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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CULTURE WARS
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAINING groups. Both extend invitations...
... the similarities stop there.
One culture assures...
- everyone is ready to start together
- there are plenty of stops
- nobody gets left behind
... fairness and concern.
The other demands...
- leaving on time
- no stopping
- no waiting
... rugged individuals.
The group we...
- join
- create
- help grow
... depends on the result we are looking for.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DIRT WORLD PROBLEMS
EVERY SURFACE HAS it's challenges. Add in the weather, how we approach things...
... changes quickly.
Super mist.
The normally grippy sidewalk we were slaying to meet the rest of the crew, was not only glazed with moisture...
... bright green moss screamed Slow down and do not lean over.
We ain't rookies,
not a problem.
It was so misty, the glasses were tucked away.
The late Fall moon dust covering most of our trails and roads...
- forks
- shins
- lenses
... quickly 3D prints on to everything.
Bombing the first downhill...
- nearly 40mph
- no brakes
- 1 minute
... the dust and pebbles flying up stinging our eyes.
Two choices:
Wear the glasses,
blurry, smudgy vision.
Wear no protection,
smoke your corneas or contacts.
When the sun finally burned through,
I grabbed my glasses from my jersey pocket...
... they were covered in sweat.
lol
Truly, dirt world challenges.
===
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===
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===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/99/-10 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT'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.
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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.
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Most tech t's are solid colors. We print ours on demand, so you can have a stunning design in your team colors.
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... 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.
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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
---
165.6
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
SWEET AND SOUR TRAINING
Apr 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SWEET SPOT TRAINING. It sounds so innocuous, inviting, even delicious. Oh, that it were true. It is kind of, but not when you start...
... it's quite sour.
At least that is how it felt today.
Even though I'd been looking forward to finally doing some solid sweet spot training, as I prep for my crazyquest at Leadville this summer, when I rolled out the door and pegged my heartrate to zone 3...
... it hurt.
Fortunately, the weather was pleasant and I discovered a string of fresh, new single track.
Is there a better way to start a 5-hour training ride?
Sweet spot training leads to sweet spot racing, which is exactly how I'll be approaching my outlandish goal this summer.
Actually, I did the math.
It's not as crazy as it sounds.
I averaged 12.7 mph 3 years ago. I need to average 13.1 this summer. .4 miles further per hour sounds doable as allgetout right now. Especially after today's effort.
63 miles, 9338', 12.2 mph... by myself, today.
105 miles, 10,608', 12.9 mph... with a fair amount of pacelining, 3 years ago.
Those are moving times... the race is elapsed time, which is 12.7, with the stops.
Sweet spot racing will go sour in two scenarios.
One is completely unavoidable, the other must be avoided AT ALL COSTS.
Committing to racing sweet spot means you're going to feel absolutely amazing on the first climb or the first effort of your race...
... fools lose their shift in this moment.
They throw it all out the window, and pin in it with everybody else, first chance they get. They go right to zone 4, and even zone 5. So dumb...
... so, so dumb.
The second scenario where sweet spot racing can go sour is not eating enough. Caught up in the moment of racing, feeling fantastic. It is extremely easy to think we don't need to eat and drink...
... this is suicide.
Racing sweet spot requires a tremendous amount of calories.
2 Rules.
- Stay in Zone 3, or below.
- Eat, drink, and be racy.
That's it.
You're welcome.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Someone recently referred to our gloves as crit gloves.
Makes sense.
Crits are right up there with DH and Enduro when it comes to risk.
Whatever your flavor, you need a superior feel on your bars.
Yes, the buy one get one is still going...
,,, no promo coded needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.9 (gotta dump all 4.9 of these)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 00 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
SAVED BY MY BIBS
Apr 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT HAD BEEN A LONG DAY, at the end of the long week. It could just have well been a cold morning in the dead of winter. Either way...
... sometimes it's hard to train.
But, we do it.
I learned a little trick, and it's neverever let me down. In fact, it's lead me to plenty a wonder glide around town.
When ya just aren't feeling it, all ya gotta do is...
... pull on your bibs.
Then, your
- Jersey
- Socks
- Shoes
- Helmet
- Glasses
- Gloves
By then, you've built up so much inertia it's easy to throw a leg over the saddle and pedal away...
... locking in a workout many skip.
Not us.
We do the work.
We are the industries...
... in PEDAL.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
Speaking of putting in the work...
... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?
In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.
What does this mean to you?
- We can make you custom gear with photos
- You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
---
164.7
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE GOOD STUFF?
Apr 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PODCASTS, AUDIO BOOKS, ETC. I get a lot of recommendations, nearly all I'll check out the intro, some I dive into...
... some are really good.
This week I received two good ones from readers Leif and Randy.
The podcast was a deep, deep dive into Zone 2 training. Maybe a bit two deep for me. Part of it covered the amazing talent of Tadej Pogacar, and how he incorporates Zone 2 training. It was fascinating, timely, and useful.
The book reminded me a bit of Goggins Can't Hurt Me. It had two rules:
- It's gotta be hard
- Come back alive
But, there was a third dimension which I thought glued it altogether.
These recommendations came from readers, just like you, and I found valuable nuggets in each of them I'll be incorporating in my own training.
Other times, I'll get turned onto a book like Waterlogged or Breathe or Natural Born Heroes on a ride or from a friend who's athletic or see a topic trending on Twitter.
Who we surround ourselves with, the information we consume, matters.
Riding with fast riders is great...
... sharing what they know is more great.
Look for a review of the book in an upcoming post.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
Speaking of looking...
... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?
In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.
What does this mean to you?
- We can make you custom gear with photos
- You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
---
165.1
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
NOT ACCORDING TO PLAN CAN BE PART OF THE PLAN
Apr 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WEDNESDAY AND TIME FOR HOT LAPS. Hot laps is our MTB race simulation we start up each Spring. We have 3 courses, laps take about 20 minutes...
... well, the hot ones do.
The plan was to do the usual. A parade lap, followed by an hour of getting after it.
Tonight's course was slightly altered from last year's in this area. At the top of an already longish climb, we turned right...
... for an extra 50 yards at 17%.
