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
>
BUCKLE UP!
ONCE WE FIGURE OUT how to survive and thrive at anything we have two choices...
... share it, or keep it to ourselves.
Neither one is necessarily wrong.
In fact, it might be necessary ...
- the family treasure
- the hidden path to beauty
- the knowledge we use to provide
...to safeguard our survival.
If it's not,
or if we're feeling generous,
or we're just super excited to share what we've discovered...
... what are we to do?
Personally, I've already written one book.
In fact, I ran into a customer in Leadville who shared his sister bought him the book, and he read it several times.
It's short,
and to the point.
This morning my friend Kevi pinged me...
- how many times have you started Leadville?
- how many times have you finished?
- how many big buckles?
... 8, 8, 8.
I've been very committed,
and very fortunate.
Which got me thinking...
... maybe it's time to write another book?
===
icymi
===
163.4 lbs
9ish 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
170/180/-11 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
>
FASTER AND SHORTER DOESN'T MEAN...
RACING LEADVILLE WASN'T ON THE CALENDAR in January. I had my sights on a few other events, one of them was Sea Otter with the friends...
... then I qualified.
Uh oh.
The last time I raced it I started planning a year out, this time I had four months to put my plan together.
I was already testing a new training program...
- more strength work
- more intensity
- more sprints
... and it was going to be fun to see how it would translate.
The impetus was to try and hang on to my dwindling power as I age, because my real long rangl Leadville goal is go sub-9 at 70.
Here's how it went down.
Last fall, I scored a nearly new Epic World cup on Pink Bike.
The perfect bike for me on this course - a little slower downhill, faster uphill.
Fueling was 100% liquid...
- USWE 2L to bottom of Columbine - I kinda regretted that because the pack is so tight when full I felt it restricted my breathing
- Camelback up Columbine is just easy to drink than bottles
- bottles the rest of the way
... CarboRocket, 333 calories/hour.
40 degrees on start line, dawned our Fly Vest, fleece arm warmers, and skull cap. Dumped it all before Columbine.
Tires.
Ugh!
The stress.
Chatted up the Conti crew about my recent punctures on Friday.
Yeah, running the Race Rapid Dubnital is a bit risky. I'd go with Trail version.
Oh, can I buy some.
No, we don't sell at events.
(Come on Conti - make some money and help a brother out.)
Would you run inserts?
They aren't really going to help with the punctures you're experienced, and I think they might make things worse because of tension created on the sidewall.
Crank up the pressure?
Mmmm, not gonna do much.
Bummer.
What are your athletes running?
Oh, they're all running Race Rapids, same as you.
With that, I left the inserts in. No time to remove the . Ran 20lbs up front, 22 in back.
A little bouncy, but I planned to send it on the DHs.
Leadville sends waves of riders off, based on how your time at one of their qualifiers.
I was in green.
Most of my friends and competitors started in the waves ahead.
Which meant, they rolled out either 5 minutes ahead of me or 2 1/2 minutes ahead of me.
Note: in 2022, I qualified for Silver and was beat by a guy who started behind me.
I took solace in that, hope that if I could catch up I technically had the lead.
Gotta have something to prod us on.
Halfway up the first 30ish minute climb we connected with the wave ahead.
Ok.
That's cool.
Here the course changed, due to the Willow fire.
At the top, we popped out onto pavement. Rather than going right, and racing over to the hardest and most technical part of the course, we went left and rode pavement all the way around.
Here, the goal was to plummet like a demon at latch onto the faster climbers.
The long game is to work together.
Back on the dirt, we had some punchy climbs.
It's so tempting to hit it for 1-3 minutes,
better to ease off and save it for the torture to come.
Course knowledge helped me here, I was able to pick my moments and scoot ahead when things to technical.
Even leap up to the next group.
Surfgirl was easy to spot next to the 12' PEDALindustries flag we had on course.
Packs swapped out, it was time to grind.
There is always a point at races like this where I/we say...
... What the heck am I doing? This is stupid, and it hurts.
Usually it's because we are barely moving due to fatigue or conditions.
In this case, it was being alone with riders strung across the mountain ahead of me.
I settled in.
My plan to keep HR in the 150s wasn't working,
it was in the 140s.
Power seemed okay, so whatevs press on.
I yelled at the photog, Here's your chance to get some good slowmo shots!
Humor helps in these sitchyashuns.
Because I started behind, and because we're now all just doing what we can to get up this 90 min climb, over 12,600'...
... we really have no idea where we are in comparison to others or how or when we'll actually finish.
It's terrible.
Lonely.
The top of this years course was back to the originally route, which meant rather than simply turning around we went a little further then down 150 yards...
... climbing out of that I always find heartbreaking.
Now here's the fun part.
Bombing back down the narrowish top, not only are we skirting around lots of rocks, but thousands of riders are still coming up.
Sometimes single file,
sometimes four abreast.
They're barely moving,
I'm doing anywhere from 20-40 mph,
on steep, loose gravel with morning light strobing through the aspens.
It's gnarly,
and I love it.
From the bottom on back to the finish,
it's pretty much the same as every other year.
No one can really help or pace together,
we're all just doing our thing and hope it works.
There's no moto riding up to give you updates on how it's going.
It's just going.
That paved descent we bombed down, was relentless and eternal on the return.
Finally, back on the last legit dirt section, I decided to just have fun.
I was alone in the mountains, it was beautiful, I felt pretty good.
Even stopped to pee.
I never do this, but man I really had to go.
It takes forever.
And, I'm thinking...
... I wonder if I'm screwing up my finishing time in comparison to others.
Feeling a lot better, I pedal on.
When all of the sudden a rider blows by me.
Crap.
Is that who I think it is?
He's uncorked going down the very descent that has sent more than one rider to hospital..
Gotta go.
We link up at the bottom.
Yep.
Good thing I got on it.
We test each other all the way back to town,
up the long and dusty dirt road called the Boulevard.
At the final turn,
he turns on the afterburners and puts a big gap between us.
I'm cool with that...
... cuz it ain't 2 1/2 minutes.
I didn't mail it in, I still went as hard as I could, barely able to stay upright as I crossed the line.
This year's course may have been shorter and faster, but...
... I was as smoked as ever.
It was fun to meet Roy in person, I'd supported his LUX team with raceday bags for a number of years.
===
164.3 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
170/180/-11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Takedown, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES
TRAVELING TO AN EVENT can feel lonely. Especially, if we are going alone. Or, even if we know a few people...
... it's not like being at home.
Where we have our stuff,
and our friends to bail us out.
Here I am, 10,000' above mi casa, in need of some mechanical assistance, and who do I see in the Shimano booth?...
... none other than the great Robert Plumb.
He's from home,
repping and supporting Shimano in Colorado.
In no time, he's got things figured out for me.
It was a shock thing, but I was still sheepish about handing him over my SRAM XX clad bike.
Being the pro he is...
- the new Shimano XTR wireless set up
- the down country brake levers
- the XC calipers
... he educated me on the latest and greatest.
And, I gotta tell ya...
... Mrs Santa better quit blowin' her money on bikinis and surfwax.
===
161.8 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
156/111/46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Blowback, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PREDICTIONS
DEPENDING ON OUR LEVEL, the type of event, and a whole host of other factors, we may or may not be shooting for the podium. Let's be honest...
... most of the time we're going for the challenge.
But, the pros aren't.
They're going for...
- money
- glory
- fame
... the win.
The rest of us are shooting for some sort of PR and/or bragging rights over our friends and frenemies.
All good.
Here's my prediction for Leadville 2026...
- Quinn
- Keegan
- Cam
... for the Pro men.
And...
- Sofia
- Melisa
- Rosa
... for the Pro women.
And, lil' ol' me..
... my palms are sweating...
... break 7:30.
Seems fast, given my current fitfatness.
But, like I said, few plan on winning.
PS... yes, I do have a few other targets besides time for the race... will report on that later, don't wanna jinx it.
===
162 lbs
9ish hours sleep
540ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 25 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 5 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/113/46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Blowback, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LOST AND FOUND
TAPERING ISN'T A RELIEF, quite the opposite. It's stressful in that we aren't doing what we're used to doing. Instead, we're doing...
