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Todd’s Journal
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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
>
CONSISTENTLY HONEST.
Jul 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN A LONG WEEK. Got a ton accomplished. Was looking forward to a chill Friday, but had a few family emergencies...
... I'm tired.
Then, popping new brake pads onto the roadie I somehow managed to ruin the brake line pressure.
No brakes.
No bike.
If I'm honest, feels kinda like my life this week.
No breaks.
It would be so easy to sleep in tomorrow.
Bag the slated ferocious road ride.
Putt around on the MTB.
But, I shan't do such thing.
The gravel bike is in good enough shape to make it to the group ride,
and maybe hang on for bit if I'm prudent with my efforts.
Which means there's all the potential in the world that it's a harder effort than I'd planned...
... and that's what I wanted to share with you.
The number 1 way to keep the fitness over the years isn't...
- a great coach
- a super group of friends
- a supportive spouse and family
... it's consistency.
Plain ol' day after day getting after it.
While others relax,
get satisfied with pretty good,
we press forward, pedal after pedal.
It's that simple,
and easy...
... if you love it like we do.
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
THE HARDEST PART ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT IS...
Jul 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DROPPING SOME LBS ISN'T REALLY THAT HARD, no harder than the 99 lb weakling trying to pack 'em on. What makes it hard is...
... how long it takes to see results.
But, there is a secret to dumping some ballast
and I practiced it today.
Be a little hungry.
Don't bonk.
Don't famine, then feast.
Be a little hungry.
You won't die.
It'll be okay.
The problem, I have found, is when I'm working but not completely wrapped up and focused on something...
... then I get bored, or impatient.
Today, for example, we were jamming on samples for our upcoming release of new apparel. All of us were focused on making sure all the fits are perfect. Making this and that small adjustment...
... all of the sudden, it's 2:30.
I'm hungry.
Our ancestors didn't pop over to the fridge,
didn't have a jar of cookies,
a pantry of goodness.
The were hungry,
often.
The thing about hunger, that' I've found is after a number of days, maybe a week, I get used to it...
... and it's super helpful if an A race is on the calendar.
A good number to shoot for is 1 lb/week,
with the lowest weigh in the morning
PRIOR to your big weekend ride.
We can adjust to fewer calories quicker than we think if we simply...
... arrange our environment to be less calorie obvious.
Stay (a little bit) hungry my friends.
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THIS IS SO OFFENSIVE
Jul 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE TWO CHOICES: play defense, and be apologetic; or, play offense and point out all the reasons we are right...
... and they are wrong!
RaceDay is every bit as much a mental battle as a physical one.
Let's go to war!
This is what being RaceDay Ready is all about.
We can't rip,
if we aren't offensive.
Here's what I mean.
The only thing we should be focusing on when we line up,
is all the work we put in to get to this point.
During the 10-Week RaceDay Ready Challenge we do a lot of activities that are easy to...
... skip
discount
overlook.
Do that at your own peril.
Ok, not peril...
... but, detriment
or loss.
How do I know y'all aren't doing it?
- You click the Off Track button on the Challenge emails
- I see it all the time during the Alliance calls.
Why aren't y'all doing it?
- Because it's hard, and
- I haven't stressed it enough or done a good enough job selling it to your minds.
For examples...
- Some of the benefits of journaling every day is to calm our minds, flesh out our thoughts, figure out how to make life, work, family and fitness work.
- By reading daily, I've added all kinds of tricks to my warchest on and off the bike.
- Cowboy Strong has made me a lot stronger, my bones and tendons and muscles.
- Stretching and massaging daily has put torn or sore muscles in the past.
- The Giant Calendar has my family and team onboard with what I want to accomplish and what I want to help them accomplish.
... I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
Yes, it's wonderful to toe the line knowing we rode X miles...
... it's a game changer to bombard our minds with the countless little things.
A wise man once said...
... By small and simple things are great things brought to pass...
... and we all wanna be passing vs being passed.
---
165.1
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE CULT OF PERSONALITY
Jul 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
TOOK A MOMENT TO PUMP WITH LIVING COLOR, Cult Of Personality is still relevant today. Even for us...
.. who worship endurance.
And it got me thinking about who we are and who we aren't.
We chase fitness to be better at all things,
not sacrifice what matters most.
We revere epic efforts because they energize us,
not discourage us.
We honor the spartan approach of individualism, strength and ruggedness,
not sameness, mediocrity and timidity.
We seek outrageous goals and efforts,
not easy street.
We are about bonding, respect and friendship,
not leaving behind the one.
We search out designs that reflect our warrior's spirit,
not the bland and boring.
We believe in being strong and capable to move heavy things,
not just on the bike.
We invite, encourage, and share our joy for ripping with all,
not ignore, give up on or hide our secrets.
If you're looking for some vintage ripping from the 80s click the pic...
---
166.5
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHAT MY DENTIST TAUGHT ME ABOUT STRETCHING
Jul 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DENTISTS. They are all the same. Nice people, pearly smiles, friendly. The kind of people you'd like to hang out with...
... except for that SOB who had me in the chair.
The nice ones, all love to tell the same joke.
Floss the ones you want to keep.
Later in life, much later than I'll admit, I hacked the toothbrushingflossing chore...
... which is what we must do to maintain things.
But, that's not what I learned about recovery.
Or, is it?
Brushingflossing never ends,
so I grab my toothbrush, put on paste and snag the floss...
... then I get into the shower.
By the time I'm done brushingflossing I'm ready to get out.
Stretchingrecovering never ends either,
so I put on shorts, grab the hypervolt...
... and watch YouTube for 30ish minutes.
Because...
... I stretch the muscles I want to keep highly functioning.
About that SOB.
I was 11. Parents recently divorced. Feeling alone. Life sucked...
... and Dr. Turd hits a nerve while numbing.
Not once.
Not twice.
Three (3) freakin' times.
No apologies.
No timeouts.
Most physical therapists are real nice, pearly smiles, friendly people, too...
... but, what if Dr Turd has a sibling?
Stretch those muscles,
hit 'em with the hypervolt or something similar, get a massage...
... if you wanna keep 'em ready for Ripping On RaceDay!
===
166.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE DEADLINE.
Jul 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DEADLINES ARE SO POWERFUL, it is shocking how much we can accomplish when time is constrained and we are given...
... the date with destiny.
Isn't that the best part of racing anyway?
A date,
a deadline
to be super fit.
On such and such a date I will be as ready as possible, as close to my maximum potential as I can be.
There is only one problem,
and, therefore, one challenge.
The challenge is to be as close to our best as possible,
the problem is we don't have a deadline...
... until one day,
we are dead.
Which is how I'm feeling today.
Wiped out.
Yesterday's ride was massive,
Historic according to Starva.
I was deconstructing the effort on the major climb, Harding Truck Trail.
My PR is 1:03,
set 10 years ago...
... when it was an official race,
on a cool and misty morning,
with nothing to carry up.
I was 10 minutes slower yesterday...
... in scorching heat,
with bottles and gear to last 3 hours
and over 30 miles and 2500' of warm up.
Does that count for the 10 minutes slower?
Fatigue,
Weight,
Heat.
Oh, and new shoes that aren't 100% perfectly dialed in yet?
Could I do a 1:03 again?
I don't know,
but, I'm pretty darn sure I'm
a lot closer to my potential now than I was 10 years ago.
One more problem, my potential is degrading...
... and my deadline is getting closer.
Time to move faster.
166
8 hrs
No Strength Training
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
Jul 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE GENTLEMAN PUT ON HIS 9TH ANNUAL Creek To Peak mountain bike ride. For some, it's Leadville prep, for others it's an epic adventure...
