, the next 20 fastest can fill in behind, and the rest of ya's after that.
Gotta be honest, it's pretty cool getting called up to the start line.
1 minute!
30 seconds!
5-4-3-2-1...
... the local AZ stud pins on Go!
The first mile or so, it's one long charging centipede.
After the first, and only, stinging climb, it's pretty much over. Six of us are out of site...
... I feel great.
Historically, I'm shelled at this point. Not today.
Rider 5 blows.
Rider 4 blows.
I close gaps, but the pressure is just to much.
FluorescentGreenJerseyGuy rolls by and I jump on, and we're off. Nobody else is even close...
... the lead 3 are pulling away, the two of us are rocking.
In review, I see a lot of PRs.
I still feel really good, and I'm very happy to not have the Wahoo...
... racing on feel and an occasional glance at my Apple Watch.
Here's where the pride brings me down...
First,
The Mini RaceDay Bag™ 2.0 turned out really great. It's just super clean the way it mounts. I love the way it holds everything silently. I'm real proud of the way it looks on my bike. Racy.
One problem.
I had it all set up for road, meaning all the dynaplugs were road ready. Sure I had the fat heads for MTB, but they weren't locked and loaded.
Second,
FluorescentGreenJerseyGuy sits on my wheel for a long, long time. To be fair, I'd done the same. But, when I gallantly pulled through I was sure to do it at a pace he could latch on.
When he passed me, after 40 minutes of following, he went hard. Gapped me. It happens, you rest and rest and rest and ya just can't resist making a strong move.
I know that.
So, I watched him ease ahead...
... then stop gaining...
... with the top of a 1 mile, rocky climb in sight, I closed the gap and jumped him for the equally rocky down hill.
Went as fast as I could.
He is a really good bike handler and stayed glued.
There was only one more really rocky descent and I was still in front. I purposely went as fast as I could hoping he would flat.
Oops.
Not a good idea.
I flatted.
Are you keep track of my pride? Didn't check my equipment set up and figured I could force him to flat because I have had such good luck with my tires.
That's just stupid.
I got busy fixing the flat. It took 6 or 7 minutes, 1.5 air cartridges, 4 dynaplugs.
After about 3 minutes 5th and 6th place went by.
3ish minutes later I finally got the tire to hold air.
And here comes the greed.
I was concerned the tire might not seal, so I didn't use that last 1/2 of the canister.
I should have.
While I was back up to speed, going as hard or harder than I did on the TT yesterday, I passed 6th place then I passed AZ stud who'd also flatted.
Back up to 4th.
If only I hadn't been so greedy and anxious to make up lost time. I would have heeded that rear wheel's screams for more air.
Instead, I nailed another rock with such excellent precision that a shattered the rim.
Lessons learned:
- Check, doublecheck, triplecheck all equipment.
- Slow the heck down and repair the bike properly before hauling off.
- Always listen to the Spidersense which was yelling You need more than 20lbs for this course!!!
In the shouldacouldawoulda world, there was a podium spot waiting for me. 3rd for sure, but I'm pretty sure I'da won a sprint up the long straightaway.
Oh, one more lesson...
... I do better ignoring the data and just racing my dern bike.
The Wahoo (which I found in the wrong pocket of my RaceDay Bag™) is great for training rides, but I am confident I'm faster without it during really intense racing.
That's just me.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0
You might be asking why I don't have a Mini RaceDay Bag™ 2.0 for each bike. The answer to that is, I'm running the prototype and the first batch is in sewing right now.
Doesn't that look sharp!
That black strap is printed, and yes, absolutely yes, we can print it in your team colors.
Order here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0
163ish (no scale)
7.75 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
AREN'T WE A SUPERSTITIOUS LOT
Mar 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE ALL HAVE OUR SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS. Some are rituals we Have to do, others drinks or foods or warm ups. Even if we think we are rational...
... we aren't, as much as we think.
I'm okay with that.
Conceiving is believing is achieving.
It's a well worn trail to enlightment and confidence.
But, when one of our Gotta haves is missing it can throw us off our game...
