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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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
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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
>
SWEET NEWS
Nov 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DELIVERED A SPEECH TODAY. The group comprised all ages. Some, I knew were in tremendous shape, others battling age and illness, the rest indifferent or not concerned...
... about maximum health.
Part of my text covered my PR crushing time at Leadville last summer.
There was no time to go into the details, so I want to share with you some sweet news.
- what's happened to my vision since ditching sugar
- why it's not enough to ditch sugar
Since I really clamped down on my sugar intake one of the many benefits has been improved vision. This is not scientific, I haven't had my vision checked to confirm. I can only tell you this, it's better.
Recently I read an article confirming the damage too much sugar can do to vision. Then, found a YouTube video discussing the benefits of berries to our vision...
... which is why it's not enough to ditch sugar.
It needs to be replaced.
Anybody who has tried to quit anything knows quitting is nearly impossible, replacing is much easier and more likely to be permanent.
For example, I use to enjoy ice cream at night. I've replaced that with Fage Greek Yogut (brand of choice), with frozen berries mixed in. The berries freeze the yogurt. I think it's amazing.
That afternoon snack I used to grab during the week, which was typically sugar/carb based, has been replaced with nuts. Currently, it's mainly Macadamia nuts. I love them chilled, in the freezer. Their benefits are many. Look 'em up.
Part of my prep for RaceDay Ready 2023 will be more details on what I'm actually doing with diet. Remember, I'm not a dietician or a doctor...
... I'm just your biggest fan, sharing what is working for me.
Take it with a grain of salt.
Stay tuned for the 2023 version of RaceDay Ready, it's on the way.
----
157.8 (probably dehydrated)
7.5 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
NEITHER DR FRENCH OR MR BULL COULD HELP THIS TIME
Nov 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
A BUNCH OF US ROLLED OUT to the Temecula 8 hours of endurance today. Most were racing 2, 3, and 4 person teams...
... it's always a lot of fun.
Unless you're racing solo.
Then, it's 5 hours of a lot of fun, followed by a lot of questioning...
... What was I thinking? How stupid is this?
There is a reason for this questioning, because unlike a race of an epic distance this is a timed race. In a distance race you can just speed up and get it over with. In a timed race, you speed up and you still have lots of time to go.
Personally, I was thinking it'd be fun to see everybody, ride some new single track, get miles in with Easy E and Speedy Steve...
... I even planned to pull the plug at 5 hours.
What I didn't plan on was cramping up with an hour to go, plus I was just plain tired...
... I had to bring in the heavy equipment.
French's Mustard for the cramps, and Red Bull for the energy.
Didn't help much, and when I rolled up and saw Steve chillin at the 5 hour mark, I knew it would be wise to stick with the plan...
... then I remember how sick I was 72 houra prior.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
The campground seems to have unlimited hot water, and it felt great to wash all the dirt and salt of my body.
The Travel bag had my toiletries, towel, clothes, shoes, etc...
... because I followed the checklist on the pockets.
And yes, of course we can make these in your team colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
----
160ish
7.5 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
I THOUGHT THE RACING SEASON WAS OVER?
Nov 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT TOMORROW’S RACE. Not because the venue has cut an entirely new network of single track, not to see all my pals, and certainly not because I decided to race the 8 hours solo division…
… because it’s going to be so darn cold tonight.
Previously, I’d be okay with that. I’d sleep great in my Costco down mummy. Everything would be great until I got out of that protective barrier because come morning…
… the van morphs into a giant icebox.
No longer, I hope.
The great Steve, master of all things mechanical, installed a tiny diesel heater for me. In true Steve fashion, he performed all kinds of upgrades and customization, vastly improving the out of the box set up. He also installed the seat swivels that I’ve had waiting for way too long.
Just now, I noted the thermometer inside was reading 60 degrees. That’s normal. I had my big parka on and my feet were cold. Also normal. Then I thought, let’s test that heater out.
15 minutes later, we at 68.
That’s the lowest setting.
It’s a pretty low-tech unit, pulling diesel from the van's tank. No thermostat.
With much colder temps coming through the night, it should be just right inside my little cave on wheels.
You know what they say...
... warm hands, ready to rip heart.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
Speaking of ready to rip...
... I'm rolling out the 2023 program.
It's in a bit of a test mode, but you can get started on it and the pieces will be all together by month's end.
Just click the READY logo.
----
160.1 (weight is back to normal)
7 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I FEEL LIKE I COULD FIGHT A LION
Nov 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY WAS ROUGH, had me crawling on my knees and praying to a porcelain god. Add in the sweating and chills and you've got a recipe...
... for weight loss.
Not the good kind, but a kind never the less.
By the end of the day, I was on the mend.
I weighed myself just to get a smile.
Yep, a lot lighter.
Maybe 24 hour flu should be called 24 HR FAST + (the plus being purging.)
But, here is the really good news, my appreciation for a healthy body is dramatically renewed as well as my empathy for those who aren't feeling 100%...
... plus, I feel like I could fight a lion!
__________________________________________
Started the day with a solid round of the RaceDay Ready Strength circuit...
... stay tuned for the 2023 version, it's on the way.
----
158.3
12 hrs (felt so good to sleep so much)
1 Strength Circuits
15 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
A DUMB THING CAN BE A GOOD THING
Nov 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I STUPIDLY HELD OFF PUTTING ON THE NEW TIRE until late last night. It looked good, seemed to have sealed and be holding air...
... flat as can be at 5:15am.
Not a good thing to discover 20 minutes before I needed to roll, so I grabbed the gravel bike and figured why not...
... it'll be harder.
Harder is better.
Harder it was.
Permanently ejected on the penultimate climb, I had 2 choices:
- Chase and hope they wait
- Take the dirty way back
Being well-trained in not waiting, the idea of chasing only to be gassed and gapped again wasn't a top choice...
... dirt it is.
Gotta be honest here, this was the best Tuesday morning ride I've had all year.
- Warming up with the posse
- Pummeled by the posse
- Ditching the posse
The dirty way was free of cars, and nearly all people.
Too cold, too early.
Dumb to wait until late the night before to replace tire...
... good to get out anyway.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
159.4
7 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TRY NOT TO OVERTHINK IT
Nov 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HERE'S THE DEALIO, we are humans and humans love new stuff. We are always looking far into the horizon...
... because there might be danger out there.
Or food. Or friends. Or, in modern terms, a new and better way to do things.
Consequently, it is extremely easy to overthink our training.
Consider this, from an old book called Bike Racing 101, which a friend showed me today...
In February 1998 American Fred Rodriguez scored a stunning three stage wins and top 10 overall place in the grueling Le Tour de Langkawi, beating out many top European road pros.
This performance got him noticed and picked up by the strongest squad in the world at the time, the Mapei team.
How did he prepare for this astonishing feat?
Freddie had already been riding for many years with his coach, René Wenzel. Wenzel knew Freddie could handle a tough program. He started out with one hour per day of endurance-paced riding in early October and continued to add 20 minutes per day each week until he was doing six hours per day, all at an endurance pace. By the time he left for the Malaysia event, he had only very briefly been above 80 percent of his maximum heart rate on one occasion during team training camp.
At 80 percent of his MHR, Fred was averaging approximately 25 MPH (40 KPH)
on flat sections of his training rides. The rest is history.
To be honest, none of us has 6 hours a day to ride in zone 2. Even if we wanted to our bodies probably couldn't handle it.
There's a lesson in there somewhere...
... use it.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
160.6
8 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW SOON IS TOO SOON FOR THE FIRST GROUP RIDE?
