TODD'S BLOG
Notify me when available
We will send you a notification as soon as this product is available again.
We don't share your email with anybody
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.
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 REAL PAYOFF OF A BIG RIDE OR RACE
I HIT A GOAL TODAY. At the beginning of the month, it seemed nigh impossible. Too much. Too big. As the days passed, I thought...
... maybe.
But, that's it.
So I kept grinding, day by day.
Looking at the goal.
Grinding.
That's payoff from planning to finish big races and rides. You get in the habit of doing hard things, and start applying it to everything.
100+ miles.
10,000+ of vert.
We keep grinding, pedal stroke by pedal stroke.
Looking at the finish line.
Pedaling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Now, if you like big, gnarly rides...
... and you ain't of afraid of the impossible.
Well, then maybe you're up for the SURFnSUMMIT
Riding from Dana Point to Big Bear.
Details are here...
... and yes, you can choose from just coming to the mixed-surface training session to starting out with us to doing the whole insane challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163.5
7hrs
25 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60minutes reading + Journaling
HOW MUCH VOLUME IS ENOUGH?
THERE'S A FINE LINE BETWEEN NOT ENOUGH TRAINING, just enough, and way too much. We question how much our bodies can handle, our families, our careers, etc...
... but too few question the quality of the volume.
The quality makes all the difference, whether we are time-crunched of time-wealthy.
Put a different way...
... the quantity of me is fixed, the quality is malleable.
Progressing or regressing.
Forever.
We're riding the long ride here. We know the real payoffs take months, even years.
Set the time aside. Honor it...
... with quality training.
(Hint: we are always training.)
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If hall of famer Reggie Miller thinks it's important to have giant calendars for his entire team...
... maybe you might consider the same.
As if right now, we still have some in stock. Soon we'll be making them on demand, which will take about 2 weeks.
Also, shipping free at the moment.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163?
8hrs
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
CHASING A POTATO CHIP AND OTHER DRAMA AT THE RACES
WE MANAGED TO GET 15 LAPS IN during the 8-hour race today. Not bad. Got us up on the podium. The thing about 2-man teams…
… it’s real obvious who’s the slowest.
That would be me.
Each of my legs, my laps got faster. With the last lap always the fastest. But, never as fast as the tat's fastest.
On my last lap of the first leg, I could see the tat’s kid charging hard after me. There was no way I was going to make it easy on him. We had a full drag race into the finish area…
… he got me.
The next time out, I could see this potato chip closing. Imaging a jersey, hanging on a giant potato chip, with toothpicks sticking out, flopping in the wind. That’s the size of the little kid chasing me. This little punk, I barely held off.
The final leg, my 6th and 7th laps were the funnest. The potato chip and I were each waiting for our guy to come in.
I left first.
He tacked on wisely, letting me deal with the wind.
Then he made a clean pass, but too early, because the old diesel carries a lot of momentum across the ridge. Finally…
… he opened a solid gap on me.
Meanwhile, some other cat is locked on to my wheel going up the windy false flat. I don’t care…
… then I do care.
Dude has the nuts to jump me right before the single track. Normally, it wouldn't bother me too much. But it was late in the day…
… and he’s a slug downhill and won’t let me by.
Even when I asked nice…
… which meant it was time for a block pass.
Sometimes, ya just gotta do it.
Then, of course, I had to make my pass stick.
First race of the year, got a long way to go…
… but we’ll get there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
You might be wondering, how much PR Lotion did I use? 3 solid applications. About 30 minutes before each outing.
I love this stuff…
… have you tried it?
Use promo code: BLOCKPASS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163?
8hrs
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
8 HRS OF RACING?!
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKE RACING is it’s generally in the mountains. Or, at least somewhat, to very, remote. Which is great…
… if you plan ahead.
You can really settle in and enjoy the wildness.
And, potential solitude.
But, it wouldn't be a quite one tonight.
Pulling in there were plenty of fires burning in pits. Racers up late, having a good time. Hottin' and hollerin'...
... this isn't your normal race.
It's an 8 hour race, and 8 hour racers like to party.
Some are going solo, me and the tat going duo...
... our main objective is noble and carries grave consequences should we lose..
We must beat his son's high school team duo.
So forget PRs over KOMs, and doing your best and all that stuff I normally stand for...
... the kids are going down!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
... definitely going with the red glove, red sock combo
We have lots and lots of colors
Right now, it's buy the amazing gloves and get the badass socks for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
162.9
8.3 hrs
30 Pull Ups +50 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL RACING PYRAMID?
THERE IS A HIDDEN BENEFIT TO RACING OFTEN. It ain't fitness, ain't knowing your competition, ain't skill improvement, ain't none of that. You'll see it...
... as soon as I say it.
At least you will if you race a lot. If you don't race a lot, it's invisible to you...
... you also see it, but you don't know what it is.
Those who race a lot are anxious, but not like those who don't.
Those who don't race a lot have all kinds of anxiety. They are at a huge disadvantage because their emotional energy is leaking, spouting out all over the place...
... and they haven't even crossed the start line.
Racers use a pyramid strategy to avoid all the above.
Think of the A race on top.
Two B races below.
Three C races at the base.
Got it?
I don't taper for my C races. They are just part of the year, with the added benefit of going through the raceday rituals. I have no stress, no need to accomplish X. These are a great place to try different tactics.
B races, I'll taper a bit for those. And I'll have definite tactics to implement and do all I can do to see if they work.
With the base of many C's and some B's I arrive at my A races...
... calm, a sense of serenity.
I've been here before, I know what to do, I'm anxious to execute my plan...
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
... and just like every other race I pull on the best gloves and socks in the world.
I like the red, to match my helmet and pull the red accents of my race kit.
We have lots and lots of colors
Right now, it's buy the amazing gloves and get the badass socks for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
162.9
8.3 hrs
30 Pull Ups +50 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
PROOF WE ARE LUCKIER THAN MOST
ON MY LUNCH RIDE TODAY I CAME ACROSS A GIANT STUFFED ANIMAL in the middle of nowhere. Some joker hauled it out there...
... and ya just gotta laugh at that.
It's the kinda thing that is proof our wheeled-band is extremely lucky.
Here's what I mean...
... society does its best to beat the childlike wonder of life out us.
Rigid schedules, rigid curriculum, rigid pace, slowly stamping out happy little cogs to go in world's big, massive wheel.
Along the way, we are constantly told to grow up.
Kids today call this adulting, like it's derogatory. They are figuring it out.
Which is why I say you and I are so lucky.
We get to work, and create...
... and ride our bikes!
We are the survivors.
The lucky ones...
... we are still kidding, while doing a damn fine job adulting.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1
This time of year can be chilly, and a good time for a beanie...
... and later in the year it's a good time for a hat.
Right now, today, and tomorrow only... score 33% savings on any of these hats.
Why you ask?
Well, I'm moving the warehouse and I'd really like to move less rather than more.
Grab one for yourself, and kinda for me while I'm adulting.
Use promo code: KIDDING
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1
---
163
8.3 hrs
25 Pull Ups +40 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE RACE CALENDAR
YEAH, IT TAKES MAJOR GUTS TO FILL IN YOUR RACEDAY CALENDAR™. To say I want to do X on this day means...
... you're saying yes to X, and no to everything else.
No cheat days?
None.
No skipping workouts?
Nope.
Can I start in a week?
You started when you woke up this morning, get going.
So, let me give you some ideas on how to fill in the calendar.
- Lead with you 1 or 2, maybe 3, events you really want to crush. Put those in first.
- Block out vacations.