... less, different and/or none.
Our routine is broken.
We try and hang onto it, but being disciplined creates an inharmonious tension with rest and recovery.
That was the path I was on as I rolled out this morning.
Strava maps said it would take 36 minutes,
I planned to go so easy it would stretch out to an hour.
Oh...
... the best laid plans.
Not so suddenly, I find myself in an enchanted forest...
- climbing
- winding around
- wiggling over rocks and roots
... more than I anticipated.
An hour in, the town is nowhere in sight, maps shows I'm miles from where I want to be.
I'm lost.
I come to a fork in the trail, and choose right because...
... it's going straight down.
The next five miles ...
- fast
- paralleling a stream
- bridges and jumps and berms
... some of the funnest single track I've ridden years.
I drop into Frisco, miles from where I'm staying in Breckinridge.
And realize...
... I've found my mojo.
Tapering is overrated,
having fun, the original motivation,
is what it's all about.
===
161. lbs
9ish hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/133/33 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Blowback, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S GETTING REAL
THE CLOSER THE START LINE, the more real the event becomes. The visions of glory, the angst of readiness, maybe some travel or some distraction...
... there is stress and relief.
Then there's the finish.
But, before all that...
... there was a spark of ingenuity to create the what we are all eagerly anticipating.
In the case of Leadville, the town, the spark came from an explosion in the mine.
Or, should I say implosion?
Where the mine that employed the entire town, provided every job, all the tax revenue for schools and a hospital...
... shut down.
In a day.
No warning.
No jobs.
No money.
Anywhere.
From the darkest hours and days and months was born the Leadville Trail 100 running race.
As the founder said...
... We'll run 'em a hundred miles from the highest city in North America and by golly they'll have to spend at least one night in town.
That's how we'll save this town we love.
I could leave this post there...
... but, really, it begs the question...
... why are we motivated to put ourselves through the many truly insane events we pursue so passionately?
It's not Kirkegaard's What doesn't kill me makes me stronger...
- grit
- determination
- being unstoppable
... it's the lessons we learn along the way.
(That pic up there is of Ken and Merilee, this evening at a frontyard bbq, the dynamic duo who grew an event from nothing and in the process saved a town, raised millions of dollars for the local kids to attend college, and gave many thousands of us an unforgettable experience to race at over 10,000'.)
===
161.6 lbs
8ish hours sleep
550ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/144/22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: Blowback, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WHEELSUCKERY?
Jun 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AT SOME POINT ON TODAY'S RIDE things got goofy. It was the final 20 minute leg pulleroffer. Quads barking, kids hangry...
... not much left.
I like this ride for it's jumpiness.
But, it can wear even the fittest timber down to swirling sawdust.
Pulls get skipped, wheelsuckery abounds, tempertrantrumitis flares...
... which always cracks me up.
But, apparently it isn't funny to the great gravel gawds of Unbound who are actually on record that sitting on ain't part of the gravel racing ethos...
... because only the strongest should win.
Really?
Since when are tactics not part of racing?
Tactics can be a strength.
A superpower.
On a training ride, unhitching the unwilling should be practiced mercilessly...
... because in a race, it's gotta be done.
Conversely, training rides are a perfect place to master latching to faster riders and conserving till you're fingers are bleeding...
... because in a race, it might have to be done.
Which brings me back to today's comic relief...
... don't get mad, get off the front.
That eventually transpired today.
Touché.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Being not the most talented, I've had to learn to be crafty...
... which is what I'm teaching this cat.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
160.7
5.5 hrs 52% (yes I suffered because of this)
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
NO TRAINING, REQUIRED
Jun 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M GONNA MAKE IT REAL SIMPLE FOR YA. You're doing too much. Probably way too much...
... let's fix that.
Here's a filter you can use:
If it ain't Hellyeah!, it's no.
For examples...
Would you like some cake?
No.
Would you like to stay out late partying?
No.
Would you like to go for a killer ride tomorrow?
Hellyeah!
What merits a Hellyeah! depends on who you want to be and what you want to accomplish.
What merits a No is everything else.
It's simple.
Not easy.
Train it.
No...
... and it'll be a big Hellyeah! on RaceDay!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Like Leif.
He's training for a big Hellyeah! at Leadville this summer. Watch the video.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161
7.5 hrs
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
PLANNING 101
Jun 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOMEONE ACTUALLY ASKED ME HOW TO PREPARE FOR A RACE. That happens all the time, and I am generally free with the advice. Not this time...
... the race is next weekend!!!
What should I do to prepare for Giro Di San Diego next weekend, 100 miles 8000'?
Pray.
I mean, what can you do 10 days out?
Not much.
If it's an A race, your prep should have begun months ago and you'll be tapering the next 10 days.
If it's a B, you'll probably just train through it on your way to the A race.
Things you should do:
- Get a RaceDay Calendar™ and commit!
- Get my 10 week RaceDay Ready plan (give me 10 weeks and I'll get you ready)
- Get your bike prepped, I have a checklist for you.
- Get your travel plan in place, even if it's a short drive, figured out
In other words, get your shift together...
... you paid good money to line up, get your money's worth!
Don't believe me? Watch this.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Want a sample of the program Leif is on?
Just get this kit.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161
7 hrs
Body Water 61%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
HOT IN HERRE
Jun 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TWENTY DAYS TILL THE SUMMER SOLSTICE, and it's already starting to heat up around here. Should you be lucky enough to ride midday in the sweletering goodness...
... it's like a twofer.
- You are riding while the rest of us are grinding
- Good stuff happens in the heat.
Whether or not you're riding in the heat of the day to try and acclimate before some hideously hot event, here's the science:
- Blood plasma will increase. More plasma means better cooling, better nutrient distribution, protection against dehydration.
- Resting heart temp will be lower.
- You'll sweat earlier and more vs waiting until you're too hot which keeps you cooler.
- Left ventricle of heart strengthens, pumping more blood faster.
- Cellular adaptation, on the individual level to better withstand heat stress.
Yeah, this is what I tell myself when I'm caught out in the furnace...
... alone.
It's my self talk ain't sciency, it's like this:
All those fools in the air conditioned enclaves...
... and I am working!
HOW TO STAY FOREVER YOUNG
May 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF YOU HAVE FIGURED OUT WHERE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS, not just healthy and badassly on the bike. And, it warms my heart almost daily...
... to see your vitality.
If you haven't figured it out yet, it's right there hiding in the picture above.
See all those racers sprinting for the line?
They're kids.
In Europe.
And, that young man on the far left is from around these parts. His dad has ridden with him and coached him since he was a wheel high. His high school put together a NICA MTB team. Then he was recruited to race with Roy's LUX development team...
... yep, all kinds of oldsters have been around Luke's development.
If there is one piece of advice I can give you who are searching for the fountain of youth...
... it's with the youth.
Get around them.
Sponsor them.
Mentor them.
The blessings are undeniable in the countenances of those who donate their time and resources to the youth...
... they are younger and more vital than their peers.
It's undeniable.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lux
We donate bags to all the kids on the team.
If you'd like to support the team, use PROMO code: TEAMLUX
You'll save 10% and the team will earn 10%.
Or, if you'd like to donate directly or become sponsor: luxcycling@gmail.com
Stay young my friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lux
---
160.9
7.2 hrs 97%
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TOP 2 HIDDEN BENEFITS OF ZONE 2
May 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A HUGE BUZZ ON POLARIZED TRAINING, as there should because it's backed up by science. What isn't backed up by science...
... is hidden.
We need to be intentional about the obvious hidden benefits.
First, do your Zone 2 with your friends. Because it's a conversational pace, having a friend(s) a long will allow you to connect in ways we used to before the invasion of our digital gods.
Second, because we spend (should spend!) so much time in Zone 2 it can get monotonous unless we spice it up with efficiency challenges like:
- cornering
- braking
- jumping
- drafting
- eating
- drinking
- form
- pedal stroke
- aerodynamics
- etc
These are cornerstones of superior athletic accomplishments...
... camaraderie and efficiency.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets0
That's where the money is.