Then, into a ribbon of new single track tracing the mountain ridge before diving down and boomeranging off the canyon sides.
Fun stuff, for sure.
But, the plan was to get after it for 3 laps...
... tired from the weekend's racing, we made a weak effort.
When you're weak,
sometimes you need a week...
... to recover.
We are there.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™
You know what else isn't according to plan, this bag I made for my grandson's parents.
It's a Classic size RaceDay Bag™ with backpack straps and the extra pockets of the PRO bag...
... marked up to be the raddest diaper bag ever!
Right now I have samples going out to be tested.
In the meantime...
... Whadaya think?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™
---
164.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, IT'S NOT CHEATING
Apr 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVER SINCE I READ ABOUT THE HUMMER and it's ability to inflate and deflate it's tires on run, I've dreamt of the day we could do that on our bikes. Now it's here https://www.scopecycling.com/product/atmoz/...
... and I don't like it.
I can't put my finger on it.
There's just something wrong.
Like all the edge, hardness, chance is removed and we are left with...
... oh, look at the softy now.
Can you imagine a Greek god riding this tech?
We already rarely get flats, snap chains or pop spokes. Gone are the days of trailside repairs being a racing skill.
We have computers telling us how hard to pedal and how fast to spin....
... even monitors testing our blood while racing so we know when to eat.
How will we ever develop backs strong enough to carry the load of life if we keep slicing away the hard with tech?
You know what the problem is though, right?
If/when this gets wide adoption, you and I won't be competitive without it. Plus, we'll snag even more PRs with it.
Technically speaking it's not cheating...
... but, it feel like we are cheating ourselves of a better, harder experience.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started
If you're looking to harden up, get RaceDay Ready™ in 10 weeks.
Here's the answer: https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started
---
165.1 guessing, no scale
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS THING CAN QUICKLY GO DOWNHILL
Apr 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S RARE THAT SOMEONE IS FASTER THAN ME DOWNHILL. I've just done it a lot, and I've always had a good feel for going fast. So, when someone jams hard to get ahead of The Old Diesel before the downhill...
... I just shrug.
Like in Saturday's race, the young buck sprints and slams the door on me at the entrance to a long, downhill singletrack.
He's trying really, really hard.
I'm right on him, barely working.
It's a valiant effort...
... until he loses his front wheel in a sandy turn.
Poor rookie.
You'd think at that point, he'd pull over.
Not this guy.
He scrambles, while I am stopped.
Blocks the trail, while I am politely asking to go by.
Jumps on his bike...
... and goes even slower, he's shook up.
Eventually, with some notsosubtle coaxing he pulled over.
Once there is a crack in our confidence,
things can quickly go downhill.
We hesitate, overthink...
... reacting instead
of relaxing.
So much of going fast is a confidence game.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
If you're looking for increased confidence on and off the bike, check this out.
But, only if you're up for being pushed...
... hard.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
165.5 guessing, no scale
9 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST TIME TO COMMIT TO YOUR NEXT BIG RACE
Apr 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, no matter how good or awful our results, the best time to plan the next big goal...
... is right after the most recent race.
There's just something about.
If we got whacked,
we are motivated by redemption and revenge.
If we dominate,
we're looking for the challenge to conquer is easy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I keep meaning to take pics of all our gloves I see at the races, but I'm not carrying my phone much these days.
You'll just have to trust me, these are rad.
There are lots of color options.
And it's Buy1Get1 this month.
No code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
170? I dunno, no scale,
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
00 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
OTTER POPS
Apr 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY BUTT WAS SPASMING,. It was a bit embarrassing. But, there was no stopping it. At 8am on the start line, sub0-50, I was in my stretchy underwear, no warmers, no jacket…
… shivering, dressed to race!
It turned out to be my worst result of the year.
And, I was thrilled.
On the second of two 25-mile loops all I could hear was the opening to Eminems Without Me…
… Guess who’s back, back again
Diesel’s back, tell a friend.
Why?
Because for the first time in too long, I put together a good race.
- Good start
- Good nutition
- Good power
- Good finish.
It started last evening when the great Cody helped me dial in my shifting. Turns out it’s quite simple, ya just gotta know what to do.
Now I do.
I lined up early. It was mass start, and I slotted early cutting my warmup short.
Totally worth it.
We sprinted right from the start, uphill, gunning for the chicane that led to the singletrack…
… it was a clownshow.
But not for us.
The crew said just a few spots after Eric, Steven, Chris and I got through it stacked up so bad people we walking.
At the last moment, I went with two bottles per lap. About 300 calories per bottle, and one waffle.
There was one small hiccup.
When I grabbed my salt stick tablets, I popped open an empty bottle.
Ruh-roh!
Fortunately, I was relying on the Apple Watch to track my ride…
… quick texts to the crew and they had mustard and tablets when I came through for second lap.
I was 6ish minutes slower the second time around. I’d prefer to snug that up, normally I’m faster the second lap or second half of something this long. However, I haven’t done any sweet spot training this year…
… saving it for Leadville build this summer.
I finished 7th in the 50+, first finisher in the 60s. The days of racing my age group on winding down…
… I’ll be self-identifying as a yute going forward.
My biggest takeaway is big distance mountain bike racing is really fun and demanding. I’m looking forward to the very specific training this summer.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I keep meaning to take pics of all our gloves I see at the races, but I'm not carrying my phone much these days.
You'll just have to trust me, these are rad.
There are lots of color options.
And it's Buy1Get1 this month.
No code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
170? I dunno, no scale, but I've been eating all day... ending at Chris' parents for a massive barbeque.
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
00 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. RYDE
Apr 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE RACEDAY and all through the van,
one creature was stirring, an anxious fit man
the race plate was hung on the bars with care
in the hopes that the start line would soon be there...
... that's how it feels the night before.
We shine things up, pick out our favorite clothes.
Then, for me at least, it is time to go to my laboratory where the mild mannered Dr. Jekyll in me will prepare the final recipe for ripping.
Being on point with the nutrition is critical to being able to start strong...
... and finish strong.
I pre-rode the course today in 2 1/2 hours. I was really softpedaling. I expect tomorrow to be significantly faster.
But, how much faster?
