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TODD'S BLOG
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Get RaceDay Ready
SETBACKS, DO THEY REALLY SUCK?
TWO OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, have started with solid setbacks. In each case, I thought all was lost. Then I remembered the...
... advice of my dear ol' grampappy.
My boy...
... it's not the problem it's how you handle it.
Hard words for a love struck 14 yr old, getting nowhere with his puppy love.
The key to that wisdom it not so much handling the problem as...
... having faith and getting started.
Not running away.
Not giving up.
As I sit here completely wiped out by some sort of bug, coughing my brains out, I've come the realization...
- I will get better
- I will enjoy this slothful moment
- I will resist to bounce back too early
... it's early January f' cryin' outloud.
Take this setback for what it is...
... an opportunity to reset.
That's what racers do.
Reset.
Improve.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
158.3 lbs (not a good way lo lose wight.)
10ish hrs sleep (9:15pm-7:30am)
0 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BORN FOR THIS
THE REASON I LIKE TO READ FICTION is simply to imagine myself in impossible situations. The inner dialogue of the hero of my current book, Jericho Quinn, was spot on...
... to how I feel about racing.
Can you relate to this?
"He knew he was born for the rough stuff. His heart never truly beat until it was going full bore."
Exactly how I every time the gun goes.
It can get me in trouble though.
Like right now, with this nagging, awful cough and headache.
It's been going all week.
Have I rested?
No.
Just been doing all I can to keep going...
... totally idiotic.
===
158.1 lbs (not a good way lo lose wight.)
9ish hrs sleep (9:15pm-6:30am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GGGGGGGGGOALLLLLLLLLLLLLS
GOALS CAN BE GREAT. I say "can" because, let's be honest they usually aren't. I have a theory about that and it starts with...
.... easy.
It is so easy to set a goal.
Crud...
... set 100 goals.
And, that's the problem.
We set 'em like there's...
- the no other goals
- no current commitments
- we have limitless bandwidth
... no impact on our lives.
Having a million goals...
... is like having no goals.
I try and keep it to...
- physical
- business
- social
- spiritual
... one big goal per year.
It's a heckuvalot easier to accomplish one thing than twenty.
And guess what...
... if it's a big enough goal, it might take 5,10, 20 years.
===
159.2 lbs (yes, this bug I have has evaporated my appetite)
9ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-6:15am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STYLE CUES
I THINK WE ALL HAVE A SENSE of cycling style. You know, what we think looks cool, and what we don't. At least, you should by now...
... unless you are brandspankingnew.
New kids are typically nervous and anxious...
- am I wearing the proper gear, 'cause I feel nearly naked
- do I look like Darth Vader with this helmet and glasses
- how tall should my socks be
... form and function questions.
Once acquainted with the options...
- looking cool
- being comfortable
- optimizing for speed
... start to take precedent.
Here's my general rules...
- gloves match shoes
- socks match jersey
- dark bibs
... all things being equal.
Which leaves the helmet, or helmets.
And this insane offer...
... buy a KASK helmet, get a FREE RaceDay Bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/a/bundles/kask-helmets-c5et
===
160.2 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:55am)
2 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KILLER SNACK
HOW ABOUT THIS - a snack that needs no refrigeration, is a snap to prepare, gives an energy boost, and produces negative calories. How many
... would you consume per day?
Yes, there really is such a snack.
Proven by science...
- pull ups
- pushups
- deadlifts
- box jumps
are my go to's.
Personally, I like to enjoy one every 45-60 minutes...
- energy boost
- calorie burning
- improved cognitive function
... are legit benefits in less than 2 minutes.
I was reminded of this on Andrew Huberman's podcast...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110?i=1000682843685
... he's an actual scientist,
I'm just a dude who figures stuff out.
Note: not all scientists know what the heck they are talking about...
- study
- test it
- reject or incorporate
... it's called science for a reason - being 100% certain for all time ain't it.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
PARTICIPATION AWARDS
THE LEGENDARY ATHLETE was returning to competition. It was to be a momentous year, documented professionally, all the world would know...
... he was back to bring them to heel.
What a dream.
After hiring a new..
- coach
- nutritionist
- top secret strength doctor
... there was one beautiful medal to show for all the effort.
Not bronze,
silver, or
gold.
A beautiful finisher's medal.
Not what he, his family or sponsors had hoped for.
Here's the dill...
... every time we battle, we have a chance to learn and improve.
Finishing,
is where
it starts.
===
161.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TOO EARLY?
WELL, TODAY WAS DEFINITELY the best ride of the year. Chilly start, dust down, trails open for blasting...
... the bar has been set.
It wasn't just the conditions.
The route entailed...
- fast gravel
- twisty single track
- plus, pack dynamics
... all the things I love.
And, of course, my pals.
- Love Watts and I rolled at 7am.
- Hooked up with CV, local group road ride, at 8:50 am.
- Back to dirt, with Chuckles, Zone 2, and Mrs. Smith, around 9:30ish.
The rig of choice...
... the Crux, with RaceKing 2.0s.
What could make this ride even better?
Oh, I have an answer.
A forgotten trail was bulldozed during fire season...
- it'll add another 1000' of climbing
- sneak through penal a colony
- miles of single track
... and will pour us out at my favorite country store, for a Coke and chips.
We have 360 days to find the perfect ride...
... 2025 is off to a heckuva start.
===
159.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
1 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOOOOOO, NOT ZONE 1!
IF YOU'RE DRIVEN, and you probably are if you're a regular reader, seeing zone 1 on the training plan...
... is laughable.
We don't even know what that is.
We try to do it,
see the numbers.
Think, That's not going to help...
... awwwww, skrewit!
I have a solution.
It came to me on today's ride.
First, there was the absurdly long skid in the dirt...
- speed up
- back brake locked
- back wheel as unweighted as possible.
... just to see how long I could get it.
Then, the idea to jump onto and back off of every curb possible.
There was more.
My favorite was weaving the extensive traffic cones as long as possible without touching brakes or pedals.
90 minutes later, I coulda cared less about zone 1...
... I was in zone fun.
===
160.3 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-5:55am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
MY BIKE TOTALLY GOT AWAY FROM ME
CLEARING THE TOP OF THE CLIMB, I was leaning to initiate a turn back towards home. Not sure if I hit a rock, or what, but next thing I know...
... I'm on a different trajectory.
Was it meant to be?
I mean...
- not a cloud in the sky
- nobody on the trails
- crazy warm day
... geez.
Why such a hurry to get back?
Why not go straight up the the trail to the country store...
... for an ice cream bar?
Some turns really are for the better.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9pm-530am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO THE UNTHINKABLE
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE, when it's unthinkable? Talk about a paradox. What it really means is...
... go way beyond the comfortable.
The great Wende Cragg captured the unthinkable...
- riding to a mountain top under a full-moon to watch the sunrise
- coaster brakes so hot they smoke after a downhill
- helmetlessly racing klunkers in jeans
... the birth of mountain biking.
50 years ago, her Pentax camera, snapped and preserved everything those...
... crazy pioneers were living.
The lifestyle.
Her documentary - click here - is as inspirational as it is mesmerizing.
Watch it.
It's got me thinking it might be a wholotta fun to get the hard training done M-F, and...
... use that fitness for adventure on the weekend.
===
162.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I DID 100 PULLUPS, 190 PUSH UPS, 53 BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUATS TO CLOSE OUT THE YEAR
IF WE'RE GONNA BEGIN THE YEAR pretending we are committed to some outlandish new start, I figured I might as well end 2024 with...
... a ridiculous challenge.
I can look back and say If I could do that thing...
... I sure as heck can do this, too.
That's called stacking confidence.
At 6:45 this morning, I decided to do 100 pull ups today.
A first,
by a lot.
Since my normal m.o. 3x on the pushups, that'd 300.
And, I figured I might as well add 3-loaded Bulgarian split squats for every pull up, for 300 per leg.
Sounded doable at 6:45.
I'd just take a break every 30 minutes and bang out a round of the three moves.
It got hard,
the 30 minute goal drifted.
I learned...
- breaking up the day = hustle, productivity
- found my split squat limit to be 60 lb dumbell in each hand
- muscles felt awesome through 8 rotations
- posture is great
- these are better than smoke breaks
- got hungry, ate more than normal
- 30 min goes fast, aware of time waste
- required 12.5 hours to complete
... I can still do hard things.
PullUp 16,200 pounds
PushUp 30,780 pounds
Split Squat 2,029 pounds
Now, what to get done in 2025?
Happy New Year Y'all
===
162 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
100 PullUps 190 PushUps 53 DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SECRET SAUCE NOBODY TRIES
DID YOU PICK UP A TRAINING SECRET this year? From a book or podcast or YouTube? Accidentally overhear the local coach...
... whispering truth to an athlete?
I bet you did.
But, that's not the real question.
The real question is did you, yes you, or I, yes me...
... do anything about it?
Because what is the point to...
- look
- listen
- and learn
... if we're not going to at the very least give it a whirl?
After trying and testing...
- the Classified 2-speed hub
- even more calories when racing
- mountain bike tires on the gravel bike
... these are my top 3 secrets of the year.
What are yours?
===
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (11pm-7am)
PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
IF WE'RE GONNA GO BIG WE OUGHTA GO BIG
--- one of my favorites of the year ---
TODAY, I THINK I MIGHT HAVE TURNED THE CORNER. I'm mid-way through my experiment to train like Remco...
... 3 weeks of (for me) massive volume.
Last Saturday, end of week #1, I was pretty tired during the final miles of a 5 hour ride.
Exhaustion lasted through Sunday.
Monday the legs were oooof.
But, Tuesday, I felt pretty darn good...
... at the end of a hilly and peppy 60 miles.
With a cramped day, the only way I could stay on schedule Wednesday was to do two-a-days.
- Sunrise, 90 minutes of steepish climbs at moderate pace.
- PullUps, PushUps and Squats through the day.
- Evening, 2 hours of high Zone 2 rolling terrain.
... it was that second session on the bike where things were clicking.
I felt stong.
Even fresh.
3 days down,
9 hours saddle time.
Should be able to hit 18-20 hours by end of day Saturday.
It's a lot to juggle...
- solid days of work
- helping the kids with their kids
- and being present for Surfergirl
... wouldn't do this forever.
Fun to experiment.
Feeling might dawgawn fortunate.
===
162.4 lbs
15 hrs sleep (i really do have the flu)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RULES FOR FEELING SICK
HAVING COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS is always a tough one for me and begs the question should I exercise today? If I do, I might get worse or...
... I might speed up the process of getting better.
My general rules...
- above the neck, ride like heck.
- in the chest, better rest
... but, they didn't help me today.
Because I was just so determined that the fact I work up sweating was due to the heater was too high, and I wanted oh so badly to ride with the fellas...
... I headed out.
Instead of feeling a lot better post ride,
I cut the ride short.
The collapsed on the couch,
after paying my dues kneeling in the bathroom.
I guess I'll add to the rules above...
... running a fever, don't be an overachiever.
===
164.5 lbs
7Ish hrs sleep (10:30 pm-5:45am)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU ARE NOT A BODY BUILDER
FUN FACTOID, weight machines at the gym were developed by body builders for body building. Each machine can dial in a certain muscle to make it bigger...
... we are not body builders.
We do not want muscles that don't serve a purpose...
... might was well be a stack of tires around our gut.
You know what else we don't want..
... injuries.
I know what you're thinking.
What the heck does the Ol' Diesel know about strength?
Well, quite a bit...
- testing
- reading
- experience
... has proven to me what works.
Here's the dill...
- low reps (1-3)
- max weight (90-100% of max)
- almost every day of the week (4-5 days)
- lots of rest between sets (complete recovery)
- multiple joint movements (squats are 3 joints)
... on getting strong with minimal to no weight gain.
Take it easy.
Get a pro to help you with form, because you can do this...
... with minimal equipment from home.
===
Disclaimer - any and all advice is just stuff I've tried and worked for me and is not professional or medical.
===
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU FAILING ENOUGH?
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE ACT LIKE there is a gigantic barrier between courage and discretion. There's not. It's a fine line. If we are to improve by any measurable amount...
... we must balance precariously and charge forth.
This is truth.
Failure is going to happen when...
- going for an impossible PR
- experimenting with new training
- carving the curves so hard we start to slide
... if we are going to improve.
Why?
Because failure gives us that needed feedback to...
... learn what we need to learn to improve.
Now don't go doing some idiotic Evilknevil stunt.
But, push.
Push a lot.
Every failure teaches us,
we adjust,
improve.
So push.
Push through...
- fear
- pain
- limits
... and reach our next impossible.
As the great Tom Watson, founder of IBM at the time the premier computing company on the planet, preached to his engineers...
... Fail faster.
===
We have 5 days to ride the New Year's Resolution madness, and all year to make it happen.
===
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps only
5 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHOSE WATTS ARE THOSE?
ON MY WAY HOME from the local ride of destruction, I was thinking about the amount of watts the fellows were putting out and how destroyed I felt...
... how could I quantify that?
I know my numbers,
I don't know theirs.
I know how I felt,
I don't know how they felt.
Back in the day...
... I'd visualize my head on my favorite pro's body.
Crushing all comers...
- What would be be like to put out Pojacar power and escape tens of miles from the finish?
- How about a Cav-like explosion sprinting for the line?
- Or, the surge and surf stomping of the bunch by the great Sagan?
... like a boss.
Playing that game of imaging what would Pogi or Cav or Peto do is...
... a great way to take on the unconquerable challenge,
and kinda sorta maybe put out some inspired watts of our own.
---
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I HEARD THE BELLS
RIDING ALONE IN THE FOREST can be dangerous. The low hanging branches, hidden roots and rocks, and...
... the occasional wild animal.
Not the bunnies,
squirrels
or deer.
No danger there.
I'm talkin'...
- bear
- moose
- cougars
... the big, mean and hungry ones.
So, we blissfully mount bells on are bikes.
Which reminds me of the great Ray Bradbury's book, Something Wicked Comes This Way.
One of the characters, Mr. Dark, is confronted with the carol I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.
My favorite verse:
God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Ain't nothing like a peaceful ride through the forest.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ELVES ARE DONE
WELL, I'M TUCKERED. The machines are tuckered. The many hands that make the magic happen are worn and achy. We're shuttin' 'er down for a couple of days...
... even elves gotta have an off season.
But, here's the dill.
The things we really want...
- speed
- power
- time
... we can't purchase.
The things we can purchase...
- equipment
- apparel
- trips
... we'd be embarrassed to task to a loved one.
We gotta be our own elves.
So, pretend your tapped on the cash...
... how are you going to get more speed, power, time?
Imagine it's spring time,
you're toeing the line...
- fit
- taught
- relaxed
... what's it gonna take?
Write it down,
wrap it up.
Give yourself a real gift.
Better yet,
give it to a friend or family member.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HE'S MAKING HIS LIST
THE POWER OF A CHECK LIST is awesome. Not ticking the boxes, for that quick hit of dopamine, there is something even better than...
... getting it done.
Which is the point.
For me, the real power is in the creation of a list.
Exploring and considering...
- each and every angle
- what is needed
- what is fluff
... and building an empowering list.
It's harder than it looks.
But, done correctly...
... discipline is replaced with love and urgency.
Checking the box is dessert...
... one we can enjoy each and every day.
---
That pic is literally a page from the RaceDay Ready Journal.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
---
163.1 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-7:20am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WATTS WILL COME
ROLLED OUT WITH A DEVILISH PLAN for myself. After 3 months of goofin' around, it was time to warm up the glow plugs on the Ol' Diesel. Nothing like...
... tickling zone 5 with the ticker.
Here's how weak I am.
Never in a millionkazillion years could I will myself push over 175 bpm...
- not for fun
- not for a coach
- not doing intervals
... I need to set up something stupid.
Like mashing the mammoth 50mm MTB tires,
with 20 lbs of pressure,
on the gravel bike...
... out to the local throwdown.
It was 25 minutes of pure, paved ecstasy.
Sandwiched in between 90 minutes of dirt, before and after.
Not much.
But, a start.
Time to begin upping the saddle time,
and sprinkling in a dash of intensity.
No need to hurry,
just stay consistent.
Keep doing the strength stuff.
If you build it...
... the watts will come.
---
163.9 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-5:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OUR BEAST OF BURDEN
A FRIEND WAS GOING ON AN ON about how his brother had totally failed. The brother had committed to take his lifestyle to the next level. It wasn't going to be enough to get by...
... he wanted to live at the highest levels possible.
Did he make it?
You be the judge.
From where I was sitting, the brother truly had committed.
The results were easy to see...
- health firing
- family thriving
- business providing
- relationship with God and man aligned
... what more is there?
The friend could only see the missteps and shortcomings of his brother.
I think the point of putting ourselves out there, is to...
- be an example
- be held accountable
- show how we deal with failure
... and hopefully inspire others along the way.
Haters think it is an I'm better than you thing instead of the more simple...
... I'm doing my best, and appreciate your encouragement.
Truth is, commitment...
... is our beast of burden.
---
Every day builds on the next...
... this hat is a good reminder.
Ships FREE, order by 12.24
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
---
163.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats n Such
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DESCEND LIKE A PRO
MY FRIEND MIKE has gotten the bug. Not wanting to deal with cars the went the dirt route, in the form of an MTB. He loves it, but...
... is legitimately concerned with crashing.
Legitimate in the form of...
... what we think about we bring about.
Fancying myself as somewhat of an expert,
I gave him this advice...
- Firm grip on the bars
- Arms looseygoosey
- Eyes/head up
... plus, have fun, confidence will follow.
The thing is,
we can apply that advice to literally anything.
Raising kids...
- Firm grip on getting them pointed in the right direction
- Arms ready to guide if needed or asked for
- Eyes/head monitoring their surroundings
Business/work...
- Firm grip on goals/objectives
- Loose on the how it gets done
- Eyes/head focused on where we're headed
Our next race...
- Get registered
- Plan the training
- Visualize the finish line
Come to think about it,
I wrote a book about that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE? There are a million factors. At least we aren't too weather dependent, and we have the great outdoors as our playground. Compared to other activities...
... we got options.
My favorite is late morning...
- warmer
- sunshine
- break up the work day
... it's almost always alone.
Which is fine, but it can be risky...
... out in the wild.
Take today.
I didn't line up the turn up quite right,
took a stick to the face,
nearly in the eye!
Coulda been way worse.
Way.
Dusted myself off and rode on
decided to chill on the lovely
middle of nowhere
lawn chairs.
And count my lucky stars.
Which reminds me of the wonderful Christmas movie, The Shining...
... all workout and no reflection makes Jack a dull boy.
A good break in the action,
keeps us sharp.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats & stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN YOU CAN'T DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE
WE THINK WE'LL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE LOVE. I remember specifically thinking after one particularly surprising race result...
... I could do this forever.
How does the saying go?
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.
He must have been dying on Monday.
There I was...
- in a beautiful part of the country
- hero dirt from the recent rain
- expansive, gorgeous views
... and I was battling double-vision.
For whatever reason, I took a huge step backwards in my recovery from my brain injury.
I couldn't dive bomb the downhills.
I couldn't do what I've always done.
Did it suck?
Yeah, totally.
Did I quit?
Not even.
I slowed down, and did what I could do.
Which turned out to be an echo from an elderly spiritual leader who was assessing his final year or two of life, who said those exact words.
Doing what he could do.
Am I freaked out?
Not yet.
First off, I called my friend Rick the behavioral ophthalmologist (think PT for you eyes).
We talked about how I'd laid off doing the exercises he'd given me when I was first injured.
In fact, I did the most basic one right away, because I only have the most basic tool on me, and almost immediately noticed an improvement.
Next, I called my surgeon's office. The NP called me back and suggested I go on a steroid for 5 days to ease any post-surgery swelling that can occur, even months later.
Tomorrow, I'll get back to the more vigorous eye exercises.
Doing what I can do, and hopefully...
... back to what I've always done.
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6am)
Push Ups (doing all I could do while vanning it)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
re: IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
Dear Ol' Diesel,
I'm still trying to figure it out Todd. I check in on one thing for a few years and then I'll switch gears, etc.
2025 I've got no endurance plans...biggest focus is strength training 5/6 days per week.
Is this lack of dedication?
Is this why i never quite seem to get my goals?
Is it enough that I attempt which is more than 99.9999% of folks can say?
I dunno man, still in search of answers. But I will tell you my want for endurance is absent.
I don't want to get up early for a ride
I don't want to get up early for a run
Heck I don't really want to do any of those things right now.
I do want to spend a little extra time with the better half
I do want to slow down a moment and enjoy or take in this new reality of empty nesters...
Does this make me lazy? I worry I'm losing my edge.
Thank you for always sharing your thoughts,
I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA.
---
Dear I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA,
Haha… no, you are doing great. Take a break. Spend time with your wife. We love our kids, and we love being emptynesters. Super fun, lots of flexibility.
I’d say this, don’t train unless it sounds fun.
We are on a quick trip up the coast. Just the two of us. Rode with Susie until she was ready to rest, then rode a bit on my own. No hurry, no rush, no care to do X work out.
Now, I’m in the hotel room catching up and she is in the Jacuzzi.
Life is short, wives are more important than miles… and besides, they like us with a little muscle.
IMHO, you're on the right track.
Love ya!
The Ol' Diesel
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
9ish hrs sleep 830pm-5:30am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT WORTH 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.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
166.8 lbs (too much recovery fuel?)
8ish hrs sleep 10pm-6:04am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
>
GETTING HIGH
NEARLY 6000' IN 32 MILES represents a good amount of climbing. Mostly straight up or straight down, on dirt. At about the 2 hour mark...
... I hit the highest point.
A few miles prior, a thought occurred to me.
If something bad happens,
I'm a long, long, long way from help.
The tires are new,
sealant fresh,
new chain,
cassette.
And, I was feeling pretty good...
... check, check, check and more checks.
Carry on,
enjoy the views,
and lack of humanity.
A bobcat appeared on the trail about 20 yards ahead of me,
it made a quick u-turn and loped along as I closed in,
before lunging over the side into the brush.
The red-tailed hawk surfed the gusty ridge,
searching for pray.
Chipmunks sprinted up and down the ancient pines.
Nature really does rock my world.
This mountain range is about a 35 minute drive from home.
I used to live closer,
and spent almost every Saturday up there, alone.
Looks like I've started the new year's resolution to adventure something new or different at least once a quarter...
... resolutions are kinda dumb.
Why wait?
As the great Yoda said...
... Do, or do not.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep 10pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I CHOSE THIS?!
THE BROCHURE PROMISED A CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE, everything would be tested. Yeah, all the mind, body, spirt stuff. Plus...
... every ounce of perseverence.
I salivated.
Months of prep were stacked,
when the date came,
I was ready...
... I thought.
But, then shift got real.
Way harder than I expected.
The sections with the group were hard,
we encouraged each other.
When it got really difficult,
nature split us up.
The loneliness was brutal.
I knew, hoped, we'd regroup when the elements eased.
Work together.
Get 'er done.
Crazy as it sounds,
getting towards the end,
I thought I'd gladly do it again.
Winning didn't matter,
completing the mission did...
... and, yeah, those hands were gonna be raised regardless of place.
Crossing the finish line,
to my surprise and delight...
... was my dad,
my creator.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags.
---
163.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:27am)
PullUps Push Ups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST ON BIKE WORKOUT EVER?
THERE ARE A LOT WAYS to get stronger and off the bike. Routines, fads, and trends come and go. For my money...
... nothing beats a singlespeed mountain bike.
I built one up because it was fashionable.
Little did I know how addicting the workout would be,
how much I would love riding it.
It was like battling a bipolar bull...
- docile spinning along the flats
- UFC cage fighting any time it got steep
... and it worked perfectly.
At the time, cycling had been quarantined to a few days during the week because weekends were family time in the desert riding motorcycles.
My spin stayed smooth due to the fixed gear range - it wasn't a fixed gear, I could coast.
In order to get up the constantly changing elevations...
- legs
- arms
- lats
- back
... were all recruited and magnificently engaged.
No need for weights or any kind of resistance training.
It was basically going from one interval to the next, with luxurious spinning in between.
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the ol' Trek hardtail.
Dusty.
In the garage.
Maybe it's time to spend the least dollars possible and...
... make strength training fun and sexy again.
---
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU BORING YOURSELF?
IS NEXT YEAR GONNA BE BETTER THAN THIS YEAR? It'll be different, for sure. Better is subjective, only you can determine...
... if it will be a year to remember.
We need new...
- locations
- friends
- events
- skills
... experiences that will change us.
Memorable,
forever.
As I start to fill in my calendar for next year,
it's tempting to play small,
safe...
... instead I do this.
First, I have to have one giant, unreasonable physical goal each year. (spiritual, mental, and social, too).
2024 it was Gravel Nats.
Next year (2025) hasn't crystalized yet, but it will.
Second, I think it's imperative to try a new event once a quarter.
Right now, it's looking like...
- March BWR AZ
- April Highlands Gravel (UCI)
- June BWR MT
- 4th Qtr is TBD
... it doesn't have to be fancy, could just be a weekend adventure someplace new.
Third, master something new, and have a plan to track progress.
For 2025, that is going to be bicycle mechanicing.
By the end of the year, I want to be able to do everything at a level that I could bail myself out if I was nowhere near a competent mechanic.
I'll be adding milestones to the calendar for that, and purchasing the proper tools.
There lots of other stuff on the calendar...
- date nights
- family activities
- work objectives
- service projects
... gotta make it all work cohesively.
Back in 2020 I set about getting out to the Cactus Cup for the first time.
I met a bunch of cool people, and made new friends.
Rode some fantastic and unusual terrain.
Found an outstanding Italian joint.
Cactus Cup stays in the rotation...
... I never would have found it if I hadn't ventured out.
They're having the 12 Days of Giveaways starting 12.12...
... I hope you'll win this bag, and join me out there.
---
Side note:
- I'm planning to do BWR AZ and stay the week in the desert for Cactus Cup the following weekend. If ya get out there for either one, let's meet up for sure.
- I'm also planning BWR UT, in May, and heading to Fruita/Moab the days following for some epic MTB. Lemme know if you're interested in joining.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5:55am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE THUNDER
LOOKING FOR SOME BACKGROUND VIBES, I loaded up a Goettl Media raw file of BWR Arizona 2024. It was supposed to be my first A race of last year, but..
... life had other plans.
It's never too early to start doing recon.
I like Joe's videos because...
- the POV is always really good
- his comments teach a lot
- he's super respectful
.... in other words, he's a good dude.
Turning away from the big screen to get some work done it struck me how much...
... a race at speed sounds like thunder.
Especially the gravel sections.
I got so electrified,
I ditched the project,
and dug into examining the terrain.
Joe raced the long version, the Waffle.
I'll most likely do the shorter Wafer.
From the looks of it,
I think this terrain will call for the Race King 2.0s...
- lots of sand
- some rocks
- whoops
... means it's gonna be a hoot.
Can't wait for my next thunder storm.
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EASY DAYS AND HARD DAYS ALWAYS
I WAS LISTENING TO A PODCAST with the superfamous coach of an ultrafamous racer, and the host, trying to dumb it down for us dummies, asked...
... What's the one piece of advice you'd give an amateur racer?
He had me on bearings and spokes.
Train easier.
What do you mean?
I mean most amateurs are doing too much.
Isn't that the way to get better?
No. I mean Yes, but no.
Explain.
If an athlete is training too hard all the time, and by too hard I don't mean to exhaustion, but, at a level that will not allow them recover, really recover, then they can't...
... go really hard, and get the big gains.
I thought about that today as...
- miles rolled by
- watts low
- h.r. lower
... my mind open and free.
That advice is easy to understand, hard to thoroughly absorb.
It feels wasteful.
Useless.
And so we ignore it,
to our detriment.
Being that it's a Monday, I tweaked the great Karen Carpenter's song...
... Easy days and hard days always get me fit.
This works for work, too.
There are days I'm resting, prepping, organizing...
... and days I'm slaying it with back to back to back appointments.
---
165.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COASTING IN
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DRIVIN' THAT TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH CORROSION isn't the corrosiveness itself. That's bad, for sure. But, I find the real problem is...
... it comes on so slowly.
Then, catastrophic failure.
Because I've been neglecting my trusty MTB all year, well, basically for two all years...
... I was caught out, bad.
"All of the sudden",
my shifting was shift.
It wasn't really sudden.
For months the shifting had been off, but...
... just good enough to put away and forget about.
It had reached the point of no return.
Irreparable damage had been done.
Rather than simply replacing the chain in a timely manner,
an easy home repair,
at little cost...
... I had to get a divorce,
and a hot, new, young,
complete drivetrain.
Costly.
It's just a drivetrain,
not something that really matters...
... those things deserve immediate, constant loving maintenance.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE IS LITERALLY NO SCHOOL FOR THIS
WE'RE ALL OUT THERE ENDURING, and it's like we have no compass, no gps, no no map, no field manual. There is no associates, four year, masters, or doctorate degree...
... and yet, somehow experts evolve.
Oh, there's the occasional book.
Usually so filled with jargon and graphs they are worthless, but boy...
... the authors sure look smart.
So, we rely on our...
- inner voice
- experience
- friends
... and get to work like mad scientists.
We can and do glean much from...
- watching races
- podcasts
- youtube
... then, we do our best to put it into practice on the next ride, run, swim.
Kinda makes ya wonder if...
- Jobs
- Ford
- Edison
... were just having fun, fascinated with figuring out what was possible?
---
Got a friend who's a Triathlete or Runner?
Blow their minds with a sport specific RaceDay Bag.
Use this code and save 20%: TRIRUN
Good ONLY on in stock Tri and Run bags.
---
165.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:45am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WORST GOAL EVER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I set two lofty goals. One I accomplished, one I fell far short of. What was the difference between...
... success and failure?
Both seemed outrageous at the time.
They still do.
I each case, I knew everything would have to go perfectly in order to get anywhere near what I wanted to accomplish.
The one I attained, everything did go perfectly.
I went about my business,
mission accomplished.
The one I muffed, a massive unforeseeable mountain in the road popped up.
It was such a kick in the front of my bib shorts where my legs come together,
that it was mentally and physically debilitating.
Months later, unforeseeable mountain turned to gopher mound, I'm back on track.
There's all the fancy platitudes of goals...
- goal unwritten is a hope
- goals must be believable
- goals should be realistic
... we could go on and on.
But, I'm not sure that's the point.
Really.
Having the guts to...
- set an outlandish goal
- share it with real allies, not punks who puke on our dreams
- and take massive action
... is the lifeblood of everything I do.
Failure.
Success.
They matter, but not nearly as much what occurs...
... in the process of going after personal excellence.
===
We could wait until 1.1.25 to think, start, plan...
... or, we could grab a calendar and get down to business.
https://pedalindustries.com/calendar
---
166.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DECEMBER'S FOCUS AND AN EXPERIMENT
THIS MONTH'S FOCUS ISN'T FOR BABIES. Babies crawl, make a mess of their food, and are on a quest to get fat. I'm not. Are you? I'm looking to...
... start the year on fire.
For December...
- LSD, not tripping, long slow distance
- Strength work
- Weight loss
... this is my focus.
That should have me in prime shape to hit it hard in Jan and Feb.
Two months to prep for the first races,
BWR AZ and Cactus Cup.
For Jan and Feb, I'm planning an experiment...
- Tues/Wed back to back intensity days, with long tempo on Saturday
- Tues/Sat intensity, with zone 1/2 days in between
... for alternating weeks to build race specific fitness.
The intensity for BWR's start and dynamic surges,
the tempo for Cactus Cup's old school XC race.
Should be fun.
No,
really,
it should be fun.
Just gotta nail December to be hammering in March.
---
167.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RULE OF 3
NEW AND FIRED UP, I jumped full speed into the road scene. Since all I'd done was road race, I was one hundred million percent sure...
... I was born to race road.
While I shamelessly slobbered, the old wise man at the bike shop tried to duck.
When I stopped to breathe, he said...
... Sonny you don't know you lycra covered butt from a pothole!.
Huh?
Listen up, buttercup.
Gulp.
It takes three full years...
... to know what you're good at.
But...
But nothing, now get outta here and go to work.
He was right.
By the end of that first year, I realized I was a much better crit racer.
So, I focused on crits for the next two years.
When I found mountain biking,
I was sure I'd be a cross country racer.
Turned out,
I was a much better descender than climber.
When I finally got a gravel bike,
I was sure I'd just use it to mix up the training.
Turns out,
it's actually pretty darn fun to race gravel.
There's nothing magical about the three years...
... it's the three years of working at getting better that matters.
Oh, and before you quote the 10,000 hour rule, think on this.
There are 26,297.46 hours in 3 years, which is kinda like saying...
... if you live, eat and breathe anything for 3 years, magic happens.
Now get to work!
---
168.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10pm-5am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S THE DATA DUMMY
I DO LOVE ME SOME DATA. In this vast digital world, there's plenty of it to access, crunch, and geek out on. The only question I have is...
... why? what? how? when?
It's more than what the Garwahoo is delivering.
That little screen can be divided so small the numbers become trivial, useless.
Then we can dissect it all on Starva, Training Peaks, etc.
Which brings up the question?
Do we.
And, if we do, what are we to make of it?
It is so tempting to wing it.
And, why wouldn't it be? That's how it was done from Adam till now.
Gut feel.
But, I had some sense knocked into me today.
Realizing inventory was running low on our gloves and socks, I was about to wing it on a replenishment production run.
Wait, why not pull a report?
Takes a few seconds.
Data don't lie.
And, whadaya know...
... winging it was not the way to go.
The thing about all the Garwahoo data is there's just a heckuva lot of it. We could...
- read a ton
- take some classes
- pester the nerd that rides
... or hire a coach, let a pro figure it out and tell us what to do.
I'm not for winging it,
and I'm not for outsourcing it...
... I'm more for figuring out what the data means.
Empowering myself.
---
167.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps & more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT SUITS US
ARE RUNNERS BETTER WRITERS or are there just more runners and therefore more writers that run...
... leading to a larger talent pool?
Christopher McDougall's Born To Run is probably my favorite running book.
Inspiring.
It got me to run.
Trail running for miles.
His book, Natural Born Heroes, got me totally into strength work because...
... the heroes were so naturally strong and lethal.
Jesse Itzler is a runner.
His book Living With A Seal is hilarious, and wildly challenges our limited beliefs about what we can accomplish.
Here are a few gems from my latest find...
- The most important thing we ever learn in school is that the most important things can't be learned at school.
- With my mind elsewhere I'm able to run for a long while, keeping up a natural speed that doesn't tire me out.
- There are three reasons I failed. Not enough training. Not enough training. And not enough training.
... from What I Think About When I Talk About Running.
For me, it's not so much the running that is compelling, but the book's ability to help me understand...
... why I love riding, and enduring.
How about you...
... got any faves?
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (11pm-6:05am)
PullUps PushUps
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL RACE YOU TO THE CORNER
AT SOME POINT, and it doesn't have to be now, but it will happen soon enough, we wake from our hibernation. Something stirs, and in disgust with our gluttony and laziness...
... we show our puffy faces.
It happened for me today.
I thought I could postpone it a few more weeks,
but there I was meeting at the start
of a ferocious ride.
The ride down was lovely.
Seeing the fellas, charming.
Even the first little climb
showed some promise.
It ended there.
My ballast keeping me grounded.
Basically, I made it to the first corner.
Now, I have a baseline.
And, it wasn't all bad.
I was only two seconds off my PR on that 6ish minute effort.
Things quickly went downhill after that.
Like, really fast...
... errrr, really sluggish.
On the next section I was 3 minutes off the pace.
20, TWENTY!, % slower.
I pulled the plug at that point,
proudly did the lonely ride of shame back to the van.
This Thanksgiving weekend, I am darn...