Speaking of money, there is nothing better to being on a ride or simply remember who cool this sport is than this nifty wallet made from innertube.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
162.2
6.2 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT ABOUT JAI?
May 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
JAI HINDLEY WON THE GIRO TODAY. Nobody was watching him the first week, some watched him the second week...
... what a scene this week!
How could a race 3 weeks long
come down to the last 3 miles
with 3 seconds between
the top contenders?
If you missed the whole thing, go back and watch the final big climb on Saturday. There is no better drama than months of prep and weeks of racing come down to this...
... one man was significantly better than the rest.
Man?
Honestly, looks like a boy.
Better than rest?
You'd never know it looking at him, there's sense of ego or I'm better than you, he looks like a kid who's just having a good time.
It's been a long, long time since I've seen such amateur joy at the pro level...
... maybe the first time.
Maybe that's what happens when nobody believes you've got it in you?
Maybe it's a result of enjoying the experience vs stressing to perform?
Maybe Jai knew what no one else did...
... he was ready to have the ride of his life?
Are you?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Well, be sure to change in style before and after your grand day.
These changing ponchos are awesome for changing before and after, and wiping down your body and bike after.
Use promo code: PONCHO
to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
8.25 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IF IT AIN'T FIXED, BREAK IT
May 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE ENDLESS FASCINATION THAT IS PERSONAL PERFORMANCE has led me in a new direction. Today was evidence it's working. I've previously dabbled and tinkered, but...
... I had to break the molds to get the results.
Yes, plural.
Molds I've broken this year.
Suspension. I've pretty much shied from messing with suspension over the years. This year, I had the suspension refreshed and revalaved for my specific weight. Then I took the time to test it and dial it in the past few weeks, adjusting sag and rebound well outside of the recommended factory settings...
... I've never had a more dialed in rig.
Weight training. Like most sheeple, I commenced lifting weights each "offseason", quickly blowing it off. This year I committed to lifting every single day...
... I've never felt stronger.
Polarized training. About a year ago, I started experitmenting with polarized training. I had good success, accomplishing last summer's major objective: Silver Corral at Leadville for '22. This year, fulling embracing the concept...
... I've never felt fresher.
There are more broken molds laying around here, stay tuned.
In the meantime, what was so successful about today's ride?
A darn respectable time on our local big climb, all in low zone 3 and after just over 2 hours and 3000' of climbing getting over there. Then I spun around and ripped the downhill which was majorly socked in and difficult to see, getting a PR on the entire up/down segment... look at that fork for reference.
I also stuck to my nutrition plan and consumed: 6 bottles of doubleserving Skratch, 3 Paleo bars, 1 Clif bar, 1 Mexican Coke, a portion of Zack's Stinger waffle. And I felt great all day.
Oh, and a slewful of PRs on a number of DH sections. That is really good news, because it's taken me a while to get comfortable on the MTB after so much gravel riding.
Doing the math: I climbed as much today, 12,000' as the looming upcoming race. I did it on a 20 mile shorter course, in 6:48. That leaves me 1:12 to cover that 20 flat miles, which would be about 17mph...
... it's gonna be really, really close to my 8 hr goal.
Might have to find a few more molds to break.
If y'all are looking to break some molds of yer own, there's nothun bettah than a giant RaceDay Calendar to motivate ya.
It takes gigongous cajones to take a Sharpie and write yer goals so everyone can see.
One place to see the entire year's events.
- Weeks are set up Monday- Sunday, because the weekends matter to us.
- Large area on top for top annual objectives
- Weekends and Holidays are highlighted as well as the time changes
- Plenty of space at the to bottom for detailing your vision for the year.
How HUGE?
27.5" Wide X 48" Tall.
What's it made out of?
We are using the same durable fabric we use in our RaceDay Bags™. This will create an enduring record of what you planned and accomplished each year.
Best racing investment you'll make all year.
---
162
6 hrs
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
TRUING OUR WHEELS
May 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
STRAIGHT AND NARROW IS THE WAY which leads to life. That line is preceded by Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction. And is followed by...
... few there be that find it.
What does that have to do with racing, Diesel?
What doesn't have to do with racing?
I ain't here to be preached at.
I ain't here to preach.
Why the scripture, then?
Racing isn't the end, it's part of being a well-rounded superstar.
The race is to be a well-rounded. social, mental, physical, and spiritual. Physical is just one thing we are after. By focusing equally on all four of these components...
... we will be true.
True wheels are faster, stronger, essential to ripping.
Be a ripper.
Be true.
---
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the goodness in our community. Those of you who take time to say hi and give an encouraging word to me and to the rest of us really do make a difference...
... that's the social side of well-rounded.
Here's some more goodness from friend Amber, Olympian and 2X World Champion...
https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/
I just finished it, and gotta say I gotta little tearyeyed when it was over. We are all facing hidden battles all the time, this is a story of perseverance and patience. Truly inspiring.
Get the book here: https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/
She'll wearing our superlight race gloves and socks at Unbound next weekend... along with a gorgeous kit we made for her.
They come in a rainbow of colors...
... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.
And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161
7 hrs - 78%
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
ON THE WEIGH
May 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SINCE IT'S ALL A NUMBERS GAME, it make sense to figure out what the numbers are. There are power to weight numbers, hours, miles, laps...
... and then there's water.
Not just how much we're drinking per hour, but how much is in our body.
I was reminded of this by Dr. V, our local health wizard.
You should post your water numbers on the blog.
What are those?
The percent of your body that's water.
How would I know that?
Get a proper scale.
Ok.
I'm usually X% and always jealous of you know who, he consistently checks in at 66%.
Ordered it.
So, what have I learned in the past week or so of weighing?
I have a lot of improvements to be made. My hydration could be better by 8-10%. My body fat registers at the highest end for athletes.
Seeing the actual numbers takes the guesswork out and gives us something we can measure...
... what gets measured gets managed.
Saturday I'll be doing an epic training ride. Can't wait to compare the morning weigh in to the post ride weigh in. I'm going to be super diligent on my 1 bottle/hour rule, more if the heat is excessive.
I can manage some improvement.
Can you?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Measuring sheds light on our situation, so might as well blow out these lights.
There are a few Medium Front lights and a few more Small Rear lights. They provide nearly 360• of visibility, and they're super light weight.
This promo code will expire on Saturday, or when we run out of the lights.
Code is MEASURE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
160
7.27 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 59.7%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
May 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE SECRETS TO GOING FAST DOWNHILL is not thinking about it. Huh? Turning my focus to MTB racing...
... I've had to think about this.
The fastest among us aren't thinking,
analyzing,
fretting.
But, how do we get in the zone?
We have to think about it, for a bit.
In my case, after months and miles of graveling on the gravel bike I retarded my Road and MTB descending skills.
For example, on gravel bike I ride a lot of difficult trails en route to gravel, everything is slower.
No suspension + skinny tires + high pressure = slow.
Slow because it's so much rougher. Every rock and root is magnified...
... the largest effect has been on my vision.
I'm not looking far enough ahead when on the fast and fierce MTB bike which smoothes everything out. Consequently, I'm having way to many Oh $#!2! moments.
That thought solidified - look as far ahead as possible - takes effort. It's breaking a bad habit.
Once a bad habit is broken, we no longer think about it.
We are in the zone.
Going fast(er).
Confidently.
There are a slew of other things to think about when ripping off road. This is a great place to start: https://youtu.be/8y6ocZHpLoE.
Think about it.
Work on it.
Rip it...
... without even thinking about it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Ever heard the term...
... Grip it and rip it!
If I wasn't constantly being stopped by the locals wearing these gloves and socks, I wouldn't be so passionate about them.
They come in a rainbow of colors...
... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.
And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.2
6.39 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups +3 0 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
May 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S JUST NOTHING QUITE AS SATISFYING AS WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. Probably because it's so rare...
... it's Pavlovian.
Consequently, we keep coming back to the races.
Like tonight.
It all clicked for me.
I remembered the race was only 2 laps, lots of good sleep prior (contrary to what the app is saying), bike set up was spot on, work was extremely smooth and productive, arrived plenty early...
.... had a really good race.