Will I need 1 bottle per lap or 2?
It will be 50 degrees at the start, warming up to mid-60s by the finish.
What is the best way to consume 300 calories per hour?
The start is gonna be nuts. Full sprint for 5 minutes to try and get to the single track in front. The first 3 miles of singletrack are pretty much impossible to pass on. 10 miles in it opens up quite a bit and it should be easy to eat and drink from there on.
Don't tell anybody, ok?
I'm going to start with 1 bottle of 400 calories of Skratch Superfuel, plus 4 Honey Stinger waffles.
On lap two, I'll have 2 more bottles with 300 calories each. One with caffeine.
Also on board will be my Salt Stick tabs.
The catalyst for all that will be my TFNB playlist
If that don't turn me into Mr Ryde, nothing will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
It's never too late to make your year great.
Ain't nothing like have a GIANT CALENDAR to confront you with the reality that life goes fast and you are wasting it if you're not planning it.
No excuses to not have something challenging planned, and well-executed.
Any Dr. can tell you the benefits of an Evil plan to kickarse.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.9 (? traveling, no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
SOMETHING NEW AT SEA OTTER
Apr 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SEA OTTER IS THE LARGEST BIKE FESTIVAL IN US, A few years back, this beast killed Interbike, the industry's largest tradeshow. Oh, there were other things in play...
... but, Sea Otter remains king.
- There's the giant expo, where the latest product is revealed.
- Downtown biz meetings where the real deals are made.
- And racing
- MTB
- DH
- Dual Slalom
- Crits
- Circuits
- Road
- ... and Gravel
- Plus a host of product demos
My first visit, in the 90's, was to race the circuit race on the racecar course. There is nothing like it. A punchy climb, a 50-60mph plummet down the corkscrew...
... what's not to love?
Some how I'm never raced MTB here.
That changes Saturday.
I pre-rode some of the course. It's beautiful. Ribbons of singletrack lace through green spring grass. I'm doing the 80K, long version.
But, I might do more.
For some reason they have the gravel race on the same exact course the following day. I love ripping singletrack on my gravel bike...
... it's so very tempting.
A bunch of us are here, some racing road and some mtb and some circuit and some gravel.
There really isn't anything like Sea Otter... there are fondos and tours, too?
What I am curious to see is how many racers show up now that USACycling is not part of the event. When LifeTime purchased the event they decided to exclude USACycling.
It seems to me that effect the roadies more, because roadies are more into the category upgrades. The dirt side of the sport has always been more laissez-faire.
Oh, and I'm kinda curious to race on the famous trails of Fort Ord...
... actually, super curious...
... I love racing unknown trails.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags/products/bike-rack-banners
Another thing I love is seeing the bike rack full of bikes.
If have one of these racks, let's make you some banners.
$99, for a set of two.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags/products/bike-rack-banners
---
162.9 (? traveling, no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
25 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE A COACH?
Apr 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A GREAT COACH? The best have 1 thing in common, whether it be sports or business or relationships. Of course, they are masters of advanced techniques and the basics...
... but, this is the most basic.
On our journey towards personal greatness, there is one thing a great coach provides that makes everything better...
... and I screwed that up this week.
A young tadpole signed up for some specific coaching for a specific event. He was, and thankfully still is, very energetic in his quest...
... this ain't no I wanna be better journey.
He's after something big, and I failed to recognize where he was starting from. I threw him into the fire. Most people would have quit, and never come back. But...
... this youngin isn't most people.
This is my kind, our kind, of athlete. A fearless, freakin' charger who's only goal on the bike is to achieve his PR.
What do all great coaches impart?
Why to their athletes love them?
Confidence.
We love the feeling of confidence on RaceDay.
This, above all else, is what you want from your coach.
You know what a lot of good coaches order from PEDALindustries?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
RaceDay Bags™, because these bags give you confidence.
Do you have a friend who struggles on raceday?
Or, one who is always showing up unprepared for the big ride?
Well, I'd sure love to help you help them out.
So, check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission
---
162.9
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
DO NEW SHOES REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Apr 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PUT SOME NEW SHOES ON MY MOUNTAINBIKE. Had to. After shattering my rear wheel racing last month, I'd kinda been resigned to racing on a loaner this weekend...
... but, all that changed today.
Before I tell ya how it happened, let me tell ya my first impression.
Because I wasn't shopping for new wheels, I wasn't scouring all the reviews and scheming of just the right set. I had no preconceived notions...
... ie: marketing bs clouding my judgement.
When I picked up a new set of Crank Brothers wheels I was just excited to have something this weekend...
... that's as far as my stoke went.
I threw on some new rubber as well, the Conti RaceKings. I've had a lot of luck with them as a rear tire and chose to put one on the front as well since it's time to start experimenting with fast treads for Leadville.
- New wheels
- New rubber, less tread up front.
I snagged this without really trying. At the time, I knew I was ripping along so I was kinda curious to see the results when I uploaded...
... and not surprised.
I wasn't surprised with the result, but I was.
How could these wheels be so fast?
Could the front really track better than any wheel I've ever had...
... even with a less aggressive tread?
Well, yeah, obviously.
Was it really possible that the rear tire put down the power better?
These were the thoughts I was having because the sensations were so palpable.
Part of me wanted to hustle back and read the reviews, especially what the lying sunsaguns in the marketing department were saying. I wanted to read what their biased wordsmithing had produced...
... exactly what I was experiencing.
A helluva wheelset.
Now, you might be wondering how I was able to get these when they have a four month backlog.
To be clear, I warmed up the Amex and paid... this ain't no fluff piece from some sellout.
My inside track was through one of my pals who was kind enough to pull a string...
... making me even more indebted to him.
And, it didn't hurt that Crankbrothers R&D just moved to San Clemente...
... I really do live in the ActionSports version of Silicon Valley.
Everybody here is vibing off each other.
Pretty cool to be part of it.
You're part of it, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
Do you know why I love clear bottles?
Because you can see all the grime on the outside, and all the mold and crap that collects on the inside...
... oh, and you can see how much liquid is left.
This offer will end either Thursday or when we sell out... whichever comes first.
Promo code is NOBS
And it saves you 50% on these awesome bottles.