- Block out work trips.
- Add the B and C races, those you want to test yourself and probe your competition.
I know you know how the work trips are going to go down. What the travel and accommodations will be like. Your roll. How to shine at what you do.
And don't tell me you can't visualize laying on the beach with your lover, or whatever you like to do on a vacation. I know y'all start scheming and dreaming early.
Now, work through the month leading up to your A race. Go through it mentally. From prepping your bike, to arriving in race town...
... see yourself on that start line,
ready,
to get what you want.
It's a helluvalot easier to say yes to X and no to everything else now, isn't it?
That's why you hang that calendar when you can see it,
every day,
of every week,
all month long!
I have developed a few tools for you here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
164.5
7 hrs
25 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
THERE AIN'T MUCH WORSE THAN PLANNING TO HIT A BIG RACE, delaying signing up, and finding out registration is closed. Except, of course...
... waiting until the last moment, paying extra, then paying dearly.
By paying dearly, I mean getting your lycra cradled buns handed to you.
A wise old diesel once said...
... Until you have registered for the event you are nothing.
Kinda harsh.
But, totally true.
That's the first line in his book, and the very words my handsome and kind cousin regurgitated to me Saturday.
Todd, I had an amazing experience.
Yeah?
Yeah, I've been playing tennis for 30 years and I've had the same weak volley all along. I decided to find a coach and change it, even if it took me 10,000 hours.
Wow cous'!
Yeah, but it's like that book says... magic happens once we commit.
How so?
Well, I found the coach. Spent an hour with him. Revolutionized my net play on the spot.
That's freakin' awesome!
That's the power of registering.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
So, you can imagine my joy today when one of my padawans responded with the following when I asked if he was registered for his A race.
Sure am... check this from the race promoter.
If you're into making the most of RaceDay, then ya outta check out what we're doing.
We take this seriously.
Not because winning a bike race is serious business, it's fun...
... because being prepared to win on a moment's notice is straight up bad to the bone.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
163.9
8.5 hrs
25 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU LOSING OR COMPOUNDING?
BECAUSE EVERY DAY ISN'T RACEDAY, FOR ME. I hear that phrase often. At some point, someone will walk in and notice my hat and mid-conversation justify whatever thing they want to slack off on...
... clarifying they aren't racing every day.
Fair enough.
Nobody is.
I mean those cats racing around France are for three weeks. But even they aren't racing every day.
The sprinters scratch and claw over the steep stuff and barely make the cut.
The climbers scamper to the front on a sprint stage only to clear out when it things get feisty.
Some days RaceDay is just doing the bare minimum...
... expending the least amount of energy.
Other days RaceDay means sleeping in and getting a massage...
... yes, Every Day Is RaceDay.
Don't waste 'em.
Compound 'em.
---
164.3
8 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY BANDIT RACING IS ALWAYS FUN
OUT HERE IT'S PRETTY MUCH IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT ON A LEGIT ROAD RACE. Trust me, I was the last one to put one in these parts. Had to deal with dense, urban, few open roads, 2 police/sheriff jurisdictions, 2 cities, the county, 3 water districts, fire dept, etc...
... which is why bandit races are the happening thing.
Can I get a Hellyeah!
No we didn't blow and lights or cause too much of a ruckus. But, we did get a group of marauders and lit up the local roads with some fastfast times...
... consummated with a rolly, climby crescendoie explosive finish.
One aspect I love is because there are a few bucks on the line and an "official" standing, it's peppier and spicier than normal...
... even though it's mostly the same ol' guys and gals.
There were some cash premes at the regular hot spots, I even sponsored a RaceDay Bag™...
... for the last person up the vicious Mojeska grade!
Keep it fun.
And, as Chuckles said...
I'm glad I did this instead of the mountain bike race today.
Yeah?
Yeah, nobody's gonna see my name at the bottom of the finisher's list.
While true road racing suffers in CA, bandit racing is on!
Find one.
Create one.
You're sure to have a great time...
... all it takes is a Strava post and a couple of hundies from the usual suspects.
Shout out to the great JH (gotta protect the promoters' ID) for makin' Blake Silver happen!!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
I managed to hit 49.5 mph, which was a tad sketchy considering the very windy conditions.
Had a nice taillight, but was wishing I had a my headlight going too.
If you're into being seen well in advance, I highly recommend you get lit.
Use promo code BANDIT
and save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
164.5
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
FRIDAY NIGHT (GARAGE) LIGHTS
IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT. Most folks are enjoying the evening, staying up a little later. Cutting loose. Not us. The garage lights are on, there's a race tomorrow...
... and a lotta wrenching to be done.
That's how it was a my pal's tonight.
He's reached a place few racers ever do.
He's got a racing family.
Which means, when I got over there to drop something off at 9pm he was...
prepping all the bikes,
while mama and babies were tucked in...
... and he was loving it!
There's not much better than a quiet garage, a good set of tools, and knowing your rig is ready to rip...
... and your family is gonna be racing with you in the morning.
Good luck to y'all!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Of course, a racing family vs a racing individual takes a lot more coordination, especially if only part of the crew is racing.
That's where the giant RaceDay Calendar™ comes in soooo handy.
If you're into getting the support team onboard with your season, there's nothing better than the few remaining RaceDay Calendars™.
And, they're still shipping for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.3
7.3 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU RACING A HUNTER OR SCAVENGER?
THE LIGHT FURRY COAT JUMPED OFF THE BRIGHT SPRING GRASS' BACKGROUND. My survival radar registering the movement about a quarter mile up the way...
... lion or coyote?
That's always the question around here.
I've had upclose staredowns with each type...
... it ain't as fun as it looks on YouTube.
I slowed.
Back and neck ramrod straight.
Head on a swivel.
It was too far away to be sure.
Curiosity got the best of me and I pedaled on.
I could see it go into the brush to the right of the trail.
I continued.
Then it crossed into the green again, looked my direction...
... padded towards me, kinda loping.
Damn.
Strangely, I was undeterred...
... it's brazenness convincing me it was a coyot'.
Closer.
I whistled.
Yelled, Hayaaaah!
Finally it turned sideways, this would be it.
Cat or dog...
... dog, well coyote.
Slinking into the brush on the other side of the dirt road, the fur perfectly blending in with the dry brush from last summer.
Gone.
That's kinda how racing is.
Someone gets aggressive, and we have to decide...
... hunter or scavenger?
Scavengers are plenty.
They ply off the front, get a little fanfare, maybe... and I mean maybe... pick up a preme.
Hunters are killers.
They stalk,
size you up,
get into position,
and pounce so forcefully...
... you have no chance to respond.
Once you have experience with each species, as I have, literally and metaphorically, you learn to spot the difference.
Here's one tell...
... hunters are slyly confident.
Look for that cat at your next race.
Speaking of racing, I had a huuuuuuuge aha moment...
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
... I had my giant RaceDay Calendar™ out and Surfergirl walked into the room.
This is great!
Yeah?
Yeah, I can see you're really only gone a few weekends, and we can plan the rest of our together and see it all at once.
If you're into getting the support team onboard with your season, there's nothing better than the few remaining RaceDay Calendars™.
And, they're still shipping for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.5
7.5 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
GODD@PEDALINDUSTRIES.COM
DO ALL OF US REALLY WANT TO PLAY GOD? I dunno, but I do know I'd like to ride like a god. Wouldn't you? The question is...
... is the universe aligned with you?
Some say we are living in a simulation. And, when something like the following happens it's proof that we are creating our own reality.
Well, if this is the beginning sign me up.