It's kind of a numbers game:
- 7-8 hrs of sleep
- 161.3 lbs - down 3 from last week
- Tire pressure lower - 19 rear, 17 front
- Suspension, maxed out my sag to 30% and slowed the rebound way down
- lots of sales always energizes me
- arrived 2 hours early
- 1 application of PR Lotion
- 1 water bottle, 2 scoops of Skratch
- leisurely 40 minutes recon of lap
- 3 trips to the bathroom
- 1 honey stinger gel 10 minutes before start
- start line with 4 minutes to spare
- 1st into the very early off camber 170˚ loose and dusty turn
- 1st onto the hill
- 1st onto long single track descent
- 1st into the melee merge with the beginners/intermediates
- Est Power Ave 231, Max 1035
- Ave Speed 14, Max 33.5
- Ave HR 171, Max 179
- 11 miles
- 2 laps
- 1st
The good news is no one racer has yet to dominate. It's been a jumble every week...
... which means lots of fun ahead.
The bad news...
... I'm not sure where I can improve.
Thank Dog for Pavlov.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Speaking of Pavlov, a good marketer (like me) knows it's good when things sell out, and we're gonna sell out of the special offer...
... free personalization.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
161.3
7.23 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE RACE
May 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE SHORTEST RACE POSSIBLE turns out to be the best race possible. While all the money is behind the Tour de France, Unbound, Leadville, nobody starts there...
... they start small.
A Strava segment, a city limit sign, a group ride, a local weekday race. This is wherewe are born...
... and grow from there.
Social bonds are formed, knowledge is gained, skills improve, talents are discovered...
... focus leads to fascination.
George reminded me of this on Saturday's group ride.
Todd, I feel faster than ever.
You do?
Yes, I'm not, of course, because I'm way past my prime.
Tell me more.
I feel more confident, closer than ever to my potential.
That's wonderful George!
The race to be great is a long one, a personal one, the best one...
... it starts with the shortest race possible.
It's up to us to continually encourage our friends, and Yes! our competitors, to join the endless fascination to be our best. They might be hesitant, that's where we remind them...
... if you want to know something, you have to do something.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Just like if you want to know the joy of giving the best gift ever, with the recipients name printed on the bag...
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
6.8 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
65 minutes reading + Journaling
LET THIS SINK IN
May 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVERYTHING MATTERS WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. Every little thing. It all adds up...
... to combine for a great day.
Here's one you might never have considered.
For years, I would head out to the garage the night before the ride and make sure everything was ready to go. That's a good practice...
... but, it could have been a little bit better.
How?
Well, the garage at night is perpetually cold. Which means the chain is cold, as well as the chain lube. Which means, when you apply the lube to the chain it doesn't penetrate as well as it could if it was warmed up a bit.
But, who wants to take a blow dryer to their chain and risk damaging any carbon parts?
The solution:
- Let the lube and the chain warm up in the afternoon sun.
- Clean the chain and the pulleys
- Lube it with the good stuff.
- Work it in.
- Let sit.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
These are the little secrets we come up with prepping for race day...
... you're not keeping this secret are you?
The fact that you can get one of these in stock designs personalized, for free.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (18 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
7.7 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DAY RIPPER
May 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LOW CLOUDS EVENTUALLY BROKE FORTH. Not rain, but not fog. Somewhere in between. Enough to dirty the lens, not enough to soak the socks...
... no better weather for ripping!
Woke up groggy, took forever to get out the door, and really didn't have much of a plan other than trying to find the local speedsters on the CV ride. Of course, right about the time I wanted to catch them I really had to pee, tucked in behind some bushes...
... I could hear the gaggle of geese freewheeling by.
Perfect.
Chasing, which is what I was hoping for.
I wanted to be pushed hard today. It's the last week of a 3-week build, and I wanted to go really deep.
Mission accomplished, highest fitness I've ever seen on Strava.
Things are percolating right along for a summer of racing.
Part of seeing that peak fitness has been my commitment to polarized training. A lot of zone 2, plus 2 hard days a week. The 2 hard days can be back to back or bookend the zone 2 work, it doesn't seem to matter. All that matters is that I don't go hard more than 2x a week. I'm hiding this in a long paragraph so the skimmers don't see it. It's just for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
This might be for you, too...
... or someone you know.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (25 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
6.37 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
SMALL DISCIPLINE
May 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DINNER AT 8 they yelled as they drove by. These weren't strangers, they know me well and they know i'm really focused on 1 goal this summer...
... I could feel a hangriness comin' on.
It's just a small thing, pushing back the dinner hour by an hour.
But, I'd been doing small things all day.
- Small chainring for 90 minutes
- Small weight sessions for breaks.
- Small portions for breakfast and lunch.
I could feel a greatbighuge step backwards coming on.
At 6pm, they looked at me and said Dad, you look like you need a few Brookside DarkChocolate Acai and Blueberry flavors...
... not even the berries, just the favors!
Ok, just a few.
They're good aren't they?
Kinda.
Want a few more?
Sure.
Feeling better?
No, hand me the bag!
Okay, small lie there.
But, you get the idea small things can give us big results when applied consistently...
... on the scale, too, if we don't demonstrate some small restraint.
Small note on my personal life: The daughter and soninlaw are visiting for a month and want to make sure y'all know how strong and smart and fit they are.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Which is a nice lead in to Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
162.4
6.36 hrs (I don't know about this app, pretty sure it was closer to 7.5)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER
May 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER ON RACEDAY. Some of them are obvious...
... these aren't.
- Clear your calendar. You gotta work, we all do. If it's an afternoon midweeker, clear the afternoon - start earlier, work longer the next day, etc. If it's on a weekend, clear out Friday afternoon. The emotional energy of work needs to be saved for the race.
- Sleep dope. Get an exceptional night of sleep the night before the night before and a really good night of sleep the night before.
- Eat hearty. Afternoon midweekers need a big late lunch. Epic weekenders require a ton of food the day before. You aren't a wrestler or boxer, you don't need to cut weight the day before. Load up.
- Bonus... this ties in with #1, get there early. Real early. Cut the stress out of rushing, waiting at registration, hustling to warm up etc... this should be a zenlike moment, a warrior slowly preparing for battle.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Of course, it all starts with the RaceDay Bag™...
... because you can't race proper if you aren't geared proper.
With Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
161.8
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD?
May 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IN MY CULTURE we talk about having high standards all the time. Even judging each other based on our choice to keep the standards high...
... or let 'em drift low.
The benefit of high standards, of course, is everything is much easier.
I was reminded of this on my ride today when I saw the above sign.
No horses
No rollerblades
No e-bikes
No kooks
Enjoy
The builders of this brandnewsupersecret singletrack definitely have some standards they expect to be honored.
In this light, standards are a lot like commandments. They can be used as guideposts and ways to measure our commitment and progress.
For example, if our standard is to satisfy hunger a Big Mac and fries will do. If our standard is to eat like world-class athletes we would look down on that choice and...
... opt for something inline with our standards.
Eating like an Olympian makes going fast on a bicycle a lot easier than eating like Michael Moore.
During the final miles of the ride, the sun was setting and a father and son sped by on their e-bikes. The dad yelled...
... Sorry, I know we're cheating.
I smiled, gave him a thumbs up.
We have different standards, that's all.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Some people have modesty as a standard, and you know what they say...
... modest is hottest!
The changing poncho promo code is active again, it's PONCHO.
It'll expire Friday at midnight, save you 20%.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
5.8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
May 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE WE WERE, blitzing the same course as last week. Really getting after it, I was right behind two world champions, Brian Lopes (MTB DH) and Jeff Ward (Supercross)...
... little ol' me hanging on tight.
Then, I blew 3/4s of the way up the only climb.
Not blowblow, but uncoupled form the dynamic duo.
All I could do was watch them bridge up to the younger group of Experts that started infront of us.
That was my plan!
Well, that didn't work.
What did work was
- taking 50 seconds off last week's time,
- arriving early for a nice leisurely warmup,
- racing with no computer (tracking it on the Apple watch)
- feeling good after Saturday's 100 miles heat stroking adventure
- pounding a bottle of Amp Recovery Mix
- the bike was flawless
- saying hi to so many friends I haven't seen since last season
- delivering the canopy top to my friends at Linked Cycling (gotta do some work out there),
- setting my canopy between La Habra Cyclery (who gives RaceDay Bags™ to their VIP customers)
- and Crank Bros (who's pedals and wheels I love)
What can I do to improve next week?