But, only while supplies last or Thursday.
Act Now!...
... you know you want at least 2 new bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
---
163.8
7.2 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
BUT, THEY WERE ON SALE
Apr 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LONGER WE'RE INTO THIS SPORT, the more we are able to assess value. Sure, we still drink the kool-aid our favorite brand is pouring...
... and that's cool.
What's not cool is how much this ability to assess value costs us, but I really don't have a good answer...
... I mean I do, but it might hurt.
Take this convo with my newest padawan.
How's your bike fit?
Oh, it's great!
Then, why did you get that rando cramp last night?
Uhhhh
Who did your bike fit?
Steve.
Oh, he's awesome.
How long ago?
3 years.
And there it was.
3 years.
3 years?
3 years!
No wonder he was miserable first night out with us. Poor little feller didn't have a clue...
... I set him off to a pro.
Fastforward to today.
How was the fit sesh?
Oh, man amazing.
Really?
Yeah, he changed everything.
Everything?
Well not my shoes, but I have new ones ordered.
What's wrong with your shoes?
Too tight.
You didn't know they were too tight?
No, I got 'em on sale. 40% off of $400 shoes.
We've got a ways to go, as you can see.
Want to save some money?
- Hire a coach.
- Take the veterans to lunch.
You could do some research on your own...
... just be careful with the koolaid.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
If you were racing Leadville, or any of their races, you could save yourself a ton of money reading this.
Use promo code: BUYSMART
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
---
165.6 (yikes)
8 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
5 WAYS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Apr 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS I'M PRETTY GOOD AT ON A BIKE. One of them is momentum. I have to be...
... because I'm not very good at a lot of other things.
Momentum is free and can make the difference between victory and defeat...
... after we put in the work.
Momentum through a turn,
tucking a long descent,
the final sprint.
Those are the obvious areas, but what about the unseen momentum?
- Registering well in advance for a big race.
- Always doing all I can do everyday.
- Committing to a successful system and plan.
- Expecting good things to happen.
- Reviewing each milestone along the way.
Those are the keys to lifelong momentum.
Just yesterday the Stravaverse confirmed I have some momentum.
Up one particularly punchy hill, I knew I was going good.
We started from a dead stop at a light. I tucked in behind the younger, spicer rippers. It hurt. It hurt so good. The kinda hurt where you're dawgawn sure it's a special effort. As the gradient backed off, we could see the light ahead was turning red. They eased up, I pedaled on...
... the momentum too good to waste.
Where's the unseen momentum?
Nobody could see the squats I've been doing, the pound or two I've shed...
... I'm the only one who knows if I'm doing all I can do.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
On the ride yesterday, I was smiling...
... so many of the posse were donning my Superlight Race Gloves
Maybe it's because the fit is so amazing,
or because there are so many color options,
or is it the heat sensitive thread to operate devices,
or could it be the insane buy one get one offer that's going on?
Whatever it is,
it makes me happy.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.5 (not good)
8 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
60 YRS OLD AND STILL MAKING POOP JOKES
Apr 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AHHH, THE BIRTHDAY RIDE. Happens once a year for all of us, sometimes even on a Saturday. We have this old guy...
... and today was his day.
The Gentleman (not the old guy) politely stated, I'd like to find a bathroom before we meet up with the group.
Censoring laws prohibit a direct quote, but the old guy went on about some Play-doh reference...
... some people never group up!
We're all guilty of that by my reckoning.
Long beyond using bikes for transportation, we meet up at the corner for the weekly rip around town. And, it's a dern fine thing...
... ain't it?
We rode 90ish miles today, 6000' of vert, over 19mph.
Who does that?
Do you want to go for a 90 mile drive around town?
Heckno!
Do you want to ride for 5 hours, max your heartrate, come home and collapse on the couch?
Hellyeah!
We do that.
Every year for as long as we can...
... which is why I probably still crack poop jokes.
---
After a few frustrating finishes in March, I was feeling burned out and unsure of Sea Otter next weekend. But, Hot Laps Wednesday felt great...
... and today felt even better.
I took it very easy M, T, Th, F and got after it W and S. That is polarized training, and just what I needed this week.
Stephen Seiler posted this link on Twitter, and I highly recommend it...
... it's long, but worth it.
https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-022-00438-7
I also highly recommend DZ Nutz for long rides like today.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
If I was 60 I'd crack a joke on where to apply this wonder ointment...
... but, the name is pretty good as it it.
If you're part of RaceDay Ready, use your 25% off code.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
---
165.1 (oops)
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN ON THE WAY TO A RACE
Apr 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'D SPENT THE SUMMER PREPARING TO REDEAM MYSELF. A year earlier, I'd raced the Leadville 100. I'd finished, got the big belt buckle...
... but it was a miserable day on the bike.
This year would be different.
I knew what lay ahead. I trained specifically on the biggest climbs around. Watched my weight. Got a new bike...
... there was only one problem.
As we bombed across the vast Utah desert, I grabbed my bag to find my sunglasses. It was a big dome bag and it carried everything in its giant blackhole.
I found the glasses...
... my shoes were nowhere in site.
Diving further back in the car, while the guys chatted, I started to sweat. I clawed through my other bag...
... maybe they were there?
Then, I saw them. Clean. Shiny. In my mind I could see them, in reality they were hundreds of miles behind on the back porch...
... where's I'd left them.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
This was when you paid dollars per minute to roam on your cell phone...
and boy did I pay!
- A shop in Grand Junction had shoes, no cleats.
- A shop in Rifle had cleats, but would be closed when we passed through. I begged and pleaded to pay over the phone and have them left outside.
- Meanwhile, Surfergirl was hustling to FEDEX to Next Day Air shoes to Leadville... a city, so remote at the time, Next Day Air wasn't guaranteed.
Now you know where I got the inspiration for the RaceDay Bag™ˆ.
Every one of the products we make and sell has an origin story like that.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
For example, The Changing Poncho.
My hometown is a big surfing community, world-class breaks abound. I grew up surfing, and still surf often with my lady. Most of us towel change, but it's not as easy or convenient as a giant poncho.
Not only is the poncho awesome for changing, but while I'm changing, I use it to wipe off any grime from the ride...