Nov 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DRAGGED A NEWISH RIDER TO HIS FIRST GROUP RIDE. Not just any group ride, one with serious talent which...
... has destroyed many an ego.
It's November, and I was thinkinghoping it would be somewhat tame.
The 30 mile ride to the start might have been a tall ask but...
... I look at it as an extra thorough warmup.
The ride itself is about 30 miles with countless rollers and turns. I wondered how long he would last.
- Mile 1, flat and casual.
- Mile 2, a number of stop lights to catch up.
- Mile 3, he was through the roundabout onto the first riser...
... and out the back.
Which turned about to be a great thing.
- Mile 4, I had a catastrophic gash in the front tire 3 darts wouldn't seal.
- Mile 4, he had a tube I definitely needed.
Back riding, it was fun the rehash the start of the ride.
How'd you like that?
Is it always that fast?
Yep.
The whole ride?
That was the start, it just gets faster and harder from there.
I'll never be able to keep up.
You will, just keep coming.
Where was he keeping his 2 canisters, nozzle, tire irons and spare tube?
Same place I should have had a tube.
The amazing MiniRace Day bag, made of innertube so everything is tight and quiet.
Use promo code TOOSOON and save 20%
----
159.6
7 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO DOESN'T LIKE A BIG BUMP?
Nov 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PROMISED THE GUYS WHO WENT ON OUR 230 MILE ADVENTURE last weekend that things were gonna change. That this week would be amazing...
... because of the big fitness bump.
I could make that promise for 2 reasons:
- Nearly all of them had never ridden that far in 3 days
- We kept a steady zone 2 to zone 3 pace.
Specifically I promised them that not only wouldn't they be sore, but they would gain a massive fitness bump.
Heard from the first one today...
You were right?
About what?
The fitness bump.
Howso?
Well, I'm cruising effortlessly at 24 mph.
... how could I make such a promise?
Been there, done that...
... it's the secret sauce few tap into.
But, why does it work?
Why does zone 2 work?
Well, I think gravel bikes are particularly wellsuited to fooling around and adventure. By their very nature gravelbikes aren't meant to go fast on the road, nor are they much good over rough terrain.
What happens is I wind up riding slower, taking in more of the beautiful scenery and serenity.
It's refreshing.
All the hurrying and hustling that race bikes for road and mountain inspire ends up producing, for some, a lot of stress vs stress free riding...
... when what most of us need is a simple endurance adventure.
The fitness bump is the cherry on top.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
161.2
7 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE ARE JUST 2 TYPES OF ATHLETES
Nov 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I USED TO BE THAT GUY, and you might have been too. It all changed for me when I had a conversation with my superfit son who said...
... I'm not on a diet, I'm athlete.
Which got me thinking there are just two types of athletes in the world:
- Those who view food as a reward
- Those who view food as fuel
The first one is almost always battling weight gain, shifting moods, and gravity. For me, that was a fact. But, I didn't realize what the problem was until that conversation with my son...
... then everything started to shift.
It was a process, and it took time...
... mainly because I didn't know what I was doing and kept dragging it out.
I'm looking forward to all the holiday hoopla, and eating with friends and fmaily. It's such a wonderful way to spend time together.
I just ask myself, is this fuel or fun...
... and will it be fun tomorrow?
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
159.5
8 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS THE POINT OF AN FKT?
Nov 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE, pros posting a blistering time on a Strava segment and calling it the FKT...
... aka the Fastest Known Time.
And, it's got me thinking.
Why is it called FKT and not KOM?
To avoid Strava conflicts?
But, if not on Strava then where...
... I think that's the only place for people to care because it's public and everybody sees it.
In reality it's a great marketing ploy by these pros and their sponsors
- FKT sounds cool and is intriguing
- Somehow it shines brighter than KOM
- Anything that starts with F these days will get looked at
I could be wrong, but I bet Strava wishes they'd thought up that name...
... it's F'ing brilliant.
Who doesn't want to say I've got the FKT on ______?
Me...
... PR > FKT > KOM.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Check these LKPs...
... $10 for pair of $35 gloves?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
----
159.2
7.5 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T FALL FOR THIS!
Nov 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A REASON I AM CONSTANTLY REPEATING Keep Challenging Yourself and it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that...
... you're not being challenged every day.
We all are.
Life is truly hard.
What I'm really saying is Don't fall for the I'll be happy when I...
- win the big A race
- beat my friends
- snag a PR
- a KOM
... you'll never be happy with those accomplishments, because there is always someone faster, something harder, just out of reach.
Just be happy now,
with the things that really matter.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I go into greaert detail in the chapter called All You Can Do of my book, The Way of The RACER...
... the book is free, just cover the shipping.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
----
159
7.5 hrs
17.3% b.f.
60.4% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE BE RUNNING IN THE OFF-SEASON?
Nov 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN WE REALLY GET INTO CYCLING we tend to get really out of everything else, because time in the saddle always equals...
... time saved on raceday.
I often wonder if it's worth it.
While my watch alerts me nightly that my h.r. has fallen below 40 bpm...
... should we pursue more than a superefficient cardiovascular system?
There are sacrifices.
Have you tried...
- running
- tennis
- volleyball
- basketball
- jogging
- rucking
... lately?
Sure, we can go all day doing almost anything...
... but, we often find ourselves pounding Advil the next day.
Over the weekend, Singing Andy started selling me hard on an Xterra Triathlon. I once again thought this over.
- We should be able to easily run a couple of miles, and not be in traction the next day.
- Same goes for a basic 1/2 hour swim.
C'mon do it.
I dunno.
It'll be fun!
Ugh.
Surfergirl, do you wanna do it?
Sure, why not?
Todd?
Alright, alright. I'm in.
Today was my first run.
15 minutes for the first mile of halfwalking and halfrunning...
... lots of room for improvement.
Funny thing is I don't really hurt, yet.
Maybe tomorrow or maybe there's more to RaceDay Ready™...
... than meets the Oakleycovered eye.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
I did go all Rocky on the first run, singing Take It Back, with the beanie on.
$20, free shipping, available in 4 different colors
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
----
159
7 hrs
17.2% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER?
Nov 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T LIKE THE EASY WAY, as much as I love the way that makes everything easier. Does that mean it's harder?...
... you tell me.
The easy way generally...
- gives immediate satisfaction
- provides a quick pleasure
- requires little effort
The way that makes everything easier...
- is an everflowing fountain of fulfillment
- supplying long lasting happiness
- requires discipline
Of course, the most interesting part of the above is that discipline becomes very easy...
... with time and commitment.
Just look at what we accomplished over the last 3 days and how few would be willing to attempt such a feat, let alone be able finish it.
Not only did we finish it, we were all smiles.
Maybe it is best summed up in a conversation I over heard at the table Friday morning, our recovery day.
I don't know if I could give up sugar.
It's not that hard.
Really?
Really, just takes a few days to not miss it... and a week or so to wonder why I ever loved it. Now so much sugar seems weird.
Isn't it interesting?
Discipline looks weird and hard to outsiders and...
... normal and good to insiders?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Since we are disciplined in constantly improving our gear, you might want to scoop up a few of these closeout.
Save at least 50%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
----
160.1ish
10 hrs
17ish% b.f.
60.2% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
SURF N SUMMIT DAY 3 - BACK TO THE SURF
Nov 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TODAY CAPPED OFF ONE OF THE BEST ADVENTURES I've ever had on a bike. It wasn't just the epicness of riding back to the coast in perfect fall weather...