... thankful to have the desire to improve.
'Cause when desire goes,
when there's no more fire,
then what do we really have?
Gonna make to the second corner next time!
===
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are...
... Get your overstretched lycra in gear Saturday and Sunday.
Since some of ya pointed out the code wasn't working perfectly, I extended through Sunday.
TNX24 will save ya 20%.
That is if you're relating to my admission of bottoming out and still reading.
Which thrills the heck outta me.
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:15pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SATURDAY TRADITIONS
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts.
Not the pre-ownedness.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did Surfergirl see in me way back when,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:10am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KNOWLEDGE CHEAT CODE
MOST PEOPLE don't know this. Some do, like the great Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, we have this amazing cheat code...
... for insider knowledge.
Take today's ride.
Love Watts brought his wife's best friend's husband, and let me know he's a triathlete.
Here's the beauty of riding with someone.
Because when his wife's best friend's husband told me he was brand new to the gravel scene, I thought...
... Oh boy! This cat is gonna get wrecked once we hit the dirt.
Nope.
Dude can shred.
Guess what else?
My friend's wife's best friend's husband, who had been to our town many times, had no idea how amazing the gravel riding could be here in "suburbia".
Quite canyons.
Canopied trees.
Miles of single track.
What Steve Job's knew is if he went on a long walk with someone he could really get to know them.
It's the same with us.
While humanity zips around in cars...
... we go for ride, run or swim and get to know humans
and the places they live.
===
Black Friday.
I see all the unbelievable sales and savings, and sometimes I wonder..
- is it something a company does when the import gear made with slave labor in China?
- are my competitors that desperate?
- if it's such a great strategy, why don't the greatest brands like Apple, Cervelo, Tesla, Belgian Waffle Ride, Luis Vuitton, Kask, Tiffany, do it?
... seems like a good way to cheapen, destroy a brand.
But, what if it's a way to reward the loyal, cult following we have developed..
... for example my friend's wife's best friend's husband has three of our RaceDay bags.
How cool is that?
So, here's the deal.
Since you passed the test,
since you know me.
Use this code, TNX24, to save 20%.
It is only good through the 29th of November 2024.
Yes, I know it's not a mind blowing discount, but you know...
... we make our bags and apparel right here in the USA.
Quality.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS SO OVER THE TOP
DO SOMETHING ENOUGH TIMES and we start to pick up on the littlest things. Trust me, I've done this twisty country road decent at least 1000 times, when it comes to going fast...
... the littlest things matter.
On Tuesday, I hit 46.2 mph.
Not bad.
Not my best.
The PR is 50.2 mph.
A few of the little things...
√ Aero helmet
√ Tight tuck
√ Winter blubber
√ Fast wheels
... I had most of it right for top speed.
But, there was one massive ingredient.
It's not enough to make it to the top...
... gotta be sprinting past the goal to reach escape velocity.
===
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (930-530am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SLOWVEMBER, DEEPSLUMBER AND JAMUARY
IT'S MORE THAN OKAY TO CELEBRATE the holidays. In fact, it's mandatory. Will we sneak out for a turkey trot or social ride? Heckyes! Will we pile on the food?...
... it'd be a shame not to.
Nothing better than the 3 F's...
- Food
- Family
- Friends
... for our slow-thudding hearts.
Bring on Deepslumber...
- More parties
- more events
- less time
... soak it up.
Jamuary will soon be to the rescue.
It's so dang easy to get carried away and spend the entire first quarter trying to...
... undo what we done did.
Honest question,
asking for a friend...
... you planning to wake up on 1.1.25 ready to jam?
===
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:30-5am)
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A PAIR OF 45s MADE ME OPEN MY EYES!
LEAVE IT TO HOLLIES to set things right. I'm not sure when it heppened, but it's pretty dawgawn clear my sprint is dead and...
... we gotta do some resurrectin'.
A veil of dust and yuck has been yanked open.
I couldn't put my finger on it,
but on today's MTB ride I could sense it.
Something I love, is missing.
The shackles of endurance were weighing me down...
... the chains getting longer and heavier.
It's my sprint, my freakin' sprint.I used to love to sprint...
... not the fastest, but cagey and wiley.
That was it.
Somehow, the singular focus on long endurance races had killed the speeding spirit...
- That fire.
- The angst.
- Thunder and lightning
... slumbered like a middle-earth Tolkien forest.
Doing the dishes an old tune came into my mind...
... What's the name of that?
Next thing I know, Long Tall Woman...
... is cranked up to 11.
Dishes, instantly done..
I'm jamming, alternating between...
- Squats
- PullUps
- PushUps
- Bent Rows, BENT ROWS!!!
... reactivating those muskulls.
Can't freakin' wait to get on my bike, and sprint!
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10:15-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats Rows
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PUTTING A RACING SUPERPOWER TO GOOD USE
RACE LONG ENOUGH, and you can eye a competitor and know, pretty quickly, if they are suffering. And, if we're feeling good...
... this is when we pounce to distance ourselves.
But, should we,
always?
Some of the tells are...
- heavy breathing
- sloppy form
- hanging on
... they are mostly easy to note.
Though there can be fakery...
... for the worse and the better.
But, what about out of competition?
Can we use this highly-honed superpower for good...
... when neighbors, friends and family are struggling?
Even faking All is well.
Rather than pounce...
... can we embrace and lift up?
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10-6:30am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SEXIEST HELMET HACK EVER?
IT'S NOT OFTEN someone eyes us over and says we look sexy all kitted up. Maybe that's why it worked this time, 'cause there I was with my helmet on, and she said...
... you look sexy!
It never would have happened if I wasn't...
... on my way to my new sexy helmet hack.
When I get home...
- I put away the bike
- stow the shoes and glasses
- strip and head to the shower
... head into the house.
So there I was...
... buck naked.
Helmet on my head.
Normally, this would merit a head shake.
Another silly idea.
Here me out.
Step into the shower post ride and pop out...
... helmet and body, fresh as can be.
===
Do you think it has anything to do with penning in Date Night on the RaceDay Calendar?
Right now, the miracle working deal includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to rule the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10-5:50am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW TO 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!
===
Right now, the Giant calendar includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to bring on the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45-6:30am)
PullUps, PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT EBIKES
Jan 18, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE IS ONLY ONE GOOD THING ABOUT EBIKES, transportation. Getting from A to B, especially in hilly terrain and if you're a pre-driving teen. On the aporty side..
... they are also good for people with health challenges.
That's it.
I do admit to having been inspired by ebikes, not to clap some edork upside the head...
for destroying our trails during the rain
blowing through all the turns of our tight, fragile singletrack
hitting 30 mph on a bike trail, hands off bars, staring at phone
... no, none of those daily inspirations.
Ebikes have inspired me to get back on a dirt bike, probably a Honda 450X, and return to race Baja because...
... if you're gonna get a motor, it better be loud and overwhelmingly powerful.
Otherwise, all these overdressed underworking "athletes" are shortchanging themselves.
In true bandwagon fashion, USA Cycling, our governing body of competition which is constantly losing it's grip on local promoters due to their own silly policies and often surly officials, has determined esports Nats is a good idea...
... It's on the calendar, with a date and location.
Unlike many of the traditional National Championship events which have still yet to merit location and date announcements. Unlike almost every other promoter who has had their 2023 schedule and details up for months...
... these clowns, like their new esport love, can't be bothered with tradition.
Call me old.
Call me a blind...
... I prefer my suffering to be self-made, just like my power.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
Today, being in the low 40's a ebikers donned snowgear...
... all I needed was our thin Skull Cap.
It is the perfect layer to take the chill of your dome and still fit comfortably under your helmet.
Made from the same luxurious Italian fabric we use on the front of our #1 and PRO jerseys this is breathable and moisture wicking.
Save 20% with Promo Code: MANPOWER
On any of our headwear.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
----
162.6
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW CHAMPIONS FUEL FOR EPIC RACES
Jan 17, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING QUITE A BIT WITH FUELING. Calories per hour, at certain levels of effort. Getting it right...
... means laying down fast time.
Getting it wrong.
Not so much.
For many years, I strove to consume 300 calories per hour in a race or intense training session. I was religious out that. How I consumed them...
... was dependent on the terrain.
A road race, could be mostly food.
A rough and technical MTB race, all liquid from a hydration pack.
However, that has changed.
Not the methods depending on terrain, the amount of calories.
Now, I shoot for 400 calories an hour.
I perform better.
Interestingly, even though I may consume 1600 calories in a 4 hour session and according to the apps burn double that amount of calories...
... I'm not famished after the effort and I recover better.
But, anybody could and should play around and dial in their calorie consumption. Amateur and pro...
... but, champions devour a different kind of fuel.
When it all goes sideways, when all looks lost, when quitting is about to happen the champion...
... feasts and devours the past victories and triumphs.
Racers cannot conquer on bread alone.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Which is why journaling is an integral part of the 10-Week Challange
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162.4
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU TAKING THE TRANQUILIZING DRUG OF GRADUALISM?
Jan 16, 2023 TODD BROWN
TRADITIONALLY, AND I MEAN GOING BACK DECADES, this is my day to ride up the mountain top and look over my figurative kingdom...
... and think things over, make plans.
Most of us, myself very much included, cherry pick our victories and our defeats.
We are cowards, afraid to see things as they really are, to admit our faults and our weaknesses...
.... until we do that, we cannot begin to hope for greatness on or off the bike.
Dignity.
Discipline.
Destiny.
Devotion.
Dissatisfaction.
Dispair.
Difficulties.
These are what Dreams are made from.
If I learned anything from yesterday's tragedy it is that time is short, too short. There is no time to take the drug of gradualism.
We must make real promises to act with haste.
Rise.
Lift.
Struggle.
If you have never read the I Have A Dream speech, if it's been a while, do it. It's short (<10min). And beautiful. Inspiring. Don't let someone cherry pick the words. Read 'em. Own 'em.
We're doing life right when we have...
Dignity.
Discipline.
Destiny.
Devotion.
Dissatisfaction.
Dispair.
Difficulties.
... Dreams.
----
163.6
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE FOCUS ON TIME?
Jan 15, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SHARE IS TROUBLING and terrible. Walking on the beach today we noticed a surfboard floating, looking closer...
... I could see it was tied to a body.
I ran.
Turned him over
With others, dragged him to the sand.
Surfergirl called 911 and flagged the lifeguards.
A friend, who had just renewed her CPR certification, began pumping his chest.
A bystander, who is a critical nurse spelled her.
First responders arrived and took over.
We talked after the ambulance rushed away.
22 minutes had passed since the call.
It seemed like a lifetime.
I couldn't help but think of the parents and loved ones.
I couldn't stop crying and praying.
Did you see the others kneeling?
I walked back, alone, in the deep sand.
She likes to walk in the water.
Time to process.
A man called to me.
Are you okay?
Yes, why do you ask?
I saw what you did, can I pray for you?
Of course.
Surfergirl joined.
We talked a bit, he gave me a book he was reading. The Shack.
Further down the beach, we walked over to a lifeguard in his truck. Tears rolled down his face, and ours.
He said, I'm just praying him and his family.
Near the top of the many stairs back to the parking lot, an elderly woman weakly made her way. I slowed...
Can I help you?
No, I'm 85.
Oh!
I broke my leg, but I still walk down over there and then walk up over here.
That is wonderful, you're so strong.
Wherever you are, I hope you are well and safe and on good terms with God and man...
... none of knows our time.
(Please do not ask me to talk about this further XOXO.)
APPARENTLY, I HAVE 9 LIVES
Jan 14, 2023 TODD BROWN
I DROVE 35 MILES SOUTH TO BEAT THE RAIN, and ride with the most ferocious group in the region. No matter the time of year, I get whacked. I have only one question...
... are these guys, just better?
There is something about San Diego that produces competitors. I suspect the origin lies with the Navel base, particularly the SEALs.
For decades, incredible athletes have been coming here to try and become Navy SEALs. Those guys live and train here, raise their families and retire...
... and their culture spreads far and wide.
Take that warrior mentality, combine it with year round perfect weather and you've got a petrie dish of awesomeness.