... not only on my body, but my bike as well.
The microfibre is durable enough for all your gear,
but soft and comfy our bodies.
Use promo code: changeINstyle
To save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.9 (oops)
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LONG, EPIC RACE
Mar 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LOCALLY, WE HAVE CREATED SOME REALLY FUN RACE FORMATS. From the Belgian Waffle Ride's unRoadRace to CritCross's go cart track with added dirt berms and jumps to the unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships...
... I love the creativity and freshness.
But, the true test, for me, is an epic.
A long, long challenging route.
Unforgiving elements.
A time cut.
There are myriad long, challenging routes.
Countless courses to curse.
But, without a time cut...
... it's just a race.
And, I don't mean a Hey, if you're slow we're gonna pull ya kind of cut...
... I mean, you miss the cut you miss
the badge of honor,
the coveted prize.
With these types of races, the challenge is not to crush the competition it is to finish. What happens is unlike all other races.
Everyone starts spunky, bouncy, full of cocky confidence and transitions into business mode. The paces are set, the nutrition consumed at precisely timed intervals. The miles roll by...
... and the racers roll on.
Friendships, no...
... alliances are struck.
The battle of wills is real, and some start to falter...
a wobble
missed turn
cramping thigh
... and then quit, retire early.
The time cut, once ticking far off, barely toc, starts to pound for those who persist...
... before becoming blaring bells of hell.
I live for that...
... to rage against the final miles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
Building the resolve to press on starts months, even years prior to the big day. For there is a lot of training, but there is also a hardening of the mind that is necessary.
This was so powerful for me 3 years ago in my quest to break my PR.
Got a Big Insane Goal?
Make yourself a reminder wallet, all you have to do is type in your goal... we'll take care of getting you a badass reminder tool...
... oh, and you'll have to train, too... can't do that for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
---
162.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE
Mar 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THEY SAY YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG, I'm a strong maybe on that premise. A few of us are aging up this year and there is one thing for sure...
... racers love getting older.
There is this sense of things getting easier, racing oldsters, etc.
So, why don't you sit down for a moment and let The Old Diesel settle this once and for all.
First, there is a grain of truth of it getting easier. It's true for about one race, maybe a few, definitely not an entire season.
Why?
Well, you've aged up. You're no longer the oldish racer being pushed by kids, you're now the kid. Being challenged by the kids keeps you on your A game. When you age up, you're the kid and the challenge will still be there...
... but, it's somehow less.
Second, the older we get the more we run into the professional amateurs. These are the blessed who have figure out their finances. These are the emptynesters who have sent their birdies off into the world to live their own lives.
They have money and time, possible more money and time than they ever dreamed of...
... this is their new outlet.
Third, and this might be the most evil of all the hope dashing spears coming your way, these are the survivors.
Their bodies are still in great shape and they are well acquainted with what is physically possible. Plus, their wiley coyotes...
... with more ways than you can imagine to do you in.
That's the bad news.
Here's the good news...
... you can be the crafty master of your domain, too!
Lots of people do it...
... getting better each year, performing at the highest levels.
How do they do it?
Two have 2 things:
- Friends who are younger than they are
- A mission to accomplish
I'm much more inspired by people who are great at what they do and continue to contribute to society well beyond the norm...
... their legacy eclipses those who pull the plug early.
That's why I'm so passionate about RaceDay Ready™...
... my legacy.
The details are here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
163.6
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyyoaWjVXYM
SPRINTING BY EVERYBODY ELSE
Mar 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I KNEW I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE UP CRIT RACING. I loved it, was good at it, but there was something about leaning shouldertoshoulder into a tight turn at 30 mph...
... that brought out the worst in me.
I'm not proud of that.
Fortunately, I found mountain biking and was able to keep some fitness as well as get out into nature...
... a perfect marriage of my BMXy youth with the road's power and endurance.
This marriage would eventually give birth to 2 National Championships on the MTB, which was a lot of fun and very gratifying at the time.
But, there is another combination I'm even more stoke about.
After I designed the RaceDay Bag™, I began production in China. It was cheaper. Duh!...
... but, cheaper isn't always better.
And rarely, best.
So, I figured out how to make the bags ourselves in the proverbial backyard. They were better. Better materials and better workmanship...
... then we had the really cool breakthrough, which is powering us right by all our competition.
I figured out how to make everything on demand, which meant we could make custom bags one at a time.
Teams as small as 1 (one), could order customdesigned product.
From bags it was easy to go to ponchos to socks to gloves...
... right on up to amazing jerseys and bibs and jackets etc.
Now, we import all these incredible fabrics from Italy to make super high quality apparel...
... one at a time, just for you.
So, I'm going to make you this insane offer. I'll design for you a custom ________ (your choice) for Free. We normally charge $50 just for the designs.
All you have to do is email me personally, and we'll get started. My address is todd@pedalindustries.com.
Can be for anything we make: bags, jerseys, bibs, gloves, socks, 10x10 pop up canopies, etc.
Remember, email me within 48 hours.
XOXO,
todd (@pedalindustries.com)
---
163.6
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SHE'S GOT A BAD REPUTATION
Mar 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I GOT A HOT DATE WEDNESDAY WITH AN OLD LOVER. Some of my friends are happy about it, most don't think I'm ready to face her again. I think they might be right...
... but, you know how love is.
We all loved her at one point last summer, she's that hot!
Those warm summer nights...
heartrate jumpy with anticipation
favorite kit looking just so
then the hardbreathing
gasps of pleasure
and pain
... our lover's nickname?
HOT LAPS.
Oh Boy! does she have a bad reputation...
... for ruining riders and racers,
boys and girls,
confidence,
swagger.
Join us if you're local: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
If not, start your own.
- Begin on time
- Do a parade lap so everybody knows the course
- Race laps should be 20ish minutes X 3 laps.
- Bonus, if you can make a loop where others can be seen
- Double bonus, for different loops each week.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Since the summer race/ride season is fast approaching, I'm going to keep this promotion going a few more days.
Use promo code: iSEEu
Saves you 20% on changing ponchos.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.5 (oops)
8 hrs (terrible night)
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
10 AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Mar 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS THE PERFECT RACE? Is it winning? Returning unscathed? An insane adventure? A performance breakthrough?...
