Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Todd’s Journal
Your are successfully subscribed for email notifications.
Notify me when available
We will send you a notification as soon as this product is available again.
Your email is required
We don't share your email with anybody
x
Get RaceDay Ready
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...
You can get it for full price here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dusty-shins-collection
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.
===
These Ugly Sweater jerseys woulda worked well today - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
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 FREAKED ME OUT!
IN THE HURRY to get the miles in, sometimes we find ourselves willing to risk a potential short cut to get home early. Which is exactly what I did...
... just before halloween.
Hustling down a new trail.
The night's shadows suffocating the daylight.
A long ladder bridge spans steep canyon walls and the trail...
... whips around and under the bridge!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I was going too fast to even think about it.
Leaned on the tires.
Ducked my head.
Stopped.
Went back up and mastered it at even more speed.
I'd discovered a great way to freak my friends out...
... like finding a killer haunted house.
Gonna be good scare on the next weekly MTB ride.
===
Not as scary as these Ugly Sweaters - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
164 lbs/12.3%
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
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BRING YOUR BEST AND LET US ADD UNTO IT
MOST OF US have backgrounds in something other than endurance sports. During those pursuits we learned what our leaders believed to be...
... the best practices for excellence.
Do we leverage that?
Here's an idea.
When I surfed almost everyday...
- most days were small waves
- 2 days a week would be pretty good
- 1 week of the month would have 3+ days of epicness
... which got me thinking, what would happen if I trained more like a committed surfer.
That schedule up there, is a lot like polarized training...
... except for surfers, the good days are usually back to back.
Good days, means...
- charging through the surf
- scrapping to get max speed and catch one
- battling back through the big waves to get back out
... a lot of VO2 max efforts
Then,..
- back
- to back
- to back
- to back
... consecutive days one week a month, when a great swell hit.
After the big swells, there is usually a lull.
Good, because,
we're tired,
we rest.
That's how surfers train because that is nature's cycle...
- lots of endurance
- regular intervals
- a big week
- a lull
... maybe it should be ours, too.
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
QUESTION: IS THIS A HIGH DEMAND SPORT?
Mar 02, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I WAS LISTENING TO SOME GUYS ARGUE about whether or not was their religion was high demand, and it got me thinking is ours? Are endurance sports...
... high demand?
Yes.
No.
For me, and maybe for you, too...
... its high demand.
Just consider...
- Training
- Fueling
- Resting
... these are the biggies.
They are priceless,
in a sense.
Which is why the are so easy to screw up,
and so misunderstood by lookers on.
We can't put...
- Training time
- Good fueling choices
- Proper sleep and recovery
... on a credit card.
We've got to demand it from ourselves...
... but, is it really demanding when we love the results?
---
166.2 lbs
7 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
48
THE UNCORKED ZONE
Mar 01, 2024
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE INTO HOT RODS, then you know what uncorked means. In simple terms, all that junk that keeps the exhaust quiet and lawful is chucked...
... giving us that ultra loud and mean sound.
We have that racing and training, too.
And, if we're smart, we only hit it every so often.
You know what I'm talking about, right?
Zone 2 is corked.
- easy to breathe
- talk while riding
- and go forever.
Today was not Zone 2.
I was uncorked, a bit.
Allowing myself for the first time in 2 months to stretch the legs was amazing.
The accompanying wheezing and gasping for air…
… I don’t know if it was hot rod mean, but it was loud.
Hadn’t heard that in too long…
… ain’t gonna hear for 5 or so days.
Time to add some intensity the smart way.
Polarized.
If ya wanna solid refresher on this approach,
take a listen to this: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-fast-podcast-triathlon-ironman-cycling-coaching/id1400770015?i=1000596124366
Simply, 80-90% of our training should sound like a Tesla...
... cruising through the neighborhood.
That way we are fresh and ready to get after it like the pic above.
Let the rubber...
... burn, baby burn.
---
166.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
56
RESULTS DON'T MEAN SHIFT
Feb 29, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE ON THE JOURNEY, but I can tell ya this: whether you're just starting out, coming back from injury, at the top of your game, you're gonna fail...
... if results count.
Trust me on this.
I'm rebuilding.
My fitness is shift.
the skills, off.
I've been at the top and the bottom and there is one reason I was able to climb to max fitness and performance...
... I don't care about results.
I mean I do,
but they aren't the motivator.
Optimizing my ability,
having a blast.
Way more important.
Results are nice.
If they are everything...
... quitting, giving up, and failure is on the horizon.
Don't let that happen.
How?
Relax.
We can't see...
... the great results in the making.
They're coming.
Guaranfreakingteed.
---
166.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
57
ARE WE REALLY DOING THIS?
Feb 28, 2024
by TODD BROWN
FOSTER GRANTS ASKED ME Are we really doing this? What kinda question is that...
... Dern straight we're doing it!
Was he hoping we weren't?
Was he doubtful we could do it?
By we, I mainly mean me.
Could you?
I mean, we're gonna have a brain damaged grampa who's been off the bike for months do it...
... can you keep up?
Finish?
What's he referring to?
Oh, just the most life changing ride in Southern California...
- 100+ miles
- 15,000+' of vertical gain
... some might consider it hard.
Others a challenge.
Most an adventure of a lifetime.
So, if you wanna support the old sack a lycra,
if outrageous calls to your soul...
... sign up.
It's free.
and fun.
Click here for deets and pics.
---
167.4 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
9 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
57
HOW NOT WHAT
Feb 27, 2024
by TODD BROWN
LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE is filled with excitement, fear, and lots of scrapes and bruises. We press through because everyone we see on a bike...
... has a great big smile.
We want that,
the teacher wants it for us.
Finally we get it.
And, at least in my case, it stopped there.
Hall-ah-freakin-lu-yah!
What
and when
and who with
... were left up to me.
I'll be forever grateful for learning how...
... and the freedom to do it my way.
---
168.2 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
56
YOU DON'T NEED AN ALARM CLOCK TO WAKE UP, YOU NEED...
Feb 26, 2024
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES I HAVE with our local morning group ride is that it starts at 6:30am. If it was out my front door...
... not that hard.
It's not.
Takes me 50ish minutes to ride to the start,
which means I'm up at 5am.
Also...
... not that hard.
However, getting to bed at 9...
... is not my standard.
I'm more of a 930-10pm guy.
Therefore, if I don't hit the hay early...
... I'm foggy, at best, the rest of day.
Plus, slower on the bike.
Oh, there's a long list of shift that results from lack of sleep.
What's an athlete to do?
Before I tell,
you are forewarned...
... this won't make you popular.
You might lose touch with friends,
or lose them altogether.
We all have a choice...
... live our best lives or live a lower version.
This allows to tap into our superpower...
... set you alarm clock for bedtime.
Every.
Single.
Night.