... that's the side show.
Lots of rides have epic terrain, and challenges.
What made this stand were two things:
- The fact that for the majority of the riders, these 3 days were by far the greatest distance they had ever ridden, ever.
- The geography.
I've come to the conclusion that it's one thing to ride a 100+ miles or do the (insert name) ride...
... to make the ride outstanding requires context.
And, when you realize you just rode from a far away mountain resort to the coast...
... it blows your mind.
Trust me, I just did it and I can't stop thinking about it.
From frigid, freezing snow covered grounds...
... to a beautiful sunny afternoon at the beach.
Rides like these, for me, only happen because I use the magic of a giant calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The calendar is GIANT...
... and MAGICAL
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
159ish
6 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
SURF N SUMMIT DAY 2
Nov 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER YESTERDAYS FORCED TURNAROUND 2000' from the summit, we were still pretty pumped. We'd covered 113 miles and 13000' of climbing...
... for half the group that was farther than they'd ridden, ever.
We all slept great,
and slept late.
We had big recovery plans.
Ivette was on her way with her
- massage table
- Bemer PMF pad
- Infrared light device
- and the most gifted hands on the planet
Plus, a recovery ride...
... that turned into a 2 1/2 hour adventure.
The idea was to spin over to where we had planned to descent last night in the dark and see how much snow remained after melting all day.
A lot.
3-5".
Enough to make riding up very challenging, and require multiple dismounts.
It was comforting to confirm we'd made a wise choice in pulling the plug the day before...
... and blast to ride back down through the snow.
This could be the best recovery day of all times.
Since even after today's warm temps there is no way we can ride over the summit we will start where we left off, at Angelus Oaks and ride back with a goal to get to the ocean before sunset.
Gonna be a fun one.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
One of the very best parts about being RaceDay Ready™ is being able to easily do adventures like these.
My cousin Rich is proof... at close to 60 y/o, purchased his first "real" bike 8 months ago.
Todd, I want to do these long rides you do.
Ok, you've got 6 month, start with my challenge.
What's that?
He's lost 20 lbs, improved his tennis game, and just rode 100+ miles with over 10000' of elevation...
... and we're gonna do it again tomorrow, in reverse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
159ish
8.5 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD FAILURE
Nov 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE FAILED AGAIN. We started early, we were making good time. Six riders, trained and committed to ride from the coast to the Big Bear...
... there was just one problem.
Clearly we were high on adventure.
Who wouldn't be?
It was a Thursday morning and we were riding gravel bikes on dirt, pavement and some rippable singletrack.
Briefly passing through the busyness of the city, students at their desks, commuters hustling to get in to work, it's the kind of feeling...
... where you feel like your cheating at life just a little.
But, as I said, we were clearly in denial because 70 miles away the towering mountains were covered in white...
... it was obvious there was too much snow, but we were in denial.
We'd trained too much,
prepped too much,
worked too clear schedules too much.
We rode on, determined to conquer this ride, even through the snow depth would be unridable and we were prepared for 40 degrees, not 20.
Just 6 months prior, we'd melted during a major 120° heatwave and quit at mile 100.
Today, we were frozen.
A little closer, 113 miles and 13000' of vert, but the danger was even worse than the oppressive heat. The possibility of dying was chilling.
With 7 miles and 2000' to climb, on a good day we'd make sunset. On this day there was no way, it was too slippery and we were already suffering frozen...
... we failed.
While we didn't make it to Big Bear...
... we did see a brown bear.
Worth it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
For much of the ride I wore my favorite KOM jacket...
... it is very wind and water resistant, and packs up super small.
We are closing out the remaining inventory because we are redesigning the back pocket.
Trust me, this will be your favorite jacket... and we might have on in your size at 50% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
159ish
5.5 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOTTER 'N HELL, COLDER 'N HELL... WE'RE STILL DOING IT!
Nov 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SIX MONTHS AGO WE ATTEMPTED A MASSIVE RIDE, from the coast to the faraway mountains of Big Bear. We'd planned it well in advance, with out of towners joining, and couldn't change the date...
... we rode in 120° heat wave, and failed at mile 100.
We're going for it again tomorrow, predicted low is 14°.
It won't be bad at the start, and during the day should be wonderful. But, again around mile 100...
... weather is going to be a factor.
If all is on track, we should hit the final climb about 1pm. That leaves us 4-5 hours to cover 30ish miles and 5000ish feet of climbing. We should be warm climbing up the steep gravel road...
... that summit is gonna be very cold.
It's a quickish drop to town from the top, and a short ride to a killer AirBnB with a spa and hot food waiting.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
I'll for sure be using layers for warmth, and wearing my all time favorite KOM jacket...
... it is very wind and water resistant, and packs up super small.
We are closing out the remaining inventory because we are redesigning the back pocket.
Trust me, this will be your favorite jacket... and we might have on in your size at 50% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
159.3
9 hrs
17.9% b.f.
60% h2o
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE DELICATE ART OF NOT SUCKING
Nov 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MOUNTAIN BIKERS, TRIATHLETES you have mastered this fine art. Because MTB racing is basically a mass start time trial, and triathlon is a time trial...
... you don't suck.
But, I fear for my road and gravel peoples.
So many you have not yet mastered...
... the art of not sucking.
I must let you in on a little secret.
If you'll just get your lycracovered posterior to the front and roll through you'll be insanely rewarded with
- respect
- better fitness
- ... and less effort
Just use this little trick for those overwhelming benefits.
- Be smooth
- Do a short pull
When you find yourself up front, and you nose is in the wind...
... don't be a hero and bury yourself.
- Pull through
- Pull over
- Recover
Rather than yoyoing off the back with the gaggle of geese, chasing after every corner, wasting all kinds of energy...
... you'll smoothly pull through like the majestic eagle were born to be.
Get out of the gaggle,
you're not a goose.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
It's always a good time for flashy lights...
... alone, in the group, or off the front.
Check out these gems
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
160.2
6.5 hrs
17.3% b.f.
60.4% h2o
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING
Oct 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, it's been struggle and worry every day. I work so hard and I put in all my hours...
... just to gain a few watts every day.
But then one night you came along.
And every little thing is gonna be all right.
The great Tom Jones mostly sang those words about girls and lonely nights...
... it's just as true with my longing for a food strategy.
Low-carb is a strategy I just might be falling in love with, as I've really commited to it.
- Not no carb
- Not low-cal
Tried those.
No bueno for me.
The result of low-carb?
Way, way, way better energy throughout the day.
Shocking really.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Not as shocking as some of these deals...
... save at least 50%.
No promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
160.7
8 hrs
17.5% b.f.
60.2% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DID THE TORTOISE REALLY WIN THE RACE?
Oct 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PROGRESS IS A WEIRD THING, especially in endurance sports. I grew up surfing, if I took a month off and paddled out I could still catch waves and have a blast...
... endurance sports are different.
Time is a key ingredient for any endeavor, but there is something even more important.
The rabbit lost to the tortoise because he was all over the freakin' map.
Starting,
stopping,
changing direction,
going way off course.
The tortoise had a superpower beyond the simple goal of reaching a set destination...
... and that is the key to success in endurance sports.
Consistency.
The workouts don't have to be magnificent, just consistent.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Because we are consistently improving our product and adding new designs it's time to clear out some gear...
... save at least 50%.
No promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
161.2
8.5 hrs
16.8% b.f.
60.9% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LOVE IT, BUT I HATE THE TASTE
Oct 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
XC MTB RACES ALWAYS START OUT HARD, but the Filthy 50 is ridiculous. 500 yards after the start on a wide service road, there is a narrow gate leading to a narrower path...
... you must go 100% for the first 5 miles or be gapped out the back.
Then climb Raptor Ridge, all out.
Make it down the other side with a lead group and you're set up for the first 20 miles of racing...
... flying across long sections of double track and techytwisty stuff.
I love it.
The challenge is immense.
But, we must choose the wheels to follow carefully in the rotation or bad things can happen.
I had an early good spot until the guy two ahead missed a turn and cut hard jumping off a ledge, he was going to land on me, forcing me to a dead stop...
... took me 3 minutes of ripping to catch back up only to have him look back and say Pull through, I can't do all the work..
I could only laugh....
... oh, and blow by after I recovered.
Not a trustworthy wheel.
Next up was a 2' slab, edged by boulders, that would normally be easy to ride up, but not in a fast moving paceline...
... first guy makes it
second guy slows and makes it
third dude slower, makes it
fourth just slammed into the slab and unclipped
I was fifth in line and I hustled by...
... never seeing that lead 3 again, even after chasing hard for 5 minutes.
That fourth guy had no chance.
Took him 20ish minutes to catch me, he promptly apologized and introduced himself as Ty... I told him no big deal because in these long races allies are key.
Ty then sat on my wheel to recover, which was totally cool until we hit some very steep terrain and he came around and rode on by...
... I couldn't close the gap to him.
I was gapped out.
It was mile 26, nearly half way (it's actually 53 miles).
At this point I made a strategic decision, choosing to switch from Threshold on the climbs to Tempo the rest of the way back to the finish...
... and see if all those cats in front of me could sustain their pace.
I'd opted to race the Expert Open vs my age group, because my main objective for the day was a PR, it really wasn't a tough decision to switch to Tempo.
I was alone anyway.
Then, as often happens, I started to see jerseys ahead of me get closer.
Each rider I caught I encouraged to jump on and recover and help...
... but, they were done.
With 16 miles to go Ty comes back by me. He'd taken a wrong turn. This was a good thing. We could work together...
... see how allies can help?
We rotated along the flats 'till the Raptor Ridge return. I thought he'd drop me, but he was cooked, and allowed me to wiggle by...
... and snag a PR.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
Of course, I packed PR Lotion in the Lotions pocket of my RaceDay Bag.
As most of you know, the bags rarely go on sale.
But, since this is a new color and we have zero inventory at the moment you can use this promo code through the end of the month to save 15%.
The code is PREPARED
The bags can be personalized and will ship in about 3 weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
---
161.8
6.5 hrs
16.8% b.f.
60.8% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE ARE ONLY 2 KINDS OF RACERS IN THE WORLD
Oct 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF RACERS WORLD, and I've had conversations with both types today. Phone calls...
... can you spot the difference?
You ready for tomorrow?
Oh hellyeah, are you ready to see the back of my jersey?
... and...
I'm not sure what to do next week before the race. Should I ride hard a couple of more time? How much should I rest? Do I ned a few days off? What would you do?
Well, here's what I'd do...
I've had similar conversations, many times, with all kinds of racers. New and seasoned. Doesn't seem to matter...
... the closer that start line gets the more they settle in.
Fiercely Confident vs. Haltingly Tentative
Really it all comes down to one question...
... Am I prepared?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
That's the main benefit of the RaceDay Bag...
... feeling prepared gives confidence and save energy.
Check out these new colors.
As most of you know, the bags rarely go on sale.
But, since this is a new color and we have zero inventory at the moment you can use this promo code through the end of the month to save 15%.
The code is PREPARED
The bags can be personalized and will ship in about 3 weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
---
159.4
7.5 hrs
17.8% b.f.
60.4% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
BIG AND SMALL RIDERS
Oct 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE BIG AND SMALL RIDERS, and all kinds in between. Where we fit on that scale largely determines how we will fare in competition...
... but, it's not all about the physics.
Sure,
- the large and powerful dominate MTB Downhill racing, and road time trialing
- the lithe and diminutive scoot upwards leaving all others in their jetstream
But it is always
- the big stars. visionaries and personalities at the top
- while small thinkers, dreamers and characters are at the bottom
Big,
Small,
or in between...
... something to think about as the year winds down.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Which is why I love having a monstrous cycling goal each year on my Giant RaceDay Calendar.
I prefer the biggest version to keep my vision front and center.
They ship free.
Happy to make one with your team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
159.6
7.5 hrs
18.2% b.f.
59.7% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE B RACE BLUES
Oct 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE A RACE THIS WEEKEND. Not an A race, a B race. Quite honestly, it might be a C race. Why go then? I dunno...
... except for the obvious.
- I'll see my pals
- Get out of town
- Ride trails I rarely ride
- Dress up in a costume for Halloween
- ... and the ol', it's already paid for.
The problem with B and C races is I never respect them.
Don't taper.
Don't prep too well.
Don't take it seriously at all.
Which leads to the other problem...
... everything potentially becomes a lot more difficult.
No prep.
No prosper.
Which leads to a lasting benefit as I wrap up the year...
... there's nothing like a good beat down to motivate through the winter.
We'll C what happens.
It's a 50-miler...
... gonna be needing these to products for sure.
Use yesterday's code PRme30%
Works on the Butt'r and the PR Lotion, you need to purchase at least 2 bottles to save 30%.
And definitely expires on Thursday, 10/27
---
160.1
6.5ish hrs
18% b.f.
59.9% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW I'M IMPROVING MY PEDAL STROKE
Oct 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE IN RACEDAY READY, you know about the 6 exercises I do for leg strength. They're all good, but the four weird ones...
... are rapidly improving my pedal stroke.
I didn't notice it at first, it took a few months to really feel the effects.
Why?
Frankly, I think I was so pathetically weak it took a while to get strong enough to notice a difference.
Here are the six exercises:
- Squat
- Box or Stair Jumps
- Nordic
- Reverse Nordic
- Heel Raise
- Toe Raise
The first two, I'm sure you know about and might have even tried. I'm sure they are helping...
... well, after months, I'm squatting a lot more.
Another weird thing is stair jumps are more explosive after the squats.
Anyway, I'm sure you know what a heel raise and a toe raise are. If you're like me, I completely neglected my lower leg. After steady practice my ankles are much more flexible and the top and bottom of my pedal stroke are fire better.
The Nordics are the strangest of all in terms of something I'd never done before. I'd done leg curls, but this is a whole other level...
... my hamstrings are firing.
It feels amazing.
The reverse Nordics are odd as well. I can't put my finger on exactly where they help with pedal stroke yet, but there is no doubt they are greatly improving my core strength.
I sent this video out to the RaceDay Ready crew, if you haven't seen it it's a quick tour of what I'm doing.
Click pic to check it out.
Still with me?
Good...
... because you might want to take advantage of this.
I like Chamois Butt'r... so does the area around my special purpose.
Use yesterday's code PRme30%
Works on the Butt'r and the PR Lotion
And definitely expires on Thursday, 10/27
---
159.4
8ish hrs
18.2% b.f.
59.7% h2o
2 Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS IS HUMILIATING
Oct 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE VERY BEST MOTIVATORS is probably the one we all hate the most. It strikes right to the core of our egos, but can be...
... by far the key to our greatest success.
I'm not talking about a loss,
or a good whipping,
or goof we made.
This much more devastating...
... a complete humiliation.
The kind of thing that destroys our ego to the point we either quit or are...
... humbled enough to become teachable.