- My diet was awful over the weekend, I can improve that and come in a bit lighter
- Better sleep Monday night, it was good not great.
- Positioning, I gave up spots too easy and had to close gaps the first half of the first lap... gotta be meaner, LOL
- run the Wahoo mounted, I generally like to race these short races on feel but giving up 3rd place to Robb hurt - kudos to him for brilliantly riding his 2nd lap faster than his first
- The website had a pretty major meltdown today and was stressing me out all afternoon - still is - that'll be fixed by then.
I call this Review and Repeat, which is covered in the 5th chapter of my book.
Will, a race promoter back East, purchased 3 books Sunday and shipped them to 3 different people.
That makes me happy.
Have you read it?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
164.9
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SATISFACTION GAURANTEED.
May 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS SOMETHING ASTONISHINGLY SATISFYING IN MY GARAGE. A nice rack, some decent tools...
... and I bike to work on.
It doesn't matter what level of mechanicry you have reached.
If you can fix, do it yourself.
If you have a hunch, see it through.
If you can kinda handle it, attempt it for sure.
It doesn't take much in terms of tools to be able to do the basics:
- Change a tire
- Add sealant
- Fix a flat
- Adjust your brakes
- Tighten your headset
- etc
Just tonight I noticed a slight wobble in my front disc after giving the wheel a spin. Zing, zing, zing as it spun around.
I used to have a really cool tool for bending a disc back into shape, but I accidentally sold it.
What to do...
What could I use to grab hold of it that didn't have sharp edges or grooves...
... a crescent wrench!
Just like that, I straightened it out.
The level of satisfaction is instantaneous...
... the level of confidence will last a life time.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
2DAY'S MASTERCLASS
May 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TWO OF THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE GIRO showed a level of mastery few attain. There is no hack that we can employ...
... this takes years.
As noted by the great Sun Tzu...
... Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
On Friday and on Sunday, the winner of the stage was distanced. Gapped. The announcers let us know things weren't looking good at all.
How very wrong they were.
Koen and Jai, rode right up to their very limit. Rather than going beyond a sustainable pace chasing the leaders they held strong to what they knew they could do...
... kept clawing their way back.
To victory!
There are 2 ways to acquire this skill:
- Intervals
- Racing
That's it.
Just riding around ain't gonna do it. Your limits won't be exposed.
And, as Uncle Harry says...
... A racer's gotta know their limitations.
Do you know yours?
You must know.
No guessing.
Imperative.
Most people don't, because it hurts reallyreally bad.
Most people race first, then seek to win.
It's Monday, what are you going to win this week?
- Ride
- Race
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Maintenance
- so many ways!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.8
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
OF COURSE WE'LL DO IT AGAIN
May 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE FAILED TODAY. The plan was to ride from the surf in Dana Point to Summit of Big Bear. 135 mile, 16,000 of vert. That wasn't the problem...
... 99 degrees with a slight tailwind was devastating.
No relief.
I've wanted to do this ride for decades but never really figured out a good route, or which bike, or who'd be willing to attempt it.
Then, gravel became a thing and I'll just pause right here...
... the route is epic.
Lots of gravel, a stealth 40ish mile bike trail to skirt you mercifully through urban sprawl, hidden roads through gorgeous neighborhoods...
... and some singletrack to keep it real.
The beautiful bouquet of enthusiasm for adventure began to wilt around mile 70. Convection-style heat, blacktop...
... scorched and dry and dead land.
I made a major blunder in Loma Linda. We should have stopped for cool liquids but I was certain we were only a few miles from our rendezvous. It was infernal...
... so hot, I'd forgotten we rode to the start and added a good 6 miles.
These miles turned out to be all uphill.
Starting with a slick and dusty hiking trail and connecting to a supersmooth tarmac climb though custom custom dreamhomes...
... it should have been a wonderful climb.
We pulled in, ruined, to find the van waiting and willing.
Frozen Oreo icecreams, cokes, chips, got us resuscitated us. After a lengthy stop, we got after it just in time to hit another wonderful climb...
... at 2pm.
Couldn't be hotter.
I could tell we wouldn't all make it. There was no point in one soldering on for hours.
We made the call.
Surfergirl performed a perfect rescue, showering us with icecold treats. We began the long journey back home.
You'd thing we'd be quiet.
Ashamed.
Not our style, and our ladies know us oh so well, as evidenced by this message
Why do it again?
- It's an absolutely incredible route
- Insane Zone 2 training, ave HR 129
- It's on the Calendar..
... therefore, it must be completed.
We're targeting late Fall, to avoid the insane heat that scorches the I.E
Sunrises at 7, and sets at 6.
We'll roll at 5 with lights to assist.
We have all the stops figured out, it will be supported.
Yeah, we've thought it through.
Here's what we were able to accomplish: https://www.strava.com/activities/7143784639
How about you?
Are you gonna make it to the most grand challenge of the year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
You'll need to put it on your calendar.
Did you know we can make these with your team graphics and pre-populate with your team's A events?
Or, just get this one shipped right away.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
164
4.39 hrs (just too dang excited)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
COWBOY STRONG
May 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER SHAKEN A COWBOY'S HAND? I'm not talking about one of them weekend line dancers, I'm talking an honest to gosh working cowboy. Like my cousin...
... it's like shaking hands with a telephone pole.
They are hard, strong and immovable.
It can be intimidating for most of us, because we instantly realize we are so pathetically weak.
But, real cowboys, for the most part, are skinny and lean...
... and they don't go to the gym.
I was reminded of this by my friend Jim, who was originally Don's friend Jim Fromthegym. He was complaining about gaining weight since he started lifting weights.
How do the cowboys do it?
Strong, yet sinewy.
They are constantly lifting and working physically throughout the day, which is what I've been preaching...
... to my apparently deaf choir.
Yes, lift weights...
... but, lift like a cowboy vs a musclebeachboy.
How?
Simple.
Heavy weights.
Low reps.
Daily...
... by daily, I mean throughout the day.
Get up, do a set.
Get some work down, do a set.
Don't drive to the gym.
Don't get sweaty.
Don't pump up.
Just be cowboy strong.
Which reminds me of how to handle your bike like a cowboy, maybe I'll share that some other day.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The point is to be RaceDay Ready™.
Which is what the R stands for.
This PEDALindustries R kit comes with magical properties:
- 20% Savings on everything all the time
- Access to the RaceDay Ready™ Strava Group where you can ask me anything.
- Plus, the beta version of my RaceDay Ready™ 10 Week Program
- and more.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164.2
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps +5 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT GETS MEASURED
May 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER THE RACE TUESDAY EVE, I commented to Bob that I think having a remarkable night of sleep was the magic trick I needed. He whipped out his phone...
... it turns out I've been lying to ya, for years.
Not on purpose, pure ignorance mixed with a little hope that I was doing it right. This convo cleared that up.
I've been measuring my sleep on my watch.
I got one of those.
With this app, AutoSleep.
I'll get it.
Well, I got it.
Measured the last two nights. It's ugly. Truly.
Currently I have 27% of Sleep Debt. That's because I slept terrible Tuesday, 5:10. And, rotten Wednesday, 6:25.
In my head, I was guessing I wound up in bed at 1130 and got up at 6. But, the app is counting sleeping not lying.
That's the bad news.
The good news is we all know what gets measured gets managed.
That's why we upload to Starva, why I weigh myself daily, report in how much reading and writing and recovery.
Tracking our stats ultimately leads us to tracking down and stomping our competition, PRs, etc...
... if you're into that.
I am.
There are lots of ways to track sleep. I'm using Apple Watch and app, there's Oura ring, Whoop.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
The app treats sleep like a bank account. I like that.
Do you like this?
It's the perfect size whether you're out for an all day ride, or just want something sleek and light to slip into your pocket.
There are 2 slots for cards and cash, one shows the top of cards, the other is deeper.
Made in USA, from inner tube rubber.