Or suffer the consequences:
- Inhibited ability to perform
- Decreased handling skills
- Quicker exhaustion
- Decreased reaction time
- Difficulty learning and decision making
- Increased risk of injury
- Increased risk for illness
- Poor recovery
- Memory issues
- Weight gain
- Poor balance
- ... Low sex drive
Like I said,
it might be socially unpopular but...
... wouldn't you rather operate at your optimum?
I would.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
MILEMARKERS FOR DUMMIES
Feb 25, 2024
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE KEYS TO RIPPING LONG RACES is remembering where you are. Yeah, you're racing. Yeah, you're clicking off the miles. But...
... where the heck are you?
And, there's more than that.
- Are you on track?
- When is the next stop?
- Does your support know when to expect you?
So, I always write down on a piece of tape with a sharpie my goals to be at certain locations at certain times...
... and stick it on my top tube.
This keeps all of us coordinate.
More importantly,
it keeps me focused.
The long races, 6+ hours, can be grueling.
They can wear us down to the point...
... of forgetting why we even signed up in the first place.
Looking down at the humble piece of tape,
seeing my goals...
- engages my mind
- re-centers my effort
- keeps me on the pace
... snaps me back to the present moment.
I don't just use this practice for racing...
... I write down everything I plan to do,
and when I plan to have it done.
---
166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IS IT HABIT OR RITUAL?
Feb 24, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THE SATURDAY MORNING RIDE. We work all week, and with a little planning and luck we carve out some time to ride. In the beginning...
... it takes some discipline.
Not the riding.
The commitment.
We are working to establish a habit.
For the most part, a good one.
But, that changes over time.
It becomes a ritual.
- A set time to leave
- An expected amount of time to be gone
- The proper dress code observed
- A dedicated place to meet
- A consistent slaying of trails, gravel, pavement
- A flogging of the sinners who are not as fit as they shouldcould be.
Yep, this is our ritual.
Our practice.
Our faith.
We made the jump.
We are far beyond
discipline and habit.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
12-0 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT DOES AI SAY ABOUT TRAINING METHODS USED 100 YEARS AGO?
Feb 23, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I PINGED CHAT GTP AND SEVERAL OTHER AI regarding training methods of Belgians 100 years ago. Why not? A lot of knowledge is refined, regurgitated or plain ol' forgotten...
... maybe there's something to be rediscovered?
Oddly?
or, maybe not.
The answers across the AI were eerily similar.
I say eerily because who wants to live in a silo?
Anyway,
here's the bottom line:
It’s important to note that these training methods were not as scientific or structured as they are today. Cyclists often relied on their own experience and intuition to guide their training. However, despite the lack of modern technology and scientific understanding, many Belgian cyclists were able to achieve impressive results using these methods.
Shocking!
I mean, shocking?
When it comes right down to it, is there anything better than...
... relying on our own experience and intuition to guide our training?
I don't think so.
Not when were really into it,
when we really know our bodies.
Me, for instance, I'm rebuilding my fitness.
I realized what a distraction it is to look at the data pouring across my little Wahoo screen.
- Maybe I should put out more power?
- Gosh, my heart rate is ____!
- I've only gone X miles?
So, I fire up the Wahoo,
put it in my jersey pocket.
Time to ride on just experience and intuition...
... same thing I do when racing.
---
166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE MOST HUMBLING RACE OF MY LFE
Feb 22, 2024
by TODD BROWN
MY PAL PETE AND I DECIDED WE WERE REALLY FIT and that we could do anything with just a hint of training. Racing bikes was kina ho-hum...
... so we signed up for a 10k running race.
We were so arrogant,
we rode our bikes 15 miles to the start.
We lined up in the back,
because, you know, we were going to
squash these runners.
Gun goes off.
We quickly move forward.
Up to the top 50-100.
Really running.
Hard.
Suddenly, I notice I'm breathing way too loud.
Uh-oh.
My legs hurt,
my hips hurt,
everything hurts.
And, I'm moving backwards quickly.
Chubby guy cruises by.
Oldish lady...
... did she elbow me out of the way?
Kids are skipping and laughing and disappearing up the road.
But, it was the guy in flip flops who said...
... Hang in there, only 3 more miles...
... that really did me in.
Here's the dill.
On the outside, at the start,
looking at these racers,
I would have bet $10,000 on me and Pete.
Looking at competitors is a poor way to pass judgement...
... it's the inside, the heart, that counts.
---
166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I KNOW YOU'RE NOT A LOSER LIKE THIS CAT
Feb 21, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I was going to post this and then I went for a ride and decided it was too mean, whadaya think?...
THERE ARE THREE MAIN THINGS LOSERS DO. I say losers, in this case, meaning they are literally losing out. If they persist, then, yeah...
... the other kind.
It always surprises me when people make these very basic mistakes.
Even if they are new,
I find it,
perplexing.
I think you do, too.
Because, for us,
it's just second nature.
Probably because we have learned the hard way.
Not only that, we try and pass this basic knowledge along to every new rider we can.
Still, they...
- Forget gear when going to a ride or race
- Completely foul up their nutrition and bonk
- Neglect the bike prep only to have mechanical difficulty
... and, we shake our heads.
They are losing out on a more excellent ride.
We deal with it,
they are our friends.
However, if it persists one of two things is gonna happen...
- We don't invite them any more
- We leave them behind
... because, well, you know they are....
How's that for setting up a shameless plug on why we do what we do?
- The RaceDay Bag™ has a built in checklist to make sure we bring everything
- It comes with a RaceDay Bike Check List, too, so bike is properly prepped
- And an insane Never Forget Anything guarantee.
... that way my friends are always invited,
and never left behind.
---
166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I USED TO LOVE RAINY DAYS
Feb 20, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THERE WAS A TIME WHEN RAINY DAYS were awesome. Mostly, around here, it meant nobody was riding. Not me, not anybody else. Which was perfect...
... if I couldn't ride anyway.
You see the selfishness right?
If I can't ride,
I'm stoked you can't either.
It means nobody is getting in the secret miles.
But, that's hardly true these days.
It's not the trainers,
those have been around forever.
It's the virtual racing,
that is a game changer.
In fact, I know plenty of people who do a fair amount of their riding virtually.
- It's available 24-7
- Not hampered by weather
- All the social connections of a group ride (with right equipment).
Can you blame them?
I can't.
But, I still blame the weather for my own lack of getting it done.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
CODDLED VS THROTTLED?
Feb 19, 2024
by TODD BROWN
YEAH, THE RECOVER IS GOING PRETTY GOOD. Spoke to my neuroscientist pal, who confirmed my suspicions. It's good news for me...
... is it good news for you?
Well, yeah, if you taking the Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge.
If you're not, then sit up and pay attention.
Here's what he said.
You're probably doing so well because...
- you're exercising every day
- not eating bread
- staying away from grains
- not drinking diet drinks or artificial sweeteners
- eating plenty of veggies and protein
- getting outside in the sunshine
- lifting weights
- getting plenty of sleep, 9-10 or more hours
... right?