... either way it's memorable.
Because it always stings.
He pinged me the night before.
Let's ride over?
Isn't it far enough as it is?
Yeah, let's get some bonus miles.
And, be even more sleep deprived.
Yeah.
Okay.
I tossed and turned all night,
wanting to maximize the limited sleep stressed me out.
At 430am I was in a fog,
and the fog had rolled in.
Which meant it would be a very humid day,
not cool.
Wahoo says max temp was 111.
That was at the top the 5600' peak,
7000' of climbing done,
50 miles ridden.
I don't think it was actually that hot,
but it was hot.
We had another 26 miles
and 2600' of climbing
to finish the ride.
We mostly stuck together,
until the 13 mile climb
with 4500' of gain.
Then it blew to pieces.
Almost all of us suffering alone at our own pace.
To begin, there is a brief, fast downhill about a mile in and it proved to be catastrophic the Nicest Guy.
One minute he was upright.
15 minutes later,
he's in a helicopter on his way to ER.
If you're into prayer, send one up for Mark.
If you're not, send him some good vibes.
I missed all that, being just a minute or so ahead.
Maybe that's why we were all so alone and strewn across the mountain?
Yes,
and no.
The heat was oppressive causing a few riders to bail out,
and more to turn around before the top.
But, the view!
We huddled in the shade of the signal towers and the turbulence of their air conditioners...
... until all that were gonna make it,
made it.
There was a time I would do this climb and the ensuing downhill 2-3 times a month.
It's that good.
Unfortunately, in 2018 (I think) a lunatic got mad at his neighbors and burned the forest down. It was supposed to be closed for 3 years for rejuvenation.
Then, Covid.
Now, it's back open.
Mostly all in tack and epic as ever.
The thing we ALWAYS look forward to is the delicious Mexican popsicles at the 100 year old general store.
I couldn't wait.
So hot.
We regrouped there.
From 20+, down to about 10.
The Iversons were amazing. Not only did they meet us with water and supplies at the bottom of the big climb, they also met us at the store with...
... ice for our bottles, lube for our chains.
All that faced us was 2 hours of trails,
and the terrible and hideous climb
up Shea.
Half a mile or so,
20% pitches.
Did I say the Gentleman planned this awful ending to the ride?
Can't believe I keep calling him that.
When I finally made it home,
Little Pants was facetiming Surfergirl.
Look at Dad.
What happened to you?
Oh, just a little ride with my pals.
---
166
6.25 hrs
No Strength Training
20 minutes recovery
No minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
We are all about Ripping On RaceDay via motivation, products and events. We manufacture (almost) all our RaceDay Ripping products in the USA, on demand. Sign up, train up and Rip It Up In Style, because Every Day IS RaceDay.
ARE YOU FAITHFUL?
Jul 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HAVING A COACH IS GREAT. A good coach provides a process and a plan. As far as I'm concerned, coached or not...
... having a process is critical to success.
As long as we have two things:
Faith.
Patience.
What is this Sunday School?
Patience?
Faith?
Yes.
No.
This is Ripping On RaceDay School.
Following a process takes faith if it's new to you. Especially in the beginning because a good process will start out with the fundamentals.
Legendary bastketball coach John Wooden began every season teaching the players...
... how to put their shoes on correctly.
Can you imagine superstars, anxious to play with the greatest coach and teammates starting with something so basic?
Which brings up patience.
Without patience even the most faithful can get frustrated. Over time...
6 months,
a year,
more,
... is when an excellent process yields massive results.
This is all on my mind because someone who knows me well, called me out for talking about intervals.
You hate intervals.
I know, but I'm faithful to the process.
(by the way... if you haven't figured out that these posts are my daily kick in the lycra for myself... well, now you know)
---
166 (yes, I'm hacked off at this reading)
7.5 hrs
Squats Pull Ups Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
We are all about Ripping On RaceDay via motivation, products and events. We manufacture (almost) all our RaceDay Ripping products in the USA, on demand. Sign up, train up and Rip It Up In Style, because Every Day IS RaceDay.
WHAT YOU DIDN'T LEARN IN FIZIKS
Jul 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YOU DIDN'T LEARN THIS IN PHYSICS, and I doubt you learned it in anatomy, and I really hope you aren't winging it. This is for the professionals...
.. at least it is if you want to maximize you life!
Life?
Yes, your cycling life.
Forget the added benefits of greater pedaling efficiency,
the superior comfort.
Those are nice.
In fact, they are game changers.
But, if you're winging it you wouldn't know what you're missing out on.
Not only will you have weaker power output,
all kinds of back and knee issues,
you will dramatically shorten
your cycling life.
Because...
... your parts, your body parts, are going to wear out faster.
Which is why, when I purchased some new shoes - I do love my Fiziks...
... I went straight to my PROFESSIONAL bike fitter.
I did not pass go.
But, why did I get new shoes?
Honestly, I'm a little spoiled.
Okay, a lot.
I have 3 bikes.
1 MTB
1 Road
1 Gravel
I have been using the same shoes for gravel and MTB for quite a while, and I was noticing I was never 100% comfortable.
If I set up the shoes for the MTB, it was just a little twitchcausing on the gravel bike and vice versa.
So, I splurged.
Got the latestandgreatest MTB shoe.
I'm going to dedicate them to MTB, since that is my most important racing for the foreseeable future.
They are lighter and comfier than that last version,
can't wait to get 'em dirty tomorrow.
So, there's the physics/anatomy lesson.
Extend your cycling life.
Get a bike fit.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Did you know these sexy socks are Buy One (pair) Get One (pair)?
Make you order 2 pair, the discount is applied automatically.
Make you order 2 pair, the discount is applied automatically.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.4
7.5 hrs
Squats Pull Ups Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WAIT JUST A MINUTE, GIVE ME A MINUTE, AND OTHER MISTAKES WE CAN AVOID
Jul 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE WERE TALKING ABOUT PREP FOR LOTOJA, a 200 mile bike race from Logan, UT to Jackson Hole, WY, through Idaho. Because it is a legit...
... sanctioned USA Cycling race.
I did it in 2017 and had an outrageously memorable day on the bike.
One of my best.
Here's how I trained.
My theory was that it would be nearly impossible for anyone to breakaway early and stay away...
... it's just too far.
Therefore, while I did some long rides in prep, my longest was 120. And, I only did that once. Most Saturdays, were 70-90.
On those days, I made sure to keep my overall pace high when riding alone...
... and never lead or get dropped with the group.
My focus was on endurance AND 1-3 minute power.
I figured if I did all I could to conserve, and never pulled until the final selection, I would have the power to withstand any efforts to get away by other racers...
... those 1-3 minute pushes towards the top of a climb.
It takes a certain mindset to sit in,
especially when we are trained,
tapered and ready to slay it.
A discipline, really.
That was my plan, and it totally worked.
I sat 10-15 or so riders back the entire time, rotated through and off the front as quickly as possible when, andonlywhen, necessary.
Over the final pass, we pushed hard and snapped off the final group of deadweight.
8 of us,
riding strong,
all pulling through.
We wouldn't be caught,
we were gone.
Then, tragedy struck me.
A flat tire with 55ish miles to go,
led to one of my all time favorite efforts chasing.
35ish miles.
The deets are here https://pedalindustries.com/blogs/feed/lotoja-mocha-choca-lata-yaya.
The point is this, most longasheck races don't come down to endurance...
... but, 1-3 minute power.
Are you training that?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
---
165.2
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THEIR LOWER BODIES ARE JUMBO
Jul 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SOMETHING IS UNIQUE AT JUMBO-VISMA. I noticed it last year, while appreciating the spinning legs of the great Primoz,...