Did I mention it's the perfect size?
Or, that we can make 'em with your team logo?
Such a great gift!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
163.1
6.25 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHIFTY RACES ARE GOOD, TOO
May 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THINGS DIDN'T GO AS EXPECTED AT THE RACE LAST NIGHT. While I arrived plenty early, felt wonderful on the warm up, and ripped off the front on the first lap...
... I made a big booboo on the second lap.
It was my fault.
Let me preface it all with this bit of truth from the allegory of the olive tree. The master of the vineyard, wanting to preserve his trees ordered his workers to dung the ground. In other words...
... without pig shift trees were gonna die.
So it is with racing, if we aren't blundering or worse from time to time...
... there would be no growth.
My blunder?
Trusty Mike came through and told us it was a 3 lap race. The announcer said it was a 2 lap race. For some dumb reason 3 stuck in my head, and I didn't mind turning over the lead as we finished the second lap...
... until the cat I was stalking sprinted for the line.
It was too late for me to do anything.
I burned in that shifty thinking by completing the third lap anyway. Apparently, that wasn't enough because when I related the idiotic episode to Surfergirl she reminded me...
... you've done that before.
Some lessons we get to repeat, until we master.
Which is the point.
Mastery.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
How do you like the red glove, red sock combo to go with the red helmet and red R on the kit?
If you're into to looking sharp, this month's buy the gloves and socks special is awesome.
Just put the gloves and socks in the shopping cart and you automatically receive the socks for free.
Buy Gloves, Get Socks.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.5
5.5 hrs (so hard to sleep after evening races)
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY
May 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SAN DIEGO COUNTY MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST COUNTY ON THE PLANET for getting after it on road bikes. A stunning coast line, a rich field of challenging talent, bike lanes...
... and the best weather on earth.
It's where I received the sage wisdom from a crusty wrench in a small, passionate shop on PCH...
... It takes 3 years to know what you're good at racing bikes.
At the time, I was living in a small studio in Pacific Beach. A hotbed for jazz, kids and fooling around...
... fancying myself a stage racer
The beach town knew I was odd, with my shocking blue Gios and Campy Record.
Didn't care a bit.
Rode at dawn, worked my first job hard, and lived for the SDBC Saturday ride.
Typical younggun, all spice no calories.
I'd spurt ahead, get laughed at.
Spurt ahead, get dropped.
Chase, survive.
Loving it.
Learned I wasn't a stage racer at all, it was crits and circuits for me. Still is on the road.
So, I was thrilled today to see some new designs come through for the famed squad that taught me so much back then.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/sdbc-san-diego-bicycle-club-store
This is the second time we've updated their designs on our gear.
Y'all all know it's my long standing dream to see an entire team in their changing ponchos, post race, yacking it up, dropping their bibs.
It's a great time of year for the changing poncho...
... who wants to wiggle around in their car when you could stand loud, proud, and modest?
If you fancy ponchos for your team, let me know.
If you want a stock design, go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Use promo code: PONCHO by friday.
Yes, the code works on stock designs or your team's custom design.
---
164
8.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RUNNING
May 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
RUNNING HAS A LOT OF CROSSOVER WITH CYCLING. Legs, lungs. Sprinting, enduring. Shoes, shorts. Winners, losers. And, of course...
... all runners eventually come to the bike.
They just don't know it.
But, there's something a lot of cyclists don't know and that is that running books are by and large much better reading than books on racing bikes.
Better stories.
Better insights.
Better performance data.
Maybe it's because more people run?
The latest find is by the U.S.'s half-marathon record holder, who also held the U.S. marathon record. His name is Ryan Hall...
... and his younger brother is a local slayer on mountain bikes.
The book is called, Run The Mile You're In.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Once we cease to be impressed by the size of our challenges, our ability to overcome them grows exponentially.
- If we want to change our results, we've got to change our hearts.
- The way to become mentally tough is to believe you are mentally tough
If you're into the spiritual side of endurance racing you'll enjoy this book.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Running is also great cross training, and the SuperTech T is perfect for that.
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.3
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD YOU RAISE YOUR BARS?
May 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DEPENDING ON YOUR RIDING STYLE, BIKE AND FLEXIBILITY you might want to change your bar height. Lower can be faster, put in you in a more aero position...
... but, bars too low can be slow.
Are your bars too low?
Maybe.
Not those bars on your bike.
Your performance bars.
Mine have been and I can't get this thought out of my head...
... the hardest bars to raise are our own.
For example, I know to hit my most audacious goal for the summer I've got to shed a few lbs. There's just no way to reach the speeds I want unless I'm lighter.
Basic physics.
But, when I checked the scales last night and saw I was set to have a light weigh in this morning...
...what did I do?
Grabbed an extra bowl of dessert.
So weak.
Rather than get to that next level, I chowed myself right back to where I've always been.
It's one day, I'll recover...
... but it's one day closer to the start line.
Stay strong my friends, and raise those bars.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
The bars I care most about are my PRs, which is what this summer is all about.
And, we've certainly raised the bar with the SuperTech T
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.7
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
TRIBE VIBES
May 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CLUBS, TEAMS, CREWS, POSSES, TRIBES. They draw us in. Call to us. Until it's too late, and we find ourselves high on a brutal climb...
... bonked.
Such was the fate of two young adventurers we came across this morning.
9 miles from the bottom.
3400' climbed.
There they were.
Dismounted...
... not discouraged.
Garage sale bikes.
Handmedown gear.
Decades earlier I'd collapsed on this same climb. On a similar day, Brad and I had foolishly joined Jeff and Eric.
They were Cat 1s out for a good time on a big climb...
... I think we were the entertainment.
We never made it to the top that day. Instead, we pulled over and enjoyed the view, joking about what a dumb idea it was to try and keep up with those cats...
... it would be years before I would try again.
Eventually I found my tribe, or they found me?
Encouraged me. Loved me. Looked out for me. Taught me...
... what it took to be good.
That's the vibe of our tribe.
Being good.
Even great.
Our best us.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The R stands for
- Race
- Ready
- Rewards
Get the kit if you want to represent.
You'll also get 20% on everything we make.
* Note: this is for ambassadors, not to replace your current team.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
NEVER, EVER DO THIS WITH YOUR COMPETITION
May 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
OCCASIONALLY AN ACTUAL COMPETITOR SHOWS UP ON A GROUP RIDE. I'm not talking about somebody that is going to push me, I'm taking about that rare time...
... someone I might actually be battling with in an A race is present.
Generally speaking, most of us have our club or team or posse or crew we train with. With these cats we are giving it our all. Together we go to a big race and we're either working together...
... or taking on all comers.
A year or so back, this cat used to show up from time to time on our group ride. We'd be slogging it out, hurting each other as much as possible...
... but, I neverever showed all my cards.
There is no advantage to proving how strong you on a training ride.
If a direct competitor is there...
... always hold something back.
Always.
And, if you are visiting one of your competitor's rides to scope their fitness they might do the same to you.
Why do you think the pros feign nursing knees, stomach bug, etc leading up to the Tour de France...
... then show up and slay the competition?
They aren't ill.
They are prepping, building their engines in private.
That's pro.
Be pro.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
You know what else is pro?
Having a super slim wallet to carry the essentials when riding or out on the town.
We make these out of MTB innertubes.
The part I love is that it's so grippy inside my jersey, it's never going to fall out.
It's all I use...
... keeps me from carrying around a brick on nonsense in my pocket.
Plus, it's proof I'm committed to fitness...
... people dig that.
No promo code on this one... it's a mere $24, and ships for free.
And yes, we can put your team logo on there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
---
164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO WE WEAR HELMETS?
May 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE FASTEST I'VE EVER GONE ON A BICYCLE WAS 63 MPH. I was helmetless, drafting a loaded diesel down Parley's Canyon on I-80. Aboard my Cannondale touring bike...
... shorts, t-shirt and shades.
Of those who latched on at the top of the steep decline, I was the last to get popped. When I finally pulled off, it occurred to me...
... that wasn't too smart.
Had I flatted or hit a wheel-destroying pothole or had a rock been thrown up at my face...
... a helmet wouldn't have saved me.
So why wear one?