I sheepishly said Yes.
Which was mostly true.
But, I gotta cut out all grains and all bread, even my beloved chips and salsa and special sour dough bread. I've backslid on the diet drinks, those gotta go. Other than that, I'm mostly on track.
Main thing I need to add is a lot more fish oil.
Not a problem, I love sardines.
in other words, it's time to practice ALL that I preach.
So, how're you doing? Yes, you my loyal reader. How. Are. You. Doing?
Could you tighten things up a bit?
Or, do you need a serious crack in the head like I got to up your game?
Which brings me back to the title of this post, Coddled vs. Throttled?
Here's the dill, for me...
... I prefer to be throttled.
Put me on a ridiculously difficult course, in with the heavy hitters, tell me the honesttogosh truth...
... make me suffer!
Then, and only then, I might merit some coddling.
Maybe it's time for a serious challenge...
... and little coddling 30 days later?
Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge
---
165.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
I WONDER IF GIRLS DO THIS?
Feb 18, 2024
by TODD BROWN
FOR THE MOST PART, we are a healthy lot. We skip cigars, pass up the bars. Well, then, where's a cyclist to go to share our struggles, solve our problems...
... shoot the shift?
Dudes,
we ride together...
... and we share, solve and shoot.
That's where we get it done.
What about the lady riders?
Where are they bonding and supporting?
There are so few of them,
mostly they ride with guys...
... don't think I've ever see an all, or mostly, female group ride.
Is that why so few ladies ride, compared to men?
Are they missing what the guys are getting?
Is that the main reason guys ride?
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Are You Ready For A Hero's Journey?
Feb 17, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I DID A POLE OF THE RACEDAY RIPPERS. I asked them If they had to pick just one bike what would it be? They had 4 options to pick from. What would you answer be...
... you need the options first.
Here they are:
- Road
- MTB
- Gravel
- One of Each (acceptable though hard to explain to family and friends)
It came down to a tie between two options, evenly split.
33% for each.
Gravel and One of Each.
Why?
Well, what would your choice be?
Back to Why?
I think it comes down the basic human nature...
... we want to go on a journey.
Not just any journey.
One where we are heroic,
in our own minds at least.
That, I think, is the true appeal of "gravel" (such a dumb name)...
... the appeal of a bike that can handle mixed surfaces.
On that type of bike we have incredible freedom combined with the high likelihood of finding ourselves...
... in place far, far away from our predictable existence.
With luck we'll...
- Shed some blood without breaking bones.
- Find out we can do much more than we thought.
- Gain new confidence, skill, and special experience.
... acquire our own superpowers.
Is it any wonder these bikes and events with mixed surfaces are exploding?
---
164.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT TO ASK A PROSPECTIVE COACH
Feb 16, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THINKING OF GETTING A COACH? Good. You can get better faster by learning from an expert. Be it a book, a video, a podcast. Only a human can...
... answer this question.
The answer will instantly tell you if this relationship is gonna work out.
After small talk, after the coach's spiel, when the conversation stalls...
... ask this:
If we were meeting 3 years from now, looking back, what has to happen for you to be happy with my progress?
Trust me, conversation is gonna stay stalled.
Don't say a thing.
Wait for the answer.
Listen to what is said.
Ask yourself...
... Is this the kind of person I want to have a relationship with?
That's it.
I've used the question many times over the years, usually when hiring somebody. There are lots of variations.
It works.
Learned it from the great Dan Sullivan.
---
162.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
How To Build Volume 101
Feb 15, 2024
by TODD BROWN
IMAGINE YOU'RE STARTING FROM ZERO. How do you build volume? Are there rules of thumb? When do you introduce intensity? Does it matter?...
... can you wing it?
Good questions.
Short answers:
- Build volume as fast as you can, which isn't going to be very fast if you are starting from zero.
- There are no rules of thumb, it's ruled by legs and lungs. Do what you can.
- Introduce intensity as soon as you want, it ain't going to be much.
- Yes, it matters.
Long answer.
There are a number of good books on the subject. Anything by Joe Friel will give you a good plan.
You don't need a power meter, mainly because you're will not be putting out much power early on.
But, you do need a heart rate monitor.
In the beginning of the first rides, the heart rate monitor will be exciting. Then after a few miles, it will dim. Reality will set in as that heart rate gets lower and lower because you have no stamina built up. After a few weeks or months, the HR monitor will serve as a governor...
... holding you back.
This is good.
Because if you're tired, you can't do intensity properly.
Introduce the intensity one day per week.
Don't look at the HR monitor too much, instead get after it. Could be a group ride you want to desperately hang on to, a Zwift session with same obsession, or simply chasing that mystical PR you want to breatk.
Check the HR data when the ride is over.
Important answer:
- Pick an event far in the future - you need time.
- Set an insane goal.
- Get registered.
Nothing exceptional will come with your training without a date with destiny...
... that's paid for!
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Do I Really Love It This Much?
Feb 14, 2024
by TODD BROWN
SO, IT'S GONNA WIND UP BEING 8 WEEKS OFF THE BIKE since the noggin took a hit. If I do the ol' traditional math, that's 8 X 3 (weeks to get back the fitness for every 1 week off the bike)...
... 24 weeks, errrr 6 months?
That's hella long time.
The big question is...
... do I love it that much?
And by it, I do not mean the obvious...
... riding my bike.
I mean being in shape and the...
... feeling of being fast.
If I'm being honest, and I always am with you...
... I've forgotten what that feels like.
Surfgirl said Let's go on a ride today...
... and I jumped at the chance to ride with her support.
How'd it go?
Well, even though I was on my MTB...
... I still easily dropped her.
Nothing new there.
What was new was how hard I had to work to catch her,
huffing and puffing and legs burning...
... at a pace I recall doing for hours, endlessly.
This time it was for about 2 minutes.
Was I surprised?
Disappointed?
Let's just say I laughed out loud when I saw what Training Peaks was showing for my fitness.
37.
Yep, nearly 100 points lower than my all time max fitness just 18 months ago.
Lesson: fitness disappears, fast.
Lesson: I'm gonna bring it back, patiently (not my superpower, but a lesson to learn).
Who's in?
---
164.8lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TOP REASONS NOT TO LIFT WEIGHTS
Feb 13, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A LOT OF BANTER about weight training. We should do it in the off-season, shy away from in the race season. Frankly...
... I couldn't disagree more.
Weight training is for those who want:
- stronger bones
- to build muscle
- put out more power
- improved core strength
- better grip strength
Who want's that?
Year round?
Oh,
well,
me.
You?
Top 3 exercises we should all be doing?
- Pull Ups or bent rows to build up strength for pull ups
- Push Ups
- Squats - I like Bulgarian Split Squats
Takes just a few minutes to do a set.