Opened a packing slip today and the contact email for me was...
... godd@pedalindustries.com.
Ha!
Hallelujah!
If only it were that easy...
... it's not, until you realize it's not.
Then, it's easy.
Want to go on a brief dive into a potential reality? In the story of Adam and Eve, Adam wishes to return to the garden of eden. He's nostalgic for his previous life of ease. Only over time does he realize that labor is a gift. To labor, to create, is to be like a god.
So, we can be like children and wish for ease...
... or we can be like god's and work, create our best selves.
Ok, you can go back to sleep now.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Or, you can consider what a dear customer posted on our FB page...
... failing to plan is planning to fail.
If you're into planning there is nothing better than the Giant RaceDay Calendar™
And, they're still shipping for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
163.1
7.7 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 18 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THAT YOU'RE MOVIN' ON THE BACK ROADS
WE WERE CHARGING THE BACKROADS EARLY THIS MORNING. It had been over a month since I'd made the ride, I was excited to test my legs...
... but, this was not a test.
By sheer serendipity, my return coincided with the group's first hard ride of the year.
The offseason truce had ended.
Unplanned.
Unspoken.
Unhinged.
A certain gentleman decided it was time, hit it hard, took a few valiant ones along...
... I felt like the buzzer had rung, and it was time to put down my pencil.
This loser was not going to pass the test.
7 days to get a few more answers.
7 weeks until the real exam.
Time to pull my helmet low across my face,
and move on the back roads.
It's more than that really. If you're still reading I'll tell ya how it really is. I'm pissed, shocked, hacked off! Eff those guys. Showing off their early season fitness. Eff their backslapping at the finish. Their cat ate the bird smiles. Their patronizing Nice job Diesel. Eff it all. I'm gonna tighten up the diet, lengthen the miles, pump the weights, recover like no other. Eff y'all...
... till next week.
That's how it really is...
... gawd I love charging the backroads with these bastards!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
The owner/founder of PR Lotion called me up today. He caught me up on the company then asked...
What can we do to support you, have you seen the latest science on the product?
No.
Would you like me to send you that?
Nope. Don't need it. Could care less. My message is simple...
... put this on your legs if you're feeling racy, saucy, and just wanna haul some a$$ on your next ride.
And if you prefer to pay full price, go right ahead we could use the cash.
But, if you prefer to SAVE 20% then use promo code: HAULA$$
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
163.1
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COMPLETELY SCREW UP YOUR BIKE?
ON THE LONG LIST OF ROOKIE MOVES, things we've all done at least once and sworn to never do again...
... there is one that reigns king.
It happened on my favorite holiday of the year, during a beautiful afternoon, just after meeting up with some of the posse.
The settling sun softly lighting smooth trails, a light banter as we flew across the valley, then...
... a horrendous screeching of metal!!!!
Rocketing up an extremely steep pitch, I tapped my e-tap. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem. But, I was being a bit greedy, pedaling under a load trying to keep my momentum...
... I should have backed off.
It was actually a two-fer:
- Pedaling under too heavy a load to shift with out risking all that can go wrong in such situations.
- There is 1 problem with e-tap, sometimes, especially on uneven terrain, it's easy to double tap it on accident.
That poor ol' (actually new!) chain went up and over the 52,
into the beautiful, bladed spokes,
and deep into the hub.
It was wedged so deep I couldn't pull it out. Had to walk a few miles...
... lesson relearned.
Not to be repeated in any upcoming races.
Thanks to posse shredder Kristen for rescuing me!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/program-to-get-you-started
People keep asking me for coaching.
Todd, will you coach me?
My answer has always been no, until now.
I'm taking on a handful of clients who want to be RaceDay Ready™.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/program-to-get-you-started
---
164.2
7 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
NO, I'M NOT SAYING YOU'VE GOT A CHANCE
AFTER BEING MUGGED AT THE THUG RIDE, we met some friends for a big calorie download, and strained conversation ensued...
... Do you still ride a lot?
The ladies form the glue to this group, so the dudes just know me as that guy who likes to bike.
Yeah.
How often?
Most days, if I can swing it.
Now, I'm the oldest at the table.
Do you have any aches and pains?
Not really.
C'mon?
It's true. Any time I feel a niggle I figure it out. The key is to keep charging.
I know the guys were mixture of incredulous and envious.
So, we've got a chance?
I wanted to say Yeah, for sure, but I wanted it to stick.
No, you don't have a chance... you have a choice.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Of course, we know that...
... and then you've got to hold firm.
Which reminds me of these amazing gloves, which come in a myriad of colors.
Bonus...
... this month, buy the gloves and socks and the socks are automatically free when you check out...
... no promo code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.5
9 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
LOVE WATTS, BABY BAILS, AND HOW'S YOUR FRUIT BASKET?
ANY TIME YOU DRIVE TO A RIDE, it's pretty much a lock you're gonna do it regardless. But, when there's a legit tsunami warning...
This should be fun.
Yeah, we'll be at sea level right when it's supposed to hit.
Perfect.
Lots of spectators and safety authorities were out, but no tsunami to speak of...
... but, there was a helluva a tsunami starting at 8:15am...
... the feared and awesome Thug Ride.
It would be my first hard ride in months. Coming off my recent bout with Covid, I felt decently ready...
... afterall, my resting HR was back in the low 40s.
As expected, I struggled when things got hot. But, it felt good. Really good. The base miles I'd been putting in kept me in there for...
The pain.
The shame.
The chasing.
Meanwhile, a certain gentleman is riding about as good as I've ever seen. Up on the front most of the day. Pulling into the bottom of climbs. Making it over the very punchy walls.
Bro, what's new?
Well... I've been on a few hot dates.
And there it was, the secret to his dashing show of power...
... love watts.
Ain't no denying it, when the romance is good...
... the riding is good.
At the other end of the spectrum, was a certain lawyer. He also drove all the way down.
Sat in his car.
Texted us, Eff this rain!
I rang him.
Get out here.
No.
Don't be a baby.
I hate the rain, I'm going home.
Ok... call the sitter, have her read you a story and bring chicken soup for your pitiful soul.
Who doesn't want to ride 90 miles in the rain with the fastest cats in San Diego?
Which brings me to the fruit basket...
... my fruit basket got pretty soggy.
Time to dry off, and kindle up some of my own love watts.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Valentine's Day is coming up for all us Hallmark suckers...
... no better place to remember it than the GIANT RaceDay Calendar™
Shipping free now
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
163.8
8 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
2 X DISCIPLINE
DO YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD MORE DISCIPLINE? You know, something to keep you from going off the rails...
... and doing too much or too little?
Back in the olden days we had 2 X Discipline.
In the off season, we'd neverever use the big ring. There were small ring months, Oct-Dec. Sure, you can go plenty mcfast in the small ring...
... but, it's annoying enough to keep one in line.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, all mountain bikes and most gravel bikes are 1 X.
It's make shifting brainless.
Harder.
Easier.
So 2 X Discipline isn't really a thing.
The four seasons can help the weak minded.
Depending on the time of year and where you live, the weather could keep you outta the big and the small rings. Off the bike all together.
But, can it still?
Not really, not with all the nifty TrainerPelotoner things to choose from.
Season Discipline isn't really a thing.
Used to be race season lasted about 6 months.
Here, in CA, crit season and mtb season are on. They'll go straight through to fall when gravel and CX ramps up...
... and Zwifty got your racing back 24/7 in the comfort of your cozy cave.
Well, whatthehell are we s'pose ta do?
Can't 2X.
Can't blame the weather.