Simple answer: there are plenty of lower speed oopsies where a helmet makes all the difference.
Better answer: a sexy helmet looks cool and makes us feel fast.
Best answer: the helmet serves as an unstated reminder that racing is a mental game, as much as it is physical.
At some point...
- it's going to hurt
- things are going to go wrong
- we are going to doubt our abilities
... if we aren't mentally tough, we aren't going to make it.
We must create mental helmets to protect us from the false and weakening beliefs trying to get inside our heads.
Personally, I like a good rapper name. A WWF moniker. Dubbing ourselves with powerful titles...
... to remind of us of who we really are.
Years ago I fell in love with MTB racing, quickly learning I wasn't the best at the shorter more vicious efforts. My talent lie in keeping my speed up, blasting through technical sections, eating and drinking and rolling right by competitors at the end of much longer races...
... bearing down like that heavy diesel I drafted long ago.
I'm The Diesel.
Unstoppable.
Who are you?
Whats's your power?
Where are you strongest?
When will you unleash this strength?
How will you remember when all seems lost?
Why?
Why not?
Nobody else can do this for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Of course we all wear helmets all the time.
Especially on insane rides that are likely to fail, like the inaugural (that' ambitious) Surf-N-Summit.
We aren't driving, we're riding.
On gravel, single track, and pavement.
If you're in, or thinking you're in...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
---
162.7
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
PUT THE LOAD RIGHT ON ME
May 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER A LONG DAY, it ain't always easy to get out and ride. We're tired. Maybe a little beat down...
... carrying the weight of the day.
There in the poorly lit garage is refuge.
Some say everything has a soul.
Science says everything is in motion.
I say there is nothing like the whisper of a bike...
... Put the load, put the load right on me.
We wade through our gear, check the lens is clean, and reluctantly roll off.
Sluggishness slips away.
Our load is lifted.
We are free.
Just wind.
Wheels.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
What a gift.
If you have a friend with a load, maybe they need the ease of the worldfamous RaceDay Bag™.
Send 'em a gift card.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
---
164
7 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THAT'S NOT NORMAL.
May 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT'S YOUR NORMAL TRAINING WEEK? 5 hours, 10, 15, 20? Or do you measure miles? 100, 200, 300, 400? Before I took off to surf in Mexico for a week, I put in 18 hrs, 226 miles, 22,223' of elevation...
... it was my highest fitness of 2022.
By that I mean Strava gave me a fitness score of 134. The highest I've ever seen was last summer's 136.
I used that fitness to snag 3rd at last summer's Leadville Stage Race and qualify for the Silver corral.
In August, I let it drop.
I was tired.
Most of the Fall my fitness was in the 90-100 range.
In December, I started to get into the 110 range with the idea of building for the early season races. But, I got the 'rona on NYE and had to start all over which delayed my peak about a month.
There's normal training, like what I was doing in the fall.
Staying fit.
Having fun.
Squeezing in other activities like hiking and surfing and paddle.
The only way to increase our fitness is to increase our normal.
Up the volume.
Get specific.
Squeezing in more time in the saddle, with faster riders who push us.
Our minds for sure, and possibly our friends and family, will be on to us. They might even say things like...
... That's too hard.
Here we must battle our mind, slough it off, telling it...
... No, this is normal.
Ideally, you've got a good training crew. This means we're all pushing each other to reach our goals. We are also drafting off each other's energy and commitment...
... an upward spiral to a new normal.
There's one more thing.
Specificity.
If our A race is a crit, we better be doing speed work and sprints. An MTB race, we better be on the mtb riding technically challenging courses. We can be good at a lot of things...
... we can be great at one.
It's not normal to be great.
Don't be normal.
Be great.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
You know what's not normal?
A tech t made out of the finest Italian fabric.
Most tech t's are made out of nylon. We use polyester, which is softer than a baby's botton.
Most tech t's are light. Ours are light as a feather... a baby duck feather.
Most tech t's fit good. Ours is designed to fit an athlete's body... and make you look so sexy you'll be afraid to go out alone.
Most tech t's are solid colors. We print ours on demand, so you can have a stunning design in your team colors.
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
---
164.7
8 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
STONERS RULE THE WORLD
May 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S ONE OF THE TRUTHS OF LIFE, that stoners are by far the best racers. Just look at the results from last weekends competition, and I guarantee you everyone at the top...
... is a big time stoner.
It's day 2 of my 103 day countdown to my big A race of the year, and I realize I've got to up my stoner game, too.
To make my quest extra dynamic, I've chose 4 ridiculous superstretch goals. I believe I can accomplish all 4 of them...
- Physical - Leadville sub-8, you know about it.
- Mental - sales goal (private)
- Social - go out every weekend
- Spiritual - also private
... because I have systems to follow.
Without a system, goals are really hard to accomplish.
We start to focus on the goal instead of focusing on what needs to get done today. When that happens, we are easily sidetracked. But, when we focus on the system, or process, it takes all the pressure off the attaining the goal.
Lots of people have systems, coaches, plans...
... those who write them in stone always come out on top.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
I don't actually write them in stone, I use a Sharpie...
... and write on my giant calendar.
If you want to harness the power of a stoner, click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If you want to supercharge that by getting a calendar with your team graphics, click here; https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
---
166.1
7.5 hrs
3 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
If yo
DAY ZERO, TIME TO HUSTLE.
May 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT RUNNING TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN. Not a long run, just getting up and hustling to get something done. The adrenaline rush...
... it's just like racing.
Everything melts a way.
I was reminded of this while connecting flights in Mexico City. A dapper young man, clearly an employee, dashed by with a smile and determination...
... of one who knows where they're headed and what do to.
It was unmistakable, and it made me happy to see him run with purpose.
I love that feeling and I get it when racing or chasing a PR. There is nothing like ripping with confidence.
Here I am at day zero.
A week off the bike.
Mostly rested.
Refreshed.
Ready.
14 weeks from now I will chase a ridiculous goal: Sub-8 at Leadville.
It's time to implement the C in my book, The Way of the RACER: Commit to a process.
The only way I'm gonna be ready to take that on is to stick with my system, like never before. If all goes according to plan, I'll line up...
... ready to go, knowing exactly what to do.
Happy.
Something that makes me happy is knowing my bottles are clean inside and out.
Here's a clean offer.
Purchase 4 of these bottles with this promo code: BottleBTGT
You'll pay for 2, and the other 2 are free.
This one is limited, and expires on May 3rd.
---
164.7
6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE INTERVIEW
May 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I SAT DOWN WITH THE BEST COACH IN THE WORLD. Maybe the best in the entire Universe. When it comes to assessing talent...
... he is the word.
This wasn't any sit down, it was after the biggest A race of my life, and he was there to review my files.
I was very impressed at his thoroughness.
Behind him, on the wall, was every race I'd ever done along with all the effort I'd put in.
The A's,
B's,
C's.
He was quiet while I took it all in. Frankly, it was incomprehensible that he could pull all this together.
The training rides I'd done,
and the ones I'd skipped or cut short.
All the foods I'd eaten,
the herbalorganic foofoo and the countless apple fritters.
The hours and hours of sleep and resting with my feet up,
and all the nights I'd bingewatched Star Trek and cut my shuteye short.
Everything was there.
All the good and bad cataloged.
The handful of races I'd won, the smattering of podiums I'd climbed, and the manymany times I'd hung my head in defeat.
I trained my eyes on him, waiting for his final judgement.
He looked at me lovingly, then changed the data on the wall.
This was an entirely different life.
Whoever this was demonstrated the discipline of someone destined to develop their maximum potential...
... and the results showed.
It wasn't the outstanding results, it was the lack of defeat. Even in when he came up short the images of this racer were radiant because...
... he knew he'd given his all.
I looked closer, and saw it was me and the life I could have had...
... if I'd followed the greatest coach ever.
The greatest coaches clearly see all our potential, and all the times we neglect to follow their lead.
Maybe that's why I prefer clear bottles, because I can clearly see when they are dirty...
... inside and out.
There's just something about knowing everything is clean.
Here's a clean offer.
Purchase 4 of these bottles with this promo code: BottleBTGT
You'll pay for 2, and the other 2 are free.
This one is limited, and expires on May 3rd.
---
165ish
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
ONLY THE HIGHLY (OVER)TRAINED KNOW THIS PAIN
Apr 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE INEVITABLE ACHE SET IN. I was expecting it and right on cue here it is, a dull leg pain. Mainly in my thighs at this point...
... there's not much I can do.
Have you had it?
Probably.
Have your friends and loved ones?
No, and don't bother.
They'll never understand because they've never put the demands you and I do on their bodies.
This occurred to me today when I caught myself thinking in Spanish, something I haven't done for years. At that time, I was living in Mexico. One day, I woke up and realized I was no longer thinking in my native tongue...
... I'd used Spanish so much it had taken over.
As timing would have it, when my legs started feeling that dull ache I realized it was because...
... I'd not used the leg muscles for days.
Well, not like I normally do.
Instead of long rides I've been traveling, catching long waves.
Next week, legs...
... next week, just you wait!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
As well as cross training my tongue I've been crosspurposing my SuperTech T.
Did you know our fabrics are...
so hydrophobic they make excellent surf shirts?
so stylish they make great out to dinner wear?
I don't always travel, but when I do...
... I travel lite.
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
---
165ish
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU ARE SUSCEPTIBLE
Apr 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE CHALLENGE WITH ADVENTURE TRAVEL isn't the traveling, the time differences, the unfamiliar domicile, new foods, fast friendships...
... it's our susceptibility.
Because it's our nature to be influenced by the moods, emotions and ways of thinking of those with whom we ride...
... unnoticed.
We return.
Changed.
When, Where, What and How we ride are nothing...
... compared to with Whom.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Who are you riding with...
... are they RaceDay Ready™?
That's what that R signifies.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
165ish?
8 hrs needed that
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE
Apr 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SURE, WE ALL SHARE THE COMMON BOND OF THE BIKE. But, what else? Eating incredible hamburgers in a remote, sandy Mexican surf town we discussed the many benefits of riding bikes...
... the chief being social.
We wouldn't be in this paradise of perfect waves if it weren't for bike racing.
It was racing that I met Dan, a renowned surfboard shaper and genuine slayer on a bike.
Next thing I know he's shaping me a custom board and giving me the lowdown on this remote hideaway...
... which just happens to be a place Surfergirl has been longing to charge.
To get me off the bike ain't easy,
but it must be done.
We need breaks.
Variation.
Time off.
Rest.
We need to love other things...
... and take care of the people we love.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
Apparently a few people love my book, because lately people have been purchasing multiple copies.
I love that, for them.
Have you checked it out?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165ish?
9 hrs needed that
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
2 THINGS I HATE TO DO
Apr 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO THINGS I HATE TO DO, but should do. Hate might be a little strong here, let's just say it's reallyreally hard...
... to be motivated.
The weird thing is as soon as I'm doing them...
... I really like it.
There's more to it than that because skipping these two things is reallyreally bad...
... but not right away.
Over time.
Over time, with neglect...
things breakdown sooner
longevity is significantly shortened
peak performance becomes unattainable
... we don't want that do we?
What are they?
- Stretching/Recovery
- Cleaning my bike
How much of difference do they make?
Honestly, I'm not sure.
I can only tell ya things go a lot better when my bike and body...
... are well-maintained.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
If you're really into caring for your body, there is nothing better for your hands than our SuperLight Race Gloves.
They come in all kinds of colors.
This month, they are BuyOneGetOne...
... all you have to do is have 2 items in your cart and you'll be credited automatically at check out.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.8
5 hrs (travel day)
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN COMPARING YOURSELF IS ACTUALLY A GOOD THING
Apr 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE GREAT MAX EHRMANN WROTE DESIDERATA. The word is latin and means things desired. I memorized the original text because of a certain warning...
... which I don't always agree with.
At the time, I was a teen, and it was impossible to adhere to.
Now, as a racer, it can be cancerous to ignore such sage wisdom...
... except in one place.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Where should we ignore it?
On Starva, of course.
Why just today I was researching the MTB Nationals course and I thought to myself...
... let's see who has the fastest time in my age group.
The usual suspects.
But, don't stop there.
Pull those cats up and Starva gives you this nice little data point called...
... Side By Side Comparison.
Right there, front and center, in plain sight is exactly what your competitors are doing...
... what a gift!
Don't get all freaked out, anal, and compary.
Just check it out.
See what they're doing.
It's a powerful point of reference.
And remember what ya learnt in my book...
... always do all you can do.
Sometimes by studying others we learn there's more that we can do.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
MASTERY MYSTERY
Apr 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YOU BORROWED A BIKE, got the bug, now what? Remember those days? Sheepishly approaching the bike shop hands with questions...
... and feeling like such a newb.
So much to learn...
- simple maintenance
- nutrition
- bike fit
- clothes
- training plans
- tactics and strategies
You should have one goal, only...
... mastery.
You must always be improving you skills, increasing your knowledge, honing your craft...
... then you're in control, depending on no one.
Perhaps my favorite tool is the giant RaceDay Calendar™.
It's huge...
... and hung in plain sight.
Nothing is more powerful than writing down want you want and...
... conspicuously placing it for ALL to see.
Use promo code: GETITDONE!
to save 15%
---
164.5
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
LET'S FACE IT, YOU'VE GOT TO BE REALLY COORDINATED
Apr 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE SO MANY MOVING PARTS TO SUCCESSFUL RACING. Wheels, chains, cassettes, rings, legs...
... the bike.
But, those aren't always the most important parts.
I was reminding of that this morning, and all I was trying to do was coordinate a training ride.
As I pull up to the trail head, the texts started pouring in...
From Where are you?.
I'm where you are supposed to be.
To, I'm riding towards you don't wait.
I never do.
To, I'm leaving later.
I hope you'll catch us.
We're all training for one of the longest and most grueling endurance races in the USA.
Leadville.
Most participants are happy to finish at all. The rest of us are trying earn belt buckles, big and small depending on your time.
Year after year people miss the 9hr cutoff for the big buckle by seconds, and 12hr cut off for the small buckle...
... which are cooler than any buckle, ever.
There is no mercy, as there shouldn't be.
In 2012, my moving time was 8:35:42 and my elapsed time was 8:38:51.
In 2019, my moving time was 8:06:36 and my elapsed time was 8:16:07.
That is according to Strava, and I'm not sure it's entirely accurate. But, you get the picture, if you're aren't well coordinated with your support...
... you can lose big and small time,
and buckles.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
One thing you can do to help out your crew is have an easy to spot jersey.
Surfergirl really likes this one.
I do, too.
It reminds me to break free of any shackles holding me back.
I made this one for the 2019 race. At the time, I was developing our Winged Wolf logo. It wasn't perfect yet. The image repeats on the bibs...
... on the back of the jersey, across the pockets it reads: No one of consequence. That is my favorite line from The Princess Bride, spoken by The Dread Pirate Roberts.
What's the take away for you?
- Take time to plan ALL of your next adventure.
- Design a jersey that inspires you and stands out.
Yeah, you should absolutely take advantage of the fact we will make as few as 1 (one) jersey...
... just for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
---
165.1 (still carrying Sea Otter weight)
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
IMAGINE THAT!
Apr 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND ANDY FINALLY DID IT! Something I myself have threatened to do, but never had the courage...
... I'm jealous.
Hopelessly.
Leaving San Diego, he rode north.
Dropped by to see me, invite me...
... give up on me.
He kept going on up to LA, to sleep on a friend's couch.
He rode on to Santa Barbara, planning on a luxury AirBnB for a few days.
Then further north to eventually catch the train back home.
All on his bike.
Who hasn't felt the urge to suit up and ride, never to be seen again...
... at least for a helluva long time?
Bike
T-shirt
Shorts
Flipflops
Credit card
I imagined I could ride 50 miles, then 100, then 200.
I imagined I could start a family, have some kids.
I imagined I could start a business I'd love.
Imagine that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Most of what I have imagined into life...
... was created and nurtured while riding alone.
For example the SuperTech Ts.
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
---
164.2
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 14 PushUps + 7 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
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
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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
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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
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