Very little equipment needed: pull up bar, some dumbbells...
... or skip the minor investment.
- have weak bones
- look like a T-Rex
- less power
- weaker core
- pathetic grip
It's your body...
... and I'm just a dude, not a doctor!
---
164.8lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
CONFIDENCE, WHO'S RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?
Feb 12, 2024
by TODD BROWN
IN GETTING CAUGHT UP WITH THE LATEST BREAKING CYCLNG NEWS, I saw an article title and it's bugged me ever since. Maybe I'm heartless, from a different generation...
... or maybe this guy is just weak.
The title of the article is, They Lost Faith In Me.
Honestly, I can't believe I even bothered to read it.
But, after a week of it percolating as a top article...
... it got me like a slow moving train wreck.
As expected, featured racer blamed his lack of success on the team losing faith in him.
Bro, it's not the team's job to have faith in you.
They are paying you.
Faith is there.
That's my first reaction.
Bro, them's fighting words.
Now go prove 'em wrong.
Create the failth.
Earn it.
That's my second reaction.
What happened to good ol'...
... if it's to be, it's up to me!?
Or...
... fake it, 'till ya make it!?
In the end, I couldn't decide if I should feel sorry for a grown man having such a pathetic excuse...
... or be ticked off that such lameness made the front page.
Bottom line,
like it or not...
... it's our responsibility to be confident,
and to infect all those around us with such assuredness.
Life,
racing,
everything...
... is more fun, and, oh, ah, successful!
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT HAPPENS IN SIN CITY...
Feb 11, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE SINS, and then there are things we personally consider sins. Either way, 'Vegas promise that what happens in 'Vegas stays in 'Vegas...
... is a big fat lie.
Not a big deal.
We are only letting ourselves,
and those we committed to...
... down.
For example, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter's Day because by then...
... most people have thrown in the towel on their resolutions.
Like I said,
not a big deal...
... unless you want to
improve,
make changes,
stay true to what matters.
If that's on the line,
we can't afford to sin,
and if we do we've got to...
... repent right away,
and keep moving forward.
So,
how are those resolutions doing?
I had two:
- Get to bed around 9,
start day before 6. - Get back to race weight,
under 163.
The only reason I'm mostly on track is due to putting myself in the hospital on Jan 8th...
- appetite disappeared
- needed a lot more sleep
... otherwise, I'd be struggling.
Which is better than quitting.
A lot better.
Struggling,
good.
Repenting,
good.
Never quitting,
Best.
Keep up the good fight.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RACERS CREED
Feb 09, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WHETHER WE KNOW IT OR NOT, we stand for a few things. And, it matters. Because this is...
... how we roll.
The Racer's Creed
- Access to bicycles - and anything that makes you stronger and better - should be unlimited.
- Always yield to the In Real Life Imperative.
- All racing should be free.
- Mistrust tradition, government recommendations - promote bro-science.
- Racers should be judged by their racing, not by bogus criteria like KOMs, USAC Category, age, color or gender.
- You can be free and forever young on a bicycle.
- Bicycles change your life for the better.
Agree or Disagree?
Lemmeknow.
---
165.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IT AIN'T EVERY DAY YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THIS
Feb 08, 2024
by TODD BROWN
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED RIDING? For most of us, it was a magical time. Each ride a little further, a little faster. Each effort...
... a little easier.
No wonder we got hooked.
Still,
some wonder off.
Is it because the day comes when going further, faster, with less effort is no longer predictable?
Shoot, forget predictable...
... sometimes those days have months between them.
Even years.
I can tell you this, as I impatiently wait for clearance to get back on my bike and start riding again...
... knowing I'll get better every ride keeps me hanging on.
Can you relate?
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S SO MIXED UP
Feb 07, 2024
by TODD BROWN
ROAD BIKES use road tires. Most of us find a favorite, and that's what we run day, night, rain, shine. For MTB, it's basically the same formula. Find a tire we like, run it regardless. For gravel...
... ugh.
First off, gravel ain't just gravel.
It's gravel and asphalt and single track and rocky terrain.
So, a gravel tire needs to be fast on asphalt, tacky on gravel turns, nimble on techy stuff and rugged on the rockies.
What's the ol' saying?
There's fast, cheap and quality...
... you can only pick two.
But, we're racing.
We want fast, light and rugged...
... and we want all three.
Not gonna happen.
Me?
I'll take fast and light, banking on my handling skills to get me safely through the rugged stuff.
Is that enough?
Probably not.
If it really matters,
gotta pre-run the course,
then pick the very best option...
... not easy,
but, that's what make it fun.
---
164.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups & squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
I TRIPLE THAT EMOTION
Feb 06, 2024
by TODD BROWN
ON THE START LINE there is always a lot of emotion. Some are scared, some are anxious, some are seething, some are just happy to be there. And...
... it's all good.
Well, kinda.
Facts are facts.
The more emotion we have the more productive we will be.
There's just one problem.
It might not be positive productivity.
Personally, I prefer to make up some story in my head regarding an innocent competitor...
... that ticks me off.
Take that manufactured angst,
turn it up all the way to 11...
... and let emotion do it's thing.
It is nearly a lock that I will race better,
be more and better calculating...
... and not give a hoot about what others think.
So, yeah...
... I triple that emotion.
---
163.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work.
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
WEATHER OR NOT YOU LIKE IT
Feb 05, 2024
by TODD BROWN
ROCK COBBLER 11 IS THIS WEEKEND. With all the rain we've had, and a little more forecast this week, it's all set up for an epic adventure...
... for at least 50% of the riders.
We are at deer in the headlinghts point.
Some are wondering if they should go at all.
Others are relishing the epicality.
Whether racers ride through someone's house,
see some knucklehead get skewed by a bull,
need ropes to make it up the hikeabike,
have mud so thick they grind to a halt...
... one thing is for sure.
The weather just makes it so much more of a quest.
Here's the mantra, whatever the weather...
... it's going to be perfect for me,
and rotten for everyone else.
It's selfish,
I know.
But,
it works.
Which is why I prefer riding outdoors to indoors...
... weather I like it or not.
---
162.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
No strength work.
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU SOMEBODY?
Feb 03, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE LEGENDS, and then there's the rest of us. The difference isn't obvious if we're walking down the street or eating an ice cream cone...
.. it's clear when nobody is looking.
As hard as we may be struggling to regain our health,
or to reach a new level of performance,
you'd never know...
... just by looking at us.
To really know if we are a
nobody,
anybody,
or somebody...
... we'd have to be followed 24/7.
This quote hit me hard today.
"No matter how hard you train,
Somebody will train harder.
No matter how hard you run,
Somebody will run harder.
No matter how much you want it,
Somebody will want it more.
I am Somebody."
—Steve Prefontaine
Are we going to be Somebody?
---
162.8 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
No strength work.