Then, we can build something new, and potentially much better than anything we had ever built before.
Until we reach that point, and I'm ohsoguilty of this...
... we stubbornly cling to old thinking.
We aren't ready to receive new information and help,
incorporate new methods of operation,
rise like a phoenix from defeated ash,
to soar like never before.
As the great David Goggins says, Embrace the suck!
Something else to embrace is this crazy offer on this insane product...
... which I will not race or train hard without applying.
This offer is only good through end of day 10/25.
No promo code needed, all you have to do is add 2 or more bottles to your order and you will save 33%.
---
161
8ish hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
TODD'S LAW
Oct 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 60 YEARS AGO, the great Gordon Moore predicted silicon chips would decrease in size and price by 50% every 24 months. The critics said, No way!...
... the critics are still wrong..
If they same were true of my of my childhood fancy...
... today a new fleet of Schwinn Sting-rays would cost less than a penny.
It won't go on forever, but will TODD's Law.
Todd's Law states that much of what we "know" about aging is total bullony because most of what we "know" assumes...
... we won't keep pushing our limits.
That we'll give up.
Believe that bs,
that were old,
and useless
We may not go on forever, but we sure as helk...
... aren't gonna give a chainlink to the critics.
Ride on!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
When I'm pushing it hard I prefer the firm connection of these real leather, superlight race gloves...
... which come in a ton of colors.
And, it's Buy One Get One... no promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163
8.2 hrs
16.9% b.f.
60.6% h2o
0 Strength Rotation
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
FACING MONSTERS
Oct 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT THAT CALLS US TO DO THE THINGS WE DO? I could have slept in today. Gone for an easy spin along the coast. Instead, we met up...
... with the monsters from down south.
I'd coaxed TViddy and a friend to join me. They bailed as soon as the group turned towards the hills.
90 minutes and a million PRs later...
... I was shot out the back of a 2hr horror show.
That's what monsters do.
Crush us.
And, we like it.
But why?
- The distraction they provide to other real world monsters
- The satisfaction on the days we slay the beasts
- The illumination of our weakness
- The fascination with what's possible
I like to think it's a mix of the above that drives me, but the real fear...
... is it's a the distraction, I crave and need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Which is why I love having a monstrous cycling goal each year on my Giant RaceDay Calendar.
I prefer the biggest version to keep my vision front and center.
They ship free.
Happy to make one with your team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
160.3
7.7 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHERE DO I FIND MY CYCLING SECRETS?
Oct 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I LOVE DRAFTING OFF OF GIANTS. The broad shoulders, punishing power on the flats and rollers, pedaling is effortless when they're leading....
... is there anything better?
As the great Sir Isaac Newton said, If I've smashed a PR it's by drafting off of giants.
So who are some of the giants I follow?
Only one of the 7 is an actual cycling coach! because I have personally studied most of the latest and greatest already.
More importantly is how do I find time to digest their teachings?...
... every night, that 30 minutes of recovery I do.
All of them are alive and generous with their specific expertise and practices, except the last one. I came across Terry Laughlin when training for a few triathlons a while back.
His techniques revolutionized my swimming, and more applicably...
... improved my breathing under stress.
More than once I used swimming as a way to improve my breathing for high-altitude racing.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-co-2022-plush-towel-35-60-blue-splash
Which reminds me, not only do we make RaceDay Bags™ that are triathlon specific, we also super plush towels to match.
Yes, of course we can make them custom for your team.
Use promo code SPLASH
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-co-2022-plush-towel-35-60-blue-splash
---
162ish
7.5ish hrs
17% b.f.
60.3% h2o
1 lite RaceDay Ready™ Circuits
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
MY NORMAL KICKS ARSE
Oct 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I FIRST GOT ON A REAL ROAD BIKE, as an adult, I rode 6 miles. The next day, I borrowed it again, and rode 12. Within a week...
... I raced my first crit.
That's not normal.
What seemed insane to my college roommates quickly became...
... completely normal for me.
30 miles a day.
no prob.
125 on a Saturday.
ho hum.
2 hours on a trainer,
yawn.
But, my new normal is a completely different thing. It's taken my riding to a whole new level...
... and it's not the saddle time.
The biggest gains are doing the things my riding pals think are nuts.
Sound familiar?
They are only nuts, I think, because they are not normal.
But, check it out.
It is now normal for me to squat my body weight every day. Multiple times, multiple sets.
It's normal, it's not a strain.
I'm just a helluvalot stronger...
... like when 30 miles a day became normal.
Not a big deal.
But, a big deal when it comes to laying down the power.
What else that seemed insane is now normal?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
There are no secrets...
... unless you don't take the challenge.
I'm always adding to this body of knowledge.
It's free.
It's not normal.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
161.8
6ish hrs (heatwave, no a/c)
16.8% b.f.
60.7% h2o
2 RaceDay Ready™ Circuits
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW I GOT 10X BETTER
Oct 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO, my oldest got the racing bug. It rekindled my desire to rip again. A lot has happened since then...
... but not all at once.
That's the funny thing, of course, because to an outsider it can look like overnight success.
That's not the way it really works.
Think about this, if you could buy one thing for yourself this year to make sure you were faster what would it be?
Doesn't have to require cash,
could be time
or discipline
or sacrifice
or time.
Yes, time is in there twice because I generally waste shift loads of time and that is certainly something I'm still working on.
Now, to that every year for 10 years and watch the improvements compound like interest.
As the great Ed Latimore says...
... Be so good they think you are cheating.
Side note: latest data says average American wastes 11.1 hours per day looking at screens.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
For me, that means gaining control of my calendar and having at least 1 event that is going to push me to a new level.
I prefer the biggest version to keep my vision front and center.
They ship free.
Happy to make one with your team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
160.3
7.7 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
OUR unOFFICIAL WORLD CHAMPION
Oct 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE YEAR we had a repeat winner at The unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships. Not only didn't we have a repeat winner...
... the winner careened off course more than once.
Put that in your tubeless tires and smoke it.
It's the kind of thing that could bug a lesser racer. A newb, neverseenit laying waste to all comers, after losing chunks of road and time...
... while the rest of us are latched like chihuahuas on a charging bull.
It's actually worse.
Sir Luke is a Brit...
... barely rides on the right side of the road.
Though we all finished within a few seconds or minutes of the lead pack, few of us were in contention.
There's a big difference between race speed and ride speed.
Our ride speed was ho-hum as far as overall finishing time.
The race was won by
- The punishing pace Nick set up the first climb
- The daring stab David took on the bike path
- The constant attacks of Jorge and Michael
- The launch on The Wall by Eric
- The ferocious finish by Luke
All told, around 8 minutes of the 59 minutes required to cover 20 mi and 1800' of vert determined the winner...
... or 9ish minutes for Luke.
Yeah, that bugs me enough get fired up for next year...
... we're all coming for yer Red Coat!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
I sported next year's 20th Anniversary kit this morning.
I'll be making a special Winner's version for Luke.
You can use this code to save 20% on next year's kit: TMWC20TH
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
---
160.7
7 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 lite Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
CONFRONTING MY FEARS
Oct 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN IT COMES TO RACING, there are all kinds of fear to face. Which is why I recommend all aspiring racers to race as often as possible...
... because it's easy to waste our limited energy.
As the great Luke Skywalker said, Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi.
Ever feel this?
- Don't fit in
- Don't know anybody
- Don't know course
- Don't want to lose
- Don't want to stand out
- Don't want to mess up
- Aren't fast enough
- No teammates
- No leadout
- Not cool enough gear
- Never raced that far
- Treacherous terrain
- Too high of altitude
No need to give you ideas you don't have, so I'll stop...
... that's just a few of mine.
There are some of us who claim to never be afraid. As the great Yoda said...
... You will be.
Fear always brings to life what it is we are afraid of.
To have Jedi-like racing skills, we must confront our fears and slay them...
... by racing hard and often.
---
162.2
8.5 hrs
17.0% b.f.
60.6% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I'M NOT THAT FAST
Oct 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE FASTEST NONPRO I EVER RODE WITH, isn't fast anymore. He's slow now. I miss him pushing me...
... but, it doesn't bum me out.
What bums me out is when I hear someone say I'm not that fast.
Whatever that means.
Or, I can't ride that far,
be that lite,
sleep that much,
lift that often,
take time to journal and read...
... most of us can do all of the above.
And, still have a balanced life.
The correct answer is...
... I don't care enough.
All that might be true...
... but, you're almost certainly fast enough.
Normally, I'd call that a complete post, but I'm going to add a few applicable thoughts inspired by yesterday's most excellent ride.
LoveWatts and I had planned to meet up at 7am and hit the trails at a good pace. At 9pm, the night before I was about to text him...
Bro, I'm gonna sleep in.
But, he beat me to it.
I'm going to sleep in with my beautiful wife.
Haha!
Perfect.
Each of us slept in. Later, we lazily poached some hero dirt.
Thinking about it, I realized how much of a grind training had become.
It shouldn't be like that.
Everybody needs an offseason, traditionally that is now for me.
It doesn't mean off the bike
off the intensity
off the diet
off plan...
... it does mean it's
okay to not care,
be slower,
freer.
Oh, and offseason I've found should happen throughout the year. I had my best summer ever after heading to Mexico for a week of surf, sand and tacos in April.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
For offseason, anyseason travel we have a brand new bag...
... the Travel Bag.
With handy pockets set up for organization and ease when traveling.
1. TOILETRIES/TOWEL/LIGHT JACKET
2. TOPS
3. BOTTOMS
4. UNDERWEAR/SLEEP AIDS/HEADWEAR
5. SHOES ON THE RIGHT SIDE
6. DIRTY CLOTHES ON THE LEFT SIDE
7. BOOKS/LAPTOP/DEVICES ON THE BOTTOM
8. SLEEVE FOR WATERBOTTLES
Use promo code TRAVEL to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
---
161.5
8.5 hrs
17.2% b.f.
60.5% h2o
1 lite Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
DRESSING FOR SHREDDING
Oct 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WINTER IS A COMING. Even here, along the coast it gets cold. The humidity gets right into your bones...
... it's so tempting to overbundle up.
But, I don't do that any more and sometimes it gets a reaction.
Aren't you going to freeze?
(I love it that she still worries.)
No, not gonna freeze. I dress for the riiiiide...
... not the rollout.
I've seen many a rookie kitted up for a polar express only to wonder where to stash the parka and mittens 20 minutes into the ride.
Been there done that?
Hopefully not lately.
I get it.
It's so tempting.
First, we have to escape the grips of our covers.
Then strip and put on cold lycra.
Stumble to the garage.
Cold helmet.
Cold shoes.
Cold gloves.
Wo. Wo. Wo. WO!
You don't do that last part do ya? Hellmet no!... the lid, shoes and gloves are in the house... and even if you're as chincy as me with the thermostat set low, it's still a lot warmer than the gair-auge.
Sometimes, when she's not looking, the bike is even in the house.
Yep.
Anyway, it takes practice and guts to dress for the ride vs the rollout.
Part of my practice is the Weather Channel app, the hourly updates for the coldest parts of the ride I plan to hit...
... the guts is just toughing out the first 5-10 minutes.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
Off the bike, I like to keep warm with this stylish beanie.
We have these available in 4 colors,
and they ship free.
$20, delivered to you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
---
161.1
7.5 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
1 lite Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU'LL NEVER LOSE AGAIN
Oct 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND'S LICENSE PLATE IS EPIC. It spells out his mantra, and something he's ingrained into everyone he works with, even his wife and kids...
... it's NVR DNF.
Never Do Not Finish.
As long as we finish the race, we will always win.
Always.
Maybe not the top of the podium,
Or a PR shattering time.
But, the lessons we learn,
and strength we develop,
through perseverance,
will always lead to,
winning.
Or, as the great Jacob Riis said
When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two...
... and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
That's the crazy thing about PRs...
... the more I hammer on cracking my own PRs, the more likely I am to hammer the competition.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
---
159.9
8 hrs
17.8% b.f.
60.0% h2o
1 lite Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MYTHINFORMATION
Oct 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CONTINUING FROM YESTERDAY'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of how easy it is to get fast these day, I got to thinking how often we buy into...
... massive mythinformation.
And, what to do about it.
Just think about it...
- Soda is healthy - early 1900s
- Cigarets are good for us - '50's
- Slapping fat-free on everything - 90's
- "Smart" phones make us more productive - 00's
But, the thing that is really bugging me now is...
... you can't put on muscle after a certain age.
I've found that to be utter nonsense.
It's right up there with the idea we should give up on being active as we get older.
Look at the picture above.
The evidence is in.
Get going.
Now...
... and keep going 'til we're 6' under.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
Now, more than ever, I'm chasing PRs.
When I'm doing my strength rotations I love wearing the new Supertech T.
Made with the same incredible, Italian fabric we use on our jerseys.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-over-koms-supertech-t
---
161.3
8 hrs
17.7% b.f.
60.1% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S TOO EASY TO GET FAST
Oct 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S TOO EASY TO GET FAST NOW, and it bothers me. Before the interwebs, before Eddie B, there was really only one piece of top secret training advice which came from the great Eddie Merckx...
... Piles of miles.
Who the heck knows how that managed to make it to my little college town in the middle of nowhere.
Now look at us.
We can dive into...
YouTube's myriad free tutorials
Instagram's briefs
Twitter's tweets and links
Amazon's hundreds of books
Podcasts that go deep into every aspect of performance
Plus, the coaching industry pioneered and legitimized by Chris Carmichael, spawning thousands of quality coaches.
And don't forget, the many media companies broadcasting all the major and many of the minor races with quality, entertaining and educating commentators.
It's become too darn easy to get fast...
... and I love it!
After decades of racing and riding, It's crazy to think of all that...
... I have learned and implemented in the last 3 years.
There is no end in site, and no reason not to radically improve.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
The 10-Week Challenge just keeps getting better and better.
I'm adding to that knowledge and updating things all the time.
In the next couple of weeks I'll start testing out a new piece of equipment.
We had a saying in our fraternity...
... there's always a better way.
Keep Challenging Yourself
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
161.9
7.5 hrs
16.8% b.f.
60.7% h2o
3 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HARD TIMES ARE BEHIND US
Oct 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I HAD DINNER TONIGHT WITH MY MTB OGs. Let me just give you a taste of the shenanigans we we're up to...
... back when things were hard.
Not those things.
The suspensions and tires and materials we used.
Think of a 35 lb bike made with galvanized steel plumbing pipe,
skinny tires pumped up to 60 lbs to avoid pinching,
bars as wide as your shoulders,
and no chamois.
We didn't care.
We didn't know better.
There was nothing better than finding a new stream of dirt that cut across a perilous hillside with some logs and giant boulders...
... and riding it over and over till it was mastered.
Then, and only then, would we invite the rest of the crew out for a ride and pretend to discover said new trail.
Never seen this before.
Let's check it out
Oh, shift!