... really mess with our heads.
Then we have a choice.
Believe all is lost or potentially breakthrough to a new way of doing things.
I have found breaking the superstitions to generally be a good way to develop what was once a potential skill into something I know and can depend on.
Case in point:
During my travels to these races I've managed to misplace my Wahoo. How you ask? By not putting it back in the proper pocket of my RaceDay Bag™. Oops.
If there was ever a time to use a computer to track our efforts, it's Saturday's 40 miles MTB race. From experience, I know there will be hours when I'm alone. That would be an ideal time to lean on the HR monitor for pacing.
I do have my Apple Watch. I can glance at it occasionally, but not as easily or safely at speed, off road..
TBH, I wish I had the Wahoo. It's useful. I trust it.
There are two choices:
- cry, Wo is me, all is lost
- or, F' that... it probably kept me from going fast enough anyway.
By now, you know me well enough to know how I'll play...
... and how I recommend you play it.
As I state in my book, Expect good things to happen.
---
I wrote the above earlier today, before the TT in the afternoon.
Riding purely on feel, I started out slower than last year but managed to PR the course. I'm pretty happy with that, and encouraged to ride on feel tomorrow.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
Dominic, from New Jersey, introduced himself to me at the Cactus Cup venue this morning. He had one of my book flyers in his hand, wrinkled.
Do you have any books?
Oh man, no I don't.
Shame on you.
I'm sorry, and thanks for the reminder. You can always order it and pay the shipping.
I know, just wanted a signed copy.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
1- minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
PRE-RIDING LIKE A PRO
Mar 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PROS ARE SO GOOD AND TRAVEL SO MUCH, they often don't pre-ride a course. They don't need to. We do, and here's how to do it...
... in a pro way.
Nearly all of us have had the exhilarating and nerve-racking opportunity to be in a school/community play.
We get the line(s) and memorize at home.
It's all great until the dress rehearsal.
That's where we find out just how nervous we are, how hard it is to remain focused...
... and deliver that dang part!
We go home, practice some more.
The next dress rehearsal goes better.
Repeat they cycle a few more times...
... and a star is born!
Think of your intervals, your bike prep, loading your RaceDay Bag™, etc as memorizing your lines...
... perfect all of it.
Get out to the course as early as possible and pre-ride it as close as possible to your raceday set up...
... this is your dress rehearsal.
Take note of everything:
- Weather
- Angle of sun
- Terrain surface
- Exit and entrance angles on turns
- Final miles
- Duration
- etc
And, if possible, repeat the cycle a few more times.
Can't get out there early? Read up on it. Look for videos. Search out others who have raced the course. There is a lot that can be done remote.
Too many of us forget our lines on raceday...
... lose our minds and blow it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I was happy to see a lot of PEDALindustries gloves and socks on the warm up today.
Lots of colors to choose from, in Men's and Women's sizes.
Perfect for your next dress rehearsal and on sale right now...
... buy the gloves and socks, and the socks will be $0 at check out.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LIFE OF A BIKE WIDOW(ER)
Mar 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A THICK LINE BETWEEN TRAINING and Whattheheck are you doing to our relationship? If it was a fine line, we'd be fine. But, it's thick...
... and easy to ride on.
Which can be a problem because riding that line sends all the wrong signals to those we love.
If it were skinny, like a parking lot line, we'd fall one way or the other. It is a lot more like the road paved to hell...
... wide and welcoming.
I was reminded of that today when the above pic came in. Surfergirl and EasyE's lover shot us a picture of them suffering through another day without us...
... just look at those smiles.
They are beyond missing us and our goofy diets, obsessive resting, and wandering in and out during the day from bike to work to gym to work, and so on...
... a break is good from time to time.
I was careful to schedule a surf trip with her before I left, and have time set aside to surf with her in preparation for the adventure...
... she's never been more supportive.
Of course, it's planned right in between a giant racing block and the start of my insane Leadville quest...
... just don't tell her that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The giant RaceDay Calendar™ isn't just for plotting out world domination...