There's more.
If you look at today's route profile, you see the lung busting effort after effort through beautiful terrain with few traffic lights. it's just really good riding.
I arrived early, to warm up a bit and socialize. Might as well make friends before I decide...
... I hate every one of these guys.
The pace is casual, and even I'm antsy. I shouldn't be, but I am. Then, we turn right about mile 24...
... and go straight up for 4 miles.
My chest is heaving,
Joe's slobber is gushing down his chin,
and the pros are out of sight long before the top.
Unpredictably, there is a regroup.
I'm grateful.
About an hour later, a guy looks over at me and says...
You've got 9 lives.
How's that?
Well, you get ejected on every climb and somehow get back on.
It's hard to hate a guy that appreciates all the suffering, and daredevil descending to hang on...
... in fact, I appreciate all these guys who inspire me.
I just wanna know...
... are they better?
Nurture or Nature?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
We still have 1 closeout KOM jacket. A Large.
This is without a doubt, the best product for weather like this, wind and water proof, and easily fits in a jersey pocket.
The new KOM jacket will be out soon, selling for $140... the Italian fabric is superawesome and superexpensive.
Grab the large for 50% off.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
----
164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
MOST SHIFT WORKS
Jan 13, 2023 TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES GOLD JUST ROLLS OFF THE TONGUE OF A FRIEND and I have to share it with you. Like this from legendary promoter and world champion racer Victor Sheldon...
... Most shift works if you just stick with it.
The problem of course is the IF.
Because most people don't stick with things.
I'm guilty.
Already my commitment to do X amount of sales calls a week has been far short of what I hatched from the comfort of my lazyboy on NYD. Sales calls, like most things that take effort, are hard to get started...
... and awesome once we get going.
Same for my morning RaceDay Ready cross training.
More so for stretching a night.
20ish minutes for each of those ...
... I always feel amazing once I'm done.
Victor has bagged around 20 World and National Championships between his Pro Jet Ski racing and outstanding mountain biking career. He also promotes some of the very best MTB racing in these parts...
... he stuck with it when few thought he could succeed.
If...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
163.1
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SLEDDING IMPROVED MY PEDAL STROKE, A LOT
Jan 12, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S WINTER AND KIDS ARE OUT SLEDDING. Me too, and it's done wonders for my pedal stroke...
... especially out of the saddle.
But, it doesn't snow where I live?
Not a problem.
Not that kind of sled.
This kind.
Pull it backwards, and heal your knees.
Bend down and push on the bar sticking up and magic happens in your ankles because you have to use them to get that weight moving...
... while developing speed and power.
My bike fitter noticed a year or so ago that my ankles weren't moving properly. Today, getting fit to my Frankenbike...
... wow, the ankles are firing.
The sled is the first activity I do, almost every day. 5-10 minutes. It's loaded with about 220 pounds now.
Many gyms have sleds.
This is the link to the one I'm using here.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
You might get thirsty... check out this bottle deal.
Ships FREE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
----
163.7
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
IS YOUR BALANCE IMPORTANT?
Jan 11, 2023 TODD BROWN
AS I AGE, I find it more and more difficult to maintain my balance. Oh, I can still track stand and ride the curb, do most of the fun stuff...
... but balancing is becoming an issue.
At this point, I want to be really good at a few things.
I don't want balance...
I want to ride my ass off,
work my ass off,
and know God
... I want results.
The order of priority changes often, daily, by the minute.
If there is one thing I know for certain, it's a lot easier to balance...
... with speed and vision.
Going fast,
keeping the eyes up,
makes overcoming obstacles more likely.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
That's probably why I like clear water bottles, too.
Stock is limited,
bottles are rad,
price low.
Ships FREE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
----
164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
GOOD TRIBE VIBES - 10x10 special offer
Jan 10, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT GOING RACING. The training, the bike prep, the countdown...
... and the explosion pulling into the venue.
My palms are sweating just thinking about it.
Line of cars.
Parking.
Unloading.
Kitting up.
Warming up.
Sizing up.
Lining up.
And, RACING!
I think the people that have the most fun are the ones who are there with a group.
Even if it's just two.
There is something about sharing the experience with someone who gets what we're doing...
... it's bonding, often lifelong.
The really organized groups don't just have matching kits..
... the have a place to hang out, before and after.
Usually a sweet canopy, like this one.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
Notice how it looks like their back wall is lit up, that's because we prefer to do the back walls out of a special mesh fabric...
... more light, better wind flow.
If you'd like to get a custom canopy or back wall or bike rack banner, we're doing...
... a special 20% off this week on all outdoor gear.
Go here to get started: https://pedalindustries.com/products/add-more-custom-products-to-my-store
----
164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU KNEW
Jan 09, 2023 TODD BROWN
I THINK THE HARDEST PART ABOUT PUTTING TOGETHER AN ANNUAL PLAN is not picking the events or blocking out the weekends or...
... lining up the training blocks.
The hardest part is believing what we have planned will work, and then working that plan.
In the beginning, it's really hard to tell if any progress is being made.
It's even easier to wait a day or a week to get started because...
... the weather, work, illness, vacation, celebration
If we really believed in our plans, if we were absolutely certain in the outcome, if victory - however we define it - was certain...
... we get to work right now.
That's the plan.
Work it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
164.3
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
65 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS THE OPPOSITE OF MODERATION?
Jan 08, 2023 TODD BROWN
FOR SOME PEOPLE MODERATION IS RELIGION. All things in moderation they say.. Not me. If you asked me how to spell moderation, I'd say...
... M-E-D-I-O-C-R-I-T-Y.
It's the opposite of moderation that yields results.
The best don't do any of this in moderation:
- Sleep
- Eat
- Drink
- Train
- Stretch
- Lift
- Recover
- Skill drills
Can you imagine a pro telling the team director, Not too worry, I've trained moderately? Slept Moderately? Eaten moderately?
Of course not.
Pros do the opposite of moderation.
They know exactly what it takes, and get it done...
... nothing more, nothing less.
Precision,
that's the opposite of moderation.
How do spell winning?
P-R-E-C-I-S-I-O-N.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
164.7
8 hrs Sleep (rookie move!)
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
100 minutes reading + Journaling
I FINALLY CELEBRATED BOXING DAY
Jan 07, 2023 TODD BROWN
I LOVE BOXING DAY CELEBRATIONS. Especially the kind where I don't have much to donate, but receive all kinds of gifts...
... like punches in the gut.
Today was exceptional, finally dry and beautiful after what seemed like a month of straight rain.
LoveWatts and I rode over to let the Lords of Winter Fitness enjoy their reign by raining down...
... attack after attack.
I'm not even sure they were trying all that hard, such is our state of readiness after wet and cold weather, travel, work, holidays and some wisely backed down months.
Officially, it is exactly 10 weeks until Cactus Cup, where I've sworn to snatch a PR on the long course...
... age be damned.
It
is
time.
What's an interval loathing, powermeter hating, crusty old diesel gonna do?
Obviously, take the 10-Week Challenge in earnest.
Less obviously, use and be abused at the local group rides...
... building my fitness one week at a time.
When will I stop the RaceDay Ready strength circuits? Tapering off of them 2 weeks out.
It's a lot like pulling back an arrow.
The string maybe sloppy and lax now, but it will get tighter and tighter...
... until I let it fly.
That's my plan.
What's yours?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
165.1 (the horror!)
6.8 hrs Sleep (rookie move!)
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
ROAD, DIRT AND FRANKENSTEIN
Jan 06, 2023 TODD BROWN
GRAVEL RIDING IS HERE and it is killing off road racing in these parts. The turn out is bigger, the energy greater...
... it is fun and new.
Promoters don't know what to do.
Some are threatened, some are on the band wagon,
Racers don't know what to do.
Stick with the small fields or head on over to larger fields.
But, there is a problem as I see it.
Several.
First gravel racing isn't really racing.
Hear me out.
Gravel racing is more like a gran fondo, a mass start adventure served with caviar and wine. Nobody is really there to win, but a few pros. The rest are there to ride fast, bump bars, maybe shed some skin...
... and pedal for an absurd amount of time.
There is nothing wrong with that, but it's not racing. This is racing:
- Lining up with riders of similar talents.
- Getting after it with power,
- and guile.
Gravel is a lot of fun, and it drew me in a few years back...
... I think it could be even more funner.
My typical gravel ride around here is limited. We just don't have endless dirt roads.
We have some dirt,
and some single track,
and all kinds of horse trails,
plus back alleys and sidewalks and curbs,
and of course lots and lots of concrete and tarmac.
Which means my gravel rides aren't really gravel at all...
... they are a helluvalot more fun.
Each time I roll out on my gravel bike, I'm like Dr. Frankenstein building the parts from each terrain...
- jumping
- sliding
- climbing
- hammering
- carving
... I'm not a gravel rider,
I'm a Frankenrider.
What would make gravel racing more fun?
- Shorter courses
- Requiring more skill
- With categorized riders
Or maybe it would ruin it all together when the angry step dad, UCI, found out we were having fun and came in to make it "legit".
Speaking of legit, I have determined that for me the right tool for Frankenriding is an old hard tail.
- Party up front
- Business in the back
- No fretting if things get messy on course
Maybe it's just more representative of who I am as a person?
I dunno.
I do know this.
I'm planning to race more MTB this year, and being as close to my MTB position on all rides is going to be helpful...
... Frankenriding is the only way to log the Zone 1 and Zone 2 miles.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Frankenriding also requires more upper body strength.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
164
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE REAL REASON THE 10-WEEK CHALLENGE WORKS
Jan 05, 2023 TODD BROWN
MORE OFTEN THAN YOU'D THINK, I get a thank you note or text or even a phone call from someone who took the 10-week challenge...
... they've all been grateful and pumped.
Curiously, while they all have a favorite aspect, there isn't one aspect that they all laser in on.
Which got me wondering...
... what is it about the challenge that works?
I haven't ask them, but I will tell why I think it works.
No matter who you are, how good you are, hDow much you know...
... I guarantee change is going to be required.
That is because the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge is a comprehensive program...
- physical
- mental
- spiritual
- social
... at the end you'll have so much proof of improvement in each area you'll be...
... Ready to rip on RaceDay.
It took me forever to figure it out.
For example, I once paid to Joe Friel to come and speak to a group of us. He and I had a long lunch and talked about all kinds of aspects of training. If you want to see his current thinking, which is exactly what we cover in the challenge go here: https://joefrieltraining.com/my-5-2-training-routine/
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
163.4
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHICH IS A BETTER USE OF YOUR TIME?
Jan 04, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE LARGELY ONE-DIMENSION APPROACH most riders use to get faster cracks me up. So much time spent mindlessly riding...
... vs time spent riding with purpose.
Which is better...
- Pedal stroke smoothing drills or riding more?
- Learning to carry speed through turns or riding more?
- Dialing in race nutrition or riding more?
- Clean and pristine drivetrain or riding more?
- Strength training for 15 minutes or riding more?
- Tire set up or riding more?
- and so on
... perfecting the little things or riding more?
Yes, we do need piles of miles.
But, we can get a helluvalot faster with a little effort.
I wrote a new book about that, kind of.
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I say kind of because the book really is just a healthy nudge in the right direction and will require a lot from you...
... it comes with a 100% money back guarantee.
Check it out.
Ships free, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
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163.4
8 hrs Sleep
1 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T BE A PARASITE
Jan 03, 2023 TODD BROWN
YOU CAN ALWAYS SKIP A PULL. Fake breathlessness, creep in the back. There are lots of ways to do it...
... but, we know what you're up to.
You're being selfish, saving your powder and trading something awesome for something now.
The peloton doesn't forget.
The trust is gone, and so will be the next break...
... without you in it.
Do the work.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Are you in the calendar club?
Now shipping free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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162.4
7 hrs Sleep
1 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU AT WAR?
Jan 02, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M AT WAR. Nobody knows it. Instead my friends and neighbors say things like You're so dedicated or You're an inspiration. Maybe I am, and that's cool...
... but, it's not about them or what they think.
It's my fight.
When I look at the pull up bar strategically placed in my bathroom door jam, I'm reminded of the battle. It is there because I committed to do pull ups and pushups...
... every dawgawn day.
The first few are never fun, never, which is why it is so difficult to get started...
... I grab that dern bar and hang.
Up.
Down.
Then, it's 3 pushups for every pull up completed...
... I grudgingly assume the plank position.
Down.
Up.
In a few minutes, it is all over. My muscles are full of blood and it feels so flipping good...
... that's why I go to war with myself.
Because I like it,
the challenge,
overcoming.
It's the reason I am going to go alone today and do intervals on a 10 mile rocky singletrack climb...
... nobody will know, but me.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Just like nobody will see all the work I put in before the A races on my calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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166
7 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW GOOD COULD WE BE?
Jan 01, 2023 TODD BROWN
FOR THE LAST 3ISH YEARS I have been riding 3 bikes. Gravel, road, mtb. 40%, 30%, 30%, respectively. It's been a lot of fun...
... but, I think it's made me worser.
There's just no way to reach maximum potential performance training on three different bikes, in three different disciplines, because the...
- fit
- handing
- strategies
... though similar, are different.
Is that really true?
While I just completed a breakout year, and while three of the most exciting road pros are battling it out in Cyclocross right now, and two of them compete on MTB as well, one the Olympic Champ...
... yes, I still think that could be true.
For me.
Friday, while going up a somewhat technical 6 mile singletrack climb, I just didn't have it...
... dismounting where I should be charging with power.
Not a good indication.
A few weeks back, on a challenging road ride, the group was frisky and I suffered with every acceleration.
Time to experiment.
There is nothing but MTB races and a road stage race between now and April...
... I just might have to go all in on 2 of the 3.
Any thoughts?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Have you watched this?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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166
7 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO STAY SHARP
Dec 31, 2022 TODD BROWN
I READ A LOT. I buy a lot of books. I like paper, I like to dog-ear the pages and underline the passages that are most meaningful...
... most of that is done when the house is quiet.
The best part is going for a long ride alone and considering the thoughts the authors were trying to convey.
Somehow a jarring trail or screaming descent or maximum effort on a long climb...
... will bring forth an epiphany.
An insight.
Or change my mind.
But, I don't think I've been going deep enough.
I say that because not in the stack above are the my trusty religious texts which always seem to give more with each reading.
This year, I'm going to limit myself to a handful of books.
I'll probably still buy a lot, but as the great George Raveling says sometimes you don't need to read the whole book. Or, as the great Seth Godin says most books you get the joke quickly and the rest is filler...
... if it's boring or long winded, I'll move on quickly.
The good ones I'll read and reread.
The most impactful book of the year in that stack?
The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.
I recommend it a long with others as part of the 10-Week Challenge because...
... all riding and no reading makes Toddy a dull boy.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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163.4
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WIPE OUT YOUR COMPETITION LIKE ROCKY WIPED OUT DRAGO
Dec 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
TODAY'S CLIMB IS 6 MILES. Straight up. It's singletrack, mostly too narrow to pass...
... with a fair amount of challenging rocks and features.
I picked it for one reason.
It's time to chop wood.
What I mean by that is it's time to train solo, on terrain that might make me bleed.
The great Rocky Balboa came to mind, in Rocky IV. He's up against Ivan Drago...
... a Russian killer.
He killed Rocky's bestie, Apollo Creed.
He'd nearly killed Rocky.
But, not this time. While Drago is training with scientists in a gym, our hero is in the freezing Russian winter...
... chopping wood.
I cruised up San Juan Trail in Zone 2. Keeping it mellow. It was surprising how degraded my skills are right now. Multiple dismounts. It's the perfect place to train for...
... the blows that are sure to come next season.
How do you chop wood?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Along with the 10-week challenge, I'll be going back to ride that trail often.
It's a longer climb and more technical than any of the races on my calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162
7 hrs Sleep
19 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MY TWO BIGGEST TROLLS
Dec 29, 2022 TODD BROWN
AS I ENJOY A BIT OF MICROFAME, I have had to deal with a number of trolls. It's flattering, and kinda fun to have a few haters who just don't get..
... who I am.
The two biggest trolls are of my own making, and they are constantly on my case.
In fact, they stalk me on most of my rides. Someone must have doxed me on Strava...
... it's super annoying!
The first is this young punk. Always making fun of me, and egging me on.
Jump that gap!
Get off the brakes!
Stop sitting in, attack!
(Have you seen either of these troublemakers?)
There other is an old coot couch rider. He yells I shouldn't be attempting any of my quests.
Slow down for hecksakes!
Give it a rest, grampa!
You can't do that!
Like I said, trolls are pretty funny and generally quite pathetic. I just laugh it off, and stick my plan...
... that's who I am.
What do you do with your trolls?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
I don't think any of them could take the challenge...
... trolls are all talk.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162.5
7.5 hrs Sleep
18 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
RACEDAY PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF HOW FAST YOU ARE.
Dec 28, 2022 TODD BROWN
RACEDAY PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF HOW FAST YOU ARE. If you're looking at it that way, you're bound to fall short of the mark. Instead, how well we do...
... shows how hard we worked leading up to the start line.
No amount of want can make up for a lack of prep.
Ever.
I was thinking about that yesterday. It was my first day of laying base mileage down.
Base mileage is like laying tile. It's slow work, demanding exactness in terms of effort. When I do it right, when I throttle back my efforts for a few weeks...
... I can feel the energy of a hungry, caged animal.
But, I keep holding back.
I keep laying down the miles.
Keep lifting the weights.
Keep stretching.
In time, I'll join a group ride (mine are analog, digital is great if weather is a hinderance) and allow myself to hang on without out getting after it.
The animal paces back and forth, angry purring.
Miles.
Weights.
Stretching.
Laying that tile, with a beautiful mosaic...
... unleashing a little bit more each group ride.
If you want to check out my current weight regimen, click here.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
There's a lot more revealed in the 10-Week Challenge.
Which is free... insane value, free.
Because I love you, and hope nothing but the best for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162.4
7.75 hrs Sleep
189 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO MY TERRIBLE FRIEND
Dec 27, 2022 TODD BROWN
I LIKE ROAD TRIPS because they give me time to think. Just before leaving, I downloaded David Goggins new book, Never Finished. This is his second book...
... and I have one big takeaway.
Goggins reminded me who I am on raceday, with an entire chapter on alter ego.
Bruce Bannon or The Hulk
Jessica Drew or Spiderwoman
Do you have an alter ego?
I do.
Surfergirl reminds me of it often. I like that. She gets into it...
... I don't get into it until the start line.
That 3-5 minutes before the gun sounds.
There might be a million people around, all kinds of wanker energy.
Not me.
I go quiet.
Dark.
I already have my cape on, a kit that I have chosen or designed just for said A race...
.... now it's time to summon the superpowers.
And, have some freakin' fun.
My alter ego name goes all the way back to the largely idiot college days. Only a handful of people know the name.
Once, Surfergirl gave a love note to JR to give to me before Barnburner, where I was trying to qualify for Leadville. He read it.
Who's T F'n B?
You're lookin' at him.
What's the F stand for?
Whatever you freakin' want it to stand for!
So, if you try and chat me up before an A race don't be offended if you get your freakin' helmet ripped off...
... it ain't me, it's T F'n B.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
We're making these calendars all the time, if it says pre-order, if will ship in about a week.
For free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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162.4
7.75 hrs Sleep
189 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
10 DAYS OFF THE BIKE
Dec 26, 2022 TODD BROWN
I WAS READY TO TAKE A BREAK FROM RIDING before we left. During the 10 days I took off the bike, while enjoying a snowy Christmas, I found time to hike, ski and crossfit..
... I came away convinced I could do just fine living up there.
If I had to guess, I'd mainly back country ski and ride a fat bike. There just isn't a good adrenalin payoff with skate skiing and cross country skiing...
... oddly, I found my old love of riding the lifts a bit boring and confining.
With that in mind, freedom to roam the wilderness with an adrenalin payoff, I shouldn't have been surprised when all I could think about while driving home was making it in time to get on the MTB.
No urge to gravel.
No call to road.
What does that mean for racing next year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
We're making these calendars all the time, if it says pre-order, if will ship in about a week.
For free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162ish
6.5 hrs Sleep
4 minutes of strength
15 minutes recovery
00 minutes reading + Journaling
MY HOPES AND FEARS
Dec 25, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE THINK WE HAVE 6 DAYS to get the resolutions finalized. Those calendars are longing for ink, our brains for direction, because...
... Next year I'm gonna!
Here is how I'd grade 2022.
Did I do all I could do last year in the four areas of a well-rounded square?
- Physical
- Mental
- Spiritual
- Social
Physical, off the charts. The PR at Leadville, breaking 8 hours was at the very limit of my wildest dreams. Add in the big upgrade in RaceDay Ready, and I'd have to give myself an A there.
Mental, the way I measure this is how the business is doing. I made a lot of changes, but the biggest were: closing down the retail location to focus on ecommerce; cutting my ad spend by 80% to focus on referrals and direct sales. I'm giving my self a B+ here because the direction was correct, but I'm still working on the execution.
Spiritual, this is tough to measure. I think it has to do with harmony in the relationships that matter, and having a charitable heart vs my natural default - which can be embarrassing at times. The biggest breakthrough came via the 30 minutes I spend first thing each morning journaling. This has been by far the most fulfilling personal journey in years. Another B+, good progress but I want to do so much better.
Social, or just being friendly and reaching out. This might surprise you, but I'm an introvert by nature. When Surfergirl goes out of town, she knows I'll be just fine. I'm completely happy to be alone. So, we made it a goal (me, because she is loving and social by nature), to go out and see friends or do something in public at least once a week. Here, I've got a long way to go. Just a C+ on this one.
The next 6 days are a great time to reflect.
In chapter 2 of my book, The Way of The RACER, I cover doing all we can do. Because, as the great Art Williams said...
... All you can do, is all you can do.
What did you do in '22?
What will you do in '23?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
We're making these calendars all the time, if it says pre-order, if will ship in about a week.
For free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
10 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
JUST MERRY
Dec 24, 2022 TODD BROWN
THIS IS MY THIRD TRY AT A POST FOR YOU to read tomorrow morning. The first was a weak attempt to be pithy about ChristmasChanukahKwanzaFestivus. The second touched on being...
... young at heart.
What I'm really trying to say is, regardless of faith, I hope the 25th is joyous and merry for you.
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162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE REAL MEANING OF ZONE 1
Dec 23, 2022 TODD BROWN
I WALK A LOT. I also ride a lot. Walks are always Zone 1 for me. Some rides are, too. This morning, surrounded in mountains and snow, I realized...
... I was walking with purpose.
What is the real purpose of Zone 1?
One of my early coaches called Zone 1 a Rinse Ride, because the legs feel clean and ready to go afterwards.
There is a mental rinsing which always accompanies the physical rinsing and today I realized...
... I didn't have to be lazy about it.
Once the wandering legs and thoughts subside, it is a wonderful time to consider all I have to be grateful for.
Sometimes the list is rapid and unending, other times I struggle to have any gratitude in my heart...
... it's a signal to extend the walk or ride.
On my way back, I came up with an acronym for my zone focus:
- Gratitude is Zone 1
- Efficiency is zone 2 - pedal stroke, speed, aero
- Long is Zone 3 - much of my 1.5+ hours racing is done in this zone
- Short is Zone 4 - up to 90 mins of racing is typically here
- Sprint is Zone 5 - finish of a race, get up a hill, technical climbs
I hope that GELSS with you...
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... because gratitude is a gift.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
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162ish
8 hrs Sleep
0 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU CAN DO THIS YOU CAN DO PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING
Dec 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS A SKILL MOST OF US HAVE which makes it a lot easier to pick up new sports, or get right back into activities we haven't done for a while. In fact, without it...
... things might have gone very badly today.
Nine inches of snow fell last night, and in some places it was as deep as 18-20".
Within the first couple of hours most of the powder was tracked out, meaning packed down.
Skiing the fluffy stuff is so delightful we headed off the runs and into the trees...
... we wanted more.
Trees can be deadly.
To ski powder the slope has to be steep, and you have to be moving fairly fast otherwise you sink and stop.
We did fine, had a blast, because we have this skill...
... which is really a discipline.
You know Dad, I have to give you some props.
I looked that good?
No, not really, but you did teach me to look where I want to go.
Simple as that.
I probably beat that into our children more than anything else. With bicycles, motorcycles, surfing...
... the body always follows the eyes.
What I've been most impressed with, however, is how the kids remember it and teach it to their friends and companions.
Not only does it work with most sports, but it is...
... true for anything you want to accomplish.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I cover it in my book. It's a critical skill for success.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
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162ish
8.5 hrs Sleep
o minutes strength
15 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY CROSS TRAINING IS SO WIERD?
Dec 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
CONTINUING THE THEME OF HOW I PREFER FRIENDS WHO TRY TO KILL ME, my sassy daughter took her best swing at me today. It was her chance to...
... try and put me to shame.
We met at TrainInsane, and yes they had some insane moves.
This is what makes cross training so weird. We are fit and strong...
... until we do something super awkward, that we'd never do in real life.
Like one foot in a stirrup while doing a single leg squat.
This was a DaddyDaughter Challenge and I gotta say, if we are going on form she killed me here.
On the cardio it was Dad for the win.
The rest of the exercises were straight forward and awesome.
- 30" box jump (pretty stoked about this one)
- Running while dragging partner tethered with a band
- Squats
- Sled
- PushUps
- Punching bag
- Kneel on Bosu doing dumbbell curls
- Romanian squat with tricep extension
The big takeaways for me?
- My daughter is a badass
- Riding, running and RaceDay Ready have me set to take on any challenge.
Ave HR 122 - including stretching
Max HR 165 - I was legit gassed at one point
Plus it was fun to see the besties get their dads to the gym.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
The ladycoaches were impressed...
... if you have any doubts about your ability, take the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162ish
8 hrs Sleep
55 minutes strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYMPATHY AND MERCY?
Dec 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
I CHOOSE MY FRIENDS BASED ON WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO KILL ME. A true friendship is transactional. We give, and we get. It's not harsh...
... it's reality.
Today, at 9300', I got a lot of payback.
It started at 5000'.
Friendly.
Nice.
You can use my boots and skis. It should all fit.
Got any bandages, these nasty blisters from skate skiing yesterday are catching?
Sure.
And duct tape, my broken baby toe is snagging on this very tight boot?
Yep.
Got a bigger boot, my feet are in a vice?
No, that's my biggest.
Okay... let's do it.
I'm cycling fit, and the recent running helped too, so it wasn't too bad for the first hour of climbing. The going was gentlemanly, up a road, then a somewhat easy single track.
Didn't really need the poles, except for stability.
Then it got very steep, with lots of switch backs. The arms, shoulders and core much more engaged. It reminded me of doing dips. 1000s of dips.
It took about 3 hours, with a few stops, to get to the top. Talley's PR is half that time. This was not a beginner's route. The views were amazing...
... I was so glad to be fit enough to do this.
I brought Josh, my soninlaw, along. He rented a split snowboard. Smart kid. I should have rented, my feet were barking hard. Miserable would be an understatement.
We were both so excited to get to the top, and give our bodies a break before attacking all the fresh snow.
It was a windy at the peak.
The top layer of snow a crusty from yesterday's sun.
Everybody was ripping the knee deep powder on the way down, except me. It'd been too long. I was more like a circus clown, crossing tips, hitting trees...
... a lot of Oh shift! moments.
Still, no way to wipe that smile off my face or anybody else's.
It was too good.
Talley had the line of the day, as he laughed at my clown show...
... I have sympathy, not mercy.
And that my friends, is what friends are for.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Talley is prepping for a back country ski race and using the RaceDay Ready challenge. He was telling Tom about it, who is going to PR Leadville in 2024.
I'm not all in yet, it takes a while to incorporate it. But, I've given up soda and I notice a difference.
Do you just do it for 10 weeks?
For me, it's a lifestyle. I just challenge people for 10 weeks because it's doable. And they'll incorporate some if not all of it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 strength
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T BE CAREFUL...
Dec 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'VE SEEN THIS SO MANY TIMES, I can predict who is going to kiss the rocks/dirt/asphalt and who is going to fly on by. It's easy because one is careful...
... and one is confident.
Being careful, when it comes to going fast on a bike, is very dangerous.
There is so much going on a careful rider quickly becomes overwhelmed with all the variables. Inevitably, the rider will hone in on the biggest perceived danger...
... and follow their eyes to their doom.
Being careful is akin to worrying. People that worry about getting sick, get sick. People that worry about never finding love, never find it. People that worry, always...
... get what they worry about.
Confident people approach it all differently.
That was very obvious today, my first attempt at skate skiing.
I thought it would be easy.
I've ice skated.
I've skied.
We clipped in.
Jeff skated away.
I took a push and fell on my @$$.
Ouch.
Instantly, I switched to careful mode.
Taking baby swipes, moving like a drunk robot.
Not pretty.
Very out of breath...
... while he glided confidently into the distance.
My falls got further apart, but I was a mess. Skis going this way and that, arms on fire. I was being way too careful.
The fastest way to move confidently:
- Hire a coach
- Practice 'till perfect.
Which is exactly what I'd do if I lived up here...
... don't be careful, be confident.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162ish
8 hrs Sleep
0 strength
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU DOUBTING YOUR DOUBTS?
Dec 18, 2022 TODD BROWN
IF YOUR RACE GOALS ARE HUGE you'll have two times when your doubts are equally large. When you write them in Sharpie on your calendar...
... and immediately after you cross the start line.
Doubting our doubts is crucial.
Our doubts get knocked down as we prepare to race. Day after day of consistent, disciplined action...
... replace our doubts with assurances we can succeed.
But, the days just prior, and the night before the showdown with destiny, can be filled by confidence killing conversations with ourselves. Give them no heed. Reflect on your preparation...
... what you know to be true.
Doubt your doubts.
Trust your training.
This is the way.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Trust me, I have all kinds of doubts in my ability to swim and run effectively.
The Giant Calendars are shipping free.
Get one.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162ish
7.75 hrs Sleep
RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MY LEGS ARE BURNING!
Dec 17, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE FEW THINGS THAT GIVE A PARENT MORE PLEASURE than teaching a skill or sport to be shared and enjoyed together. The best is when the parent is surpassed...
... but, there is something right up there next to that.
I had the second best experience today skiing with our snowbound daughter and son in law...
... and it's all because of dad's dang biker legs.
Little Pants has certainly improved since she began chasing Josh around the mountains. She was enjoying so much more of the available terrain, and keeping right up.
Impressive.
Black Diamond stuff.
Our grand day got even better when I heard...
... My legs are burning.
And that is the best thing next to being surpassed by your child...
... knowing you've still got one on 'em, for a little longer.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-cycling-raceday-bags
If you're looking for an outstanding gift to give to a child, parent, friend, lover, competitor...
... check out this email I just received.
We can ship anything that is in stock right away.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-cycling-raceday-bags
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162ish
8 hrs Sleep
No strength training
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
TIME TO PUT IT TO THE TEST
Dec 16, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE AREN'T JUST TRAINING FOR RACING, we're training for life. To be fit, able to do any physical activity we want...
... at a level that is fun.
Tomorrow, and next week I'm putting that to the test.
Alpine skiing for first time in a few years, cross country and back country skiing for first time ever.
I'd say Wish me luck, but a friend once told me...
... luck is for the unprepared.
Which brings me back to just what it is we want to accomplish when we put in the miles.
- Fun
- Sanity
- Fitness
In that order for me...
... how about you, got anything fun planned for the holidays?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162ish
6 hrs Sleep
Just pushups
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW I MADE MY BIKE SUPER QUIET
Dec 15, 2022 TODD BROWN
THIS USE TO DRIVE ME CRAZY, the constant clanging of most saddle packs. I'd be ripping through the wilderness, or full gallop sprint on the road and I could hear was...
... that loose, sloshing.
Mine was relatively quiet, some cats sounded like a tweaker who got ahold of a tambourine.
- It's annoying on the road,
- and a buzz kill on the dirt.
One day, pre-tubeless, I had an inspiration. What if we made a pack...
... out of a thick MTB innertube?
The result is in the pic above, The Mini RaceDay Bag™.
- Holds everything tight with compression
- Deadens any sound
I keep 2 air cartridges, a nozzle, 2 levers, and a mini tool in there.
Silent.
Does not move.
Easy to access.
Does not move.
Easy to access.
Plus, everything is protected from the elements.
Use promo code SUPERQUIET to save 20%
Use promo code SUPERQUIET to save 20%
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161
7.75 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
IS THIS WHAT I WAS CREATED FOR?
Dec 14, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT HAD BEEN A LONG DAY. I'd risen and started working at 5am. Pushed the pedals hard for 50 miles. Battled traffic for 2 hours. Returned at 7pm...
... there was no way I was getting off the couch.
But, I'd made a commitment.
But, I didn't care.
That is the major problem of the afternoon workout.
The flesh is weak,
and the spirit is weaker.
I asked myself if this is what I was created for...
to mindlessly watch motocross and surfing videos on YouTube?
to whither into weakness, tempted by Surfergirl's HagenDaaz?
to scroll myself to sleep?
Then, Twitter pounded me with countless posts on the power of strength training...
... and I got off my ass and got it done.
15 minutes.
- Squats
- Shoulder press
- Nordic hamstring curls
- Reverse Nordics
- Toe raise
- Calf raise
- Box jump
- Pullups
- Pushup
My energy shot right back up with the sexy feeling of blood pumping through my body...
... now, I'm ready to write.
Then, I'll go back downstairs. Pull up YouTube, stretch and Hypervolt while I learn something...
... and, yes, sink back into that couch.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Because in 10 weeks, I'll be doing my first triathlon in 15 years...
... and it's on my Giant Calendar, reminding me every day.
This is without a doubt, the most motivational thing I do...
... write in Sharpie for all the world to see.
If I really had the balls... I'd put qualify for Worlds on there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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161
7.75 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
CHECK, PLEASE.
Dec 13, 2022 TODD BROWN
I CAN TELL WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU WITHIN SECONDS. It's easy. Possibly incriminating. Definitely...
... 100% accurate.
All I need to do is monitor what you do when you first wake up.
What are you checking when those eyelids snap into action?
Me?
Sleep
Sales.
Weight.
In that order.
Why does it matter?
Because we get what we measure.
Want more or less of something...
... measure it DAILY.
The great Scott Adams in his book How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big claims we are simply moist computers and easily programmed.
Measuring is a simple example of that truth.
I cover this in detail in The RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge. Now that I think about it...
... the challenge is all about programming for success.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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161.9
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU CAN SKIP SOME WORKOUTS SOME TIMES
Dec 12, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT POURED ALL DAY YESTERDAY, right on through this morning. The sun broke out around noon and I set to grinding out the work as fast as possible...
... for quick loop before sunset.
Sunlight streamed through all the windows as I geared up, and was still streaming when I opened the door to leave...
... nooooooooo, more rainfall on a bright sunny afternoon.
Rats!
All I could think of was the great Bob Marley's Get Up Stand Up. ...
... and my version...
You can skip some workouts some time,
But, you can't skip all the workouts all the time.
Why didn't I skip today's?
Well...
- It rains in races, so it's good to have a feel for wet roads and clothes
- I'm taking off 10 days this month, gotta get the rides in that I can
- I applied Pelli Bike Care's ceramic coating to my bike and wanted to test it
- I also applied Wend Wax' new ceramic lube to my chain and wanted to test that.
... I had to get out there, conditions were perfect for testing.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/layers-vests-jackets-warmers/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
What I didn't have to test out is the KOM jacket, because I already know how awesome it is for just such a day.
40 degrees and raining.
We still have a few small and large available in the old style, on close out. $70 for $140 jacket.
It's one of my most favorite creations.
Cuts the wind and water like no other, yet breathable.
If it's super cold, add arm warmers and a 2nd jersey for layers... probably what I'll wear for tomorrow's 38 degree start.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/layers-vests-jackets-warmers/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
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163.4 (nooooo, the xmas parties got me)
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO WANTS A NEW CHALLENGE?
Dec 11, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'M READY FOR SOMETHING NEW. I don't know what it is. But, I can tell it's time to change things up...
... find a new outrageous goal.
I thought it could be triathlon, so I started running.
Why not?... everybody should be able to run a 10k and swim 1k.
Which got me thinking about other basic things we should all be able to do easily...
- 10 pullups
- 30 pushups
- Squat our body weight
- Ride tempo for 2 hours
- Bunnyhop a curb
... but, that's basic and not outrageous.
Candidates for outrageous:
- Xterra Nationals
- MTB Marathon Nationals
- MTB Marathon Worlds
- Best of Both
- Downieville Classic All Mountain
- Moab Rocks
Let me qualify outrageous. For me, that means making one of these events my A race for the year and going all in. Going for the win.
I haven't settled on one yet. Some are hard to get into. Some dates still unknown.
All I know at this point is, it's going to be something new and it's not going to be an 8-10 hour deathmarch.
What about you?
Same old races you've done year after year or are you looking for something different?
I'd love to know.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162.2
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
VAGUE, RANT!
Dec 10, 2022 TODD BROWN
I LIKE TO RIDE ALONE THIS TIME OF YEAR. It feels good to roll out with a vague idea for the ride. More important is...
... time to reflect on the year behind, and the year ahead.
Where have we been?
What have we accomplished?
What's in store for the year ahead?
For me, crushing my PR at Leadville was for sure the highlight of the year because it...
... proved the power of focus.
While the nonchalant training of this season is pleasant and rejuvenating, it must end if excellence is to be accomplished.
Vagueness gets us nothing.
Clarity gets us everything.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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161.3
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE ART OF RIDING
Dec 09, 2022 TODD BROWN
MANY GREAT THINGS HAVE RESULTED FROM CLOSING OUR RETAIL LOCATION. For example, meeting Leah, the lovely artist who took over the space...
... coincidentally, a founding member of the Sisterhood Of Cycling.
I'm always amazed at vastness of the small word of bike lovers.
Tonight at her gallery's art show, we met all kinds of of riders who live here in town, ride the same trails and surf the same waves.
Wait, do you know...
Oh, you ride with the Motley Crew
Haven't I seen you in the water at Sano..
While were having this lovefest and bondathon it comes up that one of the couples has a mountain bike tandem...
... and that's where I have to bite my tongue.
But, Surfergirl lets it out that we have one too.
We rode the crud out of our Ibis Cousin It during the 90's. Us. The kids on the back. All over the local mountains...
... until that fateful day I said No more.
It was hot. We were grinding up a steep tail. I was out of breath and she's talking about dinner plans and where to go on vacation the next summer. I was out of breath! Suffering!...
... she's painting her nails with her feet up on the top tube.
I snapped.
Silly I know.
The tandem sat in the garage for the next 20 years. Saved by memories of good times. Collecting dust. Resting on flat tires...
... until I restored it last summer.
We've ridden it once.
I gotta feeling we'll be back on it soon with our new fast friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Might have to get Surfergirl to take the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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161
17.4% bf
60.6% h2o
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU GETTING COMPOUND INTEREST?
Dec 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
FOR YEARS I WOULD LET MY FITNESS GO at the end of the season. Correctly, I'd plan to get it back the following year. Incorrectly...
... I was missing a chance to have my fitness compound.
With the nest empty, I've take an interest in the CANI approach.
Can I have Constant And Neverending Improvement?
Yes, kind of.
The supreme fitness reached during a season cannot be held onto forever, but we don't have to let it all go to helk...
... we can enter the next season fitter than we entered the previous season.
How?
- Don't pack on a winter coat
- Do strength train more
- Do cross train
- Do keep stretching
- Do back off the volume
- Do keep doing intervals 2x/week
- ...
If I'd done that I'd have a Gold Medal by now, LOL.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
It's all revealed in the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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160
17.3% bf
60.5% h2o
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
3 TRAITS ALL WINNERS HAVE
Dec 07, 2022 TODD BROWN
WINNERS HAVE THESE THREE TRAITS, and losers are generally lacking in at least one, but not the first one...
... everybody on the start line has ambition.
That's a given.
Who will win?
Who will put down their best time?
They'll have ambition,
and a laser focus on their goal.
But, lots of competitors have that.
There is a legend of a triathlete who in his mid-40s decided his goal would be to become a world champion, to win Kona. At the time, he was fast and finished in the top 20% of his age group...
... but he wanted to win the big prize.
He noticed that many athletes would train with pain and ultimately they would permanently injure themselves, or simply burn out.
His plan was to outlast them all. He made sure to rest, to take time off, and to address any pains or discomforts immediately.
At age 70, he became an Ironman World Champion...
... because he was patient.
Ambitious.
Focused.
Patient.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
My patience has garnered me all kinds of knowledge this year, and you can have it all for free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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160.9
16.5% bf
60.9% h2o
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE HARDEST THING YOU MIGHT DO NEXT YEAR
Dec 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
ABOVE IS A PICTURE OF A CUSTOMER'S WALL OF FAME. It's hard to miss the Giant RaceDay Calendar, and while I'm thrilled to see it in action it's living proof...
... how hard it is to commit.
There's a HUGE miss on it.
Do you see it?
It's easy to fill in the dates of races, maybe start with pencil or a fine ball point pen. As things gel, take out a Sharpie and mark up the events we really care about.
But, even as impressive as this calendar is...
... and results garnered over the year were incredible...
... it's missing the most powerful component.
Here's a hint.
Do you see it now?
It's not the red vs black, though I will say there is a certain amount of badassery with red.
It's the top.
THIS YEAR I WILL...
His is blank!
This is not the first time I have seen the most powerful portion neglected, and I think I know why...
... it's scary has heck to make a commitment like that.
- Big
- For all to see
- The absolute glory or complete failure
In Sharpie!
What can we do about that?
Well...
- Realize there is tremendous power performing this written ritual.
- Meet with a group who are equally engaged in their own mythic quest.
- Master the calendar of our life.
... and, Get. It. Done!
How?
May I suggest a tiny investment with massive potential.
For a mere $11.53 a week you can...
- Jump on a quick, WEEKLY call with us and a few other amazing athletes to check in and be held accountable to your goals throughout all 2023
- Be part of a group where you can ask the coaches anything
PLUS...
- Get a Giant RaceDay Calendar ($30)
- A reminder wallet with YOUR major race goal ($38)
- RaceDay Ready SuperTech T ($75)
- A RaceDay Journal to document your progress ($20)
- I'M READY socks ($20)
- READY retro trucker hat ($30)
AND...
- Meal plans
- Strength and stretching videos
YES, THIS TOO...
- 25% saving code for ALL PEDAL Industries products - stock or custom
- Early Access and 25% savings to our events like SurfNSummit
DON'T FORGET...
The PR-SMASHING Guarantee:
If you aren't smashing PRs and blowing yourself away...
If you aren't learning things you never even considered...
If you aren't stoked out of your gourd about life in general...
... I don't want your money, none of it.
I'll give it back at the end of the year as long as you've done the work...
... and you can keep the RaceDay Ready 2023 gear.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life
I can't believe I'm doing this on top of all of the above...
... use this promo code to save 20% on RaceDay Ready For Life:
RDR20
Code will expire 12/31/22
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life
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160.9
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, SO WHAT!
Dec 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOME OF US HAD GREAT SPORTING YEARS, some of us fell short of our goals, and some didn't even come close. Wherever you fall, be sure of this...
... it ain't about where we've been.
It never was.
Never will be.
Nevever.
There are only two things that matter.
- Where we're headed
- How badly we want to get there
That's it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
If you ain't getting there,
want to try something different,
take the 10-week challenge.
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161.2
6.5 hrs (thought it was 630, it was 5... got going anyway)
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE MEANS FORTIFY THE ENDS
Dec 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
I STRUGGLED TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS FOR DECADES. As a kid, bouncing back and forth between parents' homes, the excess trying to make up for the suckiness...
... I dreaded the holiday season.
Fortunately, there were bikes from time to time and I could ride away from it all...
... ride and ride and ride.
Thank God for liberation via the Schwinn Stingray.
One year, a mermaid tricked me into visiting her home in the islands for the holidays. It was there that I finally found Christmas music that healed my wounded soul...
I'm listening to this amazing music as we prepare for a white Christmas in the mountains with our children, their spouses and the grands.
What does this have to do with training and racing?
Often it's the bad race, the disappointing result, the ugly moments...
... which lead us to be great.
Hang in there.
I don't know who you are, but hang in there, and know that I'd love to go for a ride with you...
... on Stingrays if we can find 'em.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
This is my gift to you.
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160.1
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS AIN'T THE LOTTERY, YOU GOTTA EARN IT
Dec 03, 2022 TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BEST PARTS ABOUT RACING FOR YEARS is watching people progress. From that first race, getting the helmet straps blown off...
... to sticking with it and getting on the podium.
If you're reading this, you've been to that first race when you are confronted with cold hard facts...
... there's a lot more to racing than riding your bike.
- Arriving early
- Bike prep
- Training
- Course pre-riding
- What to wear
- How to eat before, during, after
- How much to drink
- Whether to join a team
It really is endless, and it all starts...
... with the end of the first race.
Commit, or quit.
I was thinking about that today when the 55+ podium was announced.
At the top was the sly fox Ken W (for winning). He's been around forever, and we've had some good battles. In 3rd and 5th were two guys I've been watching. Reggie and Jiri...
... they are committed and improving.
I don't know if they really care about the podium as much as they care about figuring out racing, battling the best guys around...
... and the high we get when we master something new.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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159.4ish
7 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHYI DON'T CARE HOW MUCH I WEIGH ON RACEDAY
Dec 02, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'M RACING TOMORROW and I don't care how much I weigh when I wake up. Do you? Should I? I mean, I'll be racing...
... and it's all about power to weight ratio.
Yeah, but.
Let's take a step back.
First, most people confuse hunger with thirst. They should actually be drinking vs eating.
Second, most people are so addicted to food they can't handle the feeling of hungry...
... especially the sugar addicts.
Third, we aren't most people.
- we drink plenty
- aren't addicted to sugar
- can handle the feeling of hunger
Which has a lot to do with being lean and strong.
Okay, the table is set.
Here's what I mean.
Because the day before I'm focused on fueling all systems, instead of being lighter than the day before, or the same weight...
... we might be a pound or 3 heavier.
I don't care about that.
The previous months were already spent getting down to my race weight...
... on RaceDay I'm topped off on calories and liquids.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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159.4
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE STEEL
Dec 01, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY VIDEOGRAPHER CAME OVER TODAY TO SHOOT the RaceDay Ready work out. We shot it start to finish...
... it takes about 15 minutes.
Unlike what every other gooroo is telling you to do...
- get to the gym
- 2x per week
- 6-10 reps
- 3 sets
... we spend 15 minutes a day.
I followed the gurus.
When I followed the gooroos, my legs were smoked so I couldn't to an effective riding...
... and by the time I started to see results the gooroos said to back it way down or stop.
Cameraguy isn't a rider or runner, so he didn't totally understand when I explained the benefit of each exercise in regards to developing power on the bike.
When we were done, 14ish minutes later I asked him...
Whadaya think?
I wanna do it.
Mission accomplished.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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159.4
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT DO YOU HATE MORE?
Nov 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE REASON I RACE IS SIMPLE. I lose. Often. Sanctioned or underground or racing friends to the city limits...
... I almost always lose.
And, it ticks me off!
A lot.
So, when...
It's way too ffffffreezing and wet
I'm too tired for big miles
I want the damn donut
I loathe pull up bar
... I revel in how much I hate losing, being dropped, failing a personal quest.
Embracing the hate is one way...
... to start winning the battle of the mind.
It's all mental.
Or, as the Sultan says, we create it all spiritually first.
The Sultan's Seven Secrets is one of the excellent books I recommend in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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159.8
7.75 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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