... could be all of the above.
Or none.
For me, it's perfect execution of my plan.
Result recognition is a sideshow.
The plan has 3 parts.
Preparation
- Nutrition
- Recovery
- Time in the saddle
- Strength training
- Race Weight
- Bike Set Up
The Race
- Travel
- Accommodations
- Warm Up
- Racing
Review and Repeat
Sure we want the race to go well, but when it comes to reviewing our performance, it's critical to analyze all 10 aspects of what went into hitting the finish line as fast as possible.
We can always do better,
10 times better.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
164
8 hrs (terrible night)
6 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I IDENTIFY AS...
Mar 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS A ROUGH ONE TODAY. While I led my class up the long opening climb and down the riproaring singletrack. It didn't last forever...
... and I was left questioning my identity.
Not because my legs felt dead, not because I was beaten by better men. But, because I just didn't have it.
I didn't have what it takes to ride all out at a legit mountain bike race.
Halfway through I started to day dream, and tire out.
It can happen out here.
The terrain is gorgeous and the views expansive. Due to the very twisty course you never really see anybody unless you're right on their wheel. I found myself digging the vibe of nature...
... rather than blasting every berm.
And, just like that the fellas passed me and disappeared.
Which left me time to consider what kind of a racer I am at this point:
- Roadie
- MTBr
- Graveler
I'm not even sure because I'm spending 1-2 days each week on each bike.
Am I a triathlete then?
Say it ain't so!
After a pleasant rest of the day, talking to friends. Rehashing it all. Hatching plans for the next one I had an interesting conversation with Nic Beeschan.
Nic beat everybody today, by a lot.
He's a pro.
Lives in a small mountain community.
He only rides MTB.
And there it was.
To perform at my very best, to get those last percentages of performance, I'm going to have to specialize, go back to my roots...
... it's pretty clear.
If you don't have "it",
you've got to get "it".
Or, maybe I should stop identifying as a 20y/o punk...
... and go visit my grandson?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
No, I don't have pics of what I'm about to share, you'll have to take my word.
There we were, chatting and eating some lunch and the ladies across the way roll in after their race.
Next thing we all know, much to our disbelief said ladies strip and change.
To each their own, but maybe they need to own a changing poncho?
Use promo code: iSEEu
Saves you 20% on changing ponchos, this weekend only.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
5.5 hrs (terrible night)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IF YOU WERE CHRIS FROOME?
Mar 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING CHRIS FROOME RIGHT NOW? Going years without a result. Continuing to train your lycraclad buns off...
... and getting dropped again and again and again.
Of course you can.
We've all been there, some of us are there right now, and some of us, like Froome, may never get beyond that point of racing.
Racing is hard.
Everybody is at their best,
Everybody wants to win...
... everybody thinks they're a racer until they go months or years without a recognizable result.
And that's the difference between racers and riders.
Racers race.
Riders ride.
At this point, I'm more impressed with Froome than ever. That's a low bar. I was never a Froome fanboy. He was too humblebraggie, too awkward in his style, too robotic, and he fell off his bike too damn much...
... but, I love racers.
Especially those that keep lining up, regardless the odds.
When the world doesn't notice our struggles,
and battles and trials,
when the shyte hits the fan
and nothing is going right..
... racers keep racing.
No recognition needed.
Race on.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
Got this from one of the racers using the RaceDay Ready™ training protocol.
Have you checked it out?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
162.9
7.5 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU RIDING OR DRIVEN?
Mar 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF US ARE HAPPY TO BE RIDING, others are driven. Today, I ran into two of my pals. Each has huge, demanding events coming up this spring and summer. One is supremely confident...
... the other has a long way to go.
The one who is confident is doing BWR San Diego, a hellacious test of endurance and bike handling skill.
He's been training all winter.
When I saw him today he was on his race bike, a gravel rig. High up on the single tracks above our little town...
... ripping.
You ready?
Oh, yeah. All the dudes are scared. They know I'm coming for them.
We should all feel this sure of our selves before such a race.
But, it takes a lot work.
Hard work.
Prepration.
The less confident of my pals called me up.
I got into Leadville.
Are you training?
No, I just got over Covid - again.
Dang.
Yeah, but I'm ready to go.
Ok.
You've done it a bunch, I want you to train me and get me ready.
You're sure you're healed and ready for this.
For sure, I'm in.
Is he really ready for this?
I dunno, but we're gonna find out real quick if he's just riding it.
To be honest, I'm not sure there's a right way to do it. Both have their merits.
I only know my way, set an impossible goal and do everything possible...
... to make it happen.
If you're driven like us, check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
162.4
7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RIDE LIKE THE WIND
Mar 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE A LOT OF SAILING, you really have a limited understanding of the wind. Sailors learn to see it, feel it, hear it, taste it...
... and have a distinct advantage when road racing.
At one time, I was consumed with sailing.
The family catamaran turned into an obsession with Hobie Cats, which morphed into windsurfing...
... to eventually teaching windsurfing to pay for school.
Knowing the wind is everything in sailing.
Here's what you need to know when it comes to riding bikes:
- The wind direction changes based on how fast you are moving.
- A breakaway with a tailwind is more likely to succeed than one with a headwind because the draft is effectively neutralized with a strong enough wind.
- With speed, a side wind becomes a headwind.
- When drafting, move around behind the rider in front and find the sweet spot, where the wind is marginalized.
- A proper pace line will have the fast side leeward (protected by the wind) and the pulling off side windward (taking the wind).
- The larger the group, the shorter the time spent on the front.
- It's usually easier to be in the rotation than trying to hang onto the back of the group.
The biggest of those is the first.
In a group, or alone, the faster you are moving the more the wind will hit you in the face.
It's not so much that the wind is changing directions as much as the pace of the riding has changed significantly.
Second, be aware of attacks with a tailwind.
They are hardashell to bring back.
Crafty racers will look at the predicted wind on a weather app the day before a race.
What part of the course will the group provide shelter?
Where might an attack happen?
And check it again pre-race.
Devilish racers looking to win, will "put the race in the gutter".
This means if the wind is coming from the left they will race as far right as possible so there is little to no draft to be had behind them.
Racers who know what their doing...
... ride like the wind.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/ride-like-the-wind/527320131?i=527320136
Some months are windier than others.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Sea Otter is coming up for me.
I've had some hellawindy days on the circuit race there. Gonna do it again, and then hit the endurance MTB the next day.
All prepping for the ridiculous sub-8 Leadville quest.
You do have your RaceDay Calendar™, right?
Ships free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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161.9
8 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LIKE IT LIVE
Mar 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LIVE PERFORMANCES ARE THE BEST. They are risky. There's no faking, either you've got the talent of you don't...
... just like racing.
Sure you can crush the Zwiftoton,
destroy the groupie ride,
steal KOMmies...
... but, do you have it on RaceDay?
It's risky.
- Cash
- Time
- Travel
- Equipment
- Training
- Nutrition
- Fitness
So many things to coordinate.
And when all goes right, when you know you're ready, when you give every last bit of your body, mind and soul to delivering the performance of your lifetime...
... that's just dawgawn beautiful.
I'll watch that all day long.
Like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voH11xV4AKI
skip to 1:30
If you're looking for an edge or just to get started.
Here's where'd I'd start: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
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163.4
7.4 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO TO THE BEAUTY PARLOR?
Mar 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T HIT THE BEAUTY PARLOR TOO OFTEN. It's definitely, without a doubt, my very favorite indulgence in this wonderful quest to be faster. Sitting and talking with my stylist...
... the time just flies by.
Today's beauty appoint was a bit of an emergency.
Like a total rookie, I swapped my cleats before the big AZ races. That wasn't the rookie part, not marking them perfectly before the swap...
... was so unpro.
I made do, but it wasn't great.
In fact it got to the point of knowing if I went much longer I'd be risking long-term damage. Not a good place to be when I have a big races two of the next three weekends.
The amazing Ashley may not have been...
trimming,
adding color,
waxing my ears,
plucking my brows,
or giving me a mani and pedi...
... but, I just love sitting there and talking to him while he works...
... swapping saddles,
adjusting heights,
aligning cleats.
He's a wealth of insight and knowledge. I always learn something, often a lot...
... he intently listens to all the drama in my life.
Before you ask what it costs, not you, but you the new racer just winging and eyeballing things...
... what is the cost of discomfort, untapped power and potential permanent sportending damage?
You don't know do you?
Exactly my point.
If you haven't, and most of you have, go find the best bike fitter in town. Ask for referrals. Eventually you'll find the hidden treasure you've been looking for...
... and you will feel just as fast and sexy as hell I do right now.
If you're local to me, I got just the guy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Part of feeling fast and sexy is having a great helmet.
Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.
Protone
1 Red Medium
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.4
7.7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T WAIT FOR YOUR TURN TO COME
Mar 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY WE ALL WITNESSED A MASTERPIECE OF TURNING. It was brilliant. Carving perfect lines, tires gasping for grip...
... captured on video.
Matej Mohoric's triumphant plummet off the Poggio was brilliant.
Did you notice how early he set up each turn?
You couldn't see it on the video.
You could see a lot...
... including the crazy two wheel drift he miraculously corrected, twice.
But, not the set up.
Not until the post victory interview.
I heard it, but it didn't register at first. He simply said, We worked really hard on the set up.
I tried to figure out what he was trying to explain...
... then it all came to light.
Already known as a death defying descender, he and his team mounted a dropper post on his road bike...
... which lowered his center of gravity and made him even more aerodynamic.
They set the bike up months before and then dialed in how the changes would improve his outstanding ability to get down the mountain...
... faster than anybody else.
This incremental increase gave him just enough additional speed to open up a gap of 8ish seconds...
... all he needed.
Racing the final kilometers the road was smooth and safe, a place where normally a fast descender would be caught.
Not this time.
It was over.
Months ago Matej decided it was his turn to win Milan-San Remo.
As I quoted yesterday...
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
Set your turns up early:
- Inspect the course if you can
- Choose you tires, and pressure
- Set up your bike position
- and suspension
Cross the apex, and exit in a better position than you ever have before...
... stun you competitors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
And, for heaven's sake...
... wear a bitchin' helmet.
Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.
Protone
1 Red Medium
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.4
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU AIN'T CHEATIN' YA AIN'T TRYIN'
Mar 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I THOUGHT IT WAS THE GREAT BOBBY KNIGHT WHO SAID If ya ain't cheating you ain't trying, maybe because March Madness is on or maybe just because he said so many funny and profound things...
... and I did a little cheating recently.
I use to cheat a lot.
Every Sunday, and a lot of days in between.
Chips n salsa.
Sleeves of Thin Mints.
Dozens of doughnuts.
I think it was His Excellence, Tim Ferriss, who drove the concept home in The Four Hour Body.
While there is some good info in there...
... cheat days, as I've learned relearned and learned again, ain't one of 'em.
Even once a week.
Not if you're really committed to peak performance...
... and the reason is simple.
- If you've laid back in your own personal dental chair
- with a pair of greasy vice grips in hand
- yanked hard on that sweet tooth
- and tossed it down in trash
- you know what I mean.
Once it's out...
... it's like casting out the devil.
The shackles are broken, the cords loosened...
... you are free to roam about the house with zero temptation.
But, if you're anything like me, give that devil an inch and it's over.
Just this week, Surfergirl brought home a giant, fresh, delicious sourdough bread.
Golden crust.
Thick.
Want a bite?
Nah.
Sure?
Well, okay, just a bite.
Next thing I know I'm up in the middle of the night like a feverish, drug addicted rat searching all corners for that bread I asked to be hid.
Morning came.
Uh, Handsome did you find the bread?
Mmmmmaybe.
Did you leave any?
Uhhhhhh, you know I love you and how I begged you to hide it.
I did hide it!
Not good enough.
Uh-oh
By the way, we're out of butter.
This quote of Bobby's is a little more apropos:
The key is not the will to win.
Everybody has that.
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
- Bobby Knight.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Quote's like the above are thoughtful,
thoughtful people are smart,
smart people wear helmets,
this is a helmet blowout.
Protone
1 Red Medium
1 Black Small
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Large White
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.7
6.7 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 8 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIGHT WAY TO DO ZONE 2 TRAINING
Mar 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ZONE 2 TRAINING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL TO ME. There is nothing better to build a huge cardio engine...
... but that is only the half of it.
Nearly all of my zone 2 training is alone.
Like most, my schedule can get hectic, and it is a challenge to meet others for a session more than once or twice a week...
... so, it's just me.
Not only am I riding in solitude, but the majority of the rides are off-road, in nature. Or, off the highway on a bike path.
Here is where I tap into the superpower of zone 2...
... and maybe you do the same.
I noticed it long ago, when a certain infamous champion dominated cycling's collective consciousness. As I rode along, I imagined I was him. My posture changed, my cadence changed, my thoughts were elevated to those of a champion.
Years later, I realize zone 2 can be a meditative workout.
Far from the distractions of life, I am with my thoughts. Sometimes, for sure, I am envisioning a great outcome on the bike. Reviewing what I'll do in preparation, and how I will perform at a given time...
..., but, that's not all.
I take this time to imagine all areas of life having the outcomes I desire. My marriage, our kids and grandkids. Our long-term physical and spiritual health. The people I serve. And, most definitely, where PEDALindustries is headed.
That is how I do zone 2 training...
... how about you?
When I'm out for a really, really, really long zone 2 sesh, I like to have a little lotion for my bits and pieces...
... and this is my favorite.
Lasts longer and requires less than other brands.
Use promo code: ZTWO
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163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
FIGHTING EFFECTIVELY
Mar 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
RACING IS ENDLESS BATTLE AND CONFLICT, and you cannot race effectively unless you can identify your enemies. That's my twist on a great Robert Greene post...
... but who are your enemies?
It matters.
Because, choosing worthy adversaries and worthy races will bring about worthy training.
Which is exactly why I'm so excited to race the famous and awesome Sagebrush Safari next weekend.
Last year it kicked my butt.
This year it should have more tough competitors.
Do I have a chance at winning? To be honest, I don't think so.
And, I love that.
To race against the best guys around these parts on a classic, long loop course that is technically challenging...
... that is a worthy endeavor.
When you think about it, having enemies is kind of an immature way to look at it. Adversaries sounds a little better...
... I prefer bringoutmybesties.
And what about the enemy of my enemy is my friend?
That actually turns out to be very true in road racing. Figuring out who is likely to win and who is anxious to prove that wrong can work to the benefit of a calculating competitor.
It doesn't work so well in the dirt. The speeds aren't high enough, the terrain too challenging.
Let's not leave out this maxim: a common enemy brings us all together.
The place I have seen this be most true is in regards to a beastly course like Leadville. A bunch of us from around these parts are going this year and we'll definitely all be training together and sharing ideas about how best to go about slaying the monster.
A final note I feel compelled to share:
Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace.
On a lighter note, we made some really fun custom gloves for the promote of the Sagebrush Safari, Quick N Dirty. They wanted a mustache on the forefinger.
So, if you've to an idea for a custom glove for your team or event or shop or company, etc.
Click here and we'll get a design going for you, the minimum is only 50 pair:
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/start-a-project
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163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
AS EASY AS 3-2-1
Mar 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ON THE START LINE IT’S INEVITABLE TO ASK, What the heck am I doing here? We know the pain ahead, the unknown treachery of the elements and competitors. There is only one way to remain calm and feel serene…
… as the announcer counts down.
Close your eyes, say a little prayer if you like, and envision your RaceDay Calendar™.
You knew back then what it would take to get you to the line, ready to slay the day. Like a general at war, you marshalled your most valuable commodity, time, and made this happen.
You...
Registered and did
All you could do.
Committed to the process.
Expect good things happen.
Reviewed every training ride and low-level race to get here.
You’re a RACER.
Some of you, knowing things would get hairy, tapped into our training and accountability…
… the dynamic daily check in.
- For 10 minutes, you jumped on a call with 9 other racers.
- Reported your stats from the day before
- Your plans for the day ahead.
- As you listened to the 9 others, your motivation grew.
- You made new friends and allies.
- You became bulletproof.
You’re ready my fine, inspiring friend…
… RaceDay Ready!™
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
There are 3 tools I use to achieve maximum success.
- The strategies in my book, The Way of The RACER.
- The RaceDay Calendar™
- The RaceDay Ready™ training and dynamic Accountability call.
Check it out here: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
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163.5
7.2 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
2 VERY NASTY HABITS
Mar 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M WELL ACQUAINTED WITH TWO NASTY HABITS. You might have your own demons, too. But, these aren't drinkin' er smoking' er foolin' around...
... there just plain nasty.
You might not have developed these habits, but you might want to.
I work on 'em all the dern time.
The first I was reminded of when one of my padwans checked in after the weekend's race. He hadn't raced in a few years, and certainly not a crit. Since I'm helping him get ready for Gran Fondo Nationals, I want him to race as much as possible...
... because there are some really nasty racers out there.
How'd it go Satterdee?
Oh, not too good.
Wha' happened.
They started real hard and I got dropped.
Nasty habit numero uno: start fast, make it hard, eject the unprepared.
The second nasty habit I was reminded of riding tonight. I'd run into the great Hoffy. I've never trained with or witnessed up close a racer more capable of this...
... lowdown, no-good, sunnuvagun maneuver.
If you ever managed to get in a break with him, heck if you just did training rides with him, he'd subject you to the worst experience of your life by blasting so hard over the top you'd swear he just might lift off and keep going to the moon.
Nasty habit numero dos: always, always, always crush it over the top.
There you have it, two nasty habits that if perfected can crush the spirits of any racer.
How do I practice them?
Sometimes I leave the house (not always on purpose) with no option but to go full gas from the very first pedal stroke because if I don't I know I won't make it to the meet up with the posse.
And, when training alone I love to really push hard over ever climb simply because
... it hurts a lot.
Remember...
... If they ain't gonna lead, make 'em bleed.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
Do you have my to 3 tools for success on RaceDay?
You should.
Shouldn't ya?
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162.5
7 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 32 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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