... it's great making sure all the important stuff happens all year long.
Have you ordered yours yet...
... or are you the type that wings?
Plan your work, work your plan.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD EX-PROS RACE IN THE AMATEUR AGE GROUPS.
Mar 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SHOULD EX-PROS BE RACING AMATEUR AGE GROUPS? This came up twice over the weekend. And, I have a definite opinion which I'm guessing...
... 50% of you are going to hate.
In the 40+ men's race, an ex-pro crushed the time trial, soloed most of the road race, and did the same thing in the circuit race.
It wasn't close, at all.
That's an ex-pro road racer.
We also have many ex-pros from other sports who pick up bike racing and start ripping it up and blowing everyone away.
My opinion?
First, I think it's weird that anybody regularly signs up for any kind of competition and handily destroys all comers.
Where is the fun in that?
Battling is fun. Being pushed to your limits is fun. Winning is fun...
... but, not when it's a lock...
... unless it's your livelihood.
To me, that's just weird.
I think that's why you see many "older" lifelong bicycle racers, Ned and Tinker come to mind, who still race pro.
Second, I flipping love seeing these "seasoned" racers still killing it. Whether it's as an age-grouper or racing pro...
... it freakin' inspires the helloutta me, and gives me hope to maintain what the good lord gave me to work with.
Third, there aren't a million of these cats anyway.
Which means, we all have a very good chance of sharing the podium with a legend...
... and that is about as cool as it gets in my book.
I searched and searched for the podiums with me and Tinker, no luck, you'll have to trust me.
That's Jeff Ward above, Supercross World champ and Indy car racer sharing the podium with me last year at CritCross...
... and I'm dang happy to rub shoulders and become friends with this caliber of athlete.
Who knows, maybe I'll outlast them,
or they'll have a really bad day,
or a mechanical breakdown,
and I'll get the V.
Which brings it all back to this...
... stop comparing yourself.
Winning is nice, PRs are better...
... only you know if you gave your best.
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163ish (no scale)
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
HATE THE WHEELSUCKING, NOT THE WHEELSUCKER
Mar 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I COULD ONLY LAUGH. After chasing down multiple attacks, and doing my galdarn bestest to keep things together and fast...
... I was called a wheelsucker.
Oh, the horror!
A sprinter, with no teammates, and limited timetrialing ability accused of being a wheelsucker...
... no shyte Shylock.
But, really, what is a wheelsucker?
Sure, it's someone who is trying to spend the least amount of energy possible and get a good result...
... which everybody does to differing degrees.
If someone is sucking your wheel, it sucks. Totally.
You're working, they aren't (as much).
You're strong, they're cautious...
... or trying to wear you down
or get in your head
or intimidated by your reputation of dispatching mere mortals
or they're just hanging on as best they can.
How do you get rid of a wheelsucker?
- Just like Dougie did on Saturday, attack attack attack until you get away.
- Sit up, let them by and suck their wheel.
- Send teammates on the attack to wear the suckers out.
Whatever you do, don't get mad.
They're racing their race, you race yours. Make you're own luck...
... and heavens sakes, realize it's a compliment to your obvious superior power.
Which reminds me, I have a brutal XC race on Saturday. 3ish hours. There's no wheelsuckery in mountain biking...
- Strongest rider
- With best handling skills
- Who's bike stays together
- And has a superior nutrition strategy
... always wins.
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---
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
3 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE THE KING OF USA CYCLING
Mar 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WELLLLLLL, AFTER A HOT SHOWER AND SOME TIME TO REFLECT, I've driven back to the circuit race to soak in the vibe. We had an interesting finale, leaving many heads shaking...
... and me asking, how could we fix it?
It's not just the issue we had, it's bigger.
But, here's a specific example.
On the final lap, after 90 minutes of racing, after covering moves and fighting for position the pro field came by us...
... with 2 miles to go.
I'm a sprinter, and as any sprinter can tell you, the final 2 miles have a lot of drama. Everybody with a shot wants to be in the perfect position, and we're all counting on the speeds to remain high...
... instead the race official reined us to a near stand still.
When all the pros and their caravan of cars were final through, we had about a mile to go. Frankly, I didn't care to much because we were still all in about the same position...
... but, that's not how a lot of guys felt.
There was much yelling for a protest finish. Their big idea was to slowly roll in together.
And, I'm thinking What the hell? Protest what? We invested a lot of money and time to be here: entry fees, travel, lodging, training, gear and bikes. All told, it's an embarrassing amount...
... to let go to waste.
Meanwhile, the 60 guys behind the boisterous, whiney lead 20 have no clue what's going on up front, and when we make the final turn and the road opens up they come galloping through like an unruly herd of buffalo.
Not ideal.
So, what would I do if I was king of USA Cycling?
I would expand my kingdom and take care of my people.
Here's how:
Bring in professional staff
In most cases, races are put on by a local promoter who knows the community and the ins and outs of getting things done. Bonus points for those promoters able to obtain significant sponsorship cash.
The execution of the event on race day can be overwhelming, this I know from personal promoting experience. Having professional staff come in and take care of logistics would be an incredible help. More importantly, it could standardize the product being offered.
Most promoters are part-time at best. They are awesome in every way. However, it's an awful lot to ask volunteers with little to no knowledge of racing to take care of hundreds of wound up competitors on raceday.
How to do this? Charge more.
As pointed out above, the entry fees are minuscule compared to everything else we put in to it as competitors.
What about promoters who have enough races to have staff? Listen to the input and ideas they have to bring everybody's offering to a new, higher level.
Most of us have been to an event like Leadville or BWR or QuickNDirty or OverTheHump or CBR and know what a quality experience it can be. Those events, and many others are thriving. They aren't cheap and it shows in the product delivered.
In addition to staff, I'd bestow the local promoters with sponsorship dollars from our national parters and let them keep any local sponsorship money for themselves. In other words, I'd do everything possible to make sure a reasonable profit was turned vs. a stinging loss of cash.
Own Community and The Data
Part of this equation would be to have ALL races in one database. Easy to find events, with a standard format for navigating everything from Registration to arrival at the Start line.
Further, all racers would listed there. We could easily see who our competitors are and this wouldn't be just for seeing what they are up to. It would be the place for racers to connect. So many times I've met a really cool cat at a far away race and never been able to easily stay in touch.
How to do this? Offer this for technology free to the promoters and racers.
Use an ad driven model to boost the hundred or so we already kick in. It doesn't have to be spammy, carefully curated ads from companies who love what we do and make things we would love to have could be wonderful.
Race Numbers
Can't we all have a permanent race number?
3 characters - numbers and letters.
Then, we can have a standardized race number size and print it right on our jerseys.
No more pins.
No more giant numbers covering our pockets.
No more ruined jerseys with a million pin holes and tears.
No more race officials yelling at the poor racer who failed to follow their particular race's peculiar number placement.
Racer check in would be much smoother, too.
A Final Word
We all love our sport. All our lives have been changed and generally improved. We are healthier than most of the population and have made terrific friends.
We all want it to grow.
Everybody.
Promoters.
Racers.
Fans.
You.
Me.
Oh, and for those of you still reading, with all the chaos of the final mile I managed another 2nd place...
... and I'm pretty happy about that.
Got a different opinion? Something to add? I'm down to collect all ideas and consolidate before sending to the real king.
---
Pulled off the dark desert highway. My head heavy, and my sight dim.
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---
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RACING ON THROUGH
Mar 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO THINGS I LOVE ABOUT RACING IN TUCSON, things we don't have in my parts. There are also things we do have, and I was reminded of them as I pulled into Waffle House...
... at 5am.
A shadowy figure had crossed road and headed towards the same door I was pointing for.
He got there first.
Opened the door, but didn't go in.
As I squeezed past, I could see he was young. The dark circles under his eyes needed rest. Tattoos encircled his neck.
I ordered my usual, which is only my usual here because no Waffle House in CA.
He stood looking in, his dark skin and hair barely visible.
I opened the door.
Are you hungry.
A nod.
Come in.
Order whatever you want.
He was silent. Was it the fatigue, the cold? I don't know.
Miss, please double my order.
This early, they only prepare orders to go.
I sat back and listened to the sweet, soft spoken voice of this young man.
Do you have a phone?
In the car.
He turned to the server.
Do you know how to get to the halfway house? A church, for rehab.
Eventually, the cook pipped up with directions.
My food was ready. I hesitated, should I give him a ride? What kind of delay would that be for my race? Shamefully, I drove away...
... thinking of my own kids.
Would they have ended up on this troubled path if they'd had a different upbringing? I thought about him, would he have a degree and an enjoyable career? A stable, loving relationship?
I'll never know because I'm just racing through life right now, feeling like I've done my part...
... but, maybe there is more to do?
The race went well.
My pal Doug did his thing and eventually broke away, putting 2 1/2 minutes on us. I did my thing and snagged 2nd place and moved up to 6th on GC...
... which only served to remind me, everybody needs a second chance.
The desire to reach out to the less fortunate when I return is strong right now. The pressures of running a business are sequestered, and I'm an emotional guy. I know for a fact my own church has just the place for me to plug in and do what I can in my own town...
... just gotta commit.
Oh, and that other thing I love about Tucson...
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---
163ish (no scale)
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
40 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
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WHAT I LEARNT IN THE PROLOGUE TODAY
Mar 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LAST TIME I RACED TUCSON, the opening stage was a short time trial. Today it was even shorter. A real prologue...
... 8ish minutes, all out.
Who ever practices that?
Not me, but apparently some do...
... and they were really fast.
Unless you are a true specialist, or at least practice it a bit, doing any kind of prologue or time trial is a total mind screw.
- You know you're not great, why try?
- You know it's short, why not go for it?
- You know stages races are usually one by ripping the timed event, why not save it for the other days?
I don't think you get the picture. You think you do. But, you might not. Because those thoughts aren't just entertained during breakfast.
They start as whispers the moment you sign up. Very quiet. Easy to ignore, but they come back. And, if you're a not a specialist you dissuade yourself of believing you have a chance.
Unfortunately, with an hour to go the thoughts return. Not quiet. Yelling. Commanding you to make up your mind.
You warm up, trying to avoid engaging your thoughts.
Do it.
Don't do it.
Go for it.
Take it easy.
You have a chance!
Save it for tomorrow.
When you roll up to the line and the official clock is counting down, it's deafening. Which devil is going to take control...
... the charger or the lackey?
You hear the beep, stop on the pedals and say to yourself...
... F this, I'm going for it!
A few minutes in, it really starts to hurt. The lackey tries to come up for air, but the charge in you throttles him with every racing thud of your beautifully beating heart...
... gawd, I feel fantastic!
So, here's what I learnt:
- I am ok at this
- I should practice it a bit
- I'm in pretty good shape considering the last few months
- And... 15 seconds out of first with a very, very slim chance of still making the podium in the overall.
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---
163ish (no scale)
8
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
40 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LAST RACE
Mar 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PULLING INTO TUCSON THIS EVENING, I WONDERED IF THIS WOULD BE MY LAST ROAD RACE? I mean, I just drove 7 hours to do a road race...
... there just aren't any options in SoCal.
Kinda makes ya wonder, what if tomorrow was your last race...
... and you knew it?
In fact, what if you'd known for a few months...
... tomorrow is the very last one, ever?
Would you be kinder to the volunteers or more dismissive?
How early would you get to the start?
How intensely would you train?
Would you embrace your long-time competitors or be aloof?
Would you attack from the gun or patiently wait for things to unfold?
Would you focus on the wheel in front of you or drown in the sounds of hubs, chains and rims?
If there was a mishap would you stop or hammer on?
Would you leave nothing to chance or be nonchalant in your prep?
Would you bike be pristine or worn out?
How important would it be to win?
What if you lost?
And that's the problem with the last race...
... it could always be tomorrow.
---
162.9
7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
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