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE TALENT REVOLUTION
Feb 01, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WHAT COMES AROUND, goes around. Some call it karma, others call it fate, maybe it's just...
... wages earned.
We can have all the talent in the world,
but, if we aren't spinning the pedals around who'll ever know?
Not us.
Not anybody else.
Talented racers are spinning more,
a lot more.
The spinning brings up the talent,
the talent doesn't make the racers spin.
The old timers knew it.
AEddy Merckx, Piles of miles.
The current crop knows it.
Dr Stephen Seiler, 80% of your training is to be easy, and only 20% hard.
We know it.
Want more talent, spin (ride) more...
... a lot more,
talent will increase.
---
162. lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Push Ups, Pull Ups, Squats, Nordics, Shoulder Presses - a little more every day.
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH
Jan 31, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, too few of us can handle the truth. Our flabby arms, soft as a baby'sbutt hands, round shoulders and bent necks...
... belie the truth.
We were born for more.
Proof...
- Do pullups, grow calluses
- Do pushups, grow muscle
- Do squats, improve stature
- Ride far and easy, drop resting heartrate
... is what we easily observe given just a short amount of time.
When nurses rushed in to my room during my lovely stay in the ICU...
... they scared the crud out of me.
Are you okay?
Yeah, why?
Your heartrate dropped into the 30's.
Oh, it's finally getting back to normal.
What?
Yep, that's normal for me.
And that's the freaky thing.
We, the fit, are a rare breed.
The pros aren't quite sure what to do with us.
It shouldn't be that way,
but, it is.
In A Few Good Men, Col. Jessup is badgered and cornered into exclaiming the famous line...
... You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!
The truth about our bodies' capabilities is all around us...
... yet, is it rarely explained or shamed.
With just a little effort, in a short amount of time,
we can easily see that not only can we dramatically improve things...
... we were born to do such,
the life force is stronger than we think.
This is the way.
---
162.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Push Ups Pull Ups Squats Shoulder Presses - a little more every day.
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
MY FAVORITE 4 LETTER WORD THAT STARTS WITH 'F'
Jan 30, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE LOTS OF FOUR LETTER WORDS. Just saying that connotes negativity and degeneracy. Clarifying the ones that start with 'f' and...
... you've got to cover your ears.
But, really...
... is F-E-A-R all that bad?
Yes,
and no.
Depends on how we use it.
One of the reasons a public declaration is so powerful is the fear that...
... we will F-A-I-L.
Which, is why most of us never make public declarations.
Too scary.
Too much commitment.
and way too much chance for ostracization.
Nobody wants that,
so we skip the declarations.
But, what if we didn't?
What if we tapped into that power?
Besides...
... who gives a shiFt what others think?
I ain't a FEAR to FAIL..
... I'm way more a FEAR to not FIND out what's possible.
---
161.6 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Push Ups Pull Ups Squats Shoulder Presses - a little more every day.
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IF THERE REALLY WAS JUST ONE THING HOLDING US BACK?
Jan 29, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I JUST FINISHED, for the third or fourth time, The ONE Thing. The joke of the book (ie: the main point) is that there is1 thing above all others that we need to focus on...
... to get results quickly and easily.
If that's true,
there is just 1 question...
... what is the 1 thing when it comes to ripping on raceday?
I can think of 100 things,
or more...
- Ride
- Polarized training
- Diet
- Sleep
- Recovery
- Stretch
- Intervals
- Race simulation
- Bike maintenance
- Rest
- Race logistics
- Team game plan
- Travel plans
- Pick an A race/event
... there's a few.
Once the 1 thing is figured out...
... where is it time blocked?
- Early morning
- Lunch time
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Which days of week
If it ain't protected,
treated as sacred...
... it will likely be sacrificed.
This year, I planned on testing out a new work schedule. Which is why I picked this book up again.
The schedule, once I'm cleared medically, that I want to test is...
- 7-11 my ONE Thing for work
- 11-2 Go for a ride, get some lunch
- 2-5 return calls and emails
... just need to get back to 100%.
Today's trial was hit and miss. It was my first day trying to work. Not easy. The most challenging thing is to mentally hold and concentrate on fairly complex projects.
I'll get there.
In the meantime...
... what's your ONE Thing?
---
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Push Ups Pull Ups Squats Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
DID YOU PICK THE RIGHT PATH?
Jan 28, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A CHOICE. A quick and easy win. A long-range, outrageous goal. Most of the time...
... we make the wrong choice.
The quick win feels good,
it's easy to snag.
And that's the problem.
The quick and easy wins usually lead us off the path to long-range and outrageous goals.
But, why?
Because the long-range goal is so far off in the distance, it looks small...
We forget,
get discouraged,
grow too impatient.
... it's actually massive, just a long ways off.
---
162.3 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
0 strength work
20 minutes recovery
240 minutes reading + Journaling
NURSE RATCHET IS TICKED OFF!
Jan 27, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WHEN PEOPLE STOP BY TO VISIT they inevitably want to check out the garage. Oddly, they aren't impressed by the stacks of surfboards, or the quiver of bicycles...
... there is one thing that sticks out.
Over in the corner is a somewhat rusty, cobwebby and neglected unicycle.
Can you ride it?
Maybe, it's been quite a while.
This is just me goofing on them. I know perfectly well, that even if it's been over a year, I can get on the uni and...
... make it look easy.
But, first I pretend to really struggle.
Several fake and shaky starts.
It's like riding a bike,
put in the time and you'll always be able to do it.
Which is probably why Nurse Ratchet is so pissed at me today.
Bored out of my mind,
easily skipping down the stairs in the house,
doing lunges and walking backwards with zero issue...
... I couldn't wait until she left.
The second the garage door shut, I hustled upstairs and threw on a kit for the first time in 3 weeks.
I'd secretly lubed and checked out the MTB the night before.
It was go time.
Kitted up,
aired up...
... there was only one thing left to do.
Throw my leg over the saddle, and pedal.
Gotta be honest,
I was a little scared to clip in and go.
But, I couldn't take another day of lethargy indoors.
The first few strokes were glorious.
I was free,
at last.
There was no need to hurry, she'd be gone at least 2 hours.
I chose the MTB because of the fat tires and full suspension, figuring it was the bike least likely to jostle my noggin.
My balance was fine.
My ability to process information was still slow, and dull.
After 20ish minutes, I reached the top of the local trail system.
I stopped.
Gave thanks.
Took in the view.
It felt so good to...
- hear my breathing
- feel the sweat
- be outside
... things we think we are grateful for, but have no clue until we can't access them on demand.
I stood and coasted ever so slowly down the trail.
An hour later I was home, after more stops and moments of appreciation.
Refreshed,
encouraged.
I knew my recovering brain needed oxygen flow,
my body need to be taxed,
balance tested.
A quick shower,
change of clothes,
Nurse Ratchet would never know.
One problem.
She has Strava,
she follows me,
I was busted.
She stormed in pissed,
didn't want to talk about it.
Said I'd been stupid and reckless.
As usual,
she's right.
But, you know what they say...
... it's like riding a bike,
you never forget.
How do I feel?
Well, I took a catnap. So it musta been challenging.
My head seems fine.
Will I ride again?
Def.
How soon?
Unsure.
How long?
Lesssure.
Am I all better?
Not even close.
Because my ability to process information is diminished, I'm riding very slow. Another reason to stay on MTB and off the roads.
It's gonna be a minute, I'm predicting 3-6 more weeks to restore confidence. I'm cool with that. Spring goals have been tabled. Time is on my side.
Am I getting better?
Fo sho.
Will she forgive me?
Yeah, in a few days or weeks.
Am I upset about that?
Not even.
She cares,
and that's all I care about.
---
162.3 lbs
8 hrs sleep
A few pullups, pushups and air squats
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
SLIVERS ARE GOOD
Jan 26, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A HIGH SPEED TRAIL NEARBY. It's lined with cactus, lovingly waiting to give the uncontrolled a great big bear hug. Most escape...
... a few get a gentle reminder.
But, it often doesn't show up for weeks.
One day, you wake and think...
... dawgawnit, my knuckle really hurts.
We can't remember why until a few days later...
... a sliver of cactus prickly starts to surface.
Oh yeah, I musta brushed some cactus a while back.
Here's the real lesson in that...
- not to slow down and scrub some speed
- not to wear hard plastic knuckle savers
- not to change a thing
... to remember slivers count, too.
In fact, sometimes they're downright painful.
Most of the time, forgettable.
Unimpactful...
... or so we think,
until they resurface.
If we're smart,
and I know you are...
... we realize the real gains
more often than not...
... come in slivers.
Unnoticable,
unmemorable,
unremarkable, too...
... so we think they don't count,
that no progress is being made.
But, they do.
And, we stack 'em.
Gather 'em, store 'em...
... unleash 'em when it matters.
Competitors be thinking,
How the heck did he/she do that?!
We be thinking the same thing,
How the heck'd I do that?!
Then we be rememberin'...
... one sliver at a time.
---
162.4 lbs
8 hrs sleep
Got in a few more pullups, pushups and air squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
OUR BUCKET LISTS ARE KILLING US
Jan 25, 2024
by TODD BROWN
UP UNTIL WE ARE ABOUT 18 YEARS OLD, we don't have bucket lists. We have something quite different and significantly more powerful and dangerous. Cover your ears kids...
... this is about the less famous, Phucket List.
You know the one.
You're, 13, at the top of a big hill and challenged to go brakeless and see if you can not only make the corner at the bottom, but carry enough speed to clear the 15' jump across the stream.
Or, you're 15, on the shore watching huge, mountainous waves wipe out every surfer in the water and challenged to not just paddle out, but get beyond the breakers and then somehow catch one of the monsters back to shore.
The young don't say, Oh, I can't make it today but it's definitely on my bucket list to do...
... there's too much shame in that.
Instead, the young say Phucket...
... and go for it.
Why?
Because the young know two things:
- They will live forever
- They can't get permanently hurt
Of course, neither is true.
The only thing that is true is that not going for it is despicable.
Around 20, we aren't verbalizing bucket list, but we are assembling it with thoughts like these:
- I'm gonna find my soulmate
- Have some kids
- Build a cool career
- Travel to exotic places
- Do back flips off bridges
Of course, making those things happen requires, again, two things:
- Living forever
- Not getting permanently hurt
Neither one of which is true, or likely.
Which is why bucket lists are for losers.
They allow us to dream, and put things off for Some Day I'll...
... slowly killing us in the process.
Then, one day, we do something really stupid, like I did...
- Cause my pull up bar to fail
- Knock myself out
- Spend days in ICU
... and just like that, life changes in seconds.
Which is why we need to kill the Bucket List and...
... live with a phucket list.
- Any question of what is possible
- Any criticism of how we are doing things
- Any doubts about our plans
- Any postponing of what we want to do
We need to have one, and only one, response...
... phucket..
I'm doing it,
now!!
---
161.4 lbs
10 hrs sleep
Snuck in a few pullups, pushups and air squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
FIRST, I WANTED TO CRY
Jan 24, 2024
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I FINALLY WOKE UP, 3 days after the accident, I wanted to cry. Not because I was alone in a cold, dark hospital room. Not because my head was pounding. I ached...
... for the less fortunate.
Regardless of how I got there, I still had everything going for me.
Family,
friends,
children.
Visiting,
praying,
buoying me.
Incredible medical facilities,
wonderful, caring
staff.
I felt, and feel, overwhelmingly blessed and looked after.
How did I merit such goodness in my life?
How could I do better supporting those in need?
Even though my brain had been scrambled,
as difficult as it is to process information quickly...
... I never doubted I'd recover.
I'm so grateful to be alive...
... taking courage from the Grateful Dead's Touch Of Grey.
I will get by,
I will survive,
We will get by,
We will survive.
Because my brain is broken and there are little to no visual cues, it's hard to appreciate what thinking and doing and conversation feels like to me.
I look mostly fine.
This is the best I could come up with...
... asking me to engage is like asking me to run a 5k two to three weeks after breaking my leg.
Where I'm at now.
Starting last week, 8ish days post accident, my body started to hurt a lot. Way, way worse than my head ever did.
When the pull up bar broke loose and cracked me in the forehead it must have knocked me out. My buns and upper hamstrings and lower back were tremendously painful, indicating to me I had probably just had fallen straight backward on my tush then smacked my back of my head.
That body pain is mostly behind me.
My secret?
Taking a very hot shower 5-6-7 times a day, loosens everything up.
I'm off all meds during the day, and only taking Tylenol 2-3 times during the night.
This is great.
I had been really nervous to take the heavy stuff for a prolonged period of time. I'd done that 30 years ago, and subsequently suffered migraines for almost 10 years.
Fortunately, the PEDALindustries crew is awesome. Things are flowing as they should. Just wonderful.
Your messages, and kindness, and support have been a great lesson to me...
... it's okay to cry tears of gratitude.
---
159.4 lbs
10 hrs sleep
0 strength
40 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DEFEND YOUR LIFE
Jan 15, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THE LAST WORDS OUT OF MY PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN'S MOUTH were shocking and memorable. Once I had caught him up on my situation, he said...
... Defend your life.
- Todd
---
Hey everyone, this is Shane, Todd's son. On January 8th, Todd had an accident at home, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and multiple skull fractures. He spent 5 days in the ICU.
We happily welcomed him home on Saturday and he's in good care with Surfer Girl. He's on track for a great recovery! For an athlete like Todd, we know he'll be (RaceDay) ready to rip as soon as he can.
First, he'll spend 10 more days in a dark room being the most boring person on earth. Then he'll slowly, very slowly, return to his passion: writing the blog, developing cool new gear, and shredding the local trails.
Stay tuned!
Shane
P.S. Yes, it was his idea to share the photo :)
---
159
1,000 hrs
0 strength
1,000,000 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
NEW TERRITORY
Jan 07, 2024
by TODD BROWN
I'M GOING DOWN THE INTERVALS RABBIT HOLE, and I'm not sure I like it. There are a number of reasons, not the least of which...
... the social angle.
Committing to a structured interval program is for losers...
... I mean loners.
And that's not all.
It hurts.
It's one thing to be on the group ride, going all out, and tell myself...
- Well, I'm just not feeling it today
- or, It's ok those guys are faster
- oh, if only I was lighter
... pull the plug, and drift off the back.
It's quite another to be hitting high power numbers easily on this first go...
... and watch those numbers sink as the efforts repeat.
Why?
Because the numbers don't lie.
I saw this last week.
4 efforts, 8 minutes long.
The first time, I ran out of road and had to take a turn to keep going...
... by the end, there was plenty of road left.
Just not enough Todd.
Do I like intervals?
No.
Do I like training hard efforts alone?
No.
Am I going to quit?
No.
I'm intrigued.
I want to see what I've got...
... and how fitness changes with new methods.
New Year,
New Methods.
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
No strength
0 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
THE POTENTIAL DANGER WITH HERO DIRT
Jan 06, 2024
by TODD BROWN
SO FUN TODAY. I thought it would be a lot dryer, hadn't rained since Wednesday. No puddles. Definitely extra friction, that velcro feeling of...
... sticky lugs.
Hero dirt.
It's called hero dirt because we can carve the turns with confidence
just like our heroes.
Those tires aren't slippin',
they're grippin'.
The longer we ride it,
the more we lean and defy gravity.
The result?
Sometimes,
over confidence.
You know what comes with rain, right?
Ruts.
Towards the end of today's adventure, about 3 hours in, we were really feelin' it.
Laying down PRs.
Naturally, we'd need to hit the steepest,
and less well known trail...
... last.
What do they say about the last run?
Don't take it!
The segment is fittingly titled,
Dragon's Back Proper.
I'm not going to say it's the gnarliest trail ever,
still, there's a 0% chance I'm taking Surfergirl down it.
Anyway, with 30+ miles of hero dirt fresh in our minds we hit it.
Like any good friend, I neglected to tell Love Watts about what we'd face...
... knowing he'd be fine.
Butttt!, when we came around one of the turns which lead to a steep, straight shot of about 50 yards...
... there was a new and nifty rut straight down the middle of the trail.
Like a dragon,
waiting to gobble our tires...
... and pitch us down its throat.
Here's the beauty of hero dirt...
... normally this would be a controlled skid section at best,
instead we were on the binders hard,
easily avoiding the doom...
... and snagging yet another PR.
Heroes for a day.
---
163.8
8 hrs
No strength
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WELL, THAT'S A STRETCH
Jan 05, 2024
by TODD BROWN
ARE YOU AS FIRED UP ABOUT 2024 AS ME? Five days in and I'm still holding strong on all 520 of my New Year's Resolutions. I got more than a good feeling about this...
... I got one word.
This year's word for the RaceDay Rippers: S-T-R-E-T-C-H.
Yeah, it's good to stretch.
Be limber.
Flexible.
That's part of it,
but there's so much more...
... when we stretch regularly.
In everything.
And, here's what I'm talking about...
... forget the resolutions.
They seem static.
What can we stretch...
- athletically
- mentally
- spiritually
- socially
- financially
... because if we ain't stretching,
it's hellalikely things are gonna tighten up.
Take another look at your calendar.
What can you do by the end of this year...
... that is such a stretch,
it would blow your mind?
I know what I'm going for,
can't wait to share it here.
---
162.4
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO IS THE GREATEST ATHLETE?
Jan 04, 2024
by TODD BROWN
GREATNESS IS ONE OF THOSE HARD TO DEFINE characteristics. Like beauty or skill or talent we often have differing opinions and struggle to explain the why leaving us with the simple...
... I know it when I see it.
Here's my definition of a great athlete.
Someone who knows what the are capable of achieving...
... and then wringing every ounce of their being to achieve it.
Sometimes they win something, but for most the greatest athletes...
... the ones who inspire me...
... winning is rare.
It's the daring to dream,
the untold hours of solo training,
the battle to overcome the impossible...
... and finish with nothing left and no regrets.
That is greatness.
It takes planning,
and dedication,
and courage.
The highest VO2 max or most ridiculous powertoweight output in the world won't make us great...
... commitment,
persistence,
focus
will.
Nobody's watching you can skip the workout, eat the donut, stay up partying...
... be common.
Nobody's watching you can do an extra set, up the protein, hit the sack early...
... be great.
Nobody's watching,
but you.
---
162.5
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
LACTIC LYCRA
Jan 03, 2024
by TODD BROWN
LACTIC LYCRA will be served at 815am on Saturday, per my pal Doug's text message. I can't wait. It's been too long since I've had a...
... really good beat down.
The first one always hurts the most.
There's the shock to the system when we hit the first climb.
I know it well.
About 30 seconds at 8%,
followed by 2 1/2 minutes of rolling up a false flat...
... all out.
If I make that,
it only gets more vicious.
Of course, the route can change from time to time, which means I might have no idea whatsoever of what's coming up.
Sometimes that's better,
often it's worse.
Why would I do this to myself?
Because, we are 8 weeks out from the first A race of the triple crown.
It's time,
to clear the cobwebs.
---
163.6
8.25 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THOUGHT FOR FOOD
Jan 02, 2024
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO FUEL the training. We can go from all water and solid foods to no solids and all sugared up liquid, with a million combinations in between...
... racing I'm a little more sciency.
The special mixes and hi-tech prepackaged foods can be a challenge...
- Sometimes hard to acquire
- Often hard on the budget
... so, what's your answer?
Me,
as long
as I'm logging miles,
I don't care too much.
My favorite find of last year is an imported treat from France...
- Easy to find at Costco
- Inexpensive 20 for $8
- Super yummy
- Burns up fast in the gut
... individually-wrapped chocolate crepes.
Sometimes, I go with just water. Others, longer rides, I'll put CarboRocket in the bottles.
Speaking of CarboRocket, you can get 25% off your first order here: https://racedayripper.com/posts/special-offers-carbo-rocket
---
163.8
7.5 hrs
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW MANY RACE SEASONS ARE THERE?
Jan 01, 2024
by TODD BROWN
Read Online And Post Comments Here >>
BIKE RACING IS YEAR ROUND. No matter where you live, with the means, you can jump on a plane on in a car and be racing tomorrow. The pros, have one discipline...
... and one season.
Except for a select few who just can't get enough of wreaking havoc on two wheels.
For the rest of us,
we need the rest.
But, I was thinking about the upcoming year.
As usual, I've got a packed March through early May.
Not as usual, I have nothing after that until September.
I'm thinking this year will be my first two season year.
Take a solid break at the end of May,
keep it pretty chill in June,
on it July/August.
Put me down for 2 seasons this year.
___________________________________________
Did you know?
All active PEDALindustries/Riders:
- Save 30% On All Purchases
- Have access to Race Reimbursement
- Unlock all Exclusive Courses and content
Click Here For Details_______________________
---
164.4
7 hrs
No Strength Training
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RESOLUTION
Dec 31, 2023
by TODD BROWN
Read Online And Post Comments Here >>
IT'S TIME FOR 2024, another turn around the sun. Most of us have been warming down, as we should. Thinking about how the last lap went...
... we've got questions.
Could we improve?- What went well?
- What went wrong?
- Where did we shock even ourselves?
- Where did we miss the mark?
- How could we be smoother?
- How could we have made such blunders?
- When can we hit our next high?
- When can we do less?
- Why were we able to accomplish X?
- Why did we fail so miserably a Y?
- Who helped us the most?
- Who kept us back?
Answering those questions answers the first question...
... Could we improve?...
... only
if we commit
to make changes.
What's the most exciting change you plan to make in 2024?
- Gear?
- Training?
- Nutrition?
- Recovery?
- Type of racing?
When the road ahead
seems hard and long...
seems hard and long...
... look back to see how
far you have come.
far you have come.
- LinesByLoes
___________________________________________
All active PEDALindustries/Riders:
- Save 30% On All Purchases
- Have access to Race Reimbursement
- Unlock all Exclusive Courses and content
Click Here For Details_______________________
---
164
8 hrs
No Strength Training
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
NEVER SAY THIS IN PUBLIC
Dec 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DURING THE METEOR SHOWER A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I heard one of my friends lamenting the exceptionalism he was brought up believing. I can't think of anything dumber than...
... thinking we are average, unexceptional.
Do you think for one second any champion of any sport, OR CAUSE, thought he or she was average, unexceptional?
Here's the tricky part, and a new meaning of an old word.
The tricky part:
- Never, ever say in public you are exceptional or better than everybody else
- Always think it
- Believe it
- Own it
Can you imagine telling a child...
You really aren't anything special.
... talk about a way to shut down each individual's unique talents and abilities.
We each have different talents when it comes to physical performance, if that weren't the case...
- the same person would win over and over
- the sports prognosticators would always be right
... but, that's not how it works.
We know that inherently.
The new meaning of an old word:
I recently discovered the original meaning of the word meek, which is important because some dude once said the meek shall inherit the earth...
... how can the meek win anything?
Because meek comes from the greek word praus, which means...
... strength under control.
Now that,
is my kind of exceptional.
---
164.4
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT SHOULD A ZONE 2 RIDE LOOK LIKE?
Dec 29, 2023
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WAS MY FIFTH BIG RIDE IN A ROW. Seventeen hours in the saddle, 210 miles, 22,000' of vertical...
... and my legs feel great.
How is that possible?
All Zone 2 + Good Sleep + Good Nutrition
Take today's ride.
Nearly 5 hours,
60 miles
6329'..
... Strava called it a Massive Relative Effort.
I called it a fun adventure.
Never did any heavy breathing.
- Ave HR 131
- Normalized Power 212 Watts
Above you can see the HR is very steady, so are Watts dropping down mainly due to rough terrain and stop lights.
The key...
... to pulling that off is starting out easy, which means going based on power more than HR because it takes (for me) a while for the HR to rise. About 30 minutes in I start looking at HR and Power...
... riding as fast as I can without letting the HR go out of zone.
The benefits...
- ride all day, as long as nutrition is on point
- push upper limit of Zone 2 higher
- develop insane endurance
... easily recover and do it again the next day.
The reason most people don't do it...
- they start out too hard
- under eat because effort seems easy
- ride with friends and get caught up in keeping up
- fail to recognize the hidden benefits for those with limited power
- rather than back down cadence and power they blast up the short stuff
... is because they don't have the discipline.
If you don't generate a lot of power, and I don't,
then the next best thing is to be able to deliver the power you have
for longer than your competitors and recover faster than those around you.
Skip or skimp on Zone 2 rides...
... or feast on them.
---
164.2
7.5 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU HAVE A TAGLINE?
Dec 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS AN ECOM MARKETER, I love studying the greatest brands. One thing they have in common is a great tagline, like Nike's...
... Just Do It!
Why?
They are designed to create an emotional response for the consumers...
... to make us identify with what they're selling.
In the heat of race or chasing a PR or just plain ol' dying to finish the impossible...
... it's good to have a tagline of our own.
Because sometimes we have to sell ourselves on getting it done...
... usually,
right before we quit
and go on to conquering the impossible.
---
163.8
7.75 hrs
No Strength Training
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS AIN'T JUST FOR HEMORRHOIDS
Dec 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHAT A DEMONSTRATION of how to do it well. If you missed it, if you don't follow it, if you listened to the prognosticators, then you didn't witness...
... what happens with preparation.
I'm down to following one sportsball team, and it's been a dismal year for the fans of SC football.
When things aren't going according to plan, it is so easy to give up.
To quit.
24 players did just that,
either sat out the game
or transferred to a new team.
The rest kept practicing,
and kept preparing,
for their chance.
The quarter back had never started a game,
had only played a handful of minutes...
... came in prepared.
Confidence oozing.
He left with...
70% pass completion
372 yards
6 TDs
... a record setting night.
Because he knew how good he was and kept preparing for his date with history...
... that is the Preparation H we should all aspire to accomplish.
---
162.9
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DATA DON'T CARE 'BOUT YOUR FEELINGS
Dec 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
MY SON IS A PROFESSIONAL FINANCE NERD. He constantly reminds me to know my numbers vs the ol' gut feeling. It's a good practice and reveals the truth...
... sometimes confirming what I thought to be true,
others showing how off I can be by winging it.
We all have a lot of data available now.
So, while I was feeling discouraged this week regarding...
- my current weight
- the lingering cough
- the drifting fitness score
... I decided to look at the data.
2 years ago...
- same weight
- 3% better fitness
- and got covid just after Christmas
- hadn't perfected my strength routine
... had my best year ever on the bike.
1 year ago...
- slightly lighter
- same exact fitness
- battled a similar cold
- had just added the sled and nordic curl
... had a great spring racing campaign
In other words, it's quite normal for me to be at my lowest fitness this time of year,
and you know what they say...
... December hero = race season zero.
Am I still apprehensive?
Yep.
But, that's the point of the data...
... to kick the feelings to the curb.
They aren't helping.
Instead,
by looking at the numbers
I can relax and stick with my plan...
... I'm right where I want to be.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Invalid password
Enter