Can't trainer quit.
Only one discipline left.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The awesome and giant RaceDay Calendar™...
... once you take a Sharpie and write in I WILL DO X...
... then you look at that every day and start planning out the days and weeks and months leading up to your commitment...
... then you will have 10 X Discipline.
Shipping free now
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
165
8 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
RIDE LIKE YOU'RE GONNA MAKE IT
GETTING FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER can be a challenge. We know where we are, we see where we want to go...
... but there's a stream or boulder or gap in the way.
As we know from our riding experience, the correct approach is critical.
We need the skills, speed, line...
... and the right amount of pressure.
That pressure makes all the difference.
I have found my ability to gauge the pressure required is directly related to my confidence.
When I'm confident, I'm relaxed.
Unhurried.
It's still scary, there are still penalties if I don't make it...
... but those are muted.
A mystic said...
... Act as if the what you want will be given.
I say...
... Ride like you're gonna make it.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Sometimes the biggest obstacle is finding the time to make it all happen...
... which is why we use the giant RaceDay Calendar™
Shipping free now
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
164
7.5 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
THERE'S A NASTY UNDERCURRENT AT MOST RACES. It has to do with respect. The new cat has none...
... the established have it all.
How you garner it is one question, why you want it quite another.
Some is earned by simply being a regular, being known in the racing community.
Some is borrowed by association with others.
Some by having skills.
All of it is earned, usually hard-earned work on the front.
Easily lost, most commonly by intemporance.
Why you want it isn't because your puny and fragile ego demands it.
No.
You want it because it opens the doors when the racing is frantic...
... you are allowed in, where the action is.
Today, I rode with a most intimidating group. The first time I showed up I was rudely escorted to the back. Given no quarter. I kept showing up when I could. Eventually made a few connections.
Now I get to play up front...
... if you call wheezing the rest of the day playing.
I'll leave you with two quotes from the movie RESPECT:
- I need you to focus, and avoid frivolous distractions.
- Find a song that moves you, until you do that you ain't going nowhere.
Of course, amongst the cars sometimes you need a little help... like a light!
Use promo code ELECTRIC to save 25%.
Code expires Friday.
---
164
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
MY REVIEW OF THE APPLE WATCH
AFTER YEARS OF ENVY, the kids got me an Apple Watch for Christmas. I wanted it for several reasons. Right away I loved it...
... then I sent it back.
Here's what I loved, and why I sent it back.
Loved:
- Easy, easy to dual record bike rides in case the Wahoo malfunctions. It is sooooo simple to import the activities to Strava.
- Waterproof, so I can record water sports
- HR is integrated so I can get more fitness data walking, surfing, resting, sleeping etc.
- Blood oxygen levels are easily checked - a thing at altitude
- Glance at the weather vs opening an app on the phone.
What I really wanted was those first 3, upload all workouts and more HR data. If my resting heart rate is higher than normal I know I'm sick or stressed or overtrained. In my world, that's important.
Other cool things
- Remote picture taking
- Appointments at a glance
- Timers... like set a timer for 20 min, then stretch
- ECG monitoring
- Find My Devices let me ping my missing phone
- ApplePay
Unexpectedly helpful
- Every hour, if I haven't moved it reminds me to stand up. For me, that means ripping off some pull ups or pushups or squats.
- Alarm to wake up, it's very gentle haptic nudge is quite nice
- Oh, and it's a watch.
Why did I send it back?
I sent it back because I wanted the data plan so that:
- I could ride with a tiny watch vs a giant phone in a case and still make calls if absolutely necessary.
- Connect more with my surroundings...
... you see any time there's a free moment I'm tempted to whip out the phone and check messages, social media, etc. Could be resting at a beautiful look out, or out to dinner with Surfergirl.
I'm weak that way.
Now, I'm a little better.
In case you're wondering... got the Series 7, small face, sport band.
... or do something a helluvalot more athletic!
Here's another big of electronics I like... like 'em so much I run 'em day or night.
Use promo code ELECTRIC to save 25%.
Code expires Thursday.
---
163.5
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
IS YOUR FOOD GOOD?
DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN PERFORM AT YOUR BEST IF YOU AREN'T EATING GOOD FOOD? I hope not. I mean some do, at least it seems that way...
... by their actions.
But, not us.
We take the good food seriously.
Good friendships.
Good rides.
Good work.
Good rest.
Good love.
Good books.
Good movies.
Good family time.
And, because we're eating the above good foods we have a tires on the ground when the gun goes off...
... we are focused on what matters.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/all-tires/products/conti-gp5000-tl-tubeless
Speaking of tires on the ground.
Do you need a set of Continual GP5000 TL (tubeless) tires?
They're might fine... and might hard to come by.
Use promo code: GOODTIRES
Codes saves you 25%.
*** There is only 1 set of these tires available, act fast ***
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/all-tires/products/conti-gp5000-tl-tubeless
---
163.5
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
IS IT TIME FOR A COACH?
WE ALL WANT TO BE BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER, LIGHTER. At least, I don't know one single person I ride who isn't trying get a little faster...
... usually with the least amount of work possible.
Nothing wrong with that, we're all plenty busy.
Question: if your life depended on getting faster would you
- Read a book
- Watch a video
- Ask a friend
- Hire a coach
Of course, your life doesn't depend on it...
... but, in a way it does.
Because all of those options above require time to achieve mastery...
... and our time is precious.
Maybe it's better to ask Who rather than How?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/raceday-ready™?variant=41006236139681
---
163.8
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
TESTING, TESTING, 1, 2, 3
I DON'T THINK WE CAN EVER DO MUCH TESTING, I'd guess we don't do nearly enough. It might even be worse than that...
... if you count all the testing done on RaceDay.
That's the rookiest move of all.
Hey man, what's that?
It's the new extraspecialgood humdinger.
Does it work.
Oh, for sure.
I don't fall for that any more, not that it's ever malicious...
... it's just plain crazy to try something new when it counts.
Months out from my bigcrazy goal to ride 150 miles from the surf in Dana Point to the top of Big Bear, I thought I'd do some testing.
Nothing too fancy.
Just wanted to mount up the 3rd bottle cage and load all three bottles with a drink I've experimenting with.
I'm using the Arundel cages, by far the strongest gripping cage I've ever found. Light, too.
The goal was to see if the bottle would become dislodged, and see how disgusting it was when it came time to drinkin'.
The cage worked great. No surprise.
No water crossings or horse poop, etc on the bottle...
... just a layer of dust.
The drink is a winner as well, although it is a little weird.
Let me explain.
A few years back, I came across this amazing drink. It delivered a ton of calories per bottle and had a mellow taste. This is definitely what you want when you need to drink your calories vs eat them. Such as bumpy trails and roads.
It had one problem...
... it was nearly impossible to mix.
I had to use a blender, and then it was so sticky it would gum up the bottles and bladders if it had a chance to settle. And it had this weird, slippery texture.
Really weird stuff.
This new drink is similar.
700 calories/bottle.
Same weird consistency.
But, it does mix well.
Allen Lim, SkratchLabs, developed it. The reason the consistency is unique from all other sports drinks is it's a different molecule. It's smaller. And it matters for digestion.
It's called SuperFuel.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cages-and-drinks
Use this promo code to save 20%: TESTING
Code expires Monday.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cages-and-drinks
---
161.8
8.75 hrs
11 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST SPEACH EVER ON GOALS
THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS TO SET GOALS, and multiples more of speeches and books and seminars. I used to be a goal crackhead...
... then I simplified my process.
But, don't take The Old Diesel's word for it check Reggie's definitive recipe for success...
... he's forgotten more his accolades than all of us combined could hope to earn.
I hope you can take a few moments to watch it...
... it's impressive.
Click this pic and be sure to turn the sound on, speech starts a few second in.
What are you goals for '22?
You can get a giant calendar like Reggie's, right here:
Don't delay... they won't ship free forever.
---
162.7
7.5 hrs
25 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretched
55 minutes reading + Journaling
RIDING THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD OF ROAD
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE ROAD. And the road was dirt. And man rode bikes on the dirt road...
... until it was paved.
In the beginning (for me) was VeloNews. And VeloNews was printed. And racers read of racing in print...
... until it got digitized.
Road riding is like this prolific spawner of countless children:
- Road
- Crits
- Cross
- Track
- BMX
- MTB
- Gravel
In terms of popular energy, road is back to it's roots with gravel.
Road rides on with momentum and power and energy.
There was a time when I couldn't wait to get down to the local shop to pick up the latest copy of VeloNews.
Today, VeloNews announced it was merging with Peloton magazine. They're fighting for the printed lives. I respect the idea of banding together, but it seems like a marriage made in Roubaix during springtime.
VeloNews plays it pretty straight and covers a number nearly all of road's off spring.
Peloton, however, is artsyfoofoo. Romantic. Narrowly focused on the smallest sliver of road culture.
VeloNews print is officially dead in this iteration. Peloton is the print flagship with additional contributors from VeloNews and CyclingTips.
Will it work?
I dunno.
Maybe.
They are basically going on all on the great progenitor.
Long live Road!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Our SuperLight Race Gloves are perfect for the whole family of racing.
I developed them for MTB, but they are so light I wear them exclusively regardless of which bike I'm riding.
Yep.
That good.
Mesh palm, mesh top.
Plus, plus, plus... the matching socks are free this month... lots of colors to choose from.
No promo coded needed, savings are automatically calculated at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
162.3
7.5 hrs
30 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretched
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS IS MY FAVORITE LENS
WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING, I prefer a photo-chromatic lens. It' easy to grab one pair of glasses for every ride. If it's dark, they are clear. If it's bright, the darken...
... but, there is another lens that is even more powerful.
It's got a special super low-tech coating called WIMMEF that anybody can acquire...
... without even going to the store.
With this lens I've been able to make dramatic increases in speed and other metrics of efficiency.
It works like this, everything I consider I ask myself...
... Will It Make Me Even Faster?
There are only 2 answers:
- Hellyeah!
- No.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
Take PR Lotion for example.
My pal Matt turned me on to it.
What is that?
PR Lotion.
What does it do?
Makes me go faster, feel no pain, can't race without it.
Now, that is a Hellyeah!
Be sure to use the promo code: WIMMEF
At check out.
Saves 20%, expires Friday.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
---
162.8
8 hrs
25 Pull Ups + 50 PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretched
50 minutes reading + Journaling
WHICH DAYS SHOULD WE FOCUS ON?
FOR MOST OF YOU, 98%, this is going to be gamechanger. Of course, if you've been hanging out her for a bit, it's not new. But, I'm willing to bet...
... many still don't believe me, and ya never tried it somewhere else.
You should.
The good news is I found a secondary source to back up my philosophy.
And what is said amazing wisdom?
YA GOTTA BE RESTED TO PRODUCE RESULTS.
If you want the science vs The Old Diesel's evil knowledge gained through experience:
- Readers go here: https://philmaffetone.com
- Watchers go here: https://youtu.be/dxODgYXOO7w
Now, let me help ya wrap your helmets around this concept okay.
- 80% of your riding should be Zones 1-2 to build your engine
- This will allow you to really focus and maximize the hard efforts
Those are two good points. If you'll take the time to do the research it will become abundantly clear.
But, that is not the most important benefit of this method...
... this is the most important, by far.
Building your fitness this way is the only way to sustain cycling for life.
We lose to many to burn out, because they ride too hard all the time.
Way too many lost.
Guess where else this works well?
If you're paid for results, and more and more of us are...
... this strategy of mostly easy days with a few focus days...
... is also a winner for bread winning.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
The big focus days, of course, are races.
Nothing better than hanging out at the race with the team, around the canopy.
Yeah, we make canopies too.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
---
163.1
8 hrs
25 Pull Ups + 50 PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
70 minutes reading + Journaling
I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF CHRIS FROOME
I'D REALLY LIKE TO PICK ON CHRIS FROOME. His nice manners. His Aw shucks, can't believe I won the tour again attitude. His wife sticking up for him in the early days...
... he's just begging for it.
It was all so picture perfect until he fell off his bike on a training ride...
... mangling his leg and other body parts.
So, he wraps us up in the drama of his big come back. I love underdogs, and I almost got sucked in...
... it coulda been so good.
Then, I just read he's gone and hurt his repaired knee by training too hard. He said it had been bothering him for 10 days. 10 days, riding with pain! Now he's gonna spend a bloody week off the bike...
... what kinda rookie move is that?
C'mon man, get your shift together!
There's just one problem with ripping into him in a family friendly place like we have here...
... what if I bumped into him on a ride?
It's not too far-fetched.
I have had the occasional run in with celebrity riders out riding: Cavendish, Phinney, Vails, Hegg, Bahati, Lettieri, Sagan, Van Garderen, Juarez, and more...
... so, what would happen?
It's always the same.
I'm star struck.
They're nice.
We pedal.
And talk.
It's hard as hell to pick on someone once you know them. Realized they're just another cat doing their best in this crazy world of ours.
Maybe he'll write a book one day about his struggles.
Wouldn't that be incredible?
Not the fairytale trash from 2015. I want the heartache of a tragic crash that seems to just keep seeping forward instead of moving to the past.
How he dealt with it.
I mean, at this point, does he really need the money? Couldn't he just retire as the greatest of his generation? Hand up the cleats. Spend time with family.
Get better Chris,
were pulling for you...
... and every other rider dealing with a set back.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/training
You know what else I'd like to see?
His raceday calendar.
It must be scaring the hell outta him, just like Jeremy below.
These are still shipping for free.
Act fast.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/training
---
163.7
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 20 Banded PushUps + 20 Banded Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO DOESN'T LIKE AN EASY WIN?
MY MOST BIGGEST WINS, every single one of them, came easy. In fact, I'd say there were surprising...
... because I wasn't trying.
Don't get me wrong.
There was sweat, blood and tears poured into every on one of them. But, my aim was different on that day than on many others.
I was there to race.
When I "try to win", when I've "got to have" a desired result I am divided.
Thinking more of winning than racing is draining.
When I'm simply racing, not concerned with the outcome...
... I have all my skills.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
That's one reason I go to a lot of races: formal and training. To get rid of the jitters...
... so, I'm calm and able to focus on the racing.
Another thing I do is fill out my calendar as soon as it makes sense. Then, as I look at it and think of the upcoming events I visualize the days leading up to crossing the finish line.
Right now, the calendars are shipping FREE.
So is everything on the link below.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
164.7
9.5 hrs
20 Pull Ups + 20 Banded PushUps + 20 Banded Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
210 minutes reading + Journaling
EZZZZZIN' INTO THE NEW YEAR
WE BROKE TRADITION AND DID A BIG RIDE ON NYE VS NYD. A flattish 100 miles, Zone 2. The original plan was a gravel ride I'd dubbed DJ Diesel's MixALot of Surfaces 100k...
... but we received too much rain.
So we opted for road.
First, I should point out the harsh realities of riding with us:
- We leave on time.
- We don't wait for the dropped.
- We don't stop for mechanicals.
Why? Because we believe in...
- Respect for each other's time.
- Motivation through abandonment.
- Running good gear and being able to do our own repairs.
But, we broke all those rules yesterday.
I hope it's not a sign of things to come.
A few were dropped in the first 20 miles. Slowly eased off the back.
Then, a flat.
And another flat.
And yet a third rider flatted.
We kept going at an easy pace, thinking they would combine and catch us.
Then the doozy. Coulda been horrific. The double flat on a gaping pothole at 40+ mpgh.
Of course, it was a girl. And if she wasn't so nice, and her husband so pleasant, surely we'd have left them.
Maybe the fact that I was slowing to fix my own flat after being dropped helped...
... but, I hope not.
I really like our traditions.
Perhaps a tradition of making exceptions is a good idea?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
Fortunately, I had all 3 dynaplug heads with me. I needed the sharpest one. The hole was tiny, yet big enough it wouldn't seal.
Took me 3 minutes tops to plug it.
Here's what the plug looks like after being inserted in the tire.
It's the glob.
I mashed it down a bit, then rode it another 60 miles.
My experience is that it will last as long as the rest of the tire does. They are really good.
Fast.
Reliable.
Use promo code: NODISCIPLINE
Code expires 1/4/22
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug
---
166.2
8.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Clap PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 Recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
HAVE YOU RESOLVED ANYTHING?
WHEN I RECEIVED THIS TEXT, my evil heart was warmed. For, here was a young man confronting the reality of his goals...
... and writing them out in pen!
I expect him to have a wonderful year and have some really good stories to tell.
Will you?
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Calendars are currently shipping for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
164.9
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Clap PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 Recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
DYOU UNDERSTAND WAT I'M TALKIN' 'BOUT?
ONE OF THE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE FOR RACING is from the great Stephen Covey. He talks about 7 habits of successful people, be we are racers and this habit is a winner...
... seek first to understand.
I get that...
... but not the way he meant it.
He wanted us to understand where other people are coming from before we try to get them to understand us...
... here's why that's gold.
Especially in road racing.
So much strategy.
So many calculations.
I spend at least the first half of any road race trying to understand what each of my competitors has planned...
... what part are they going to play.
That might be a fake attack or latching onto a break and sitting in or just pulling hard for a bit or dangling off the back. Could, should start as early as pulling into the parking lot and seeing who's there and who's hanging out, who looks friendly though in different kits.
First, seek to understand...
... then, at the finish line...
... you can be understood.
Got it?
Honestly, I don't know why I give away these ideas for freely. Fortunately, I don't race road too much so nobody really knows me anyway. Heaven forbid some yokel understand me and leaves me understanding at the line.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
I can't guarantee results, but I can guarantee this...
... our RaceDay Bags™ are nearly indestructible. That's we have a 1 year warranty...
... the truth is, you could send one back after 5 years and we'd fix it.
It's so rare, I should probably just make it a lifetime warranty.
Maybe I will.
It pretty much is.
We'd love you to spread the word...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
---
167.3
7 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST ATHLETES HAVE NO DISCIPLINE
THE BEST ATHLETES HAVE ZERO DISCIPLINE. While it may look like they have a spartan and regimented life, that's not what is...
... it's passion.
Somewhere in time, they woke up to an idea. That idea propels them 24/7.
They eat,
drink,
sleep...
... like athletes.
Discipline is hard.
Passion is easy...
... and natural,
for athletes.
Athlete are always on the lookout for ways to go faster... and there nothing faster than a Dynaplug.
Use promo code: NODISCIPLINE
Code expires 12/31/21
---
167
8.25 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
50 minutes reading + Journaling
DOES THIS SCARE YOU? IT SHOULD.
I'M GONNA MAKE A GUESS ABOUT MOST OF YOU. Your goals suck. They are weak. And, I'll prove it. Because I know for too many of you...
... your goals don't scare the shift out of you.
Think about this.
When are we most alive on the bike...
... when we are closest to death.
For me, that's the finishing sprint or dropping off a steep ledge or tucked in at 60+ mph.
Our goals, the big ones, should be scaring us to death.
The really good ones are where we know if everything goes absolutely perfect...
leading up to the race,
during the race,
and crossing the finish line...
... then, and only then, we might accomplish our goal.
Because it demands EVERYTHING, it's scary.
We have to BE THAT PERSON that can make it happen...
... not just wanting.
Everybody wants.
We must be.
When I said I'd break my 20 year old PR at Leadville in 2019, it was scary. I wrote it out every morning. I made a wallet that had Leadville Sub 8:20 printed large on it. It ain't easy pulling that out in front of your friends.
The thing I like about the giant RaceDay Calendar™ is that it's hung in a conspicuous place and my top 3 goals are front and center...
... for all to see.
If we aren't failing, we aren't trying.
What are my top 3 goals for 2022?
I'm thinking PR Leadville (again), win a national championship, ride from the sandy beach at Doheny to the top of Snow Summit.
That's not set in stone yet, but it's getting close.
How the hell can I go faster at Leadville? Surfergirl, my biggest fan, even looked at me askance. I'm a grampa now, 60 freakin' years old in April. She knows how much I put in last time and how many miracles we had. Ouch.
Win a national? I think it's within in me, either the crit or MTB marathon... but it would take a lot of luck. Crit sprints are always a roll of the dice, and the MTB marathon is in MD... I hate flying - this is a big one.
Doheny to Snow Summit is at least 130 miles, 15-20,000 feet of vert, on dirt and asphalt, across the concrete jungle, and the final 9000' will be on the sun exposed southern slopes. Alone.
My palms are sweating.
I hope yours are too, as you consider your big goals for 2022.
May you be scared,
very scared.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
This is the wallet I carried around with me for 8 months.
Every time I pulled it out I was reminded of that goal.
When you select the wallet, there's a button below Quantity. That's where you enter in your goal.
It's kinda like putting your money where you mouth is...
... it takes guts.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
165.8
7 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BENEFITS OF COLD THERAPY
SOMETIMES I PURPOSELY UNDERDRESS. When would that make sense? What could be the purpose? Well, it's not just frolicking about the house, I'm talking about riding fast...
... out in the cold, harsh world.
The purpose, I learned a long time ago, is because it feels good. I feel alive, connected to my animal nature.
Then, I started studying Wim Hof and got some excellent confirmation bias going.
Does this make sense to you?
Because we wear clothes and artificially control the temperatures at home and at work. we've greatly reduced the natural stimulation of our bodies, atrophying the age-old mechanisms related to our survival and basic function. Because these deeper physiological layers are no longer triggered, our bodies are no longer in touch with this inner power. The inner power is a powerful force that can be reawakened by stimulating these physiological processes through the Wim Hof Method.
It does to me.
Today I suffered such a fate. The app said 45, and reality said 35. It was so cold in my superlight RaceDay gloves...
... I lost some feeling and much dexterity in my fingers.
The toes were headed that direction as well...
... and the nose dripped and dripped.
I love it.
I'm alive.
Plus, there are benefits:
- It's healthy, getting that circulation going strong.
- It builds confidence, knowing you can survive the temporary pain.
- You learn your limits.
That's just riding.
In the 4-Hour Body, Tim Ferriiss shared a weight-loss hack. The ice bath. By lowing your core temperature your body burns more calories to warm back up.
But, the one I've come to love is that wonderful feeling as the sun's warmth spreads across the day...
... and the feeling returns in my extremities.
That
is
priceless.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
You know what else is priceless?...
... seeing your goals become reality.
And there's nothing like a giant RaceDay Calendar™ to help you out.
Right now, they SHIP FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
165.3
7 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
50 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LITTLE KID SECRET TO BIG TIME POWER
A VERY WISE COACH suggested we become like little children. Since I like to apply great teachings wherever possible...
... here's what I've discovered and how we can get a lot faster by being more child-like.
First, it's not because they are...
humble
trusting
quick to rejoice
quick to forgive
... nor is it that...
they love with their whole being.
... those are wonderful traits.
But, I'm talking about something kids do a lot better than 99.9% of adults.
They lift with their legs...
... by squatting,
not bending,
... all day long.
Trust me, I've been watching my own kid's little kid this weekend.
He squats throughout the day...
... just like you will be doing when you apply my soon to be released app, RaceDay Ready...
... to develop bigtime power.
Is squatting what the great coach meant when he encouraged us to become as little children?
Probably not.
But, then again, all great coaches teach on multiple levels.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/nutrition
Great coaches encourage us to feed our minds and bodies with good stuff.
Here's some good stuff.
Use promo code: CHILDLIKE
... and save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/nutrition
---
166.2
8.5 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THE CHIPS & SALSA VARIANT
I LOVE A GOOD CONSPIRACY THEORY. Just chewing on a big What If? and spitting occasionally, with the fellas. So, let me share my thoughts...
... on The Great Reset.
With the tremors of the vicious Holiday21 Virus rocking our waistlines, I'm particularly concerned about the Chips & Salsa Variant.
There seems to be no way to stop it...
... from destroying our seams.
But, it's actually worse than it appears.
Because, though many of us have some Natural Immunity due previous exposure to Holiday20, many are just waking up to the fact that if the new yoga pants didn't fit this morning...
... It's only gonna get worse between now and Jan 1.
Many gyms are already bracing for capacity to be overwhelmed in early January. And, Lord, bless the server farms and remote coaches dedicated to reaching every single soul...
... succumbing to the feared Chips & Salsa Variant.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Get on your scales,
reset your goals,
lift heavy,
and ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Of course, there's nothing more powerful for your own great reset than signing up for a gnarly race or die and circling that date in red...
... on a giant RaceDay Calendar™
We can barely make these fast enough...
... RaceDay Calendars™ have been proven safe in all ages.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
165.8 again
7 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
No recovery
25 minutes reading + Journaling
LA NOCHE BUENA
YEARS AGO, LIVING IN MEXICO, I learned about La Noche Buena. Literally translated: The Good Night. Turns out for our neighbors to the south Christmas Eve...
... is a bigger celebration than Christmas Day.
Different people.
Unique culture.
Beautiful.
We have our own culture. Our lingo. Our customs. Our good nights before big races...
... the gifts we give ourselves.
For what else can we call an event that keeps our goals aligned, our health in tip top shape, our friendships strong and diverse?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Races are where we find out who's training has been naughty and who's has been nice.
We can barely make these fast enough...
... RaceDay Calendars™ are def part of our culture.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
165.6 again
8.5 hrs
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
No recovery
5 minutes reading + Journaling
LIFE'S BEEN GOOD
THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT BEING GREAT that is just plain infectious. Doesn't matter who it is or what they are doing...
... they are great.
They figure out what they're great at, and do it over and over again...
... and we love it.
We wanna be great, too.
Last night, I found myself listening to the great Joe Walsh's Funk 49.
Recorded live.
On YouTube.
A million versions.
All of 'em great.
Which got me thinking about how much fun it is to ride bikes.
The speed. The rush. The whoosh of gravity.
We may never win a race, be famous, or get paid, but you can bet you lycra covered buns...
... nobody's ever ripped that corner near your house like you have.
Be great.
Like the song goes...
... Ride all day, Sleep all night.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
If you have some weather to battle, you'll love the KOM jacket.
It's pretty much all I wear if it's chilly.
- It completely cuts the wind.
- It breathes
- It packs up and fits in your jersey pocket.
- It fits snug vs being a parachute.
Use promo code: CHARITY. You'll save $21.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
164.6 again
6.5 hrs
Pull Ups Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
No recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO'S DESERVES COAL FOR CHRISTMAS?
BOY OH BOY, some of the fella's definitely deserve coal for Christmas. Today, on our friendly group ride, charging like a tsunami for the sprint, things got a little crazy, doors got shut...
... it happens.
In fact, I had my lane closed and I was forced right into the fence...
... as we coasted and gasped, and a hockey game broke out.
Guys off bikes.
Just crazy.
Don't get me wrong. I can become as enraged as the next guy when people are dangerous...
... I ain't no saint.
But, then...
... let it go, bro.
As the Buddha taught...
... How can I suffer when I'm not thinking of myself?
As Paul shared...
... For charity... seeketh not her own.
As the Grinch discovered...
... What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!
It does mean more...
... starting with charity. (here's a refresher)
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
You might give someone that jacket off your back, but probably not this one.
Not that it wouldn't be great, but it's so incredibly designed for racing that most would not be able to put it to good use.
You, however, could and should put it to good use.
It's pretty much all I wear if it's chilly.
- It completely cuts the wind.
- It breathes
- It packs up and fits in your jersey pocket.
- It fits snug vs being a parachute.
Use promo code: CHARITY. You'll save $21.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
165.6 again
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups 10 Clap PushUps 10 Heavy Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT'S SO BAD ABOUT HOOKING UP?
DO YOU EVER JUST WANT TO HOOK UP? I do. And, I sure did today. So I put myself out there and got ready to lay down...
... for a quickie.
We have a network of new trails that were built in the summer and fall. They never really packed in. Instead, they were chunky and dusty...
... and very loose.
Riding on trails like that is fine practice, but not nearly as fun as they are after a good rain like we had a few days ago...
... today was the kind of hooking up I like to do.
Hitting berms.
Carving turns.
Carrying lots of speed.
Snagging PRs.
Nothing wrong with that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
Of course, the best hook up over here is the PEDALposse.
- Save 25% on everything we make and sell
- Get a monthly gift
- Special access to events and apps.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
---
166 again
6.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups 15 Clap PushUps 20 Heavy Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
65 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY IS THIS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, as the saying goes, because tomorrow is like a primer for what is to come...
... it is the shortest day of the year.
I know that.
I look forward to it.
I'm already sick of riding in the dark, with lights, and layers of clothing.
Just knowing the days will only get longer after the 21st puts me in a good mood. It get's me thinking ahead to the January 1st...
... when the next race season begins.
Doesn't matter how far out that first race is...
... we're gonna be ready.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Especially those of us who are already starting to fill out the giant RaceDay Calendar™.
You need one of these, now.
Order now and get FREE SHIPPING!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
166
7 hrs
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
65 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT I LEARNED RACING ON THE COBBLES
THERE ARE TWO WAYS to learn how to race on cobbles. Hire a top level coach, and do exactly as you're told...
... or, just get on the cobbles.
Nearly all of us simply go for it.
Therein lies the beauty...
- We try something someone said and it works.
- By accident, we discover a secret.
- We borrow from other sports.
- We study books.
- Watch races.
- We persist.
... it's our wisdom.
We cobbled it together.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
I remember the first time I heard about PR Lotion. My friend SupeDave commented on a FB thread.
Dave, does PR Lotion work?
Yep.
He's a man of few words.
Then my friend Matt starting kitting up for a race and applying PR Lotion like his life depended on it.
Does that work?
Yeah, I can't race without it.
So I tried it.
Now I'm hooked.
If a hard day is on the menu, I apply.
Why?
I don't like feeling pain nearly as much as I like inflicting it.
If you're into hard work, and want to maximize your effort while buffering the associated pain...
... use promo code COBBLE and save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
165.4
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
90 minutes reading + Journaling
BAKE MILES
THE PLAN WAS TO MEET THE CREW AT 835, then roll over and join a larger, faster group. Simple enough...
... but, my groggy brain interpreted that as leave my house at 835.
Ugh.
By the time I'd realized my silly error I was 15 minutes behind.
Among the many objectives today besides seeing my friends and logging some base miles, was to
... get in an hour of intensity.
So it began, PRing a section I've ridden 220 times according to the Starva overlords.
But, why an hour?
Because, I'm very dedicated to the MAF Method at the moment. 80% of the week is Zone 2, 20% is Zones 4-5.
Since I'm actually still building base, I'm more like 90% Zone 2 and 10% 4-5. That will change in the coming weeks as I get closer to my first real A races at the beginning of March.
I like to think of the build up for an A race as baking sour dough bread. After kneading, you let it rise for 24 hours. Then bake for 30 minutes. After which, the bread should cool for at least 30 minutes or more.
That time to rise is akin to base miles...
... the baking more like the final brutal weeks of training...
... cooling, the ever critical taper.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If this is hard for you to track, or if you LOVE seeing your big goals and diabolical plans for race domination.
You need one of these, now.
Order now and get FREE SHIPPING!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
165.8
7.75 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling
NOW THIS IS TEAMWORK!
I HAVE THIS SECRET TEAM that really helps me get into great shape and get after it. They're awesome, wise, motivating...
... and they don't charge me a dime.
How do I do it?
On any given day, they beatthehell out of me on the bike.
While they're all smiles and happy, occasionally rubbing it in...
... I'm taking notes like crazy.
How'd they do it?
Where'd they attack?
What could I have done better?
Later, I review that free lesson and incorporate it into my own quiver of tricks.
I'm happy for their win. They worked hard, executed well, maybe even had some luck.
That's cool...
'cuz I'm learning.
Win.
Win.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Sometimes those lessons require long climbs in the cold.
The beauty of the KOM jacket is that it virtually eliminates the wind. I developed it specifically for bombing off the top of the mountain...
... imagine how good it is just riding along.
Use promo code TENSION
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
167
7.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IS YOUR CHAIN TENSION CORRECT?
AS EVERY SINGLE SPEEDER CAN ATTEST, keep that chain tight. But, it's tricky, since there is no derailleur to pick up the slack...
... maintaining proper tension is an art.
Why should you care?
Because too much tension creates a lot of drag in the drive train, and not enough tension results and the chain falling off the rings...
... a perfect metaphor for our racing lives.
Too much riding,
we get over trained.
Not enough,
we get slow.
Diesel, this is lame.
Well... you are... as lame as your weakest link.
Yawn... heard that one already.
OK... It's your chain, do with it as you wish.
I am.
I know.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Just like I know dressing for the weather of the day is an art.
The beauty of the KOM jacket is that it virtually eliminates the wind. I developed it for bombing off the top of the mountain...
... imagine how good it is just riding along.
Use promo code TENSION
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
166.2
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
55 minutes reading + Journaling
I'D RATHER BE LUCKY THAN LOTTERY
HAVING A LOTTERY 'CUZ YOUR RIDE IS SO POPULAR is a thing. For me that thing is Leadville. Due to a remarkable fitness hack, which I will kinda share below...
... I don't need the luck of the lottery for entry..
I'm in.
Earned it last summer.
Just today I was thinking it was time to ramp up the training and return to that most glorious fitness.
It was during the chilly and everpeppy Wednesday Worlds.
After a miraculous sprint....
... by my standards.
You see I had some good luck maneuvering to about 8th wheel with a 100 to go.
Then, nobody really went for it.
V for the old diesel.
But, I digress.
I was going to tell you about how to change your luck...
... via my fitness hack
Then, I got side tracked by an avalanche of email... one was a beauty, sent by a gentleman who not only cannot read but apparently is deaf... he was responding to my Free Book offer wherein I explain multiple times in SoCalSurfSpeak and text that the book is free, just pay the shipping. I'm so impressed by his intelligence and ability to understand my heavy accent I thought I'd post his kind and loving message before sharing something with you...
You said the book is free, but then you want to charge me $8.95 when I go to order. What kind of scam is that?
If you're into scams, you're going to love this one.
When you click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training you are taken to my best training secrets...
... where you can sign up for Free to be alerted for my soon to be released app called RaceDay Ready™...
... the base version, will be free, and very useful...
... the 10 Week RaceDay Ready™ training plan is really going to set you back, though.
$7.
I know what you're thinking... Freakin Diesel spent thou$and$ to develop a free app, where I can learn and apply his diabolical methods, and now that nogoodsunuvvagun wants to gouge me a whopping seven bucks for the upgrade!
Yep.
I'm that kinda guy.
In fact, I'm worse...
... because this 10 week program to get your lycra clad haunches ready for RaceDay is so hard and demanding your gonna want that MASSIVE $7 investment back...
... you'll curse the day you ever heard of me...
... simply for doing my dawgawndest...
... to improve your luck.
Just do that cursing in SoCalSurfSpeak.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
165.4
7.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 10 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
AND NOW A WORD FROM THE SUGAR SPONSORS
AH SUGAR, HOW WE BOW TO THEE. Well, not all of us, but the unwashed, those yet to join our cult of the wheel...
... they prostrate themselves before thee.
But, not out of any kind of conscious affinity.
They are slaves.
Addicts.
If only they knew the truth...
... and now a sobering word with the great Dr. Phil Maffetone, from his book Get Strong!
- Sugar is not just white or brown table sugar, but often disguised as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, rice syrup, beet sugar, maltodextrin and others.
- Refined flour quickly turns to sugar after eating. This includes all processed flours (even those claiming to be whole grain) from wheat, corn, soy and others.
If none of this is news to you,
I'm not surprised.
If it is,
I'm not surprised.
Sugar is very sneaky.
And mostly evil.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Unlike our changing ponchos which are a sneaky way to change your clothes in public.
I like these new designs
Use promo code: SNEAKY
It'll save ya 15% on all ponchos for the next couple of days.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.7
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 40 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TRAINING THE COMFORT ZONE
ONE OF THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF ZONE 2 TRAINING is the concurrent, and typically untapped, training of the Comfort Zone. Beware, this isn't some foofoo guru hoohah...
... this requires a brave and playful heart.
Check it out.
Because we are much more clear headed in Zone 2 vs the seeing of stars lunacy when in Zone 5, smart people like us use this as an opportunity to get comfortable with speed.
Could be as simple as railing a turn and staying off the brakes...
... or as complex as shredding some single track.
Whatever the case, we should maximize every opportunity while thinking clear and not being out of breath...
... to learn and practice carrying more speed.
I noticed this on my MTB jaunt this morning.
After zipping downhill off road, at a pace many would be panicking, I saw my HRM indicating...
... a rather low 97 bpm.
There's no better time than Zone 2...
... to master getting comfortable with more speed.
All you need is a bit of courage and a lot of playfulness.
Look how comfortable Caleb is in the pic above...
... he's in the Comfort Zone.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Another thing that makes me comfortable is running lights day and night.
Just got some more of these lights in.
Too many, actually.
Use promo code COMFORT to save 20%.
Code expires in 2 days.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
165.4
8.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps 15 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling