I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT INTERVALS LATELY.  Do they matter?   Which is best?  Would they have been beneficial at my last race?  Same things we all think about...

... and I realized my success this year had everything to do with intervals.

But, probably not the ones you are thinking of.

Do we need another interval workout or do we need to work out the intervals of our lives...

... to ride better and faster?

I mentioned in my book, there's no racing trinket or kudo that outweighs the important things in life.

And, I applied that to my RaceDay Calendar.

First, I blocked out all the family and friend activities for the year or as far forward as I could.

Then, I added crucial work commitments and deadlines.

Next, was my A races in Red.

And, I let everyone know that I was sticking to the calendar.  

Which meant, when the family reunion changed to a week before my A race I bailed on it.  It was not a popular decision (at least they claimed they'd miss me), but everyone was completely supportive and sent me all kinds of good messages.

It also required me to put in processes and systems I hadn't thought of so work could continue smoothly and productively.  The result has been our most successful summer to date.

What about the B and C races and rides?

They get pushed around and cancelled all the time, but not the training required to make the A race as good as possible.  That happens, but I'm flexible on how the week flows and mostly flexible on how the month flows.

I fear too often we chase gizmos and tactics to "hack" our fitness, when...

... most of the time it's a question of planning.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

Part of that planning includes making time for adventures with amazing people.

At this point, we are 30% full on the Surf N Summit...

... with some of the best humans I know and cherish.

If you can't make time for this adventure, make time for something.

This the jersey we'll all be wearing... I'd love to make you one, too... even if it's for a different adventure.

I added in a bunch of details on what you'll be getting if you join us...

... be sure to check out link below.

And, use this code, 22SRFnSMMT,  it will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31 or whenever the first 10 people have registered.

We'll have 20 max.

I hope you can make it.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

---

160.9 lbs.
7.5 hrs 
60.2% Body Water 
no weights
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

THE JACK OF ALL TRADES IS MASTER OF NONE.  Same goes for the bike that does it all, none of it spectacular.  But, what about the rider...

... with a stable of ponies?

If all you ride is MTB, can you rip on road?
If all you ride is road, can you shred on dirt?
If all you ride is gravel, do your kill it at all else?

The answer is obviously yes...

... and no.

By riding everything, you will have a much better set of bike handling skills.  And, probably a better physique because of the requirements to have upper body strength on dirt...

... particularly MTB.

But, when it comes down to racing ya gotta specialize.  Unless, of course, you're like Keegan Swenson, Peter Sagan or...

... other pros of unworldly talent.

Personally, I love it all.

Ride it all.

I think it's good to mix it up.  Bring on different challenges.

However, the closer I get to an A race the more I ride the bike I'll be racing and the more I ride...

... the way I'll be racing.

I'm not racing now, no more A races this year...

... which means its gravel time.

The jack of all riding.

And, if I had my way we'd call it Frankenriding...

... bolting different sections of terrain into one killer ride.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

The only other event to make my A list on my RaceDay Calendar is the Surf N Summit

I've wanted to do this ride, from the coast to Big Bear, for years.

It's going to be amazing.

This code will save you 20%, and will expire on 8/31 or whenever the first 10 peopel have registered.

We'll have 20 max.

Are you joining...

... the adventure of the year awaits.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

---

161.3 lbs.
7.75 hrs 
61.4% Body Water 
no weights
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

AFTER A BIG MAC AND MCFLURRY ON SUNDAY, a Double-Double and fries yesterday, and a giant apple fritter today from SC Donuts, I remember what is so great about being RaceDay Ready...

... not feeling like shift.

Does that mean I'm back at it?

Nope.

But, as the great Levi Peterson's protagonist, Frank,  said to Cowboy Jesus in The Backslider...

You shouldn't be smoking.

To which he replied, I know.

Sometimes we just need a break, a brief ride on the wild side.

In April, I discovered something to be true that I'd resisted for many years.

 A break is good.  
A real one.  
Off the bike.  

I'd done a few races and put in some big training blocks Jan-Mar, then took Surfergirl to Mex to surf for 5 days...

... it turned out to be one of the best things I've done.

Obviously, she was primed to be the exceptional lucky charm she is at my A race...

... and, I was refreshed and ready to really build for Leadville.

I can't eat this poorly any longer, it really is terrible.

Will I ride again?

Obvi.

When I'm ready.

In the meantime, I'll be doing the other things I love and have neglected.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22 

Then, it'll be time for the adventure of the year...

... something I've always wanted to do.

And, you should do too.

The SurfNSummit.

130 miles of mixed surfaces, 13,000 vert.

An adventure, not a race.

Check out pics and details here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

---

159.9 lbs.
8 hrs 
61.9% Body Water 
no weights
0 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling 

I GET ASKED THIS A LOT.  As if I'm not thoroughly exhausted and satisfied for this summer's accomplishments.   First at Firecracker 50, second at Nationals, PR at Leadville...

... you'd think that was enough.

It is, kind of.

Along with a few races I sponsor, I've got one more adventure planned.

A ride.

Not a race.

But, it's far.

Really far.

So outrageous, only a few are willing to attempt it with me.

The first time we tried it this year a heat wave rolled through and we had to quite with 30 miles to go.

I call it the Surf N Summit.

Ride from San Clemente to Big Bear.   About 130 or so miles and 10-15k of vert.

I've wanted to do it for years, and we're going to make it even crazier.

Ride up Thursday Nov 3, recover at a bitchin' house with a masseuse, good food, and an easy spin around the lake on Friday Nov 4, ride back to San Clement on Saturday Nov 5.

Details are here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

It ain't all about racing all the time...

... sometimes, most of the time, a good challenge is where it's at.

Join me, if you're into outrageous adventure.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-fall-22

---

Who cares lbs.
7 hrs 
Body Water ?
no weights
0 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling 

DURING A RACE, we are often already thinking about after the race.  Sometimes way too soon, and not about the right things.  Here's what I do...

... right after a race.

First, replenish the body with good stuff.

Obvious.

The other two things I do are to write down everything...

• that went great
• that could have gone better

There's no need to repeat the same mistakes or to keep doing a few things correctly.

As the great Tony Robbins teaches.

CANI

Constant And Neverending Improvement.

That's how to make racing endlessly fascinating.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

You might not find this fascinating, but...

... changing ponchos are also handy when you left your pjs behind.

And, you can change your clothes in public.

Use promo code CANI

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

---

Who cares lbs.
8 hrs 
Body Water ?
no weights
0 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling 

I PINKY SWEAR I'LL NEVER MOCK RACERS WHO CRY AT THE FINISH.  'Cause I did.  It was all good until I saw Surfergirl.  The last thing I snapped at her was...

.... Where's my bottle!

It was the final pit stop, I was in a group of pro women and fast dudes.  I had to stay with them for the long and windy transition to the most challenging climb of the day, Powerline.

Also in the group was Mark Wallace, who beat me at Nationals last month.

Let's just say I had to catch that group...

... and I had to have all my nutrition for the final 2.5 hours.

Up to this point, everything had gone according to plan.

She gave me the Camelbak first, then ran next to me as I'm yelling with a bottle and shoved it in the cage...

... she's a pro, I'm an idiot.

The bike was working perfectly.  Even though I did some full rookie moves yesterday.  

• Andrew from BMC, replaced my dropper post for me.
• Thomas from Industry 9, rebuilt my hubs and gave me new bearings.

Don't ever do these things the day before.  I did, because they were generous and I've been out in the middle of nowhere and unable to take care of before.

My food strategy also was a roll of the dice.  I reverted back to my all liquid diet.  4 scoops Skratch Superfuel and 2 scoops of Skratch hydation per bottle, per hour.  400 Calories.  That's a hundred more than I'm used to consuming.

The weather was perfect.  Mid 40's at the start, overcast after 12.  I shoved a newspaper up my jersey for the first 45 minutes to keep the cold off my chest.

Cody and Paul Iverson handled the other pit stop - we hit each stop twice, it's an out and back course.  They were also great... and I also yelled at them.  Apparently, I mismarked bottles.  I wanted 2 for the way out and 1 for the return.  Cody gave me one, I'm yelling for the 2nd.  He runs grabs one and runs uphill to jam in my back pocket...

... he's a pro, I'm an idiot.

But, even an idiot can have a great day.  

On the way to the final climb, Mark was dropped.

I started to think I just might win this thing, which would be a major bonus on top of reaching my goal to go sub-8.

But, he's a real competitor.

Somehow, he rallied and caught and passed me on Powerline.

Then I rallied on the downhill and blew on by.

Then he rallied on the paved climb...

... and I started looking at my clock.

Calculating.

Will I make it?

I was hurting.

Everywhere.

The idea of quitting, soft pedaling, sightseeing the final 12 miles was so tempting.

It would be close.

Singlespeed guy and I battled the whole way.  He'd spin out, I'd go by.  He'd get in a good gear and pull us.

I think we're gonna make sub-8.

That's all I want.

Me too. 

All the way up the neverending dirt road, we traded pulls and encouraged each other.

7:52.

Onto pavement.

The right hand turn on to 6th Street.

I was hyperventilating.

There's the finish line.

7:55

Shift! We're gonna make it.

7:57

There's more to this story - which is why I'm late on posting.

Three years ago, when I did the race knowing my date with a 20 year goal was coming up, I set my sites on a PR.  It seemed outrageous at the time.  PR, at 57?  My written, stated and proclaimed focus was 8:15.

I crossed the line at day at 8:15:37.

The picture on the front of my book, The Way of the RACER, is from that day.

Here's the scary part.

I remember distinctly asking...

... What if we are putting limitations on ourselves?  What if it's possible to do more than we've ever thought possible? 

What if?

Yes, I believe affirmations work.

More than ever, now.

But, not without work.

The great Scott Adams, in his book How to Fail At Almost Everything and Still Win, says affirmations put what we are looking for on our radar.

3.5 years ago I made a RaceDay Wallet with Leadville 8:15 on it.  You have something like that on your wallet and see it everyday you and things start to change.

Since then, I came up with the Giant Race Day Calendar.

For 22, I wrote in red Sharpie Leadville Sub-8.

What about the work?

Outrageous goals take outrageous planning and work to accomplish.

This year's effort started last year, when I wrote on the giant calendar, Qualify for Silver Corral. That meant, go fast enough at the Leadville Stage Race to get into the second fastest group, right behind the pros.  It required a combined time of under 7:30.  I did 7:27.

Meaning, this year's goal prep started 18 months ago.

During that time, I perfected my RaceDay Ready program.  

Is this a blatant pitch to sell you something?

No, there's nothing to buy.

It's a blatant pitch to share with you what is working for me.

Which brings me to Nate's 20 year celebration last night.  He completed 20 Leadville 100s in a row.  

During his speech to a small gathering of friends and family he harkened back to the day we met and he had no clue what he was doing.  He thanked me for the advice I gave him, and the positivity that a chubby, broken soccer player in a long sleeve soccer shirt on a barely ridden bike could get it done.

Neither of us had any idea he'd go on to 20 in a row, win it on 7 occasions and had blistering times.

He did the work!

The thing is, nobody does it alone.

We need support.

Which brings me to my pal Chris.

He did an 8:06 last year, and was determined to bust 8 this year.  We trained a ton together, and worked through our strategies.  From what to eat to tire pressure to training to altitude acclimation to how to take care of the ladies...

... in the middle of all that he found his soulmate.

It's not easy to ride your bike when you're smitten.  

Who would want to do that?

We lined up in Silver, matching Jailbreak jerseys so we'd be easy to spot on course.  

He and Tim dropped me on the first climb.  I caught and passed on the fast and tricky Powerline downhill.  Eventually we linked up on the way to Columbine,   We reached the turnaround within seconds of each other, behind schedule at 4;11.  I wasn't worried, because if you do it right you return faster than you go out.

We got separated on the way down.

It happens.

It's a long day.

He finished in 8:00:00.  

For me, that it'd be a win.  But, I know this tiger and that second is going to keep him hungry and thirsty for more.

Which brings me to my chin resting on my stem, bombing the pavement on the way back.

I was so tired.

Wallace was on my wheel, and unshakeable.

We were an hour out, and I wanted to badly to pull over and take a nap and never wake up.

I started thinking about all the work.

All the support.

Surfergirl's patience with me.

The outlaw cowboy song She's a good-hearted woman in love with a good timing man, by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

I started thinking about you, and your well wishes and encouragement.

Then I started thinking about Leif and Zach.  Two gents who rang me up at the start of the year and asked me to help them get ready for this very race.  They were out on course and they'd be out a helluvalot longer than me and face helluvalot of adversity.

Almost all of us reached our goals today.

Some didn't.

Their bodies didn't respond.

Others of my pals, crashed and went to hospital.  Prayers for them.

There are a thousand other stories I could share.  Eric's first time 7:40sh, Coach Brian's 7:17 Kristen going 9:04 on her first attempt.  The McGee brothers riding together.  Brian doing it on way less than normal training.  Tim getting knocked out, bleeding and still ripping an 8:10.  Leif going from zero racing ever to an 11:30.  Zach having a battle with bad food.  Vanessa blasting 10:30.  Jorge, overcoming his descending nightmares with a 9:20, Todd heaving after crossing the line, Jesse's first sub-9, Kentucky Tom's adventure...

... what's your story?

What are you going to work for?

What is your outrageous?

How can I help?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

Who cares lbs.
6ish hrs (terrible hotel choice)
Body Water ?
no weights
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling 

IT'S FRIDAY MORNING, EARLY.  Tomorrow is the big day, what I trained all year for..  It's quiet in the house, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude...

... for you.

Yes, you, my dear reader.

You have all been so kind and encouraging, helpful, and generous with your time and knowledge.

My original, 20 year goal, of going sub-9 hours seems easily doable.  And the outrageous goal of sub-8 has a glimmer of hope if everything goes perfect.

I'm reminded there are always two lanes to every goal.

• What we are going for
• What is our minimum

In between the two is comfortable.

It's so easy to fall back on the minimum and coast in.

Going for the outrageous brings all kinds of dangers.

• Mechanical
• Lose control
• Foul up food 
• etc

But, isn't that where the juiciest part of life lies?  In the outrageous.

And, if we are truly outrageous the minimum can suddenly become a serious challenge.

I'm lifting my bottle to you...

... Here's to being outrageous!

Let's get 'er done.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-supertech-ts

We've updated the outrageously awesome SuperTech T's.

Yes, the ones made from the same imported, incredibly lightweight mesh from Italy...

... cut to accent your outrageous fitness.

These are all made on demand.  In the USA.

I have a few more designs I want to add...

... like the custom ones for your team.

Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS  to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

---

156.4
7ish hrs
Body Water 61
no weights
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

AS THE GREAT FREDDIE PRINZ SAID, No time for losers.  As the sage Forest Gump said, Losers are as losers do.  With that in mind...

... are you a Ripper?

A ripper...

• Rips on a bike
• Rips up traditional ways of doing things
• Has a ripping good time
• Rips what works in other areas and applies to ripping on a bike
• Wins
• Strives for excellence
• Is ripped.

If you're not quite there, may I suggest you challenge yourself to get there.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

We are having too much success not to share, encourage, persuade you to take the 10-Week Challenge.

I'm looking forward to see your transformation.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

157.8
8ish hrs
Body Water 61.1
No lifting
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

EVERYBODY'S INTERMITTENT FASTING.  Everybody's getting results.  I was fasting, too.  I wasn't getting the results I wanted...

... but, now I am.

Here's what's working for me, and I'd hardly call it fasting.

For me, because I burn a lot of calories, the eat in a 4 hour window or 6 hour window or 8 hour window didn't work.  I felt feeble.  Weak...

... my sweet spot is 12 hours.

That means I go about 12 hours from my last meal to the first meal the following day.

Here's what's happened.

First, I get up and just get cracking on work.

By 10 or 11 am, I've knocked a good chunk.

That's about 12 hours after my bedtime snack.

Second, I've dropped a few more pounds.

Third, I've realized there's no need for 3 formal, gut busting meals.

I got back into the intermittent thing this summer during the time I was living out of the van.  It seemed more trouble than it was worth to make bacon and eggs or something of the sort.  Plus, I wanted to knock out as much work as possible and get on the bike before the afternoon rains hit.

In summary,

• 12 hour window
• Dropped a few pounds
• More work done earlier in day
• Tummy's ability to absorb a giant meal has diminished

Overall energy seems as good as ever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

Plus, a flatter stomach makes the new SuperTech T look sexier than ever.

I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...

... you know I'm all about PRs.

We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.

Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS  to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

---

159.2
9.5 hrs
Body Water 60.9
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

AT SOME POINT MY FRIENDS TALKED ME INTO FOOTBALL.  We signed me up, got all this gear, and went to practice.  All I can remember is how weak I was, unable to do the exercises...

... and wearing my first athletic supporter.

Ah, the jock strap days.

A hard shell to protect my special purpose.

We don't wear one riding, but the nice pads in the bibs kinda make it look like we do...

... and I reckon they provide some protection when needed.

But, we do still have athletic supporters...

... wives, husbands, lovers, partners, family, friends.

People that understand what pushes us, and are there to lend a word, hand a bottle...

... keep order when chaos ensues.

A virtual hard shell, around our special quest.

The first thing I learned about a jock strap, is it goes in the wash like everything else...

... so it's fresh and clean and wonderful.

That's why I've been taking Surfergirl to nice dinners, buying her little gifts, pampering her all I can this week...

... take care of your athletic supporters.

We all need some protection and support.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

What I would love to have had back then was our SuperTechT... made with the same imported Italian fabrics we use on our jerseys. 

I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...

... you know I'm all about PRs.

We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.

Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS  to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

---

158.9
8ish
Body Water 60.9
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

FOR SOME REASON, I always get a little sick the week before an A race.  The sniffles, scratchy throat.  Call it race jitters, if you like.  I call it...

... Damn, this is real and I'm scared and nervous.

I know it's just a bike race, but is it?

It's the same thing when I make a big marketing decision, like I did this month.  I reallocated about 80% of my ad budget...

... it will be a huge win, or a huge loss.

You know what else happens during these times of proving myself?  My right arm develops a rash.  It's itchy.  Annoying.  Wakes me up.

We've all got a lot on our plates, big goals to chase, outrageous plans to hatch.  The secret is not to get paralyzed when it's on the line...

... but to stay focused on the outcome we want.

The jitters, sniffles and rashes are just the bullshift our bodies throw at us...

... when are we about to open up the can of Whoopass.

Deal with it and move one.

For me, that's a round of Zicam/chicken soup/hot showers with a dab of Cortizone-10 cream.

Trust your training.

You're ready.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

And you've probably been smashing PRs all over the place.

This is my favorite SuperTech T.

I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...

... you know I'm all about PRs.

We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.

Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS  to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

---

158.8
7.5
Body Water 60.9
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

TO BE OUTSTANDING, we have to be outrageous.  Average, kinda good, somewhat committed, is not the way...

... champions think.

Outrageous always wins the day.

Innocent onlookers ask...

How far did you ride today?
About a hundred miles.

How fast can you go on your bike?
I've hit 63 mph.

Are you close to your early twenties weight?
Right on it.

Do you lift weights?
Every day.

For most people, any one of a dozen metrics that we consider normal...

... are completely outrageous.

I was reminded of that when my friend Nate texted the pic above.  It's from 2001.  His first Leadville, my third.  He'll complete 20 this year...

... 20 in a row (no race in Covid), with belief shattering results.

That's outrageous.

My own 20 year goal of going under 9 hours at 60 has kept me in shape all these years.  Only a handful have pulled it off...

... and I've made it completely outrageous this year by shooting for sub-8.

In the process of setting outrageous goals, we make all kinds of discoveries about ourselves and what we are capable of.

It's easy, so easy, to look back at the breakthroughs and wonder why I didn't try this before?

That's not the point.

The point is to be outrageous...

... as outrageous as possible, every day going forward.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

One of the outrageous things I wanted to do this year was create the most incredible tech t...

... after many iterations and alterations, using the same incredible Italian fabric we use on our jerseys...

... we've done it.

It's amazing.

I'll be adding more colors to the link below... I had to launch the PRs > KOMs first because...

... you know I'm all about PRs.

We've been getting rave reviews from the teams who have ordered for off the bike, on the podium.

Use promo code: OUTRAGEOUS  to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

---

159.1
8
Body Water 61.2
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE STRATEGIES, AND THERE ARE TACTICS.  Strategies are timeless, tactics are fleeting.  I share the overall strategies I use with you because...

... I want you to win, at everything.

Here's an example of a strategy, Eat like an athlete. 

The tactics will change with time via The Science and your own experience.

With the filter of eating like an Olympic champion, it's easy to decide what you'll be selecting when out with your friends.  And, you don't have to say something lame like I'm on a diet.

In fact, when someone asks about my food choices, you know if I'm on a diet, I just say...

... No, I'm an athlete.

The silence is so sweet, and it has lead to many conversations regarding how to shed a few lbs.

Here's another, Sleep like a baby.

I was reminded of this visiting our kids and grandson.  He sleeps about 14 hours a day.  9pm-9am, and a nap from 3-5.

Ever ask yourself where kids get all that energy?

Getting enough, and proper, sleep is strategy.  

I failed on this one today, Always be prepared for every contingency.

First, I had an hour or so drive and I could have entered in the time I wanted to arrive and my smartypants phone would have alerted me to leave earlier because of an event taking place along the route.

Second, early on the ride I was late for, I ran over a large piece of glass and tore a hole too big for Dynaplugs to fix.  I should have carried a tube, and a boot, for just such a situation.

Fortunately, the van was nearby and I threw on a new tire.

The bottom line is we all have to figure out the strategies that matter to us, and filter every decision through them.  Saves time, makes things easy...

... keeps us on the path towards where we want to end up.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge

If you're down to learn some of my strategies and see how well they work for you.

I have a 10-week challenge for you.

It's free. 

And, it works.

Mat used it to qualify for Gran Fondo Worlds, Leif used it to drop 50 lbs...

... what are you waiting for?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge

161
7 (nowhere near enough)
Body Water 61
just pushups today
30 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling 

WE TESTED THE LEGS TODAY, raceish pace up one of the major climbs on next week's A race.  This is always risky.  No helmet is gonna protect the psyche if a slow time is posted...

... it can create all kinds of doubt.

Who needs that?

But, the opposite is just as true...

... nothing better than confirmation things are on track.

CH always hits climbs harder than me.  Instantly I was suffering.  But, determined to stay with him as we have a shared insane goal, to go sub-8.  Which means...

... I better push.

He settled in after a bit and I recovered.  

Not long after that, we weren't chatting any more. Things got quiet.  Just chains and panting.

In the zone.  The good one.  Not hurting.  Just pedaling.

The data says we are on track.

Phew!

As the great Slim Shady says, This looks like a job for me!.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

You know that else is good for the psyche...

... looking sharp.

Matting gloves and socks.

There are way more colors than this available...

... and it's Buy One Get One this month.

All you have to do is put 2 items in your cart, and we'll handle the discount at check out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

160ish
6.5 hr (sleep's been hell this week)
Body Water 61ish
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling 

WE'RE IN LEADVILLE, AGAIN.  Not the 2 mile high city.  Outside of town, five miles up a dirt road, in a 20 year old cabin, a 1000' higher.  Staying with friends, and more friends...

... acclimating to thin air.

The first few days are always a little rough.

Can't breath.

Body is tired from adjusting to the altitude, the travel, the change in rhythm.  And, the final huge training week...

... there is a vague sense of being hit in helmet.

A fog.

It all leaves you wondering...

... what the heck am I doing?
... what have I committed to?
... what was I thinking?

... do I have to do it?

If the journey is better than the inn, then can't I check the box complete and just relax and eat bon-bons?

But, that passes.

We settle in.

Recover.

Adjust.

While our body is rebuilding itself and repairing the damage from the high training load, our brains are starting to see all the pieces fall into place...

... and our souls are ready to soar.

That's where I am now.

Yesterday, at the midweek race, was the first glimpse of what I've been working for...

... it's coming together.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

This is part of the nutrition component that is coming together.

The code is SOHOTINHERE

And will save you an additional 10%

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

159
6 hr 
Body Water 61%
1 strength work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD REASONS TO TRAIN IN THE HEAT.  One is that it creates more blood plasma, kind of like training at high elevation...

... but, that's not my favorite reason.

A lot of people avoid training in the heat...

... I have good news and bad news for them.

The bad news is, eventually you will be faced with a race that is hellahot.

The good new is that since most people avoid heat training, and we don't, they'll be suffering...

... while we are ripping.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

But, ya gotta stay hydrated and salted.

This bundle will save ya some $... 

... and more if you use the promo code below.

The code is SOHOTINHERE

And will save you an additional 10%

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

160.4
7.5 hr 
Body Water 61.5%
1 strength work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

DISCIPLINE IS ABOUT AS USEFUL AS WILL POWER.  Eventually, those relying on discipline will go flat.  Tucker out.  Quit.  But, not us...

... because we are playing the long race.

We have a superpower called Enthusiasm.

In other words, we are our own unquenchable fire.

We get up at o'dark thirty
Say no to cake
Hit the hay early
Log the miles
Lift the weights
Do the stretching

BECAUSE WE LOVE IT!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Just like we love these Superlight and breathable gloves...

... and socks made with FastMax Compression technology.

It's buy a pair, get a pair...

... lots of colors to choose from.

Nothing says pro like matching socks and gloves.

Make sure you purchase at least one of each, and the second one will automatically be discounted 100%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

158.4
8 hr 
Body Water 61.2%
2 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

ON AN ICY WINTER EVE, I slid around the corner and grabbed traction just enough to straighten out before the narrow, ancient bridge in that pic above.  It was close.  I was thrilled.  I thought she'd be impressed...

... she was, we never went out again.

We take risks all the time, and think nothing of it.

50 mph, 
downhill,
on tiny tires.

Sprinting bar to bar,
on the ragged edge of control,
into the turn and out, dashing for the line.

Bombing single track in nothing but lycra,
with open face helmets
jumping gaps.

We don't think it's risky...

...we're good at it.

Comfortable.

In control.

How do you get across the finish line first?

Practice.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/running-raceday-bags™

We have a lot of variables, a lot more than runners.

But, that doesn't mean the runners in your life couldn't use a Running specific RaceDay Bag.

1.  BODY GLIDE, LIP/SKIN PROTECTION, SUNGLASSES, BIB PINS, ROAD ID
2.  GARMIN and CHARGER, RACE BELT/HYDRATION VEST, NUTRITION, HEADPHONES
3.  RACE CLOTHES, SOCKS, HEADBAND
4.  RECOVERY (ICY HOT, COMPRESSION SLEEVES, SHOWER WIPES)
5.  SHOES ON THE RIGHT SIDE
6.  FOAM ROLLER, RECOVERY SHOES

2 More Pockets On The Pro

7.  DIRTY/WET GEAR POCKT ON THE BOTTOM - INCLUDES GIANT ZIP PLASTIC BAG
8.  SLEEVE FOR 3 26OZ WATER BOTTLES

If you've got a runner in your life, we've got just the bag they need.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/running-raceday-bags™

---

159.5
7.5 hr 
Body Water 60.0%
1 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

EVERY GREAT ATHLETE HAS A ROUTINE.  Some mundane, some strange, some outlandish.  They stick to it...

... because it works.

It doesn't matter if it make sense.
Is rooted in science.
Reasonable.

That's the hardest part of remote work, and doublydifficult if you're on the move.

Here's how I'm doing it.

As with any successful routine, it's all about the start.  I stick to my regular schedule. For me, that's up reading and writing at 6.  Working at 8.  Riding in the afternoon.  

If I can do that, I'm 90% there.

The other 10%, I have to be flexible.  Dinner at a friend's at an odd hour, monsoon rains every afternoon, camping with no interwebs.  Just roll with it...

... I've found many improvements that way.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

Brian texted me during the ride to ask if the mini-RaceDay Bag™ would work with this dropper.  

Apparently, that's an issue.

Not with this bag.

It sucks right up underneath your saddle.

Use promo code: 24

To save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

---

158.4
7 hr 
Body Water 60.8%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

A LITTLE OVER 24 YEARS AGO, TWO OF MY PALS GOT ME OUT OF RETIREMENT.  One out of spiritual retirement, the other out of bike racing retirement.  Together we raced the 24 hours of Moab...

... battling the Clif Bar team all the way.

It was epic.

Snow
Cold
Cramps
Fatigue

We wound up second, 
and we wound up bonded for life.

Racing together does that.

It was fitting they join me for my biggest week of the year, maybe my of life...

... 24ish hours in the saddle.

They've done Leadville.  Pete once.  Jeff, 10 finishes.  They've also checked off their list...

... so after 3 hours we parted.

What can I tell you?

I felt great.  Putting down power all day...

... at this point, it's really only a question of nutrition.

Once you have the fitness and endurance you can pretty much go indefinitely if you're fueled correctly.

Which I was...

... until I wasn't.

Greed got the better part of me, I really wanted that 24 hours and I really wanted 8 hours in the saddle today to simulate the upcoming 100 miler.

Not a problem, except, there was no place to get food for the last 3 hours and I only had 500 calories in my pocket and bottles.  I should have had at least 900...

... I was too in the zone to care.

I finally made it down off the mountain, and stopped at the 7-11.

The fact that there's a cig butt in the pic says everything.

I was feeling pretty smoked after pushing hard the final 90 minutes...

... through rain and hunger pangs.

What can I tell. you about this monster week?

According to the Stravalords, my fitness is the highest it's ever been.  

140.

I'm ready.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

Brian texted me during the ride to ask if the mini-RaceDay Bag™ would work with this dropper.  

Apparently, that's an issue.

Not with this bag.

It sucks right up underneath your saddle.

Use promo code: 24

To save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

---

158.9
7.5 hr 
Body Water 61.2%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

QUESTION:  How old will I be by the time I'm RaceDay Ready™?

ANSWER:  The same age you'll be if you're not.

THE HARDEST PART ABOUT SETTING AN OUTRAGEOUS GOAL, isn't the goal itself.  It isn't all the time required, the sacrifices we'll make...

... it's the first pedal stroke.

And then the next.

It's so easy to get hijacked and distracted and discouraged...

... it's hard, it's so far away, I can start tomorrow.

The truth is, if we play this fitness game properly, is that it's in the doing.  Not the done...

... fitness is never done.

There will be new breakthroughs by the big thinkers, new methods, new strategies.  But, we'll never find them...

... if we don't take that first pedal stroke towards something outlandish.

I believe we all need at least 1 "A race" per year.  One day when we're gonna be at out best...

... and unleash our mighty fury.

That will keep us generally on track the other 364 days of the year.

In fact, this year is the end of a 20 year massive bet with myself and my friend Kevin.  That we could go under 9 hours at Leadville in our 60's. It sounded impossible at the time, we were barely doing that in our late 30's...

... now, I've made it even more outrageous.

Not only am I going for under 9, but I believe if everything goes perfect - me, bike, weather, competitors, etc...

... I can go under 8.

How can I believe this?

Because I'm still fascinated by going fast, still discovering new ways of getting it done.

And it's working.

One pedal stroke, after another.

Never stop.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™

Over the last 20ish years I've done all kinds of things to keep in shape.

I wish I had this bag when I was doing triathlons.

It's a Tri specific RaceDay Bag™, with pockets and features unique to the needs of triathletes on RaceDay.

Yes, we can make them in your team colors.

Check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/triathlon-raceday-bags™

---

160.4
8 hr 
Body Water 61.9%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE'S EARLY MORNING RIDING, and then there's before the morning riding. Both have their curiosities, one has unmistakable oddities...

... which I'd forgotten about.

It's been a minute since I rode predawn, offroad.  

Long enough that when we rolled out this morning I was momentarily surprised.

There on my arms, along with a stream of blood, were tiny white ropes.

Very tiny.

And, they were mixed in with the assorted web of cables hanging off my bars.

The question I always have when this happens is...

... Is there a webmaking spider crawling on my back?

Hasn't happened yet.

Anyway, it's one of the wonders of the world that spiders spend all night hanging ropes across the trails...

... only to have the rest of creation ripping them down.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug

Speaking of ripping down, we came prepared today with loaded Mini RaceDay Bags™.

Check out this product testimonial from another rider - got it last night.

Ever wonder where I come up with these product ideas?

Riding, every single time.

Use promo code SPIDEY at check out to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug

---

159.4
6 hr (unacceptable)
Body Water 61.7%
1 strength work
3 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO SCREW UP YOUR RACE, but we won't be talking about that.  We don't screw up.  We do it right...

...  be getting there early.

But, I bet you can't guess the #1 reason to get there early.

First, how early.

I like to get there at least 90 minutes early.  Gives me time to get my race number, visit the porta, say hi to the friends...

... and get kitted up.

So, after all that, what's left?

Well, yeah, warm up.

How long?

I like an hour.  I'm a bring a trainer and do a structured warm up.  Hardly.  I like to get on my bike and roll around.  Slow.  Softly.  Maybe make up a few stories about my competitors...

... to get my blood boiling.

Do some jumps. 

But, that's still not the top reason to get there early.

Racing, when it comes right down to it, requires all our energy.  We can't waste any...

Getting there late.
Leaving late.

... is a huge waste of emotional energy.

 Conserve that awesomesauce.  Store it up...

... you're gonna need it.

All of it.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

You wanna know a secret to unleash massive amounts of emotional energy and blowing your expectations away...

... register early.

It's the first chapter of my book for a reason.

The book is free...

... just cover the shipping and handling.

And get after it!

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

159.3
7.5 hr 
Body Water 62%
3 strength work
0 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling 

IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you.  I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years.  It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...

... I increased my volume a lot.

Yeah, we've all heard that.  However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...

... It has been transformational.

Who doesn't want to transform their training?

Let me pause right here.

It might not work for you.  The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right.  For me, it's working...

... because I now have the time.

When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...

... an average week, about 8.

These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...

... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.

That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in.  In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville.  Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range.  Plenty fit...

... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

In the end, it's about doing all you can do...

... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.

Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

159.3
6 hrs + 1.5 hr nap (embarrassing, I know)
Body Water 61.9%
2 strength work
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

WE'RE SO LUCKY, to be able to ride bikes.  Doubly so when we can get out of the city, on country roads, gravel roads, and single track...

... do ya ever think how poor we'd be without our bikes?

The rides and glides,
that ease the stress of life.
Answers we find around a bend,

We see, hear and feel the stoke
finding grace in every pedal stroke
So simple it's hard to comprehend.

That's rich.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

If you're headed out for a head clearing ride you might want to be loaded up.

Save 15% on top of the 10% bundle savings by using promo code RICH at check out... before Thursday.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

158.5
8.2 hrs 
Body Water 61.3%
1 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

WELL, MTB NATIONALS HAVE CONCLUDED.  I went there with two objectives:  get in a really hard ride as I prep for the summer's quest...

... and see how I stacked up against my peers.

One of those is a great reason, one of them notsogreat.

How did I stack up? 

I got a Silver medal.

It's cool.

But, ultimately meaningless.  I mean, I'm not gonna throw it in the river.  I'm also not gonna cry about being first loser.  I'm gonna keep it as a reminder of how I stacked up...

... on that day, against those racers.

The quest for the summer is to see if I can do the ridiculous: go sub-8 at Leadville.

To me, PRs are and always will be the measuring stick.

What am I capable of?

That's the question that spurs me, inspires me, haunts me...

... in everything I do.

The only one that matters.

A Gold medal doesn't mean I'm my best...

... only that on that day, against those guys, I was the best.

So why race at all?

Because racing shows me what's possible...

... there's always somebody better, faster.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

Part of answering that question is searching out great products.

I would never go for a PR or start a race without PR Lotion on my legs and UFO on my chain.

Save 10% when you buy the bundle and another 15% with promo code:  FRESH.

The code will expire Monday.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

156.5
8.4 hrs 
Body Water 60.8%
0 strength work
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

SOMETIMES THE BEST WAY TO TAKE TIME ON YOUR COMPETITORS is to take time for yourself.  Not on the bike.  Off.  Not active recovery...

... a different kind of activity.

One of my favorites, is to put my bike in the stand.

And just look at it...

... with no schedule, no hurry.

Shine this.
Tighten that.
Check pressures.
Check for unusual wear.
Clean and lube the chain.
Look for ways to perfect the ride.

Here's another. 

Return from a solid ride and do nothing.  
Relax.
Eat.

Read a book,
and fall asleep.

It's okay to rest...

... sometimes knowing you are fresh as a new kit is all ya need.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

I love the UFO lube for my chain, and clean it with WEND.

Of course, nothing will make your legs feel magical like PR Lotion.

Save 10% when you buy the bundle and another 15% with promo code:  FRESH.

The code will expire Monday.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

156.9
8.2 hrs 
Body Water 61.2%
Just pushups today.
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO GET FIRED UP FOR A RACE.  Energy drinks, music mix, mantras, a wise coach...

... my all time favorite is disrespect.

But, it takes work.

Just a little.

Because most people are really nice, and good natured...

... which means I have to manufacture something.

Just this week, I was standing on the start line for Nationals.  The announcer calls up the racers with the most points and the get their choice of where to start - not me.  But, before that happens, a guy with teammates iin the race is telling the guy right next to me who to watch, who's fast, who's the best descender he's ever seen...

... bro, I'm standing right here.

He didn't mean anything by it, but I take that stuff and...

... it's like gasoline on my already fireduptorace spirit.

Trust me, you have no idea the amount of things I can conjure up...

the way you size me up out of the corner of your eye
your friend's innocent comments
the colors you're wearing
your tattoos
your hair
helmet
you
your smile
your fan section
the way you snaked me in parking
your humble and meek and kind demeanor

... I'll find something.

I always do.

I'm not sure if it's any less healthy than a giant jolt of caffeine, but I like it.  It's free.  Surfergirl and I laugh about it...

... it's all in fun, part of the prep.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

You might hate my matching gloves and socks, but you'd be crazy.  Just today, John and his daugher Addie stopped me at the races.

We'd never met in person, but they are fans of what we do.

John - Best gloves ever, I have 5 pair and 2 freshies ready to go.

Addie (she got 5th in XC!) -  I love your gloves because I never think about them once they are on.

I'm partial to red... maybe because it helps me to see red!!

There are lots of options.

Did you know, if you purchase the gloves and the socks together, the socks are free when you check out?  

No promo code needed.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

159.5
6.1 hrs (campfire stories and early race)
Body Water 61.3%
2 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

THE MOUNTAIN BIKE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE QUITE A SCENE.  I like it.  I haven't been to national since '05 when I was racing Super D...

... but, something has changed.

There are lots of racers.  We've take over the Winter Park resort.

But, that's not it.

Nobody travels across the country for a race without putting in a lot of time and money and energy.  Everybody seems fierce and ready to get after it.

That's not it, either.

I thought maybe it was the thick forest, overwhelming our senses with immense beauty.

Nope.

The thing that is different about MTB racing, from my perspective, is...

... families.

There are just a lot of families here.  Many with everybody racing.  Some XC, some DH, some Enduro...

... maybe MTB is a more family friendly sport?

Whether or not that's creating the vibe I'm not sure.  I just know there is a really down to earth feeling here...

... and it has me fired up for the future.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug

In fact, I wasn't even bummed out when I sprung a leak in my rear tire.

Just grabbed my Dynaplug system from my Mini RaceDay Bag.

Use this promo code and save 20%:  FIRED UP : it will work on all the products on this link.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug

---

159.1
7.8 hrs 
Body Water 61.7%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

YEARS AGO, WALKING THE DUSTY STREETS OF MEXICO two dogs lay in the shade.  The little mutt jumped up, yapping and pretending to nip our ankles...

... the old German Shepard waited.

Next thing I know, my butt is on fire, in the painful grip of the sneaky beast.

I run.
He hangs on.

I hit with my pack.
He's not letting go.

My butt was bruised, with slightly broken skin.  But, my confidence around dogs was scarred for years.

That's the point of latching on and not letting go...

... to destroy the confidence of your foe.

It ain't easy...

... just effective.

But somehow I forgot that lesson today.

We charged up the opening climb, which was a gravel road.  I was 10 back, then 5, then 2, then leading into the first single track.  We were still climbing, but now i could control the pace...

... until the guy from Flow went by me.

He cleared the top about 10 seconds ahead of me.  I wasn't too worried about it, figuring I'd catch him.

I did.

He was as nice as I was about the pass.

By the time we reached the bottom, I had about 10-15 seconds on him.  He caught back up and we diced through the rolling single track back to the start.

He gapped me on the second a lap, a little earlier this time.  I could see him, but I couldn't quite hold on.  At the top, I figured I could catch again.  In fact, I passed him (or so I thought) in about the same spot.

This time, he was way, way behind and I figured he must have flatted or crashed...

... and when Bryson yelled "He's really hurt" that's all I needed.

There was one problem...

... it wasn't him that I passed.

He was ahead, and what Bryson really yelled was "He's hurting."

So, while I'm thinking I've got this wrapped up and taking it a little easy over the rock sections so as not have have any mechanical issues...

... he's up ahead, winning..

That's why, you've got to sink your teeth in deep.  And, not let go.  Ride till you bleed if you must...

... be the German Shepherd, latched on and unshakeable.

Otherwise, you might do what I did and pull the full dork move and raise your hands up like you won when you cross the finish line...

... in second place.

Could I have won. gone 1 measly minute and 25 seconds faster?  

We'll never know, will we...

... all we know for sure is, I let go.

Which meant I couldn't keep track of him?  Who was it that I passed?  His twin?  A teammate?...

... doesn't matter.

We always feel like we could have gone faster when it's all said and done.  Always...

... which kinda fires me up! 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

You could say, I'm seeing red.

And, I'll definitely keep wearing the matching red socks and gloves.

Did you know, if you purchase the gloves and the socks together, the socks are free when you check out?  

No promo code needed.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

158.5
8.1 hrs 
Body Water 61.5%
0 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING.  As my friend, and Olympic Gold Medalist P Viddy says...

... luck is for the unprepared.

So, where to start?

Bike?
Body?
Logistics?
Diet?
Coach?

No
No
No
No
No

For me, it starts in the mind.

Understanding what I can control, adjusting to what I can't.
Figuring out how to accomplish what I need to do.
Learning from mistakes and moving forward.
Focusing on my PRs, my best efforts. 

When my head is right, everything else falls into place.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Believe it or not, looking sharp is good for my head...

... and I love matching socks and gloves.

Plus, these gloves are so thin and light...

... they provide superior control.

Did you know, if you purchase the gloves and the socks together, the socks are free when you check out?  

No promo code needed.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

159
7.2 hrs 
Body Water 61.6%
0 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

I RODE WITH CHAMPIONS TODAY.  My good friends from UT, Bryson and his son Myles.  Both already have earned Stars and Stripes on the MTB...

... but, that's not what impressed me the most.

I already knew about that, and Bryson had warned me that 13 y/o Myles is an official untouchable ripper now.

What I loved, was following their lines.

Different from my lines.

Smoother.
Faster.
Better.

Which is why I always try and be the slowest in the group...

... it's the best way to learn.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Which reminds me, if you can't be the fastest...

... be the best looking.

Frankly, I love having my socks match my gloves now...

... especially when they are accents for the entire kit.

That's how I roll now, always.

Did you know, if you purchase the gloves and the socks together, the socks are free when you check out?  

No promo code needed.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

158.5
7 hrs 
Body Water 61.4%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

YOU SHOULD NEVER BONK.  Ever.  Bonking can take weeks to recover from, let alone ruin your race - like it appears to have done for Tadej at the Tour...

... but, what about fasting?

Around the world, people use fasting for physical and spiritual benefits.  You can do your own research...

... here's how and why I use intermittent fasting.

I fast most Sundays.

Skipping breakfast and eating a very late lunch, I experience hunger pangs...

... it's good to feel hungry.

Our ancestors were hungry often.  Much of the planet still deals with hunger.  I don't love it...

... it helps me to be grateful.

Sunday is a rest day for me.  No work, no riding, time for family and reflection...

... with rare exception.

Because I'm not burning calories, fasting is a good way to keep the weight in check...

... it allows me to wake up the next day in good shape.

On weeks when I've reduced my training days...

... I might also employ this strategy midweek.  

A few years back, I tried intermittent fasting for weight loss.

Doing it every day.  It didn't work for me, at all.  In fact, it was quite bad...

... I wound up at urgent care, seeing double.

For me, I just don't carry enough fat stores and I burn too many calories with training.  Which means, the rest of the week...

... I avoid feeling hungry.

Especially leading up to any kind of racing...

... I don't mind at all being a couple of pounds heavy on a big raceday.

Bottom line:

• Never bonk.
• Fast for maintenance
• and spiritual life, if you're into that sort of thing.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

Is this making you hungry?

I've added some food bundles to the list of RaceDay Ready™ products I love and trust.

You can save even more by using this code at check out:  RDRrocks!

Code expires in a couple of days.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

 ---

159.8
8.5 hrs 
Body Water 61.8%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THE RACE COURSE HAS MULTIPLE ROCK GARDENS, one with water running through it.  There's a sign warning danger.  Riders are sessioning to figure it out...

... which makes it all just terrible.

Too much to think about.
Too many people pointing out all the dangers.

It's so hard to have the discipline...

... to look where you want to go.

If you have it, it's like a superpower.

Why?

Because...

... the body always follows the head.

Whatever our head is focused on, it's a lock our body is going there.

Think about that.

Do you see the rocks, ruts and roots...

... or the clean line?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

I talk about this in my book, The Way of The RACER, in the chapter titled Expect Good Things To Happen.

It's free, just cover the shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

 ---

159.3
7.25 hrs 
Body Water 61.5%
2 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

SOME OF US WOULD RATHER LOSE THAN CHANGE.  We've given up before the race even started...

... forgotten who we are.

We are born athletes.
All of us.

Want proof?
Watch a child move.

That is the ideal.  But, too many of us have forgotten the joy of moving naturally, gracefully, confidently.

This was on my mind when I wrote the following mantra for RaceDay Ready.

I am an athlete.
I eat, sleep, do what will maximize my potential.

This is my nature.

I am fit,
able to respond to any challenge that comes my way.

I am fast,
moving efficiently and accurately.

I am fierce,
confident in my abilities and committed to my goals.

I am RaceDay Ready.

Then I condensed it.

I am an athlete,
this is my nature.
I am fit, fast and fierce.
I am ready.

And, condensed it again.

I am an athlete,
I am ready.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

Mat decided to make a change, now he's going to Gran Fondo World's!

As you can see, he's big on visualization and got himself a RaceDay Wallet™ with his goal on it.

This shift is working for me and people like Mat.

I promise.

You can join the challenge and get your own wallet here:  

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

 ---

158.4
8.2 hrs 
Body Water 61.2%
2 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling 

WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT OR COMMITMENT?  Without training the speediest steed is a sloth, without a decent rig the fittest racer won't stand a chance...

... so where do we focus?

On neither one.

We focus on the result we are looking for and then do the absolute minimum amount required to obtain it...

... anything more is waste.

... anything less is neglect.

... the minimum is most efficient.

For example, I want to be strong.  

• It feels good
• Increases control on the bike
• Burns fat 

Do I need a gym membership or a tricked out facility at home?

I don't think so.

I'm doing just fine with adjustable dumbbells and a piece of webbing.  It's so simple, I can do almost all my exercises on the road.

Click here to watch this: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf_4c-Hg4XH/

Too often, we hesitate or don't start at all because we feel we lack just the right equipment when all we really need is...

... commitment to do the minimum amount required for success.

That's exactly what my 10-week challenge is all about, doing the minimum...

... to get you the maximum results.

Are you ready to take the challenge?

10-weeks is all it takes to get you RaceDay Ready.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

159.8
8 hrs 
Body Water 60.3%
3 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

I GOT SECOND TONIGHT, by less than a second.  In fact, the podium girl stopped us before letting us ascend because the computer showed the exact same time...

... 30 minutes earlier I showed some poor sportsmanship.

Arriving late to the race, I'd grabbed my bike and not even checked my tire pressure...

... anxious to warmup, I'd made a mistake.

Off we went.

After swapping the lead 4 times over a challenging course, I'd finally maneuvered into the lead with 4 miles to go.  The singletrack was so skinny it would be impossible to pass.

I had about 10 seconds.

Just after I wiggled past a younger racer I'd been battling with I could feel sprinkles on the backs of my calves.

Nooooooooooooooooooo.

Rounding a turn with speed, the back tire splashed around.

I hoped it wasn't so, but the next turn confirmed...

... I was losing pressure fast.

There was no choice but to lean forward transferring my weight to the front wheel, and slow down.  

Through the trees, I could see the finish line was so close...

... too close to stop and plug the leak.

Three of us exited the forest wheeltowheel and sprinted for the the line a 100 yeards away....

... missed it by this much.

The congratulation was brief.

I was pissed.

It's true.

Not my best moment.

After I cooled down I sought out the winner and gave him a proper congratulations.  

In truth, we'd had a great battle.  Him besting me on the climbs, me passing on the descents...

... there really isn't anything more fun than that.

As the great Joe Walsh said...

... 'cause the Rocky Mountain way ya better pump your tires up.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

I didn't need it today, the clouds only drizzled a bit and we were going all out, but the KOM Jacket is definitely one of my all time favorite pieces.

It's wind and water proof, yet so thin and lightweight you can easily put it in your back pocket.

This might be my all time favorite piece I've created.

We have black in stock in most sizes.

Use promo code PoorToddy to save 20% and cheer me up.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

158.7
8 hrs 
Body Water 61.1%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

THE DISCARDED SIGN SAID IT ALL.  CAUTION: RACE IN PROGRESS.  It's probably my favorite sign to see.   It means...

... the course is clear, let it rip

I was about to do just that.

After the elation of cleaning the steep, rocky section of a climb topping out at 12,500', I was looking forward to barreling back down.

Within 30 seconds that changed.

I was cold.
Had no jacket.
Limited repair tools.
It was nearing sunset.
I was eleven miles from camp.
I hadn't seen a human for over an hour.

Maybe I should use some caution?

Ya think!

The whole way down I was thinking...

oh. I'll take this much faster during the race
oh, these tires can handle these rocks no problem
oh, I can gain a lot of speed off the brakes when it counts...

... it's important to have confidence in our equipment.

I don't go with the lightest tires,
or the lowest pressure, 
or without a few tools.

I do ride the bike
set up for the big event
as far in advance as possible.

It's not worth the emotional energy to wonder if the equipment is going to perform.  Or, how it will perform.

Managing our emotional energy on RaceDay, and the days leading up to a big event is just as important time in the saddle.

The reason the Caution Sign means go in our brains is because...

... we've already taken the precautions that lead to success.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

That means tying things out in advance like Rip, and making sure you're stocked up.

So, here's the Ethan Hunt offer...

Use promo code MAGIC and save 20%... and get free shipping!

... offer expires e.o.d. 7/13/22

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

159.8
8 hrs 
Body Water 61.7%
3 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling (van life)

THE REASON I MOCK PEOPLE WHO DON'T REGISTER FOR EVENTS in my book The Way of The R.A.C.E.R. is because I know how powerful visualization can be...

... if harnessed correctly.

Nothing is more compelling than throwing down hardearned cash on the registration fee.

Frankly, I think it's lame to talk about doing an event without having signed up.

1. It might be sold out when you get around to it.
2. The magic is lost.

Part of the magic is the way things fall into place once we commit.  We find the time, get the support, discover nifty secrets.

When we don't commit by registering, nothing is urgent.  Everything outweighs the idea of maybe doing an event...

... resulting in a weak performance.

Are you going for weak or strong?

I was reminded of all this by an email I received earlier today.  A customer had purchased a RaceDay Bag because he'd signed up for an event and wanted to be organized...

... then, I took him to the next level.

Check this out:

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

That's some good magic, don't ya think?

So, here's the Ethan Hunt offer...

Use promo code MAGIC and save 20%... and get free shipping!

... offer expires e.o.d. 7/13/22

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

158
7.5 hrs 
Body Water 61.5%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

THERE ARE A MILLION DIETS OUT THERE.  I've tried a lot, made up a lot, and found them all to be unsustainable or unhealthy for me or plain ridiculous...

... until I settled on the See Food diet.

It's very easy to follow.
Easier to explain.
Hard to do.
It works.