.... then, earlier this year as Wout the awesome ripped it up.
Today, it was confirmed.
Yes, I suppose it could be an optical illusion created by the bibs and socks. But, I don't think it is.
What I think, and I could be hyperaware because I've spent so much time with additional workouts, is that...
... these athletes are building stronger and more complete legs.
All of them look buffer from the hips down.
Now, how would they do that?
Assuming they are actually developing stronger bodies from the hips down, always an iffy prop to be assuming, maybejustmaybe they are doing something like I am...
- Sled
- Squat
- Hip flexors
- Nordics
- Box jump
- Heel and Toe raises
... they are probably more pro about it.
To me, these athlete's legs look a lot stouter than their competitors...
... especially Jonas The Killer, today.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
Whadayathink...
... are they in line with my Cowboy Strong philosophy.
Learn about by taking the 10-Week Challenge.
---
165.9
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
NOT EVERYBODY GETS THE POINT (TO POINT)
Jul 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS AN INTERESTING PHENOMENA regarding racing distance. I've noticed a number of my friends are unable to visualize...
... the difference between a loop and a point to point race.
And, it bugs me.
They don't bug me, my inability to present the facts clearly is what bugs me, because...
... I want them to join me on an adventure never to be forgotten.
Almost all of these friends have completed the long and hideously challenging BWR San Diego which covers...
... 130 miles, 10,500 feet of climbing, 52 miles of it off road.
Here's the thing, though...
... BWR is a loop, and they get it.
Start here, wind up completely smoked in the same place.
BUT, when I invite them to do a point to point ride (not a race) of very similar distance...
... their heads explode.
I think I know why, and here it is.
Consider, if you roll out in the morning and ride 80 miles and finish back at your place, you've gone 80 miles. At the same time, if you considered riding 80 miles to visit a friend in the neighboring county...
... well, you'd give that a lot of consideration because Who wants to go that far?
And, I think this is what's happening when I say...
Let's do the Surf N Summit.
What's that?
We ride from here to Big Bear (local mountains).
What?!
Yeah, it's like BWR but way more memorable. Same distance, lots of nice gravel roads and bike trails.
No way, it's too far.
... which is the part that bugs me.
It's the same. exact. stinking. distance,
with a little more climbing,
NOT at racepace,
an adventure.
In other words, it has huge potential for being a fantastic day on the bike...
... plus, I have fun things planned for your driver/pickerupper to do while we ride.
Check it out here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-challenge-10-14-23
---
167.1
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
IT'S A LUXERY FOR SURE, BUT WORTH DOING...
Jul 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'D SAY NONE OF US WILL EVER EXPERIENCE the thrill, challenge, pain and heartache of a grand tour, but one of our local kids, Young Kevin...
... is riding for DSM in the Tour this year.
So, Iet me put it a different way.
If you ever have the time, money and wherewithal to do a stage race...
... do it!
I mean it.
It will be one of the best racing memories ever.
I imagine big multiday rides like RAGBRAI deliver a similar sensation.
Get up.
Ride your guts out.
Clean up, check over bike.
Recover, recover, recover and do it all again.
It is truly my favorite type of vacation,
with the dudes,
geeking out.
And, watching the tour right now I'm trying to imagine what is going through everybody's heads.
One year, we completed all 8-9 stages of the Tour of California.
We got up early, and rode the same course.
I was wrecked for racing,
the rest of the year.
The tour kids have now been at it for 2 weeks.
Tomorrow is a rest day.
But, here are the two heads I'd like to be inside.
On Twitter, I commented on a post that Tadej's attacks were getting less and less fruitful. Nobody agreed with me...
... in fact, they disagreed with me.
The two subsequent days have shown the attacks to be useless.
In fact, he lost a second.
In 36 hours, that is going to change radically.
My prediction:
Jonas increases his lead.
Either way, Tuesday's stage is going to be riveting.
There are 10 seconds between 1st and 2nd.
And, 19 seconds between 3rd and 4th.
Two, twodog races.
Epic.
Which brings me back to why stage races can be super fun vacations...
... the drama,
the lead changes,
even for amateurs, is the best.
---
I've done these:
Cactus Cup - MTB
Tucson Bicycle Classic - Road
Leadville Stage Race - MTB
Need to find a grave one for next year... the one in Oregon looks epic.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
---
165.6
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I HAD A PEACEFUL, EASY FEELIN'...
Jul 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YOU KNOW WHAT'S REMARKABLE? Our hearts, and I'm not being touchyfeely here...
... our hearts are legit amazing.
This happened.
After riding at a good clip for 30 miles to meet the group, and then blasting another...
... 25 miles full gas.
We regrouped at the top of the final climb.
Filled up bottles, emptied bladders.
Dropped back down to sea level.
My heart, which had been pinned at 160+ bpm for nearly an hour...
... slowed right back down,
and I felt damn fine.
We spun along chatting, the Eagles softly playing in my mind.
I honestly felt like I could do it all again.
It was short lived,
when we hit the next bump in the road my legs...
... straight up scolded me.
But, that's our hearts.
These amazing muscles that let us do all kinds of fun stuff, like...
Ripping On RaceDay
or Group RideDay
or PR day.
Riding home along the coast, throngs of beachgoers where frantically trying to find parking spots close the sand.
Then I remembered the pic I saw yesterday of beachgoers from the 50s, lean and fit...
... I was glad so see 'em getting out today and enjoying the summer weather,
simultaneously hoping they'll do a little more running and swimming,
and a little less barbeque and chips...
... gotta care for our hearts,
and inspire others to care for theirs, as well.
Maybe not at the kooky levels we enjoy...
... or, maybe they'd like that peaceful,
easy feeling we get
after slaying it.
---
Did you see this reader's only code?
Save $25 on any order over $100.
50 uses available.
Expires Sundee.
The code is: KNOWFUN
---
165.6 (gotta get this down)
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
KNOWLEDGE VS WISDOM VS FUN
Jul 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
KNOWLEDGE IS KNOWING HOW TO RIDE AN E-BIKE, wisdom is knowing that holding the throttle and softpedalling...
... isn't gonna get you fit.
Knowledge is knowing you need to eat after a ride,
wisdom is not consuming twice the calories you burned.
Knowledge is knowing you need to drink after a ride,
wisdom is knowing water and sugar and protein is all you need.
Knowledge is knowing you need to stretch,
wisdom is doing it every day.
Knowledge knowing how many hours you rode,
wisdom is knowing how to maximize your time.
Knowledge is wearing proper riding attire,
wisdom is knowing how to regulate your body heat.
Knowledge is knowing how to read,
wisdom is knowing how to read the race.
Knowledge is knowing what to pack before a race or ride,
wisdom is doing it the night before.
Knowledge is thanking you for reading,
fun is giving you...
... $25 off anything you order,
this weekend,
over $100,
... wisdom is limiting it to the first 50 readers who place their order.
The code is: KNOWFUN
---
166
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I HAVEN'T LOST A RACE IN 10 YEARS
Jul 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I HAVEN'T LOST A RACE IN 10 YEARS, and I've raced a lot. 10-20 times a year, not including the group rides...
... which are basically races.
How do I do it?
Well, it goes back to a major breakthrough I had back then.
No matter how the race goes down, I win.
Here are a few examples of wins by learning...
- to fuel a lot more calories/hour
- save the power for the sprint
- control my weight to make it over the climbs
- get tubeless to avoid flats
- arrange my work to be rested before race
- to train with better riders and toughen up
- arrive to start plenty early to be calm and conserve energy
- find foods I like to be better fueled
- add salt to avoid cramps
- make friends instead of foes
... make RaceDay Bags to be better organized.
My losses have become pure gold and taught me so much.
As the great Ernie Hemingway said...
There is nothing great in conquering,
there is greatness in learning to become better.
Which I have distilled to...
PRs > KOMs.
---
164.2
7.5ish hrs
Pullups, Pushups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WEEK 3 OF HAVING A COACH AGAIN.
Jul 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I HIRED A COACH. It's been about 2 years, since I had one in my corner. That one lasted a couple of years. Prior coach to that was on and off over a number of years...
... mainly off.
I have a problem with structure.
As the great Jack Nicholson said in The Shining...
... All work and no play, makes riding dull and not a joy.
Today, was my first workout with a power meter in about 4 years.
I pushed back on this request, and the coach pushed this gem back at me...
Yeah, you old school guys have been successful doing it the old way. I get it. But, my ways are new school and very effective.
... so I got the pw, who wants to be called out like that?
When I reported I had it installed he said...
Oh yesssss
Now we can get going!
... and I'm thinking, bro we've been going for 2 weeks.
The workout drills were pretty straight forward and I had a good idea of what amount of watts I was supposed to hold for set amounts of time...
... and then I experienced the truth of a power meter.
When you commit to hold X watts for Y time,
your HR starts climbing,
breathing accelerates,
pain increases.
What am I hoping to accomplish via this new training?...
... learn some new tricks, reach some new heights.
Because here is one thing I know for sure,
we can learn reading books and watching videos...
... a world-class coach can speed all that up, and I'm in a hurry.
---
Regarding that pic above, during one of the interval sessions I was blasting along, holding down that power through a turn that had been booby trapped. Normally, I would have slowed up a bit...
... maybe I don't have to hurry that much?
---
164.7
7ish hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
OVERNIGHT UPDATE
Jul 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AHHHH, THE OLD We're updating your OS tonight message from our digital overlords. Well, it got me thinking...
... What would I like upgraded tonight?
Here's the short list:
- % body fat lowered
- new XC race bike
- power meter on all bikes
Instead of that I'll probably get this:
- coyotes howling and waking me up
- my bladder waking me up
- an email from an African princess in distress
Which brings up this...
... what can we really upgrade and why, how, when should we do it?
Lots.
But, the changes won't happen overnight which means a lot of peeps won't be bothered to...
... do the little things that matter.
I list 'em all out in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.
Have you taken it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
Have you heard of...
The See Food Diet?
The Cowboy Strong approach to weight lifting?
Sleep Doping for recovery?
This and more is revealed, and it's all free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
---
165.8
7.7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
9 OUT OF 10 DOCTORS RECOMMEND
Jul 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A BREAKTHROUGH REPORT WAS JUST RELEASED BY THE CRR. After a study of 100,000 endurance athletes over 20 years, there is indisputable evidence...
... how races are won and lost.
In 98.6% of the cases, the peer reviewed conclusion is that poor preparation is the leading cause of failure on RaceDay.
Researchers were shocked by the sheer number of athletes who neglected to show up with their equipment in excellent working order and...
,., horrified at masses who straight up forgot something.
Often essential.
Asked by this reporter...
What is it about the study you found most revealing?
Well, it's tough to say.
Why?
Well, you'd think after all the time, money and effort these competitors spend prior to the event that being prepared would be obvious.
Is there any link to what's happening?
Just one, and it's quite tragic.
Do tell.
Well, the closer the racers they get to the finish line the stupider they are?
Kinda harsh isn't?
Yes, most definitely, but not as harsh as the reality that all of the time, money and effort...
... should have yielded a much better result.
What can be done?
We recommend all endurance athletes have some sort of checklist, on their bike or toolbox and on their gear bag...
... for many, it's their only chance to maximize their results.
Reporting live from The Center for Ripping on RaceDay, this is The Old Diesel.
Now that the science is settled...
... if only there was a company that had checklists like that.
---
166.9
7ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF
Jul 09, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF OF THE YEAR, and wondering if it could possibly be as good as the first. As far as the racing goes, not likely...
... not just because there are fewer races.
When we throw it in the big chain ring in January, it's hard to be excited in July.
That's a warm clime thing.
But, it's still a thing.
So, how do we stay motivated all year long?
Hard to say.
Why stay motivated all year long?
Hard to say.
Is that even a good idea?
Hard to say.
But, I'll try.
We can stay motivated all year long by having an A race or event once or twice a year.
By being consistent, we never really fall all that far out of peak fitness.
It's a good idea because our overall health will be excellent.
So, why is the second half of this year likely to be less fruitful than the first half?
I'm not sure,
but I think it has to do with a lack of training with purpose.
Gonna have to change that.
---
167.1
7.5 hrs
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
30 minutes journaling and reading
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
GRAVEL, RACING.
Jul 08, 2023
by TODD BROWN
APPARENTLY, AND THIS COULD BE CORRECT, I haven't done the right gravel races. For that reason, I have yet to catch...
... the gravel racing vision.
I'm told If I select better gravel races I'll learn the truth.
The right gravel races are the closest thing we can get to a real European road race.
Rather than a typical US road race, with lots of slow riding and a few hard moments, the right gravel racers are hard as heck right from the start.
Bike handling skills are tested at every turn.
There's no rest,
just constant fighting for position.
Now that
sounds like
a whole lot of fun.
Want to know which ones I've done?
Can't tell ya, don't want to hurt the promoter's feelings.
Want to know which ones I'm planning on?
Me, too.
For next year, I'm thinking...
the BWRs
gravel nationals
Best of Both
... got any suggestions?
Because racing over mixed terrain...
... is how I'd like to mix it up next year.
---
165.4
7 hrs
No strength training
30 minutes journaling and reading
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
REALLY, EVERY DAY?
Jul 07, 2023
by TODD BROWN
BECAUSE EVERY DAY IS NOT RACEDAY, FOR ME. I hear that phrase nearly every day. At some point, someone will walk in and notice my hat and mid-conversation justify whatever thing they want to slack off on...
... clarifying they aren't racing every day.
Fair enough.
Nobody is.
I mean those cats racing around France are for three weeks. But even they aren't racing every day.
The sprinters scratch and claw over the steep stuff and barely make the cut.
The climbers scamper to the front on a sprint stage only to clear out when it things get feisty.
Some days RaceDay is just doing the bare minimum...
... expending the least amount of energy.
Other days RaceDay means sleeping in and getting a massage...
... recovery is an overlooked superpower.
So, yes, Every Day Is RaceDay.
Don't waste 'em.
They compound.
---
167
7.5 hrs
Pushups, Pullups, Squats, Nordics
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE NCL'S FLAMEOUT
Jul 06, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I READ TODAY ABOUT THE DEMISE OF THE NCL. What else would I do when I've programmed myself to take a break from training this week?...
... but, nitpick someone else's effort.
Am I wrong?
The NCL.
I heard about it,
but not enough to be interested.
Maybe because the main thing I heard was that Legion, the dominant crit racing team in the USA, had no interest in being part of the NCL.
Anyway, when I read they were flaming out during their first season I thought I'd check out their website.
What NCL offered:
With a vision to make bike racing more understandable for the average American, they came up with a format experienced racers couldn't easily understand.
If you can't get Legion, you can't get sponsors. The NCL sponsor list looks like something a local promoter would be slightly ashamed of.
Their values are weak, bland and tired: diversity, equality, sustainability, community.
The promotional video's top hits were crashes, which I think stemmed from a poorly laid out course.
What would have I done?
This, because I'm not on my bike right now:
Keep it simple, the existing crit format obviously works as it's the last bastion of US road racing.
Do whatever it takes to get Legion involved. They have the money, the fans and the sponsors.
Values: badass racing, enough money for racers to make a living, grassroots racing feeders to the league, race on restricted bikes so it's a level playing field and affordable to race.
Promotional videos shot from cameras on every bike, on every helmet, on every corner, from every angle featuring the insane handling that allows pros to corner and rub shoulders without crashing.
The real innovations should have been in payouts and promotion and equipment.
Which NCL do you think would survive?
Nobody Cares without Legion vs gNarly Crit League
In the end, to me it looks more like some smart people figured out how to rip off professional ball players' hard earned cash...
... and that's shame.
167.1
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
NICE JAI FINISHES FIRST!
Jul 05, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IS IT TOO LATE TO CHANGE MY PICK TO IN THE TOUR? I mean Tadi looks tired, Jumbo's strategy is amateurish, and that friendly bloke from down under...
... is a proven savage.
But, here's NOT the question:
Why do people, me included, overlook Jai Hindley?
He gets no respect...
... and he uses it to his advantage.
All the time.
Over and over.
To massive success.
I remember watching the Giro, and the commentators are like...
Yeah, and Jai Hindley is riding well.
... meanwhile, he wins the darn thing.
And even then, journalists be like...
... Oh, he got a little lucky.
How many times do we have to witness this?
Which is also the wrong question.
The right question is...
... How does he do it?
How does he get underestimated time and time and time and time and time again, like today at the Tour?
I think I know.
He just looks like a super nice kid,
who is humble and friendly,
just happy to be there.
Let's be honest.
I'll be honest.
Everybody, especially me, loves to find a reason to hate on our competitors,
Or build them up into Goliaths.
It's just a lot easier to marshal all our energy and focus to defeat, or be prepared for, an unlikeable, braggadocios, cocky, sunuvagun....
... and hard to best a kind, harmless Jai.
---
166.3
7.7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
WHY RISK DIVORCE?
Jul 04, 2023
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIENDS ARE IN FOR LEADVILLE. He started last year, she got inspired last year, they're in. Now, all they have to do is...
... start and finish the beast.
However, it's a tricky thing to train and teach your spouse.
Too many dynamics.
History.
An experienced XC racer wouldn't call the route particularly challenging, but if your riding is mainly zwifting or pelotonning...
... it could be a problem.
Sensing a disturbance in the force, I piped up.
Let's meet up, I'll take over the training.
The potential to ruin a friendship was high.
We got started, and she shot right up the fire road.
Then, we did a couple of loops on a Beginner single track.
All good.
Time to take it up a notch.
Heading down an intermediate trail, she was right on my wheel. Well, not right on, but plenty close.
I was impressed.
Coming up to a blind drop down a hill I know has sent more than one to the hospital...
... I had a choice.
Stop, and analyze.
Or, send it.
I held my breath,
prayed for her safety,
grinned like a proud papa.
She was ripping it up...
... until we hit the bottom which wasn't particularly difficult.
The transition from down through a dip and back up...
... threw her off her bike.
I heard the banter,
and was glad I wasn't there.
After a few minutes they rolled up.
She crashed.
Any blood?
A little.
I expect a little whimpering or quivering chin.
Nothing, just a smiling signal to ride on.
There were a few more low speed tumbles.
The scrapes were adding up.
Little flesh tears.
Riding back to the car, we drifted back a ways.
You did way better than I thought you would. You're a natural.
Thank you so much for taking me and pushing me... if he would have taken me down that I'd want a divorce.
And that my dear pedaling posse is one way to up your lover's game,
and not have to sleep on the couch.
---
164.9
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
HOW SCARY IS YOUR NEXT RACE?
Jul 03, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I LIKE RACES THAT SCARE ME. Either because of the terrain or distance or lack of experience in a particular discipline...
... but, I'm pretty sure I would never do this one.
Would you?
Before you say yes, let me just point out only 200 applicants get to do it, and this is the first thing you see on their website...
This is not for you.
Nothing personal. But it’s not.
This is for people with fight.
Resilience.
And minds tougher than their bodies.
They’re not interested in being the best.
All they care about is besting themselves.
They’re no nonsense.
No hand-holding. No sugar-coating.
They’re in pursuit of something bigger.
Their team behind them, a smile on their face.
If that sounds good, then maybe we were wrong about you.
... why isn't The Norseman for us?
Well, first off, the idea that it's not kinda hacks me off. It makes me want to throw off my helmet, chuck my cleats and start swinging.
But, for me, at this time, they are right.
The idea of loading onto a boat off the coast of Norway
to be launched off the back and swim back to shore in frigid water
to then ride 112 miles with 12000' of climbing
then run 26 milies over very rocky terrain...
... it does scare me.
How would you train for a 50 degree water swim?
Which bike, TT or road bike?
Could you even run after?
You know who it doesn't scare?...
... the one and only Jennifer Vollmann.
But, why would it?
She's rad,
she's tough,
she's a mindset sensei.
We talk about big challenges and a lot more in this podcast...
... things like:
- why group rides help triathletes rip
- how to improve your mindset
- how she went from crosstraining to triathlon
- what level agegroup athlete make it to Worlds
- why coaches have coaches
- how to escape corporate life and pursue your passion
- what's it like to be a woman riding with men
Check it out.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/0XB3yBx-FQ8
---
165.3
9 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
BLUE PRINT FOR ASPIRING RACERS
Jul 02, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HERE IS MY BLUE PRINT FOR RADICAL CHANGE. It's worked for me, for numerous grateful readers, it might work for you but you'll scoff...
... because it's not conventional.
Instead, you'll keep focusing on more miles and gadgets.
For those seeking real change,
here is the daily practice:
- Review your 'A' race on your calendar
- Record your rides
- Weigh yourself first thing
- Record hours slept
- Do Pull Ups
- Do Push Ups
- Do Squats
- Read transformational works, in paper form, min 30 minutes
- Journal, min 30 minutes
- Stretch and massage
- Eat whole foods
- Drink enough
- No alcohol
- No bread
- No soda
- No sugar
Which is the most important daily practice?
The most impactful?
I'll give you a hint.
In fact, I'll bet my bottom bracket you think...
... reading and journaling are a waste of time.
---
165.7
8 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE 3 PHASES OF A RACER'S LIFE
Jul 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?! The young guys are slowing down, the old guys are speeding up. Does this prove my point in the folly...
... of trinket and KOM chasing?
Here are a few examples:
- UK Luke skips the hardest part of the climb,
- Bonifast only rips 1 of my legs off,
- The old fossil Mark drops me.
Then this dawned on me...
- BK
- DK
- AK
... the 3 phases of a racer's life.
Before Kids, the youthful are nothing but merciless marauders on every ride. They're always improving, recovering in no time...
... living the life of Riley.
During Kids, things settle down and responsibilities expand, crowding out training time. With the right juggling...
... they sneak out to turn the cranks a bit.
After Kids, with a little luck and determination, these same racers find themselves with extra time and often a little extra coin...
... to put into rejuvenatiing their parentbods.
Here's the thing.
Regardless of where we find ourselves, only we know where we are and where we need to be...
... and we have no idea the commitments, responsibilities and burdens of others.
So, for all you DKrs...
... do your best and forget the rest.
---
165.8
7.5 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
TOMORROW SHOULD BE A DANDY
Jun 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE'VE GOT A NUMBER OF CHARACTERS committed to a little adventure. Some new, some regulars. The regulars will appreciate the deleted 20 minute climb...
... on the way to the weekly slaying.
The new and uninitiated will wonder why so easy.
Well, I'll tell ya why...
About 30 miles in, the heat will turn up,
and like the frog in the fryer failing to perceive danger,
a good chunk of this merry band of pedaling fools is gonna be cooked.
... that's why.
Then, the question will likely return to...
Why the heck did I join these guys?
How do I get back home?
Will I ever recover?
... but, I like these questions better...
Did I PR any of it?
How do I get faster?
When can we do it again?
... because it ain't about winnin'
it's about gittin' better.
---
167
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
TWO OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE NUTRITION HACK VIDEOS
Jun 29, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I LOVE YOUTUBE. I learn so much there. Why kids still go to school escapes me, when there is so much free and awesome content...
... like these two videos.
It's important to watch them in their entirety and in order.
One is from the 70's and is still timeless in its wisdom and wit. With a very deep dive into the uselessness of willpower and the overwhelming importance of the right friends.
The other is a very snappy take on how to get your protein to calories number and easily manage the input while still eating dessert from one of my favorite entrepreneurs.
Remember, this one first...
... all the way through.
What's more important...
... willpower or proper environment?
How do you friends stack up?
Then, and only then...
... this one.
Do you have a formula...
... that is this clear and simple?
Here are some of my protein staples:
---
166.2
7.3 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
TWO REASON TO DO TWOADAYS
Jun 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHILE I rode two times. Once in the morning, once in the evening. Among the several reason to do so...
... these are the top of my list.
I had a race.
Reason number one then, is any time there is a less than 60 minute effort in the latter part of the day, it's beneficial to get out for an hour or so in the morning...
... it really helps loosen up the body and flush out the legs.
In my case, I had a blistering XC race on tap.
Normally, I would warm up for an hour or so before the race. But, with the hour of very easy spinning already, my pre-race warm up was cut to about 25 minutes.
And, I felt great.
The other reason to do a twoaday is because, and this could be a myth, but I like it so I'm going with it, placebo or not...
... the body generates HGH each time we work out.
So, while yesterday was an oddity in that I rode twice, I do a lot of twoadays...
- Crosstraining in the morning, ride in the afternoon
- Paddlesurf in the morning, ride in the afternoon
- Ride in the mornining, surf in the evening
- Run in the morning, ride in the afternoon
... I post most of it on Starva, check it it you like.
It's working for me,
might work for you.
---
165.9
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THAT'S A WRAP
Jun 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE WEEKLY MTB SERIES IS CONCLUDED. Each week was a battle, and I really enjoyed the closeness of the racing. Even as Coxy beat us race after race...
... he was so gracious it didn't sting.
How are some competitors so easy in their wins, as well as their defeats?
Is it perspective?
Is it easier because they are winning?
Is it because they've been on the receiving end of a rude winner?
Do you know why it's so impressive?
Because the only way to make it to the top is to be a killer,
a merciless marauder,
a soul crusher...
... and they keep that to themselves.
Win or lose.
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH EVENTS
Jun 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I LOVE GOING TO EVENTS, especially the ones we sponsor. To get there early and set up the canopy and chairs and stickers and a few samples...
... is the second best.
The best is leaving all that behind.
Yep, if you see the van, the canopy it's highly likely you won't see us.
We're out riding.
Racing.
Banging bars with our friends and frenemies, ripping the trails and carving the tarmac...
... that is the best.
That's where the ideas come from,
the friendships deepen,
things get done.
So, why sponsor the event?
Well...
great parking,
great place to hang out,
great to help these dern promoters do their thang,
... oh, and "free" race entries.
See at the racing,
but probs not the canopy.
---
163.8
8.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
REVIEWS
Jun 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
REVIEWS CAN BE WEIRD, in particular the negative ones. I used to think I was just overly sensitive for the occasional negative product review I receive...
... then, this happened.
In narrowing my selection for my book club, I thought I better read the reviews.
I'd settled on 10x Is Easier Than 2x.
Most of the reviews were 5 Stars, confirming my own impressions of the message and lessons being conveyed.
It was the 1 and 2 Star reviews where things got funky...
Did they even read the book?
Why was it so difficult to accept certain examples?
... then I realized it's the same with the rare negative review we get.
Check this recent review...
Bag is too large.
... which is funny because while I'm reading his review I see he orders the smallest size, the Classic.
I mean bro..
... we have size charts and videos all over the site.
What's the point of all this?
While many negative reviews are legit and can positively contribute to product development...
... some are lazy, with an axe to grind.
Which begs the question...
... How often do I dismiss a person, product or experience as lacking when I have been lazy or blinded by prejudice?
---
167
8.5 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THIS WAS A THING.
Jun 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THIS IS A WEIRD ONE. We were having a discussion about the various exercises I've incorporated in the last year and the neuromuscular connection to my dramatically reactivated pedal stroke. Turns out...
... 50% of the cycling world thinks it's a waste.
Now how could that be?
Is it that 50% doesn't no jackshift about pedaling?
You know who I'm taking about right, the stabbers. The people you show a one-legged drill to and they have a massive deadspot in their pedal stroke.
Apparently, and this is hard for me to believe...
... this group is 100% convinced there is zero (0) benefit to applying pressure all the way around.
Let me hearken back to the time I paid the renowned and great Joe Friel to fly out and speak to a group of about 300 cyclists and kick off the year.
Half way through his presentation he busts out these very unusual charts which show incremental improvements in efficiency the more a rider was able to deliver power all the way around the pedal stroke.
Each one seemed negligible.
But, taken together the measured improvement was anywhere from 1-8%.
Anyway, if you want a quick check on this...
... get on a flat road, in your easiest gear, and unclip one foot.
If you can't pedal all the way around, smoothly, for a long time...
... you might have a problem.
Which brings me back to today.
Unbelievably to me, I managed to PR a climb I've done a million times.
Yes, I was hanging on for dearlife as we started,
Yes, I was popped about 75% up...
... yes, I stayed seated and relaxed and felt those hammies and ankles FIRING!
Oh, what are the exercises?
Take the Challenge to find out.
---
165.5
7ish hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I'M NOT HERE TO CODDLE YOU
Jun 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I WAS RECENTLY LISTENING TO A GROUP OF GUYS AND GALS I love and respect report on their training. To me it sounded like they are dumbing down what...
... they agreed to be held accountable to.
Here is my message to them (and you).
As you tailor your metrics, be sure you aren’t holding the bar low. We are here to be stretched, not coddled.
For example, my minimum is 5 pull ups, 15 pushups, 3 squats every day – often 2-3 times more. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday… I run 1 mile, and do the whole Rip On RaceDay circuit which adds: sled, nodics, hip flexors, box jumps, toe raises, calf raises… and other things I think up. Recently, I added the running because I feel everybody should be able to easily jog a mile without feeling like they’ve been in a car wreck the next day.
Here’s what I’ve found.
Doing the minimum daily makes it normal.
What was once a major stretch becomes the baseline,
it’s no harder than walking up a flight of stairs.
It is so powerful to always have an A race to look forward to.
Right now, I have two: one in September of this year, and the other in August of 2032. If you don't have an A race, find one and sink your teeth into it.
Otherwise asking this question makes no sense…
… Will this make me faster?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
164.9
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Crossfit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
HOW OFTEN DO YOU ASK THIS QUESTION?
Jun 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I CAME ACROSS A QUESTION so powerful and clear it startled me. Not because I had never asked it...
... but, that I don't ask it enough.
It's a game changer.
The British Rowing Team put it into practice for the 2012 Olympics. Prior to that, they hadn't won a gold medal in nearly 100 years.
They used this filter to judge the worthiness of every action, every day.
Will it make the boat faster?
or, for us...
Will it make the bike faster?
Simple.
There's obviously the bike itself and it's many parts,
then the person piloting the bike,
their food and drink choices,
their home environment,
their social lives,
their recovery,
etc.
The closer we get to an 'A' race the more we need to ask it. Then again, every day is raceday...
... how we race reflects how we prep.
Well, will it?
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
60 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
ARE YOU DOING THIS ON PURPOSE?
Jun 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I SURE THE HECK HOPE YOU AREN'T DOING THIS for the wrong reasons. There are so many, fortunately there are...
... just as many right reasons.
But, let me tell you the biggest wrong reason.
The number one, No. 1, biggest, hugest, ugliest reason is to win some silly trinket.
Take last night for example.
I had an incredible race, and a massive breakthrough...
... I also, got whacked on the final climb by Tommy.
For the first time all series I felt really good. In fact, I PR'd the climb which I've done 19 times prior according to Starva...
... and I felt totally in control doing it.
Plus I had the big breakthrough, and I think I've discovered why I have struggled a few times this season.
I was racking my helmet holder.
What was different? What has changed? Why did I feel like I couldn't breathe? Why was tonight so veryvery good?
The weeks I have felt just awful and battled to finish were the same weeks we were tasked with caring for the granddog. I think it's extremely likely I've developed some sort allergy to dogs...
... and this dog is a massive shedder.
Kids are gonna be sad,
but, dad very glad.
Here's the problem with trinket chasing...
... it's never enough, and is often a killer of mental health.
If winning had been paramount, it's highly like I would have missed so many good things on the evening...
- PRd the climb
- Figured out the breathing issue
- Made some really good biz connections in the vendor area, teams needing new gear
- Plus, might have found the perfect fit for a position I've been looking to fill
... there's a secret though.
Rather than look at the trinket that was missed...
... look backwards and see all that was accomplished.
I can see I'm slightly off track here because I'm not listing a few of the reasons to go to the races, beyond the podium climbing...
... which is always a bonus.
Here are a few of the reason I show up to race...
- Stay in shape which has allowed me to play with my kids and be most effective at work
- Develop friendships and bond with dudes - we need this
- Get outside and enjoy nature
- Go some place different
- Learn how to maintain and operate something in the physical world
- Scare the crud out of myself from time to time
- Savor the experience of finishing something huge
... don't let trinkets be your purpose, they are a byproduct at best.
Yes, I display and talk about them but that's mainly so y'all don't think I'm completely full of shiz...
... which reminds me of a troll I once had.
He paid me the highest compliment.
I'd gotten so good, so fit, so fast...
... he accused me of cheating.
Now, that is high praise.
Not that I'm into that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
Wanna hang out with some cool peeps?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
165.8
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Crossfit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
'A' RACE SECRET NO. 7
Jun 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IS THE NUMBER 7 REALLY LUCKY? Is this really Secret No. 7? These questions and others will be answered...
... will you take action?
I'm not into luck.
Luck is for the unprepared.
7, in scripture, signifies perfection or completion.
I am into that.
But, here's the dirty little secret.
The races we pick determine the racers we become,
the training we do,
skills we master.
If I want to become the most complete racer possible,
I must pick the most challenging race.
Then commit to be ready to rip.
Numbers aren't lucky,
people seem lucky when in reality they are prepared.
By the way,
this is the seventh secret I've dropped in the last 7 days.
---
166.2
7.5 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups only
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THE MAGIC MICHELANGELO TRAINING TECHNIQUE
Jun 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I SPENT MY FIRST SUMMER AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, working for a tour company. As the advance scout, I would take a train to a day early and make sure accommodations were in order...
... then, read up on local attractions.
That is where I learned one of the greatest secrets of life.
In Italy.
Reading The Agony and The Ecstasy,
a biography of the great Michaelangelo.
I was fascinated,
then blown away.
I apply this secret to this day.
While carving the most impressive 17 foot tall statue called The David, which was one of his first projects, he described his method:
The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.
Imagine that.
Really.
When it comes to prepping for races or building a company or caring for friends and family...
... what can we chisel away?
There's the obvious few (many) extra pounds around the waist,
the few upgrades we might make to the bike.
What about time on social media, watching shows or surfing the web?
Unnecessary relationship drama at home or work?
Time spent making food vs a quick trip to Chipotle?
A home gym vs driving to the gym?
Work meetings for no reason, starting late, running over?
A checklist vs prepping from scratch each race?
A clean and pristine drivetrain vs debris and drag?
A proper bike fit for maximum efficiency?
Stocked up on special race nutrition vs running around at the last second?
Early travel plans for savings and most restful accommodations?
Early morning training vs the often uncontrollable late day training times?
Still reading?
Let's take it up another level.
Some might call this repentance, ceasing to do things that hold us back from being nearer to what we want...
... be that God or the finish line.
Think of it as ascension vs giving something up...
... isn't that the point of creating our next masterpiece anyway?
---
166?
7ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
IS IT REALLY ALL ABOUT BALANCE?
Jun 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE USED TO LEARN TO RIDE TWOWHEELERS by starting with training wheels...
... that turned out to be a bad idea.
The training wheels were essentially a crutch, keeping us from learning about balance.
Now kids as young as 2 learn to balance and coast on a bike with no pedals.
Once they learn to balance we can add complexity like pedals and brakes.
Ditch the training wheels.
Keep it simple.
Balanced.
---
166.3
7.5ish hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE NUMBER 1 REASON TO CUT THE RIDE SHORT
Jun 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YEARS AGO, nearly all my rides ended early. Even on the weekends, I'd head out early and be back by 830 or 9...
... because I had another ride to do.
These were the best rides,
with my best riders.
We lived right next to this beautiful canyon, with a pristine singletrack.
followed by a mile or so fire road climb,
and a ripping, bermy, flowy ride
to the bottom.
The best 5 mile loop for these little troopers, ever.
It started with a bolt on half-bike thingy and our oldest.
Then we got ahold of some tiny cranks and a bottom bracket that allowed him to ride and pedal on the back of the tandem, with our second son bolted onto the back of that on the half-bike thingy.
I loved it.
They loved it.
It was a heckuva workout for me,
with them doing what the could when I really need Full Power!
26 years ago today, the sassy little sister joined the party...
... which is why I needed to cut the ride short this morning.
We're all gettin' together from her bday and Father's Day, at the beach.
The bike riding didn't really take hold...
... but, getting outside and doing fun things sure did.
---
165.3
7.3ish hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
BUT, SERIOUSLY...
Jun 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S JUST A SPORT, a passion, a hobby. Consequently, a lot of times we don't take ourselves seriously...
... when we could.
Look back a few years, to that first bike ride.
Slow.
Dorky.
Not good.
Look at you now.
Much better.
Faster.
Or maybe back to slow?
Here's the dill.
When we look back and see where we've come from vs where we are now...
... it's obvious we've improved.
We did something.
Take stock of that, then ask...
... who can help me take the next leap forward?
I did just that today.
Thinking about my commitment for Marathon Nats, I realized I'm going to need to take my fitness up a notch.
Quickly.
So, I hired a coach,
someone who knows more than me,
who can teach me something I don't know...
... quicker than I'd learn it on my own.
Seriously,
time is short.
Who is the missing piece of your puzzle?
---
165.1
7.2ish hrs
Full RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHAT A GREAT DAY!
Jun 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A DAY IN MY LIFE.
Get up to factory to review new prototype jerseys, bibs, tech t's and base layers with our new pattern maker.
We're close.
But, I'm picky.
And, she's pickier.
It's take much, much longer than anticipated to develop these new patterns...
... and I think we are a week or two from our final revision.
From there, I hustled home to do a podcast with Tom Danielson.
What a story.
Scrawny kid,
rips on a mountain bike,
switches to road as a climbing specialist,
races at the highest levels all the way to the Tour de France...
... falls from grace.
Regroups.
Rebuilds.
... fall again and crashes and burns.
Regroups.
Builds something new.
From nothing.
Amazing.
I had no idea the depth, breadth and details we'd cover.
Popped on my kit,
barely caught up to the fellas,
got shot out the back to do some purposeful Zone 2.
Quick shower.
Jump on our Alliance call, where this gold is dropped by Kyle.
Marty, you mentioned you still get anxious and nervous before a race even after doing 1000s of races.
Yeah.
I'm an anesthesiologist and early on I mentioned to my mentor that putting kids under made me really nervous...
... he told me, Good, if that ever stops it's time to quit.
I tell ya, it was a truly great day.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
164.4
7ish hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
6- minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
MY WOMAN MEETS MY OTHER WOMEN
Jun 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE'VE BEEN THREATENING TO DO THIS, get our other women together and see how things go. You know jump on...
... the trending societal debauchery.
Tonight was the night where Surfergirl found out my other woman...
... is a man with a bike.
Kidding aside.
I put out a text the DRTY WDNSDY crew,
Susie is making tacos after the ride.
Here's the thing.
We spend all this time riding together,
talking about work, kids, life,
the good, the trials,
dude bonding.
We need it.
Too few of our contemporaries have any kind of male only interaction. Dude loneliness is a thing, and for some can be a killer. In that sense, we are extremely fortunate.
While we know each other so well,
our partners only know of us...
And, I reckon more than a few have wondered...
... Who the heck is he spending so much time with?!
So, to finally get together and put faces with stories it can be an amazing experience for everybody because truth be told most of us are...
... riding with incredible human beings.
---
164.8
7 hrs
Full RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
ZONING OUT
Jun 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ZONE 2 TRAINING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL TO ME. There is nothing better to build a huge cardio engine...
... but that is only the half of it.
Nearly all of my zone 2 training is alone.
Like most, my schedule can get hectic, and it is a challenge to meet others for a session more than once or twice a week...
... so, it's just me.
Not only am I riding in solitude, but the majority of the rides are off-road, in nature. Or, off the highway on a bike path.
Here is where I tap into the superpower of zone 2...
... and maybe you do the same.
I noticed it long ago, when a certain infamous champion dominated cycling's collective consciousness. As I rode along, I imagined I was him. My posture changed, my cadence changed, my thoughts were elevated to those of a champion.
Years later, I realize zone 2 can be a meditative workout.
Far from the distractions of life, I am with my thoughts. Sometimes, for sure, I am envisioning a great outcome on the bike. Reviewing what I'll do in preparation, and how I will perform at a given time...
..., but, that's not all.
I take this time to imagine all areas of life having the outcomes I desire. My marriage, our kids and grandkids. Our long-term physical and spiritual health. The people I serve. And, most definitely, where PEDALindustries is headed.
That is how I do zone 2 training...
... how about you?
---
165.4
7.3 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE GEARS
Jun 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S PROBABLY NOT NEW TO YOU, but I was stunned to see this. Right before my very eyes, binge watching...
... the Tour de France.
Have you seen it?
On Netflix?
We sat down for the first episode, with steak and veggies.
The initial scenes are incredible.
And suddenly I'm thinking, maybe just maybe, my friends and family will finally get it...
... why I'm so crazy for this sport.
The insane technology,
incredible athletes,
massive danger,
fans so close,
this is it.
Maybe.
Maybe they'll be drawn in.
Because, how cool would it be to get a whole bunch more friends and family out riding, and dreaming of...
... going that fast,
being that good,
on two wheels.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
Circuit training
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
SO TAKE MY STRONG ADVICE
Jun 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YA KNOW, it's a shame I have to be reminded of this every year or so. But, here it is very late spring, and the signs couldn't be more clear...
... there's evil creeping in the woods.
It's unseen,
unless you slow down.
But, who has time for that?
While we were out ripping it up on DRTY WDNSDY the evil was doing it's thing...
... wrapping around my arms and legs.
Painless.
Without a trace.
Until last night when I awoke in misery.
My right arm got it the worst.
Everything from sleeve to glove is inflamed, in a weird rhino-skin way.
So, here are my top 2 remedies.
- If you suspect in the slightest, use Tecnu immediately after returning from a ride.
- If you've blown it, like I have, Ivarest is great at knocking back the urge...
... to rip the skin off your body.
Roadies, you got nothing to worry about.
Gravelers, maybe a teeny chance if you poach singletrack.
Mountainbikes below 5000' in moist, shady areas like the bottom of our trail network...
... beware, and take care.
It ain't called Poison Ivy for nothing.
---
166.2
8.5 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HOW HARD WAS THIS WORK OUT?
Jun 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SINGING ANDY came up for some MTB fun this morning. An outstanding road racer and accomplished runner, he's found a new focus...
... offroad triathlon, Xterra.
Today's mission: have some fun.
The heavy mist provided amazing traction, zero dust...
... and 3D printed our legs and bikes with mud.
Since he's at the end of a big training block, and I'm starting to lay base for my September showdown neither of us was looking to push too hard...
... but, what do you make of that pic of my BPM up there?
We had done a number of steep pitches...
... however, nothing to warrant 225 BPM.
Yes, I know, the ongoing saga of my Wahoo device.
I looked at Andy's bike.
No bike computer?
Nah, I don't measure anything any more.
Nothing?
Only on my road bike, when I do intervals, I track power.
No Strava?
Not for 4 years.
No heart rate monitor?
I'm pretty sure it's still beating.
Hmmm...
Yeah, I just like to ride on feel and be in the moment.
I can respect that.
Especially given the worthless data I was receiving.
The Apple watch came through with HR data, but it always records about 10% less vertical than the Wahoo.
Which is correct?
Does it matter?
Or, would we all be better off riding on feel and in the moment like Singing Andy?
---
Afterwards, I caught myself in the mirror on the way to the shower. It wasn't good.
I thought my gloves were tucked stowed in my jersey, I often throw them up there post ride...
... that little pooch in front of my jersey wasn't my gloves!
Time to face reality...
... I've let something slid on the meal plan and it's gathering in plain sight.
As much as I assure myself my current weight trend is from all weights, I now 100% sure it's not.
---
166.4
7.5 hrs
PushUps and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
A TOUR DE FRANCE PREDICTION
Jun 09, 2023
by TODD BROWN
LAST YEAR ABOUT THIS TIME, I predicted the The Vampire (aka Jonas Vingegaard) would win the Tour. My logic was simple...
... he was making his team captain Roglic look old and slow.
You can read about it here.
So, what about this year?
First off, I'm excited as heck to see my favorite mountain biker in action...
... Pidcock is so fun to watch.
There's a lot of hype around his descending skills, deservedly so. He's so hard to classify as a racer, extremely aggressive...
... and supremely confident.
Wout, Mathieu, Remco all race like that.
As if they've just escaped from jail and they ain't going back.
Then there's Tadej.
He's currently recovering from a broken wrist.
However, that won't be driving him.
He's coming for redemption.
He was embarrassed.
If you think this year's exploits in the Classics were to focus on something else besides the Tour, I'd guess you're wrong. In my eyes, those peloton stomping wins were much more...
... a show of force, shock and awe.
Is the vampire rattled?
Judging by his performance so far at the Dauphine, I'd say nope.
Should he be?
Definitely.
No Roglic to misdirect the competition.
Kuss just rode the Giro and could be weaker than last year.
It's early, it's risky...
... it's gonna be Tadej.
There.
I said it.
Who are you picking?
---
164.2
7ish hrs
No strength workout
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
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