That's the best entertainment I ever had.
... making it look easy, while the others ghost rode their bikes off 8' drops.
It wasn't one-sided.
Everyone had a just discovered, must ride trail,
everyone came home bloodied and bruised,
bikes broken...
... huge smiles.
Stupid?
Yeah.
Bonded for life?
Yeah.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
A lot of times we didn't wear helmets...
... a beanie would have offered better protection.
We have these available in 4 colors,
and they ship free.
$20, delivered to you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
---
163.9
7 hrs
17% b.f.
60.6% h2o
2 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I GUESS I HAVE A BAD REPUTATION
Oct 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S FUNNY HOW MANY PEOPLE I INVITE TO RIDE WITH ME who turn me down. There are two main reasons...
... one of them is legit.
The most common reason comes from people who never ride with me, are newer to the sport and who are certain I'm way too fast.
But, let's just take a look at a typical week and see if this group is justified.
Typical week for me is 2 hard days and 3-4 ez daze.
They are so certain, Your easy days are too hard for me, they won't even join me for jaunt around down. The best part is, when they do...
... they halfwheel and wanna drag race the entire time.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to have a casual conversation and knock out some recovery Zone 1 miles or lay down some Zone 2 base.
When they do join, if I can get 'em to behave, we end up having a great ride getting to know each other better. Occasionally, this type of rider will get sucked into my evil ways and venture out on a hard ride...
... and wind up shellacking me over time.
I'm down with that most of the time, except for when they get into the second group that turns me down for a ride...
... the SOBs that are too fast, and unwilling to let The Old Diesel tag along.
Like all bad reputations...
... what comes around goes around.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
One of the fun things I get to do is deliver on a customer's suggestion, like JIm L's...
Can you make me a calendar that is a little smaller than the Giant size?
Sure.
So, we did that, then for fun I added it as an option...
... and turns other people like that size and are purchasing it as well.
Got any ideas?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.6
7.6hrs
16.5% b.f.
61% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
PEOPLE ARE WATCHING US
Oct 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AT A LARGE FAMILY GATHERING TODAY I was stalked. Two different guys separately pulled me aside and started grilling me...
... really, they rescued me.
Rather than being my awkward and introverted self, we got down to the nittygritty of training and riding and fall colors and local roads and do you know so and so's...
... because they'd heard what I'd been up to this past summer.
What they wanted to know is what can they do to be better on the bike. Same thing I'm always wanting to know. We checked out of the family chitchat and it made for a fun afternoon.
It got me thinking...
... about Elvis Costello's What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?
As I walk through this wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darnkess of insantiy
I ask myself, is all hope lost?
...
So where are the strong?
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
People are watching us, yes, they wanna be fit and fast...
... but, really, we all want to know who we can trust and where we can find harmony.
Too much for a cycling blog post?
Maybe.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
But, it's definitely woven into the fabric of being RaceDay Ready™.
When you take the challenge, you'll receive daily emails for the first 10ish days... and yes, we cover more than lycra and sugar water.
I'll be detailing exactly what I'm doing to shatter PRs and ride faster than I ever thought was possible.
After that, I add an email any time I think I've found a breakthrough that needs to be shared.
It's free.
Try it.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
161.6
7.8hrs
17.5% b.f.
60.2% h2o
0 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME
Oct 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I MADE A BIG MISTAKE TODAY, one I hope you'll avoid. The consequences could have been lifechanging...
... I got lucky.
85 miles into my ride, including a blistering 90 minutes with the local hot shots, I turned onto a very lightly traveled bike trail.
It's somewhat skinny.
Poorly maintained.
Very twisty.
It's also up and down some steep pitches, and it's nice to carry momentum...
... which is what I was doing.
On a blind turn, my innervoice yelling Don't cross that line...
... I just couldn't resist.
My speed was high, my trajectory perfect, and c'mon...
... nobody is ever out here.
But, there he was.
A surfer and board on an ebike.
Me, 10" into the his side of the narrow trail...
... about 30mph.
Shifffffffft!
He turned right,
I clamped on the brakes,
Rear end locked and I counter steered,
The curb to my right was coming up too fast,
No longer skidding, leaning hard left away from the gutter,
I slid in for a relatively soft landing in the dry and clumpy dirt.
A cool and caring kid, he turned around.
Hey man, you okay?
Yeah, I think so. How fast were you going?
Not that fast, you were on the wrong side.
I know, I'm sorry.
No worries.
I've ridden that trail manymanymany times, and always been respectful of the blind turns no matter how much I wanted to coast up the next steep pitch.
Not today.
I was greedy.
And veryveryvery fortunate.
Another, of 1000s, lesson learned.
- Obey the innervoice
- Never trust a blind turn
- Neverever cross that line
Phew!
How was your ride?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I was so very grateful I had on my superlight fullfinger race gloves...
... even in 80 degree weather, my hands are cool and protected.
We have lot of colors in stock.
And, it's Buy One Get One... no promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
162
7.2 hrs
16.9% b.f.
60.7% h2o
0 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
SHIFT JUST TAKES TIME
Oct 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THIS MORNING WAS ONE OF THE BEST DAYS I'VE HAD on my paddle board, and it reminded me of something I often forget...
... especially when with newer riders.
I harkened back to the crusty crank I met a million years ago at the local bike shop, when I was just starting out, full of enthusiasm...
... It takes 3 years to know what kind of racer you are!
Today, the waves were decent size, the water glassy, the crowd small...
... and I caught a bunch of fun rides.
Sure enough, it took me 3 years to do that.
To unlearn prone surfing, figure out how to paddle and balance standing up, get the right size board and trim my paddle height to match my body and style, find the right beach break, learn the best tides...
... it just takes time.
Sound familiar?
Learn how to pedal properly, figure out how to handle the bike, get a pro bike fit and top notch bike, find the races that suit us, train with the best riders...
... it's worth it, if you want to master something.
Time + Effort = Excellence
We can reduce the time via good coaching and caring mentors...
... sometimes I forget that too.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
It took me years to figure this out, are you ready for the challenge?
It's awesome, and free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
162,2 lbs
16.9%
60.7%
8 hrs
3 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CULTURE AND REPUTATION REVOLUTION
Oct 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AROUND THESE PARTS there are long standing group rides. Some have been going for nearly 70 years and are named after streets that no longer exist...
... but the culture continues.
Isn't that amazing!
Wanna know how it works? Apply to a club you are forming? Business you are starting?
I was thinking about this today on spin down to meet the Swami's Wednesday Worlds, a ride I discovered back in '86 while living in San Diego.
The guys that put it together were the best racers in the county.
Road racers like the legendary Olympian John Howard and coach Arnie Baker.
The inventors of triathlon: Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, Mark Allen.
They're long gone from the scene.
But, the tone they set continues to blast up and down the coast every Wednesday 40 years later.
They built a culture of ripping each others legs off.
If you couldn't keep up, too bad.
Get better.
That culture created a reputation that expanded throughout Southern California. If you wanted to test yourself, get down to Swami's Wednesday or Saturday ride.
Which is what I was doing this morning.
A reputation like that becomes a huge magnet for kindred and fierce spirits. As more people joined in...
... the culture got stronger.
That's a virtuous revolution:
- Strong, defined culture
- Creates reputation beyond the core group
- Brining in more participants
- Creating a stronger culture.
It starts with culture.
It's maintained with consistency.
For group rides,
that means starting at the same time, at the same place,
and having rules
like waiting for the dropped or not waiting,
riding an insane pace or only recovery.
I've applied, and continue to apply, those principles starting my own group rides, raising our family, running a business.
Just another lesson I learned riding my bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
If you're into learning stuff, check the RaceDay Ready Challenge
It's awesome, and free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
---
161.6 lbs
17.8%
60%
7ish hrs
3 strength rotation
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
TELL ME ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ON FOOD
Oct 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
FOOD, MAN I LOVE GOOD FOOD. On the bike, off the bike, wherever and whenever, if it's good count me in. But, I always struggle with...
... how much and how often.
On the way home for a legripping ride today I was feeling great, and I think it's for two reasons:
- I got to bed early enough to get the min. 7 hours of sleep (5am wake up)
- I ate a lot and often
So how much food to fuel 60 miles, 4700' of vert and an average pace of 19mph?
- 2 bottles with 240 calories (Skratch: 2 scoops of Hydration and 2 of Superfuel
- 2 Honey Stinger Waffles
That's 800 calories.
The warm up is a pretty easy 50ish minutes of zone 1 and 2, 1000' of vert.
The ride, well, it can be brutal.
Often, I'll cruise the 27 miles home because I'm smoked. But, today was a test and it showed that eating a lot more allows me to keep a good pace for the entire distance.
Truth is, I think I should have eaten the 3rd waffle in my pocket.
Shooting for 400 cal/hour when the pace is high.
What about off the bike?
A few do's and don'ts
- Don't get hungry
- Do eat fewer, bigger meals
- Fast occasionally
- Do eat more protein
- Do eat or pound a recovery drink right after
That's it for now.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
For a recovery drink, I'm liking 3 scoops of the chocolate Skratch.
Use promo code BESTTHINGS to save 25%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
161.8 lbs
17.7%
60%
7ish hrs
1 strength rotation
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
A HARD RACE IS GOOD TO FIND
Oct 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WELL, I WENT AND DID IT. I signed up for the Belgian Waffle Ride. I now have 6 months to figure out how to race a gravel bike for 8 hours over 130 miles and 11,000' of vert ...
... my palms are sweating.
There is so much power to found in a hard race.
1 Deadline X Insane Challenges X Massive Distance = Become Better
BWR has a reputation of humiliating the toughest racers.
The Waffle version.
I did the Wafer in Utah last year. Had a blast. Finished 5th overall, but the promoter doesn't care about the Wafer. Rightly so. It's about half the distance, with the hardest features missing...
... he knows forcing us to our limits will give us the biggest rewards.
Why am I doing the Waffle version?
- For the challenge
- To find out what's possible
- To bump gloves with my fellow soul riders
I say Soul Riders because only a handful harbor any fantasies about winning...
... the rest of us are in for the adventure.
131.7-miles / 212-Kilometers
~11,000 feet of climbing
10 categorized climbs
Steepest grade of 23%
19 off-road sectors / 50-miles worth
3 KOM Sectors
3 KOS Sectors
3 KOD Sectors
9 Feed Zones
Water crossings
Yeah, it'll be kinda hard.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Have you started to fill out your Giant RaceDay Calendar™...
... which has the week starting on Monday, and Saturday and Sunday at end of week because that's how racers view their weeks.
You know we can make these in your team colors, just go here.
The calendar ships free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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162.4 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
2 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE ON A BIKE
Oct 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'VE DONE A LOT OF THINGS ON A BIKE, some are pretty cool, but one stands above the all...
... and it never gets old.
I starts with getting a friend out on a ride,
could be a sibling, neighbor, child, parent, lover.
Next is teaching them everything I know. Not everything there is to know, but everything know.
Finally, and the best part, is when that friends goes far beyond anywhere I've been: faster, further, and much more accomplished.
Nothing better.
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One thing is getting them up to speed on nutrition.
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https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
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162.2 lbs
17.8%
60.2%
8.5 hrs
0 strength rotation
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
A WEIRD WEIGHTLOSS BREAKTHROUGH
Oct 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HONESTLY, I THINK THIS WHOLE WEIRD BREAKTHROUGH is the result of watching Remco dominate the Vuelta. At 5'5" and 140 lbs, he is a thick, powerful muscle vs most waifs at the top. What does that have to do with the jumbo gentleman at the concert last night...
... who was sitting on a low wall and kept standing?
Up down,
up down.
Essentially, Jumbo Gent was doing squats.
I might call them air squats, but this dude was heavy. I was once a lot heavier, not this heavy, but I get it.
While Stevie Nicks belted Stop Dragging My Hear Around, I imagined doing squats all day with 50 or 75 or 100 lbs on my back...
... or more.
My legs would be cooked.
But, they weren't ever cooked back then, and near as I could tell JG wasn't gonna wake up this morning regretting a massive squat day either.
Suddenly, my own practice of doing daily squats with weight might made a lot more sense. The daily practice builds muscle, doesn't take but a few minutes...
... and results in more strength.
Standing on my fancy Garmin scale this morning, I noted I am up a few pounds since August, which was when I got back into my strength routines, but that my percentage of body fat has remained steady.
In fact, it's down a bit.
Tying it all together, what if instead of focusing on weighing less...
... we shifted our goal to lowering our percentage of body fat?
Remcos in the making?
It sure puts food choices in an entirely different light,
along with regular strength training.
Will this spike my sugar and convert to fat?
Does this contain protein?
Do a quick set.
Make time.
Something to think about as we head into the heavy season of candy, turkey and glutony...
... we become what we eat, and do.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
No matter how sexy we get, it's still a good idea to cover up when changing...
... which is why we have the awesome changing poncho.
Get an InStock design...
... or one in your team colors.
Use promo code LEAN to save 20% on InStock designs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
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162 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT KIPCHOGE
Sep 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE KENYAN SHUFFLE? It's not a dance move, and has nothing to do with cycling...
... but, everything to do with training.
If you watch the shuffle here you'll see the fastest runners in the world shuffling, barely running, for much of their training.
Need validation?
Euclid Kipchoge is without question the king of marathon...
... the only person to ever run a marathon under 2 hours.
You can read about the intensity of his training here in this detailed and wellwritten article.
For the gazillionth time.
... you can't ride hard enough, if most of your riding isn't easy enough.
Ride easy,
Ride hard,
Race FAST!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Most of the time, my hard days are Tuesday and Saturday, and I'll often block out on The Giant RaceDay Calendar™...
... which has the week starting on Monday, and Saturday and Sunday at end of week because that's how racers view their weeks.
You know we can make these in your team colors, just go here.
The calendar ships free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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162 lbs
17.5%
60.2%
8 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST LEGAL PERFORMANCE ENHANCER
Sep 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY I'VE FOUND to achieve maximum performance. It's not a drug, or a training regimen, or food strategy, or more rest, or anything else you can think of...
... but, oh boy!, does it work.
It's more than a deadline, more than vengeance.
For me, it's all the above and it starts working the moment I throw down some cash...
... and register for a race.
Not just any race.
An A race.
That's when all of the above, and a whole bunch more, combines into what is essentially...
... the best legal performance enhancer available.
Which is why when it comes to A races I like
- At least 1 per year
- No more than 3 per year
For me, I've gotta have at least 1 per year to keep my overall fitness and no more than 3 to keep from burning out.
This year, it was two A events. Leadville and the SurfNSummit. One down, one to go.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
I can hardly wait to pick one or two or three out for next year...
... and start building around them on The Giant RaceDay Calendar™.
How about you?
Got plans yet?
The calendar ships free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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161.4 lbs
17.2%
60.4%
8 hrs
1 strength rotation
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
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