Easy, hard, works.

The only question at this point is...

... Do you want the results?

When I explain it to people, they frown.  Like it's some unrealisatic ask I've laid out...

... It's not.

At least it's no more unrealistic than asking your body to perform at it's best with improper fuel.

So, here it is...

... if you can see the ingredients of what you're eating, eat it.

Take that dinner plate above, other than the bread - which I set aside - I could identify everything on the plate.  Therefore, I ate it.

Fruits, eat 'em.
Veggies, eat 'em.
Meats of all kinds, eat 'em.

Do you see what I mean?

Or course, this eliminates all packaged foods, all baked goods, all traditional desserts.

It's hard at first.  It took me a long time to get on the rhythym of it all...

... and then the suprising happened.

My cravings went away.

Poof.

Well, they didn't go away because now I crave whole foods...

... whose ingredients I can see.

You know what else went away?...

... a lot of blubber.

Easily.
Over time.

A word about cheat days.

They are popular, and I believe they are stupid.  All they do is restart the cravings.

Do I cheat?

No, sometimes I'll say Ice cream sounds good today.. But, Instead of pounding a pint I have a few bites.  It just doesn't taste as good as it once did.

In it's place, I currently crave greek yogurt with frozen fruit mixed in.

Don't stress about it.  

It's a lifestyle change, and once you start seeing your food through this athlete's filter...

... you'll notice you have a lot of places where you can improve.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

Diet is a big part of being RaceDay Ready™

Can you handle my 10-week challenge?

Are you committed enough?

It's free, and lots of people across the country are going for it.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

160.9
8.2 hrs 
Body Water 61%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
60 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling 

TODAY WAS THE KIND OF DAY WE ALL DREAM OF.  No commitments, uncharted route, perfect weather, riding until we are done...

... in a land committed to cycling.

I downloaded the Stravacreated route onto the Wahoo and set off for an old ghost town.

20 minutes in I realized I'd forgotten my wallet, and my miniRaceDay Bag™.  I slowed, gave it some thought...

... and banked on ApplePay and my mechanical good luck.

Climbing cathedral mountains is cleansing.

Nothing better.

But, you've got to be fit to ride in quiet solitude, the forest and streams.

I came across some fit kids with snowboards!?

What are ya doin'?

We're gonna hike up to a glacier and ride it.

Fit + Adventurous = Fun!

Cresting the top at 11,500' I found a winter ski hut that was once the location for the crew boss who maintained the rail line.  Turns out this gravel road was originally built for train travel.  

Different times, hardy people.

Ride down the other side was a hoot.  Rough, but not too rough to rip.

I passed a few cars taking it easy...

... clearly unaware that it's smoother at speed.

At the bottom is the remnants of a small mining town that is being restored, called Como.  Settled by Italians, 150ish years ago.  

I blew through, heading to the paved highway and Fairway, the ghost town I'd chosen for my turnaround.

One problem.

I had 10 miles to go on a major highway with cars speeding along.  That sounded awful...

... I headed back, there was no agenda here.

This time I checked out Como.

The building, the post office.

It was 12 miles back up to the summit.  

The heatwave plaguing the country was alive and well here.  Nothing like a searing sun at altitude...

... with horseflies for company!

Fortunately, there was a good breeze to keep me cool and battle the flies...

... and the views.

Heading back to Breckinridge, was a bit dodgy.  Lots of sightseers, walkers, dogs, riders...

... I loved it, seeing all these fit people.

Colorado has some amazing bike trails between towns.  Plenty wide, far from traffic.  

This trail was just what I needed because I'd planned to ride 6 hours, and was back in Frisco in 4.25.  

There was nothing magical about 6 hours except I wanted to do it.  

• It's a good number prepping for Leadville.
• It would give me 20 hours and change for the week.

I've never ridden that much in a week, at least not since we road every stage of Tour of California one year.  Seemed like a good idea...

... but, I was lagging.

Nearly pulled the plug as I road passed the van and on to Copper Mountain...

... a blended drink and a ham and cheese croissant saved me.

There is, in my opinion, only one way to live.  The only way I've been able to stay fit is to have at least 1 race a year...

... it's never about the race, it's about the lifestyle and what it allows us to do.

The race is merely a check in.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

That is the mindset I've written about in my book.

Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

161
8 hrs 
Body Water 61% (maybe)
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

YESTERDAY MORNING I COULD BARELY WALK DOWN A SET OF STAIRS.  Today, totally different.  Why, you ask? How is this possible?...

... I even PR'd a healthy chunk of mountain.

Yep.

First off, that section I PR'd included the nasty Powerline climb.  

I've only cleaned it twice.  

Never in the race.

It's so heinous, when you see it in front of you...

... you just want to dump you bike, and cry.

Even fresh.

I geared down and took it in sections like the Gentleman told me to do.

I tell you that in the hopes you'll up your recovery game.  It's so important, at any age.

DO YOU WANT TO LOOK YOUNGER?  FEEL YOUNGER?  RIDE YOUNGER?  Too bad.  Just kidding.  After PRing the fast and feared Powerline descent today...

... I have a few ideas.

First, people of a certain age (me!) should...

... nevereverever look in the mirror.

Never.

So disappointing.

Second, put on your shinybitchin helmet and your spiffyracy glasses and a jersey sure to draw attention...

... then look in the mirror, again.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.  

Same warrior/warrioress...

... kitted up for killing it.

But, don't get too fancy.  

Leave the gray, if you're lucky enough to have experienced life.  You want to give your competitors every false hope you can.

Check out what I did today.

Ripped a downhill segment I've ridden a total of 6 times in 12 years.  
Fastest in my age group, ever.  
106 out of 6300 all time.  
Felt amazing.  

Tthere's no way I'd dare do it if I hadn't had the...

... proper mental image of who I am.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

I'm not going to tell you I'm the greatest coach ever, or that this plan will turn you into Tadej...

... but, I will promise you this.

This program I've developed over the last 10 years is legit.  It's much more than an assignment to ride X miles at Y pace...

... 10 Weeks.

And it's free.

If you're wanting to be Fitter, Faster and More Fierce.

PS, this will only add to whatever coaching program you are following.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

161.8
8 hrs 
Body Water 60.1% (maybe)
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit 
60 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

I HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO YOU.  I'd like to say learn from me, but I've yet to figure it out.  Tonight's experiment might help...

... cure these aching legs.

Yesterday's spin didn't help.

Today's all downhill start felt great, and the 90 minutes uphill return didn't bother me much at all.

But, tonight I grabbed the Hypervolt.  Cranked it up to the highest level, like always...

... and nearly dropped it.

Such was the pain.

I dialed it back.

20 minutes later, it's remotely better.

Yes... I did skip yesterday's recovery session
No... I didn't drink enough post race.

Gonna stretch and Hypervolt more this evening and watch the racers attack the cobbles at the Tour...

... that should be relaxing.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts/products/local-legeng-t-shirt

I'll enjoying this legendary ache in this t-shirt

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts/products/local-legeng-t-shirt

---

162.2
7 hrs 
Body Water 59.9% (maybe)
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit (tepering)
60 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

THE FUNNIEST CONVERSATION I EVER OVERHEARD while visiting a customer involved being hungover.  Not me.  A key employee stumbled in to work looking terrible and the owner, knowing the situation, asked...

... Why do you give yourself the flu?

I'm thinking about that today, because I'm feeling the effects of the epic 50 miler we raced yesterday...

... achey body and moving slow.

Of course, we all know why we do it.  

But, do we all know the cure?

The famous RinseRide.  

That's the best way to describe it, and I prescribe it once a week or after something like yesterday...

... massive distance, huge effort, with cramps and a crash thrown in.

It's Zone 1, 
lightly touching the pedals,
coasting whenever possible,
rinsing all the bad out of our legs.

Just an hour or so...

... does the trick every time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

I always bring my mini RaceDay bag.  I'm showing you this pic, post race for a reason.

• it's filthy
• inside everything is pristine
• even better is below...

... I received this from a customer this morning and thought you'd appreciate his research and candor.

I gotta give you props for the mini raceday saddle bag.  I tried 2 others from big brands for my mtn bike that wouldn't interfere with the dropper operation and would stay on - to no avail.  Back when you were still doing the monthly subscription thing you sent one out and it sat in my spare parts bin for a while cause I had just given up and resorted to a fanny pack, but I had a race and didn't want to deal with the pack.  As I was fishing through options I saw it and decided I'd try it out.  So much simpler than the other ones I used and it was perfectly solid.  I've never felt it loosen up.  Holds exactly what I need.  I keep moving it between my mtn and gravel.  I should just get another one.

If you're looking for the perfect mini bag to hold:  2 canisters, a nozzle,  a Dynaplug, and a mini-tool this is it.

Use promo code: RINSERIDE to save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

---

162.3
9 hrs 
Body Water 59.8% (maybe)
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit (tepering)
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

MY LEVEL OF INSECURITY ON THE START LINE never ceases to amaze me.  It starts building an hour or so before.  Punctuated by multiple trips to the bathroom...

... today was no different.

It always goes away within the first mile or so.

There's some sort of feral switch that is activated once a competitor lays down the power.  I can't do this melts into Why do I do this into...

... Let's do this!

We are staying with my sis and bro-in-law who live here, and he's got a saying that served me well all day...

... Make and effort.

It's really that simple.

Heading up the 6 mile opening climb I was pleased to be with the everfast Tim Z, from home.  Also with us was one a racer in my age group.  In fact, it was just the two of us from our group.  It's nice to know where your competitors are in these mass start events.  It can be pretty nutty trying to keep track of everyone.

The four of us, 2 50s and 2 60s, cleared the first climb together.  There were about 8-10 50s head.  Didn't matter to me, but I could see Tim was throttling his pace for a blistering second lap.

Sis and bro, walked up several miles from their place to hand me up a bottle... everyone was making an effort!

Little French, the mile long, rock strewn, 20% grade separated the four of us.  Tim rode on, I walked.  It's a beast of a climb.  The other 60, slid back a bit.

I spent the next hour chasing Tim's Simple Green Jersey, and looking over my shoulder for my competitor's Groove Subaru jersey.  Nearing the end of the first lap, I caught up to Tim as we ripped down to town.

Now, do it again.

Ugh!

I was beat.

Surfergirl handed up a bottle and a Red Bull, she's just the best.  My good luck charm.

Right then I could feel the nasty cramps rumbling around my legs.  Tim disappeared up the road, on the hunt.  I would spend the next 30ish min by myself.  Back aching and legs cramping any time I stood.

Make and effort!

Once I cleared the top, the legs started to settle down.  I was popping Salt Stick tabs.  Drinking.  Sipping some fine maple syrup.  I started to regain some confidence, too much...

... front wheel lost grip on a gravel rode.

Down I went.

Not bad.

Except, my left quad cramped so hard I couldn't stand up.  Took me forever to get mounted and coasting.  Fortunately, it was a long decent and the quad relaxed and i was able to soft pedal it back to working condition.

The second time up Little French I decided to walk a lot vs smoking my legs.  I wanted to be strong and fast for the miles and miles of fast, fun and techy single track.  

It was a good choice.

I finished strong with some amazing pro women.

I'd made my effort and was thrilled with the result.

I want to tell you about another effort, which meant so much to me.  In all the nuttiness I missed the podium.  

Craig (the other 60) found me and introduced himself.  He grabbed third place, and we got a proper podium shot.  That was a really cool effort...

... damn I love competing.  

I meet the coolest people.

In fact, had a number of people come up and tell me how much they love their RaceDay Bags™...

... another nice effort made.

I hope your 4th is/was wonderful.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge

My effort to take the fitness to a new level has paid off...

... are you up for the challenge?

 It's 10 weeks...

... exactly what I'm doing.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge

My pal Tim Z, finished 3rd!

Jeff from Texas, who outfitted his family with bags... and is sporting some proper gloves.

I think this Rob, but I might have the name wrong. He stopped me and thanked me for making it easy for his girlfriend to always be ready for the next ride : )

---

161ish (the scale is in the van, I just didn't want to look before racing)
8 hrs (altitude is brutal)
Body Water 60.8% (maybe)
0 Rounds of Strength Circuit (tepering)
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling 

IN ORDER TO BE OUR BEST ON RACEREADY WE'VE GOT TO STINK.  Not on the start line, week(s) before.  As the great Kurt Cobain said...

... become worse at what we do best.

We load up the saddle time,
load up the weights,
load up the legs.

Our fitness score skyrockets, 
our freshness score plummets.

At the end of the training block we stink.

Tapering should be like tossing the muddy and salty kit into the washer, then hanging in the sun with a light breeze...

... we are Fit, Fast, and Fierce.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

I'm taperedish for tomorrow's race,
the next 10 days are going to stink...

... two more biggies comping up:  XC Nats and Leadville.

It's July, half a year still ahead of us.

Use this promo code to score an InStockDesign RaceDay Calendar™ at 50% off...

... only while supplies last.

Code is RACESPIRIT

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

161ish (no scale today)
8 hrs (altitude is brutal)
Body Water 60.8% (maybe)
0 Rounds of Strength Circuit (tepering)
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

HAVE YOU EVER RACED AT ALTITUDE?  If you're a sea leveler like me, it's quite a blow.  There are some things you can do to counteract the effects of the thin air...

... and one thing you're gonna love.

Monday I'll be racing the Firecracker 50 MTB race in Breckinridge, topping out at just over 11,200' above my hometown.

Today I pre-rode the course.

Last night I was gassed...

... climbing the flight of stairs to bed.

I woke up with a moderate banger of a headache.

So, here's the deal.  

It's high.  I'm struggling a bit.  Can't put down the power like I'd like to without feeling like my lungs my blow right out my mouth when I exhale.

There's this turd of a 1 mile climb called Little French with 20% gradient...

... nearly passed out before dropping straight down across a rocky stream.

Anyway, I promised you the rule of 3...

... either get high 3 weeks before or 3 minutes before the race starts, and whatever you do don't get there 3 days before.

• 3 days before very bad, body is at it's worst.
• 3 minutes, you still have oxygen in your system.
• 3 weeks, you're fully aclimated.

So, why would I arrive 3 days before this race?  

Obviously because my sister and bro-in-law live here, and we want to hang out and watch the parade on the 4th.

But, surely there must be something more sinister?  

Well, yeah.  XC Nationals is in 3 weeks, just a couple of mountain passes away...

... and Leadville is 6 weeks out.

Oh, I promised you one thing you are going to love if you're coming from sea level...

... the air is so thin, you fly on the flats.  

It's an amazing feeling.

You've read about world records set at altitude and thought Oh yeah, makes sense.. It doesn't.  Not until you actually experience it for yourself.

One more thing, we are stairstepping it.  Before this 2milehighcity, we were in UT at 5000' for a week...

... which, if you can swing it is a good way to go.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

Something else I've noticed up here, is I'm not thinking the best.  And I left my Mini RaceDay Bag on my gravel bike...

... I need to get a 2nd, you might too.

It's really cool, fits snug under the saddle.  Holds 2 cartridges, a small multi-took, darts and a nozzle.

Just for fun, use promo code: GETHIGH and save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/on-bike-raceday-bags™/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

---

161ish (no scale today)
6.5 hrs (altitude is brutal)
Body Water 60.8% (maybe)
0 Rounds of Strength Circuit (tepering)
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

EVERYWHERE I GO, PEOPLE WANNA KNOW what I'm doing to be so lean and riding so well. We're on a road trip, and these are all friends and family I haven't seen for a year or more...

... and it's really weird.

Not that they notice a difference.

I notice it, why wouldn't they?

But, the moment I explain the simplicity of my methods their eyes shut and their ears close...

... they just don't wanna hear the naked truth.

That!, is, weird.

Why ask then?

Oh, I know why...

... they were hoping it was a magic pill or a miracle diet.

It's not.

It's just too simple to grasp.

I start with the 4 No's:

• No Alcohol
• No Bread
• No Soda
• No Sugar

And then...

Oh, I can't do that.

I know.

I mean I could.

I know.

It sounds so hard.

I know.

I just leave it there. They don't really want it.  If they did they'd take the 10-Week Challenge they would radically improve themselves...

... and realize it really isn't hard at all.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

The idea is to be Fit, Fast and Fierce...

... every day of our lives.

Do you want it?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what

---

160.9
8 hrs 
Body Water 60.8%
1 Rounds of Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

WE ALL START SOMEWHERE.  That's the good news, because without that we are just bystanders.  Who wants that...

... when you could be riding?

But, it's even better if we can get started right.

I was reminded of that this morning reading a book.  The author had laid out all the steps to perfection.  Unfortunately...

... the first step's assumption and information was just plain wrong.

Like the ol' climbing the latter analogy, only to find it's on the wrong wall.

Here are 3 things that make a huge difference when starting out:

• A proper bike fit, from a pro.
• Adequate nutrition and hydration.
• A good fitting short, with an excellent pad.
• A friend to show you how to brake and corner 

That last one is key...

... ya gotta have a friend, or hire a coach, to speed things along.

Wait, there's one more thing...

... be the friend who gets the next new rider started right.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/2022-clear-pedalindustries-water-bottle

Of course, proper hydration without a proper leakproof bottle isn't exactly proper.

I like the clear bottles for 2 big reasons:

First, you call see how much liquid is remaining.

Second, you know that your bottle is squeaky clean.

Third, these bottles ship free.

Use promo code BUYBOTTLES to get 2 free bottles when you purchase 2 bottles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/2022-clear-pedalindustries-water-bottle

---

163.3
7.5 hrs 
Body Water 61.1%
2 Rounds of Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling