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TODD'S BLOG
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Get RaceDay Ready
GGGGGGGGGOALLLLLLLLLLLLLS
GOALS CAN BE GREAT. I say "can" because, let's be honest they usually aren't. I have a theory about that and it starts with...
.... easy.
It is so easy to set a goal.
Crud...
... set 100 goals.
And, that's the problem.
We set 'em like there's...
- the no other goals
- no current commitments
- we have limitless bandwidth
... no impact on our lives.
Having a million goals...
... is like having no goals.
I try and keep it to...
- physical
- business
- social
- spiritual
... one big goal per year.
It's a heckuvalot easier to accomplish one thing than twenty.
And guess what...
... if it's a big enough goal, it might take 5,10, 20 years.
===
159.2 lbs (yes, this bug I have has evaporated my appetite)
9ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-6:15am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STYLE CUES
I THINK WE ALL HAVE A SENSE of cycling style. You know, what we think looks cool, and what we don't. At least, you should by now...
... unless you are brandspankingnew.
New kids are typically nervous and anxious...
- am I wearing the proper gear, 'cause I feel nearly naked
- do I look like Darth Vader with this helmet and glasses
- how tall should my socks be
... form and function questions.
Once acquainted with the options...
- looking cool
- being comfortable
- optimizing for speed
... start to take precedent.
Here's my general rules...
- gloves match shoes
- socks match jersey
- dark bibs
... all things being equal.
Which leaves the helmet, or helmets.
And this insane offer...
... buy a KASK helmet, get a FREE RaceDay Bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/a/bundles/kask-helmets-c5et
===
160.2 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:55am)
2 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KILLER SNACK
HOW ABOUT THIS - a snack that needs no refrigeration, is a snap to prepare, gives an energy boost, and produces negative calories. How many
... would you consume per day?
Yes, there really is such a snack.
Proven by science...
- pull ups
- pushups
- deadlifts
- box jumps
are my go to's.
Personally, I like to enjoy one every 45-60 minutes...
- energy boost
- calorie burning
- improved cognitive function
... are legit benefits in less than 2 minutes.
I was reminded of this on Andrew Huberman's podcast...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110?i=1000682843685
... he's an actual scientist,
I'm just a dude who figures stuff out.
Note: not all scientists know what the heck they are talking about...
- study
- test it
- reject or incorporate
... it's called science for a reason - being 100% certain for all time ain't it.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
PARTICIPATION AWARDS
THE LEGENDARY ATHLETE was returning to competition. It was to be a momentous year, documented professionally, all the world would know...
... he was back to bring them to heel.
What a dream.
After hiring a new..
- coach
- nutritionist
- top secret strength doctor
... there was one beautiful medal to show for all the effort.
Not bronze,
silver, or
gold.
A beautiful finisher's medal.
Not what he, his family or sponsors had hoped for.
Here's the dill...
... every time we battle, we have a chance to learn and improve.
Finishing,
is where
it starts.
===
161.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TOO EARLY?
WELL, TODAY WAS DEFINITELY the best ride of the year. Chilly start, dust down, trails open for blasting...
... the bar has been set.
It wasn't just the conditions.
The route entailed...
- fast gravel
- twisty single track
- plus, pack dynamics
... all the things I love.
And, of course, my pals.
- Love Watts and I rolled at 7am.
- Hooked up with CV, local group road ride, at 8:50 am.
- Back to dirt, with Chuckles, Zone 2, and Mrs. Smith, around 9:30ish.
The rig of choice...
... the Crux, with RaceKing 2.0s.
What could make this ride even better?
Oh, I have an answer.
A forgotten trail was bulldozed during fire season...
- it'll add another 1000' of climbing
- sneak through penal a colony
- miles of single track
... and will pour us out at my favorite country store, for a Coke and chips.
We have 360 days to find the perfect ride...
... 2025 is off to a heckuva start.
===
159.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
1 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOOOOOO, NOT ZONE 1!
IF YOU'RE DRIVEN, and you probably are if you're a regular reader, seeing zone 1 on the training plan...
... is laughable.
We don't even know what that is.
We try to do it,
see the numbers.
Think, That's not going to help...
... awwwww, skrewit!
I have a solution.
It came to me on today's ride.
First, there was the absurdly long skid in the dirt...
- speed up
- back brake locked
- back wheel as unweighted as possible.
... just to see how long I could get it.
Then, the idea to jump onto and back off of every curb possible.
There was more.
My favorite was weaving the extensive traffic cones as long as possible without touching brakes or pedals.
90 minutes later, I coulda cared less about zone 1...
... I was in zone fun.
===
160.3 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-5:55am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
MY BIKE TOTALLY GOT AWAY FROM ME
CLEARING THE TOP OF THE CLIMB, I was leaning to initiate a turn back towards home. Not sure if I hit a rock, or what, but next thing I know...
... I'm on a different trajectory.
Was it meant to be?
I mean...
- not a cloud in the sky
- nobody on the trails
- crazy warm day
... geez.
Why such a hurry to get back?
Why not go straight up the the trail to the country store...
... for an ice cream bar?
Some turns really are for the better.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9pm-530am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO THE UNTHINKABLE
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE, when it's unthinkable? Talk about a paradox. What it really means is...
... go way beyond the comfortable.
The great Wende Cragg captured the unthinkable...
- riding to a mountain top under a full-moon to watch the sunrise
- coaster brakes so hot they smoke after a downhill
- helmetlessly racing klunkers in jeans
... the birth of mountain biking.
50 years ago, her Pentax camera, snapped and preserved everything those...
... crazy pioneers were living.
The lifestyle.
Her documentary - click here - is as inspirational as it is mesmerizing.
Watch it.
It's got me thinking it might be a wholotta fun to get the hard training done M-F, and...
... use that fitness for adventure on the weekend.
===
162.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I DID 100 PULLUPS, 190 PUSH UPS, 53 BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUATS TO CLOSE OUT THE YEAR
IF WE'RE GONNA BEGIN THE YEAR pretending we are committed to some outlandish new start, I figured I might as well end 2024 with...
... a ridiculous challenge.
I can look back and say If I could do that thing...
... I sure as heck can do this, too.
That's called stacking confidence.
At 6:45 this morning, I decided to do 100 pull ups today.
A first,
by a lot.
Since my normal m.o. 3x on the pushups, that'd 300.
And, I figured I might as well add 3-loaded Bulgarian split squats for every pull up, for 300 per leg.
Sounded doable at 6:45.
I'd just take a break every 30 minutes and bang out a round of the three moves.
It got hard,
the 30 minute goal drifted.
I learned...
- breaking up the day = hustle, productivity
- found my split squat limit to be 60 lb dumbell in each hand
- muscles felt awesome through 8 rotations
- posture is great
- these are better than smoke breaks
- got hungry, ate more than normal
- 30 min goes fast, aware of time waste
- required 12.5 hours to complete
... I can still do hard things.
PullUp 16,200 pounds
PushUp 30,780 pounds
Split Squat 2,029 pounds
Now, what to get done in 2025?
Happy New Year Y'all
===
162 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
100 PullUps 190 PushUps 53 DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SECRET SAUCE NOBODY TRIES
DID YOU PICK UP A TRAINING SECRET this year? From a book or podcast or YouTube? Accidentally overhear the local coach...
... whispering truth to an athlete?
I bet you did.
But, that's not the real question.
The real question is did you, yes you, or I, yes me...
... do anything about it?
Because what is the point to...
- look
- listen
- and learn
... if we're not going to at the very least give it a whirl?
After trying and testing...
- the Classified 2-speed hub
- even more calories when racing
- mountain bike tires on the gravel bike
... these are my top 3 secrets of the year.
What are yours?
===
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (11pm-7am)
PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
IF WE'RE GONNA GO BIG WE OUGHTA GO BIG
--- one of my favorites of the year ---
TODAY, I THINK I MIGHT HAVE TURNED THE CORNER. I'm mid-way through my experiment to train like Remco...
... 3 weeks of (for me) massive volume.
Last Saturday, end of week #1, I was pretty tired during the final miles of a 5 hour ride.
Exhaustion lasted through Sunday.
Monday the legs were oooof.
But, Tuesday, I felt pretty darn good...
... at the end of a hilly and peppy 60 miles.
With a cramped day, the only way I could stay on schedule Wednesday was to do two-a-days.
- Sunrise, 90 minutes of steepish climbs at moderate pace.
- PullUps, PushUps and Squats through the day.
- Evening, 2 hours of high Zone 2 rolling terrain.
... it was that second session on the bike where things were clicking.
I felt stong.
Even fresh.
3 days down,
9 hours saddle time.
Should be able to hit 18-20 hours by end of day Saturday.
It's a lot to juggle...
- solid days of work
- helping the kids with their kids
- and being present for Surfergirl
... wouldn't do this forever.
Fun to experiment.
Feeling might dawgawn fortunate.
===
162.4 lbs
15 hrs sleep (i really do have the flu)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RULES FOR FEELING SICK
HAVING COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS is always a tough one for me and begs the question should I exercise today? If I do, I might get worse or...
... I might speed up the process of getting better.
My general rules...
- above the neck, ride like heck.
- in the chest, better rest
... but, they didn't help me today.
Because I was just so determined that the fact I work up sweating was due to the heater was too high, and I wanted oh so badly to ride with the fellas...
... I headed out.
Instead of feeling a lot better post ride,
I cut the ride short.
The collapsed on the couch,
after paying my dues kneeling in the bathroom.
I guess I'll add to the rules above...
... running a fever, don't be an overachiever.
===
164.5 lbs
7Ish hrs sleep (10:30 pm-5:45am)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU ARE NOT A BODY BUILDER
FUN FACTOID, weight machines at the gym were developed by body builders for body building. Each machine can dial in a certain muscle to make it bigger...
... we are not body builders.
We do not want muscles that don't serve a purpose...
... might was well be a stack of tires around our gut.
You know what else we don't want..
... injuries.
I know what you're thinking.
What the heck does the Ol' Diesel know about strength?
Well, quite a bit...
- testing
- reading
- experience
... has proven to me what works.
Here's the dill...
- low reps (1-3)
- max weight (90-100% of max)
- almost every day of the week (4-5 days)
- lots of rest between sets (complete recovery)
- multiple joint movements (squats are 3 joints)
... on getting strong with minimal to no weight gain.
Take it easy.
Get a pro to help you with form, because you can do this...
... with minimal equipment from home.
===
Disclaimer - any and all advice is just stuff I've tried and worked for me and is not professional or medical.
===
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU FAILING ENOUGH?
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE ACT LIKE there is a gigantic barrier between courage and discretion. There's not. It's a fine line. If we are to improve by any measurable amount...
... we must balance precariously and charge forth.
This is truth.
Failure is going to happen when...
- going for an impossible PR
- experimenting with new training
- carving the curves so hard we start to slide
... if we are going to improve.
Why?
Because failure gives us that needed feedback to...
... learn what we need to learn to improve.
Now don't go doing some idiotic Evilknevil stunt.
But, push.
Push a lot.
Every failure teaches us,
we adjust,
improve.
So push.
Push through...
- fear
- pain
- limits
... and reach our next impossible.
As the great Tom Watson, founder of IBM at the time the premier computing company on the planet, preached to his engineers...
... Fail faster.
===
We have 5 days to ride the New Year's Resolution madness, and all year to make it happen.
===
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps only
5 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHOSE WATTS ARE THOSE?
ON MY WAY HOME from the local ride of destruction, I was thinking about the amount of watts the fellows were putting out and how destroyed I felt...
... how could I quantify that?
I know my numbers,
I don't know theirs.
I know how I felt,
I don't know how they felt.
Back in the day...
... I'd visualize my head on my favorite pro's body.
Crushing all comers...
- What would be be like to put out Pojacar power and escape tens of miles from the finish?
- How about a Cav-like explosion sprinting for the line?
- Or, the surge and surf stomping of the bunch by the great Sagan?
... like a boss.
Playing that game of imaging what would Pogi or Cav or Peto do is...
... a great way to take on the unconquerable challenge,
and kinda sorta maybe put out some inspired watts of our own.
---
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I HEARD THE BELLS
RIDING ALONE IN THE FOREST can be dangerous. The low hanging branches, hidden roots and rocks, and...
... the occasional wild animal.
Not the bunnies,
squirrels
or deer.
No danger there.
I'm talkin'...
- bear
- moose
- cougars
... the big, mean and hungry ones.
So, we blissfully mount bells on are bikes.
Which reminds me of the great Ray Bradbury's book, Something Wicked Comes This Way.
One of the characters, Mr. Dark, is confronted with the carol I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.
My favorite verse:
God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Ain't nothing like a peaceful ride through the forest.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ELVES ARE DONE
WELL, I'M TUCKERED. The machines are tuckered. The many hands that make the magic happen are worn and achy. We're shuttin' 'er down for a couple of days...
... even elves gotta have an off season.
But, here's the dill.
The things we really want...
- speed
- power
- time
... we can't purchase.
The things we can purchase...
- equipment
- apparel
- trips
... we'd be embarrassed to task to a loved one.
We gotta be our own elves.
So, pretend your tapped on the cash...
... how are you going to get more speed, power, time?
Imagine it's spring time,
you're toeing the line...
- fit
- taught
- relaxed
... what's it gonna take?
Write it down,
wrap it up.
Give yourself a real gift.
Better yet,
give it to a friend or family member.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HE'S MAKING HIS LIST
THE POWER OF A CHECK LIST is awesome. Not ticking the boxes, for that quick hit of dopamine, there is something even better than...
... getting it done.
Which is the point.
For me, the real power is in the creation of a list.
Exploring and considering...
- each and every angle
- what is needed
- what is fluff
... and building an empowering list.
It's harder than it looks.
But, done correctly...
... discipline is replaced with love and urgency.
Checking the box is dessert...
... one we can enjoy each and every day.
---
That pic is literally a page from the RaceDay Ready Journal.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
---
163.1 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-7:20am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WATTS WILL COME
ROLLED OUT WITH A DEVILISH PLAN for myself. After 3 months of goofin' around, it was time to warm up the glow plugs on the Ol' Diesel. Nothing like...
... tickling zone 5 with the ticker.
Here's how weak I am.
Never in a millionkazillion years could I will myself push over 175 bpm...
- not for fun
- not for a coach
- not doing intervals
... I need to set up something stupid.
Like mashing the mammoth 50mm MTB tires,
with 20 lbs of pressure,
on the gravel bike...
... out to the local throwdown.
It was 25 minutes of pure, paved ecstasy.
Sandwiched in between 90 minutes of dirt, before and after.
Not much.
But, a start.
Time to begin upping the saddle time,
and sprinkling in a dash of intensity.
No need to hurry,
just stay consistent.
Keep doing the strength stuff.
If you build it...
... the watts will come.
---
163.9 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-5:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OUR BEAST OF BURDEN
A FRIEND WAS GOING ON AN ON about how his brother had totally failed. The brother had committed to take his lifestyle to the next level. It wasn't going to be enough to get by...
... he wanted to live at the highest levels possible.
Did he make it?
You be the judge.
From where I was sitting, the brother truly had committed.
The results were easy to see...
- health firing
- family thriving
- business providing
- relationship with God and man aligned
... what more is there?
The friend could only see the missteps and shortcomings of his brother.
I think the point of putting ourselves out there, is to...
- be an example
- be held accountable
- show how we deal with failure
... and hopefully inspire others along the way.
Haters think it is an I'm better than you thing instead of the more simple...
... I'm doing my best, and appreciate your encouragement.
Truth is, commitment...
... is our beast of burden.
---
Every day builds on the next...
... this hat is a good reminder.
Ships FREE, order by 12.24
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
---
163.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats n Such
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DESCEND LIKE A PRO
MY FRIEND MIKE has gotten the bug. Not wanting to deal with cars the went the dirt route, in the form of an MTB. He loves it, but...
... is legitimately concerned with crashing.
Legitimate in the form of...
... what we think about we bring about.
Fancying myself as somewhat of an expert,
I gave him this advice...
- Firm grip on the bars
- Arms looseygoosey
- Eyes/head up
... plus, have fun, confidence will follow.
The thing is,
we can apply that advice to literally anything.
Raising kids...
- Firm grip on getting them pointed in the right direction
- Arms ready to guide if needed or asked for
- Eyes/head monitoring their surroundings
Business/work...
- Firm grip on goals/objectives
- Loose on the how it gets done
- Eyes/head focused on where we're headed
Our next race...
- Get registered
- Plan the training
- Visualize the finish line
Come to think about it,
I wrote a book about that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE? There are a million factors. At least we aren't too weather dependent, and we have the great outdoors as our playground. Compared to other activities...
... we got options.
My favorite is late morning...
- warmer
- sunshine
- break up the work day
... it's almost always alone.
Which is fine, but it can be risky...
... out in the wild.
Take today.
I didn't line up the turn up quite right,
took a stick to the face,
nearly in the eye!
Coulda been way worse.
Way.
Dusted myself off and rode on
decided to chill on the lovely
middle of nowhere
lawn chairs.
And count my lucky stars.
Which reminds me of the wonderful Christmas movie, The Shining...
... all workout and no reflection makes Jack a dull boy.
A good break in the action,
keeps us sharp.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats & stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN YOU CAN'T DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE
WE THINK WE'LL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE LOVE. I remember specifically thinking after one particularly surprising race result...
... I could do this forever.
How does the saying go?
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.
He must have been dying on Monday.
There I was...
- in a beautiful part of the country
- hero dirt from the recent rain
- expansive, gorgeous views
... and I was battling double-vision.
For whatever reason, I took a huge step backwards in my recovery from my brain injury.
I couldn't dive bomb the downhills.
I couldn't do what I've always done.
Did it suck?
Yeah, totally.
Did I quit?
Not even.
I slowed down, and did what I could do.
Which turned out to be an echo from an elderly spiritual leader who was assessing his final year or two of life, who said those exact words.
Doing what he could do.
Am I freaked out?
Not yet.
First off, I called my friend Rick the behavioral ophthalmologist (think PT for you eyes).
We talked about how I'd laid off doing the exercises he'd given me when I was first injured.
In fact, I did the most basic one right away, because I only have the most basic tool on me, and almost immediately noticed an improvement.
Next, I called my surgeon's office. The NP called me back and suggested I go on a steroid for 5 days to ease any post-surgery swelling that can occur, even months later.
Tomorrow, I'll get back to the more vigorous eye exercises.
Doing what I can do, and hopefully...
... back to what I've always done.
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6am)
Push Ups (doing all I could do while vanning it)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
re: IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
Dear Ol' Diesel,
I'm still trying to figure it out Todd. I check in on one thing for a few years and then I'll switch gears, etc.
2025 I've got no endurance plans...biggest focus is strength training 5/6 days per week.
Is this lack of dedication?
Is this why i never quite seem to get my goals?
Is it enough that I attempt which is more than 99.9999% of folks can say?
I dunno man, still in search of answers. But I will tell you my want for endurance is absent.
I don't want to get up early for a ride
I don't want to get up early for a run
Heck I don't really want to do any of those things right now.
I do want to spend a little extra time with the better half
I do want to slow down a moment and enjoy or take in this new reality of empty nesters...
Does this make me lazy? I worry I'm losing my edge.
Thank you for always sharing your thoughts,
I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA.
---
Dear I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA,
Haha… no, you are doing great. Take a break. Spend time with your wife. We love our kids, and we love being emptynesters. Super fun, lots of flexibility.
I’d say this, don’t train unless it sounds fun.
We are on a quick trip up the coast. Just the two of us. Rode with Susie until she was ready to rest, then rode a bit on my own. No hurry, no rush, no care to do X work out.
Now, I’m in the hotel room catching up and she is in the Jacuzzi.
Life is short, wives are more important than miles… and besides, they like us with a little muscle.
IMHO, you're on the right track.
Love ya!
The Ol' Diesel
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
9ish hrs sleep 830pm-5:30am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
166.8 lbs (too much recovery fuel?)
8ish hrs sleep 10pm-6:04am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
>
GETTING HIGH
NEARLY 6000' IN 32 MILES represents a good amount of climbing. Mostly straight up or straight down, on dirt. At about the 2 hour mark...
... I hit the highest point.
A few miles prior, a thought occurred to me.
If something bad happens,
I'm a long, long, long way from help.
The tires are new,
sealant fresh,
new chain,
cassette.
And, I was feeling pretty good...
... check, check, check and more checks.
Carry on,
enjoy the views,
and lack of humanity.
A bobcat appeared on the trail about 20 yards ahead of me,
it made a quick u-turn and loped along as I closed in,
before lunging over the side into the brush.
The red-tailed hawk surfed the gusty ridge,
searching for pray.
Chipmunks sprinted up and down the ancient pines.
Nature really does rock my world.
This mountain range is about a 35 minute drive from home.
I used to live closer,
and spent almost every Saturday up there, alone.
Looks like I've started the new year's resolution to adventure something new or different at least once a quarter...
... resolutions are kinda dumb.
Why wait?
As the great Yoda said...
... Do, or do not.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep 10pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I CHOSE THIS?!
THE BROCHURE PROMISED A CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE, everything would be tested. Yeah, all the mind, body, spirt stuff. Plus...
... every ounce of perseverence.
I salivated.
Months of prep were stacked,
when the date came,
I was ready...
... I thought.
But, then shift got real.
Way harder than I expected.
The sections with the group were hard,
we encouraged each other.
When it got really difficult,
nature split us up.
The loneliness was brutal.
I knew, hoped, we'd regroup when the elements eased.
Work together.
Get 'er done.
Crazy as it sounds,
getting towards the end,
I thought I'd gladly do it again.
Winning didn't matter,
completing the mission did...
... and, yeah, those hands were gonna be raised regardless of place.
Crossing the finish line,
to my surprise and delight...
... was my dad,
my creator.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags.
---
163.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:27am)
PullUps Push Ups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST ON BIKE WORKOUT EVER?
THERE ARE A LOT WAYS to get stronger and off the bike. Routines, fads, and trends come and go. For my money...
... nothing beats a singlespeed mountain bike.
I built one up because it was fashionable.
Little did I know how addicting the workout would be,
how much I would love riding it.
It was like battling a bipolar bull...
- docile spinning along the flats
- UFC cage fighting any time it got steep
... and it worked perfectly.
At the time, cycling had been quarantined to a few days during the week because weekends were family time in the desert riding motorcycles.
My spin stayed smooth due to the fixed gear range - it wasn't a fixed gear, I could coast.
In order to get up the constantly changing elevations...
- legs
- arms
- lats
- back
... were all recruited and magnificently engaged.
No need for weights or any kind of resistance training.
It was basically going from one interval to the next, with luxurious spinning in between.
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the ol' Trek hardtail.
Dusty.
In the garage.
Maybe it's time to spend the least dollars possible and...
... make strength training fun and sexy again.
---
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU BORING YOURSELF?
IS NEXT YEAR GONNA BE BETTER THAN THIS YEAR? It'll be different, for sure. Better is subjective, only you can determine...
... if it will be a year to remember.
We need new...
- locations
- friends
- events
- skills
... experiences that will change us.
Memorable,
forever.
As I start to fill in my calendar for next year,
it's tempting to play small,
safe...
... instead I do this.
First, I have to have one giant, unreasonable physical goal each year. (spiritual, mental, and social, too).
2024 it was Gravel Nats.
Next year (2025) hasn't crystalized yet, but it will.
Second, I think it's imperative to try a new event once a quarter.
Right now, it's looking like...
- March BWR AZ
- April Highlands Gravel (UCI)
- June BWR MT
- 4th Qtr is TBD
... it doesn't have to be fancy, could just be a weekend adventure someplace new.
Third, master something new, and have a plan to track progress.
For 2025, that is going to be bicycle mechanicing.
By the end of the year, I want to be able to do everything at a level that I could bail myself out if I was nowhere near a competent mechanic.
I'll be adding milestones to the calendar for that, and purchasing the proper tools.
There lots of other stuff on the calendar...
- date nights
- family activities
- work objectives
- service projects
... gotta make it all work cohesively.
Back in 2020 I set about getting out to the Cactus Cup for the first time.
I met a bunch of cool people, and made new friends.
Rode some fantastic and unusual terrain.
Found an outstanding Italian joint.
Cactus Cup stays in the rotation...
... I never would have found it if I hadn't ventured out.
They're having the 12 Days of Giveaways starting 12.12...
... I hope you'll win this bag, and join me out there.
---
Side note:
- I'm planning to do BWR AZ and stay the week in the desert for Cactus Cup the following weekend. If ya get out there for either one, let's meet up for sure.
- I'm also planning BWR UT, in May, and heading to Fruita/Moab the days following for some epic MTB. Lemme know if you're interested in joining.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5:55am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE THUNDER
LOOKING FOR SOME BACKGROUND VIBES, I loaded up a Goettl Media raw file of BWR Arizona 2024. It was supposed to be my first A race of last year, but..
... life had other plans.
It's never too early to start doing recon.
I like Joe's videos because...
- the POV is always really good
- his comments teach a lot
- he's super respectful
.... in other words, he's a good dude.
Turning away from the big screen to get some work done it struck me how much...
... a race at speed sounds like thunder.
Especially the gravel sections.
I got so electrified,
I ditched the project,
and dug into examining the terrain.
Joe raced the long version, the Waffle.
I'll most likely do the shorter Wafer.
From the looks of it,
I think this terrain will call for the Race King 2.0s...
- lots of sand
- some rocks
- whoops
... means it's gonna be a hoot.
Can't wait for my next thunder storm.
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EASY DAYS AND HARD DAYS ALWAYS
I WAS LISTENING TO A PODCAST with the superfamous coach of an ultrafamous racer, and the host, trying to dumb it down for us dummies, asked...
... What's the one piece of advice you'd give an amateur racer?
He had me on bearings and spokes.
Train easier.
What do you mean?
I mean most amateurs are doing too much.
Isn't that the way to get better?
No. I mean Yes, but no.
Explain.
If an athlete is training too hard all the time, and by too hard I don't mean to exhaustion, but, at a level that will not allow them recover, really recover, then they can't...
... go really hard, and get the big gains.
I thought about that today as...
- miles rolled by
- watts low
- h.r. lower
... my mind open and free.
That advice is easy to understand, hard to thoroughly absorb.
It feels wasteful.
Useless.
And so we ignore it,
to our detriment.
Being that it's a Monday, I tweaked the great Karen Carpenter's song...
... Easy days and hard days always get me fit.
This works for work, too.
There are days I'm resting, prepping, organizing...
... and days I'm slaying it with back to back to back appointments.
---
165.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COASTING IN
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DRIVIN' THAT TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH CORROSION isn't the corrosiveness itself. That's bad, for sure. But, I find the real problem is...
... it comes on so slowly.
Then, catastrophic failure.
Because I've been neglecting my trusty MTB all year, well, basically for two all years...
... I was caught out, bad.
"All of the sudden",
my shifting was shift.
It wasn't really sudden.
For months the shifting had been off, but...
... just good enough to put away and forget about.
It had reached the point of no return.
Irreparable damage had been done.
Rather than simply replacing the chain in a timely manner,
an easy home repair,
at little cost...
... I had to get a divorce,
and a hot, new, young,
complete drivetrain.
Costly.
It's just a drivetrain,
not something that really matters...
... those things deserve immediate, constant loving maintenance.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE IS LITERALLY NO SCHOOL FOR THIS
WE'RE ALL OUT THERE ENDURING, and it's like we have no compass, no gps, no no map, no field manual. There is no associates, four year, masters, or doctorate degree...
... and yet, somehow experts evolve.
Oh, there's the occasional book.
Usually so filled with jargon and graphs they are worthless, but boy...
... the authors sure look smart.
So, we rely on our...
- inner voice
- experience
- friends
... and get to work like mad scientists.
We can and do glean much from...
- watching races
- podcasts
- youtube
... then, we do our best to put it into practice on the next ride, run, swim.
Kinda makes ya wonder if...
- Jobs
- Ford
- Edison
... were just having fun, fascinated with figuring out what was possible?
---
Got a friend who's a Triathlete or Runner?
Blow their minds with a sport specific RaceDay Bag.
Use this code and save 20%: TRIRUN
Good ONLY on in stock Tri and Run bags.
---
165.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:45am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WORST GOAL EVER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I set two lofty goals. One I accomplished, one I fell far short of. What was the difference between...
... success and failure?
Both seemed outrageous at the time.
They still do.
I each case, I knew everything would have to go perfectly in order to get anywhere near what I wanted to accomplish.
The one I attained, everything did go perfectly.
I went about my business,
mission accomplished.
The one I muffed, a massive unforeseeable mountain in the road popped up.
It was such a kick in the front of my bib shorts where my legs come together,
that it was mentally and physically debilitating.
Months later, unforeseeable mountain turned to gopher mound, I'm back on track.
There's all the fancy platitudes of goals...
- goal unwritten is a hope
- goals must be believable
- goals should be realistic
... we could go on and on.
But, I'm not sure that's the point.
Really.
Having the guts to...
- set an outlandish goal
- share it with real allies, not punks who puke on our dreams
- and take massive action
... is the lifeblood of everything I do.
Failure.
Success.
They matter, but not nearly as much what occurs...
... in the process of going after personal excellence.
===
We could wait until 1.1.25 to think, start, plan...
... or, we could grab a calendar and get down to business.
https://pedalindustries.com/calendar
---
166.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DECEMBER'S FOCUS AND AN EXPERIMENT
THIS MONTH'S FOCUS ISN'T FOR BABIES. Babies crawl, make a mess of their food, and are on a quest to get fat. I'm not. Are you? I'm looking to...
... start the year on fire.
For December...
- LSD, not tripping, long slow distance
- Strength work
- Weight loss
... this is my focus.
That should have me in prime shape to hit it hard in Jan and Feb.
Two months to prep for the first races,
BWR AZ and Cactus Cup.
For Jan and Feb, I'm planning an experiment...
- Tues/Wed back to back intensity days, with long tempo on Saturday
- Tues/Sat intensity, with zone 1/2 days in between
... for alternating weeks to build race specific fitness.
The intensity for BWR's start and dynamic surges,
the tempo for Cactus Cup's old school XC race.
Should be fun.
No,
really,
it should be fun.
Just gotta nail December to be hammering in March.
---
167.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RULE OF 3
NEW AND FIRED UP, I jumped full speed into the road scene. Since all I'd done was road race, I was one hundred million percent sure...
... I was born to race road.
While I shamelessly slobbered, the old wise man at the bike shop tried to duck.
When I stopped to breathe, he said...
... Sonny you don't know you lycra covered butt from a pothole!.
Huh?
Listen up, buttercup.
Gulp.
It takes three full years...
... to know what you're good at.
But...
But nothing, now get outta here and go to work.
He was right.
By the end of that first year, I realized I was a much better crit racer.
So, I focused on crits for the next two years.
When I found mountain biking,
I was sure I'd be a cross country racer.
Turned out,
I was a much better descender than climber.
When I finally got a gravel bike,
I was sure I'd just use it to mix up the training.
Turns out,
it's actually pretty darn fun to race gravel.
There's nothing magical about the three years...
... it's the three years of working at getting better that matters.
Oh, and before you quote the 10,000 hour rule, think on this.
There are 26,297.46 hours in 3 years, which is kinda like saying...
... if you live, eat and breathe anything for 3 years, magic happens.
Now get to work!
---
168.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10pm-5am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S THE DATA DUMMY
I DO LOVE ME SOME DATA. In this vast digital world, there's plenty of it to access, crunch, and geek out on. The only question I have is...
... why? what? how? when?
It's more than what the Garwahoo is delivering.
That little screen can be divided so small the numbers become trivial, useless.
Then we can dissect it all on Starva, Training Peaks, etc.
Which brings up the question?
Do we.
And, if we do, what are we to make of it?
It is so tempting to wing it.
And, why wouldn't it be? That's how it was done from Adam till now.
Gut feel.
But, I had some sense knocked into me today.
Realizing inventory was running low on our gloves and socks, I was about to wing it on a replenishment production run.
Wait, why not pull a report?
Takes a few seconds.
Data don't lie.
And, whadaya know...
... winging it was not the way to go.
The thing about all the Garwahoo data is there's just a heckuva lot of it. We could...
- read a ton
- take some classes
- pester the nerd that rides
... or hire a coach, let a pro figure it out and tell us what to do.
I'm not for winging it,
and I'm not for outsourcing it...
... I'm more for figuring out what the data means.
Empowering myself.
---
167.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps & more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT SUITS US
ARE RUNNERS BETTER WRITERS or are there just more runners and therefore more writers that run...
... leading to a larger talent pool?
Christopher McDougall's Born To Run is probably my favorite running book.
Inspiring.
It got me to run.
Trail running for miles.
His book, Natural Born Heroes, got me totally into strength work because...
... the heroes were so naturally strong and lethal.
Jesse Itzler is a runner.
His book Living With A Seal is hilarious, and wildly challenges our limited beliefs about what we can accomplish.
Here are a few gems from my latest find...
- The most important thing we ever learn in school is that the most important things can't be learned at school.
- With my mind elsewhere I'm able to run for a long while, keeping up a natural speed that doesn't tire me out.
- There are three reasons I failed. Not enough training. Not enough training. And not enough training.
... from What I Think About When I Talk About Running.
For me, it's not so much the running that is compelling, but the book's ability to help me understand...
... why I love riding, and enduring.
How about you...
... got any faves?
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (11pm-6:05am)
PullUps PushUps
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL RACE YOU TO THE CORNER
AT SOME POINT, and it doesn't have to be now, but it will happen soon enough, we wake from our hibernation. Something stirs, and in disgust with our gluttony and laziness...
... we show our puffy faces.
It happened for me today.
I thought I could postpone it a few more weeks,
but there I was meeting at the start
of a ferocious ride.
The ride down was lovely.
Seeing the fellas, charming.
Even the first little climb
showed some promise.
It ended there.
My ballast keeping me grounded.
Basically, I made it to the first corner.
Now, I have a baseline.
And, it wasn't all bad.
I was only two seconds off my PR on that 6ish minute effort.
Things quickly went downhill after that.
Like, really fast...
... errrr, really sluggish.
On the next section I was 3 minutes off the pace.
20, TWENTY!, % slower.
I pulled the plug at that point,
proudly did the lonely ride of shame back to the van.
This Thanksgiving weekend, I am darn...
... thankful to have the desire to improve.
'Cause when desire goes,
when there's no more fire,
then what do we really have?
Gonna make to the second corner next time!
===
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are...
... Get your overstretched lycra in gear Saturday and Sunday.
Since some of ya pointed out the code wasn't working perfectly, I extended through Sunday.
TNX24 will save ya 20%.
That is if you're relating to my admission of bottoming out and still reading.
Which thrills the heck outta me.
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:15pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SATURDAY TRADITIONS
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts.
Not the pre-ownedness.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did Surfergirl see in me way back when,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:10am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KNOWLEDGE CHEAT CODE
MOST PEOPLE don't know this. Some do, like the great Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, we have this amazing cheat code...
... for insider knowledge.
Take today's ride.
Love Watts brought his wife's best friend's husband, and let me know he's a triathlete.
Here's the beauty of riding with someone.
Because when his wife's best friend's husband told me he was brand new to the gravel scene, I thought...
... Oh boy! This cat is gonna get wrecked once we hit the dirt.
Nope.
Dude can shred.
Guess what else?
My friend's wife's best friend's husband, who had been to our town many times, had no idea how amazing the gravel riding could be here in "suburbia".
Quite canyons.
Canopied trees.
Miles of single track.
What Steve Job's knew is if he went on a long walk with someone he could really get to know them.
It's the same with us.
While humanity zips around in cars...
... we go for ride, run or swim and get to know humans
and the places they live.
===
Black Friday.
I see all the unbelievable sales and savings, and sometimes I wonder..
- is it something a company does when the import gear made with slave labor in China?
- are my competitors that desperate?
- if it's such a great strategy, why don't the greatest brands like Apple, Cervelo, Tesla, Belgian Waffle Ride, Luis Vuitton, Kask, Tiffany, do it?
... seems like a good way to cheapen, destroy a brand.
But, what if it's a way to reward the loyal, cult following we have developed..
... for example my friend's wife's best friend's husband has three of our RaceDay bags.
How cool is that?
So, here's the deal.
Since you passed the test,
since you know me.
Use this code, TNX24, to save 20%.
It is only good through the 29th of November 2024.
Yes, I know it's not a mind blowing discount, but you know...
... we make our bags and apparel right here in the USA.
Quality.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS SO OVER THE TOP
DO SOMETHING ENOUGH TIMES and we start to pick up on the littlest things. Trust me, I've done this twisty country road decent at least 1000 times, when it comes to going fast...
... the littlest things matter.
On Tuesday, I hit 46.2 mph.
Not bad.
Not my best.
The PR is 50.2 mph.
A few of the little things...
√ Aero helmet
√ Tight tuck
√ Winter blubber
√ Fast wheels
... I had most of it right for top speed.
But, there was one massive ingredient.
It's not enough to make it to the top...
... gotta be sprinting past the goal to reach escape velocity.
===
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (930-530am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SLOWVEMBER, DEEPSLUMBER AND JAMUARY
IT'S MORE THAN OKAY TO CELEBRATE the holidays. In fact, it's mandatory. Will we sneak out for a turkey trot or social ride? Heckyes! Will we pile on the food?...
... it'd be a shame not to.
Nothing better than the 3 F's...
- Food
- Family
- Friends
... for our slow-thudding hearts.
Bring on Deepslumber...
- More parties
- more events
- less time
... soak it up.
Jamuary will soon be to the rescue.
It's so dang easy to get carried away and spend the entire first quarter trying to...
... undo what we done did.
Honest question,
asking for a friend...
... you planning to wake up on 1.1.25 ready to jam?
===
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:30-5am)
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A PAIR OF 45s MADE ME OPEN MY EYES!
LEAVE IT TO HOLLIES to set things right. I'm not sure when it heppened, but it's pretty dawgawn clear my sprint is dead and...
... we gotta do some resurrectin'.
A veil of dust and yuck has been yanked open.
I couldn't put my finger on it,
but on today's MTB ride I could sense it.
Something I love, is missing.
The shackles of endurance were weighing me down...
... the chains getting longer and heavier.
It's my sprint, my freakin' sprint.I used to love to sprint...
... not the fastest, but cagey and wiley.
That was it.
Somehow, the singular focus on long endurance races had killed the speeding spirit...
- That fire.
- The angst.
- Thunder and lightning
... slumbered like a middle-earth Tolkien forest.
Doing the dishes an old tune came into my mind...
... What's the name of that?
Next thing I know, Long Tall Woman...
... is cranked up to 11.
Dishes, instantly done..
I'm jamming, alternating between...
- Squats
- PullUps
- PushUps
- Bent Rows, BENT ROWS!!!
... reactivating those muskulls.
Can't freakin' wait to get on my bike, and sprint!
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10:15-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats Rows
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PUTTING A RACING SUPERPOWER TO GOOD USE
RACE LONG ENOUGH, and you can eye a competitor and know, pretty quickly, if they are suffering. And, if we're feeling good...
... this is when we pounce to distance ourselves.
But, should we,
always?
Some of the tells are...
- heavy breathing
- sloppy form
- hanging on
... they are mostly easy to note.
Though there can be fakery...
... for the worse and the better.
But, what about out of competition?
Can we use this highly-honed superpower for good...
... when neighbors, friends and family are struggling?
Even faking All is well.
Rather than pounce...
... can we embrace and lift up?
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10-6:30am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SEXIEST HELMET HACK EVER?
IT'S NOT OFTEN someone eyes us over and says we look sexy all kitted up. Maybe that's why it worked this time, 'cause there I was with my helmet on, and she said...
... you look sexy!
It never would have happened if I wasn't...
... on my way to my new sexy helmet hack.
When I get home...
- I put away the bike
- stow the shoes and glasses
- strip and head to the shower
... head into the house.
So there I was...
... buck naked.
Helmet on my head.
Normally, this would merit a head shake.
Another silly idea.
Here me out.
Step into the shower post ride and pop out...
... helmet and body, fresh as can be.
===
Do you think it has anything to do with penning in Date Night on the RaceDay Calendar?
Right now, the miracle working deal includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to rule the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10-5:50am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
Right now, the Giant calendar includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to bring on the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45-6:30am)
PullUps, PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I LOVE COACH PRIME
THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS to love Deion Sanders. Just imagine all that incredible speed and power sprinting for the win at Roubaix, at least that's what I used to do...
... when the euros would strut and think their chamois don't stink.
That was then.
Three things I love about Deion now.
- He's not living in the past, pining about how great he was. In fact, he has a noticeable limp because he's had toes and muscles amputated. Can you imagine being great, then hobbled like that?
- He's turned around 2 different college football programs, from absolute trash into winners. Can you imagine making something great out of nothing?
- He's mission is a calling, not to win games or score a big payday, but to impact young men and turn them into winners. Can you imagine being driven like that?
What epic race or insanely long event have we ever done where at some point we weren't...
- hobbled
- down and out
- driven to get it done
... like life itself.
Inspiration is everywhere,
even in lil' ol' us.
Be great.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30-5:30am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO GOOD AT SHAMING
THERE IS A PLACE AND TIME for an honest conversation that might hurt. Done right, people can say something completely offensive, grab our attention, and we still take action because...
... shaming can be loving and effective.
Just yesterday, effing Michael F had the nuts to say...
... You stayed warm because you are fat.
Ouch.
True,
but ouch.
Early this morning, I was on a...
... "fat burning" ride.
See, shaming works.
I got to thinking a measly letter is...
... the only difference between F A T and F A S T.
Words came to mind...
- Speed
- Strength
- Stretch
- Sleep
- Sprints
- Salad
- Sculpt
- Strict
- Smart
- Start
- Sticktoitivenes
... things I could do.
Now, if someone could point out my impatience...
... and shame me!
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:15-5:10am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THOUGHT FOR FOOD
Jan 02, 2024 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO FUEL the training. We can go from all water and solid foods to no solids and all sugared up liquid, with a million combinations in between...
... racing I'm a little more sciency.
The special mixes and hi-tech prepackaged foods can be a challenge...
- Sometimes hard to acquire
- Often hard on the budget
... so, what's your answer?
Me,
as long
as I'm logging miles,
I don't care too much.
My favorite find of last year is an imported treat from France...
- Easy to find at Costco
- Inexpensive 20 for $8
- Super yummy
- Burns up fast in the gut
... individually-wrapped chocolate crepes.
Sometimes, I go with just water. Others, longer rides, I'll put CarboRocket in the bottles.
Speaking of CarboRocket, you can get 25% off your first order here: https://racedayripper.com/posts/special-offers-carbo-rocket
---
163.8
7.5 hrs
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW MANY RACE SEASONS ARE THERE?
Jan 01, 2024 TODD BROWN
Read Online And Post Comments Here >>
BIKE RACING IS YEAR ROUND. No matter where you live, with the means, you can jump on a plane on in a car and be racing tomorrow. The pros, have one discipline...
... and one season.
Except for a select few who just can't get enough of wreaking havoc on two wheels.
For the rest of us,
we need the rest.
But, I was thinking about the upcoming year.
As usual, I've got a packed March through early May.
Not as usual, I have nothing after that until September.
I'm thinking this year will be my first two season year.
Take a solid break at the end of May,
keep it pretty chill in June,
on it July/August.
Put me down for 2 seasons this year.
___________________________________________
Did you know?
All active PEDALindustries/Riders:
- Save 30% On All Purchases
- Have access to Race Reimbursement
- Unlock all Exclusive Courses and content
Click Here For Details_______________________
---
164.4
7 hrs
No Strength Training
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RESOLUTION
Dec 31, 2023 TODD BROWN
Read Online And Post Comments Here >>
IT'S TIME FOR 2024, another turn around the sun. Most of us have been warming down, as we should. Thinking about how the last lap went...
... we've got questions.
Could we improve?- What went well?
- What went wrong?
- Where did we shock even ourselves?
- Where did we miss the mark?
- How could we be smoother?
- How could we have made such blunders?
- When can we hit our next high?
- When can we do less?
- Why were we able to accomplish X?
- Why did we fail so miserably a Y?
- Who helped us the most?
- Who kept us back?
Answering those questions answers the first question...
... Could we improve?...
... only
if we commit
to make changes.
What's the most exciting change you plan to make in 2024?
- Gear?
- Training?
- Nutrition?
- Recovery?
- Type of racing?
When the road ahead
seems hard and long...
seems hard and long...
... look back to see how
far you have come.
far you have come.
- LinesByLoes
___________________________________________
All active PEDALindustries/Riders:
- Save 30% On All Purchases
- Have access to Race Reimbursement
- Unlock all Exclusive Courses and content
Click Here For Details_______________________
---
164
8 hrs
No Strength Training
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
NEVER SAY THIS IN PUBLIC
Dec 30, 2023 TODD BROWN
DURING THE METEOR SHOWER A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I heard one of my friends lamenting the exceptionalism he was brought up believing. I can't think of anything dumber than...
... thinking we are average, unexceptional.
Do you think for one second any champion of any sport, OR CAUSE, thought he or she was average, unexceptional?
Here's the tricky part, and a new meaning of an old word.
The tricky part:
- Never, ever say in public you are exceptional or better than everybody else
- Always think it
- Believe it
- Own it
Can you imagine telling a child...
You really aren't anything special.
... talk about a way to shut down each individual's unique talents and abilities.
We each have different talents when it comes to physical performance, if that weren't the case...
- the same person would win over and over
- the sports prognosticators would always be right
... but, that's not how it works.
We know that inherently.
The new meaning of an old word:
I recently discovered the original meaning of the word meek, which is important because some dude once said the meek shall inherit the earth...
... how can the meek win anything?
Because meek comes from the greek word praus, which means...
... strength under control.
Now that,
is my kind of exceptional.
---
164.4
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT SHOULD A ZONE 2 RIDE LOOK LIKE?
Dec 29, 2023 TODD BROWN
TODAY WAS MY FIFTH BIG RIDE IN A ROW. Seventeen hours in the saddle, 210 miles, 22,000' of vertical...
... and my legs feel great.
How is that possible?
All Zone 2 + Good Sleep + Good Nutrition
Take today's ride.
Nearly 5 hours,
60 miles
6329'..
... Strava called it a Massive Relative Effort.
I called it a fun adventure.
Never did any heavy breathing.
- Ave HR 131
- Normalized Power 212 Watts
Above you can see the HR is very steady, so are Watts dropping down mainly due to rough terrain and stop lights.
The key...
... to pulling that off is starting out easy, which means going based on power more than HR because it takes (for me) a while for the HR to rise. About 30 minutes in I start looking at HR and Power...
... riding as fast as I can without letting the HR go out of zone.
The benefits...
- ride all day, as long as nutrition is on point
- push upper limit of Zone 2 higher
- develop insane endurance
... easily recover and do it again the next day.
The reason most people don't do it...
- they start out too hard
- under eat because effort seems easy
- ride with friends and get caught up in keeping up
- fail to recognize the hidden benefits for those with limited power
- rather than back down cadence and power they blast up the short stuff
... is because they don't have the discipline.
If you don't generate a lot of power, and I don't,
then the next best thing is to be able to deliver the power you have
for longer than your competitors and recover faster than those around you.
Skip or skimp on Zone 2 rides...
... or feast on them.
---
164.2
7.5 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU HAVE A TAGLINE?
Dec 28, 2023 TODD BROWN
AS AN ECOM MARKETER, I love studying the greatest brands. One thing they have in common is a great tagline, like Nike's...
... Just Do It!
Why?
They are designed to create an emotional response for the consumers...
... to make us identify with what they're selling.
In the heat of race or chasing a PR or just plain ol' dying to finish the impossible...
... it's good to have a tagline of our own.
Because sometimes we have to sell ourselves on getting it done...
... usually,
right before we quit
and go on to conquering the impossible.
---
163.8
7.75 hrs
No Strength Training
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS AIN'T JUST FOR HEMORRHOIDS
Dec 27, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHAT A DEMONSTRATION of how to do it well. If you missed it, if you don't follow it, if you listened to the prognosticators, then you didn't witness...
... what happens with preparation.
I'm down to following one sportsball team, and it's been a dismal year for the fans of SC football.
When things aren't going according to plan, it is so easy to give up.
To quit.
24 players did just that,
either sat out the game
or transferred to a new team.
The rest kept practicing,
and kept preparing,
for their chance.
The quarter back had never started a game,
had only played a handful of minutes...
... came in prepared.
Confidence oozing.
He left with...
70% pass completion
372 yards
6 TDs
... a record setting night.
Because he knew how good he was and kept preparing for his date with history...
... that is the Preparation H we should all aspire to accomplish.
---
162.9
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DATA DON'T CARE 'BOUT YOUR FEELINGS
Dec 26, 2023 TODD BROWN
MY SON IS A PROFESSIONAL FINANCE NERD. He constantly reminds me to know my numbers vs the ol' gut feeling. It's a good practice and reveals the truth...
... sometimes confirming what I thought to be true,
others showing how off I can be by winging it.
We all have a lot of data available now.
So, while I was feeling discouraged this week regarding...
- my current weight
- the lingering cough
- the drifting fitness score
... I decided to look at the data.
2 years ago...
- same weight
- 3% better fitness
- and got covid just after Christmas
- hadn't perfected my strength routine
... had my best year ever on the bike.
1 year ago...
- slightly lighter
- same exact fitness
- battled a similar cold
- had just added the sled and nordic curl
... had a great spring racing campaign
In other words, it's quite normal for me to be at my lowest fitness this time of year,
and you know what they say...
... December hero = race season zero.
Am I still apprehensive?
Yep.
But, that's the point of the data...
... to kick the feelings to the curb.
They aren't helping.
Instead,
by looking at the numbers
I can relax and stick with my plan...
... I'm right where I want to be.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WOULD YOU SAY THIS?
Dec 25, 2023 TODD BROWN
ONLY OUR OLDEST WAS IN TOWN, so we met midway. At the bay. Unloaded paddle boards. Set out for some mansion gawking, and sunshine...
... and paddled for 6 miles, 2ish hours.
Not the traditional Christmas morning for most,
on par for us..
Something weird happened all day,
never seen it before.
When we got home, there was still enough sunlight
for me to spin the pedals
and Mrs Claus to walk.
Every single person I saw,
on the water and on the dirt,
had the exact same thing to say.
We live in an area with lots of people from around the country, and around the world, representing all kinds of cultures and beliefs.
Which is why I thought this was odd.
The last person I talked to was a kid in his 20's from Michoacan, Mexico.
New bike?
No speak english.
No problemo.
I learned Spanish a long time ago, and can still get along pretty good. I asked where he was from, told him how much I loved the famous ice cream sticks La Michoacana, from his state.
He was on a really sweet Giant Trance. Said he'd just picked it up on FB marketplace, and how much he loved it.
A common language, we all understand.
We talked about how long he was here and his main objective to learn English.
It was time to part ways before sunset, and say the thing I'd over and over today.
Merry Christmas.
Feliz Navidad.
---
165.1
8 hrs
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IGNORING THIS CHRISTMASY MESSAGE WILL MAKE YOU CRASH
Dec 24, 2023 TODD BROWN
I CAN'T STOP THINKING of the silliness I've practiced over the years. Not the Christmasy stuff, which was personally a tough season for many years, but...
... ignoring the real point of it all.
Whether you're a belieber or not, doesn't matter, the principle is true...
... you can't ride your bicycle while looking backward.
Oh, you can go a ways, however the penalty of not facing forward will be paid.
Which is the message that little babe came to deliver...
... look forward with hope and faith that good things await.
He gave instructions on how to live.
He knew all would falter from time to time.
He gave a simple formula to get back on track.
Repent.
Start anew.
Don't look back,
focus on forward.
I don't know why that is so easy to practice on a bike,
and so difficult when life's blunders serve up a shouldawouldacoulda sandwich.
Pedal on.
---
163.8
7.5 hrs
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIDING ART OF LOST
Dec 23, 2023 TODD BROWN
I WOKE WITH A FROG IN MY THROAT. Not surprising, Surfergirl has been coughing for a week. There was only one thing to do, and it wasn't going to be easy...
... with all the rain this week.
No, I wouldn't be meeting up with the fellas.
However, since the onset of my cold was above the neck...
... I could ride long as heck.
Most people don't do this,
and decline my invites.
Where are we riding today?
I don't know.
You have no plan.
Nope.
Okay, I'm gonna do a group ride.
See ya next time.
The idea of getting lost,
aimlessly wandering,
is too vague.
I get it,
I also get this.
Every great adventure,
the ones we tell over and over,
are epic because at some point...
... the unexpected happened.
- We got lost
- Found a new trail
- Discovered a forgotten road
- Ignored the Private Property sign
- Had a massive mishap and lived to tell the tale
None of this happens on the group ride,
or in the man cave zwifting,
or at the races.
For me, It's almost a lock
I will discover something worthy
nearly every single time my objective is big zone 2.
It's an art,
to get lost and enjoy it.
Nothing new is ever discovered
on the road most traveled
---
166.2 lbs (more lost rides needed)
7.25 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups.
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SIGNAL?
Dec 22, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF WAYS to signal to your mind that it's time to shift gears. Gurus, like Tony Robbins, might call it shifting states or moods...
... and this shift matters.
Because if we don't get our helmet in the race,
we're destined to get shelled.
For racing, I cycle through till I find the right jam on my...
... special a playlist.
Sometimes the pump up music isn't getting it done for me and I have to...
... wait until the first cat cuts me off or won't let me through.
Other times...
... simply seeing a frenemy can raise the HR.
Another one I like for racing or hard training is ...
... lathering up with PR lotion.
For work, I turn the volume super low and hit repeat for...
... one goto song.
Butttttttttttt...
... what's the signal for a new season
or legit off-season
or mini-break?
Before I get there,
why does this work?
Why do preachers and motivators play music before the message is delivered?
Why do bands drop the lights before electrifying the audience?
It's all signals,
that things are changing,
and we mentally shift and become a different person...
... and love it.
The opposite is also true,
no definitive signal,
no change...
... and before we know it,
the race is over,
the day done...
... and nothing accomplished.
So, what's the signal for a new season?
Mine,
shave my legs.
---
166.1 lbs (might be time for the razor)
7.25 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more.
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU CAN SPRINT SOME PEOPLE SOME TIMES
Dec 21, 2023 TODD BROWN
SPRINTING IS SO FUN, especially alone. Down clear road with a tail wind, out of a turn and into the next, up a short hill...
... It's so energizing.
Then why not sprint all the time?
The answer's obvious,
because we can't.
It's not physically possible.
The next best thing is...
... if we do it right.
The great John Wooden preached...
... Be quick, don't hurry.
Quick is
- precise
- error free
- looks effortless
Hurrying is
- looks atrocious
- mistake laden
- sloppy
We sweat with both...
... we win, PR, achieve greatness with one.
The difference?
- Practice
- Planning
- Routines
So, when the shift goes off the trails on the bike, in life...
... slow down,
be quick.
Oh, I almost forgot,
if you're hurrying to get a gift for your favorite cyclist, triathlete or runner...
... here's a quick and awesome idea.
---
164.9 lbs
8 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IF I COULD RACE EVERY RACE
Dec 20, 2023 TODD BROWN
APPARENTLY, POSTING ALL THE RACE PLANS is a bigger thing than ever for the pros. Imagine being paid to race, then telling your sponsors and team...
... which races you'll do.
It's one thing to say I'm going to X, Y and Z races, it's quite another to say...
... and I'm going to win.
For some racers, it's probably a requirement. For sure...
- the team wants to know
- the journalists want to know
- the competitors want to know
... if they're going to be there.
It gives everybody a chance to promote and hype and draw in the eyeballs and the money...
... which is exactly not what most amateurs do.
Most of us...
- no plan
- no calendar
- can be easily swayed
- find committing can be tough
... because, well, we are amateurs.
Or,,,,, are we amateurs because we...
- find committing to be tough
- are too easily swayed
- have no calendar
- and no plan
... not that there's anything wrong with that.
It's just the difference between pro and amateur...
... getting results,
and the ability to call our own shots (wins, PRs, quests).
It starts here.
---
164.8 lbs
8.5 hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I HEARD SOMETHING RIDICULOUS TODAY
Dec 19, 2023 TODD BROWN
ON THE RIDE THIS MORNING I was assured that pedaling in circles is wasted energy and that the studies of one bike fitter in England done on pros are conclusive...
... I sprint to differ.
While it may be true that mashers have just as much power in certain situations, I'm 100% certain that is not true of all situations.
For example, any mountain bike rider can you tell you that on technical climbs it is critical that the power you put down is even and steady.
Why?
Because mashing will likely cause 2 problems...
- slipping the rear tire
- stalling out and falling over
... mountain bikers are generally really good at putting power down all the way through the pedal stroke.
You know who else?
Track sprinters.
I learned this from the great Gibby Hatton when I went to him for a bike fit.
After watching me spin warming up...
Have you raced on the track?
No, mostly MTB.
Oh, that explains it... trackies and offroaders are the most efficient at putting out power.
Why, is the question.
And I think I know why, because when traction is required and when explosive power is required the hamstrings are engaged.
I learned this a long time ago when sprinting with my friend who easily beat me. He taught me to extend my stride and pull myself forward. Sure enough, I got a little faster.
Sprinters of all types spend time developing their hamstrings for this very reason.
Which brings me to my next thought. The reason most cyclists don't have any power on the upstroke is because they are pathetically weak.
If they weren't, they'd engage the hammies more in certain situations: sprinting, climbing loose terrain and...
... cruising on the flat.
Lately, with all my Nordic Curl work, I've noticed I can cruise faster on flats and let my quads rest a bet by more fully engaging my hamstrings.
I'm just practicing bro-science, so take it or leave it...
... but, Joe Friel practices real science.
When I flew him out to speak to us a few years back he pulled up charts which definitively demonstrated the small gains to be made by learning how to pedal correctly.
Yes, mashers can go fast.
Yes, there are times to mash.
Yes, you should experiment with this in the off-season.
---
165.5 lbs
7 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
OLD GUYS RULES
Dec 18, 2023 TODD BROWN
YOU'VE PROBABLY SEEN THE SHIRTS AND HATS, usually on old guys who are kinda pudgy and unreasonably confident. I get it, but don't done it...
... more about that later.
I bring this up because lately the interwebs be chiming that old guys shouldn't be advising young guys...
... according to medium guys.
And really Peter Sagan brought it home on the latest The Move podcast discussing today's racing...
... versus how they used to race.
I tell them young guys, why going so fast. No need.
Whatever old man.
We go down hill and young guys crashing, all for nothing.
Another GenXer on X, was even harsher on old guys trying to help young guys.
Old guys are irrelevant.
I thought about it all day...
... probably because I'm of a certain age.
I think when it comes to tactics, yes, the old guys' rules are probably outdated and useless.
But!,
when it comes to strategy I'll take the age-old wisdom of the old-age guys every time.
In business, a tactic would be knocking doors. I did that. Almost pointless to do these days...
... the wisdom is to hustle and get out there and be seen.
In training, a tactic is use a heart monitor. I did that. But, there's a lot more tech to be learned and mastered for improvement...
... the wisdom is to ride piles of miles.
Anyway, if you're into improving...
- old guys have the strategies
- young guys have the tactics
... those are the rules.
I love looking for the timeless ones...
... and ladies still love flowers.
---
165.3 lbs
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW DO YOU SPELL FAST?
Dec 17, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS to get faster on the bike, which is why it is endlessly fascinating. They range from physical to mechanical to mental to social to spiritual and...
... help us on our quest to get fast.
Some think that the best way to get better is to fail faster, which sounds great until...
- we come up short on a jump
- or, slide out in a high speed turn
... mmmmmaybe we ought to temper that a bit.
So, I don't spell fast F-A-I-L.
The fastest people I know are relentless and pay attention to all areas where speed can be gained.
They experiment,
practice,
tinker,
study,
train,
... they do the W-O-R-K.
Usually, a lot more work than most are willing to do.
---
We're getting pretty low on Cycling bag inventory, but still have a good amount we can ship for Triathletes & Runners
---
164.9 lbs
8 hrs
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I THOUGHT I WAS SO SMART
Dec 16, 2023 TODD BROWN
A BEAUTIFUL DAY WAS ON TAP, and I was meeting two of my fave riding pals. Always good and uplifting conversation, plenty of shredding on the downhills...
... and Love Watts had planned a fun route.
After the first segment of goodness we had a problem.
Sure, I'd...
- checked all the batteries
- pumped up the tires
- adjusted shock pressures
- lubed the chain
... what could go wrong?
Uh, what about them brake pads bro?
There we were 47 minutes in to a 4ish our ride and my rear wheel was not spinning...
... which explained why I'd struggled on the first climb.
This is how good my friends are.
Rather than let me slog home with my chamois between my legs...
... we got to wrenching.
The calipers were all kindsa messed up.
The pads were smoked.
Again, I tried to wo-is-me my way home...
... no dice.
Construction Kev...
My house is nearby, and I have a set of new pads.
... les go!
Never seen this before, look at the retention clip in pic above.
It is destroyed.
15 minutes later,
we're back on track,
hootin' and hollerin' and PRin'.
I love these guys.
On the suspension set up, I aired up a little higher than my normal, which is still lower than factory setting...
... 90lbs up front, 180lbs out back.
Perfect,
much cushier,
still tracking the corners really well.
When Love Watts started charging a long, twisty and steepish singletrack I cut loose...
... figuring he'd clear the way.
Normally, with so many blind turns and a stunning day, there is just too much traffic to go for it.
I'm cautious that way.
It was a gamble,
total blast.
---
I have too much PR Lotion inventory.
This promo code: FRENS
It is buy one, get one free. You MUST purchase TWO bottles, discount will be applied when you check out.
Code can be used 15 times, so use it new before it sells out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
164.5 lbs
7 hrs
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU KNOW WHY THE BANNED TURNING IN THE BRAKE LEVERS, RIGHT?
Dec 15, 2023 TODD BROWN
THIS JUST IN, UCI figures out how to squash another innovation and has the innovators crying foul. Was it for safety reasons? Worry over racers suffering carpel-braking syndrome...
... or, something much darker?
In these cases, as in all news...
... it pays to follow the money.
Now, just who really cares?
You and I, the fans, who have seen these micro adjustments...
- levers
- socks
- rider position
... to name a few, burst onto the scene then be smothered?
We don't care because...
- It's cool to sees these clever, committed racers explore the fringes of speed
- and, escape into a breakaway that is never caught
... we like that, because we dream of doing the same thing.
Follow the money...
- Fewer sponsors logos being flashed during hours long races, when a handful of racers are off on their own.
... and we get the only logical reason.
Money,
nearly always the #1 reason.
The conspiracylover in me says the big component manufacturers have already begun developing a brake lever/shifting system that is designed to give these aero benefits while leaving the levers inline with the bars.
Nahhhh,
they wouldn't be involved, too?
Personally, never tried it.
I'm also still running "standard" width bars.
I've seen the set up on local rides,
as well as the very short bar widths.
Looks cool,
seems faster.
What's wrong with that?
---
163.8 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LOVE IT WHEN THINGS BREAK
Dec 14, 2023 TODD BROWN
When making a purchase I always go for the best quality available. I like things that last a long time and are extremely reliable. Given enough time and wear and tear...
... nearly everything breaks.
Here's the truth I've discovered, and it's not just bike parts...
... the replacement is almost always way better.
I was reminded this on a ride recently with a heartbroken friend. The love of his life...
... had left.
Having had my own share of love gone wrong, I could relate. I could also share the big picture, everyone of those girlfriends was replaced with someone better...
... and finally with Surfergirl.
Just this week my bookkeeper let me know she was retiring. If you're looked for a good one, reasonably priced bookkeeper lately, you know they are hard to find. I asked my CPA for a referral...
... not only does he offer that now, but at a much better rate than I was paying..
My chief designer moved on 2 years ago, best thing that happened to the business in a long time. Forced me to rethink the entire process and put what is now, I believe...
... the finest experience in the industry.
Of course, we've all hit a nail, had the tire go flat, and realize there's just no way to proceed without getting...
... and brand new bike.
The real question is...
... should we wait until things break?
---
164.5 lbs
5 hrs (Surfergirl had to watch meteor shower until 2am)
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY?
Dec 13, 2023 TODD BROWN
I (ALMOST) ALWAYS SCAN THE RACE PHOTOS when the promoter sends out the link. Yes, I like to see myself in action. Who doesn't? The thing is...
... they aren't always outstanding.
Which makes it even more important to purchase the pretty good ones.
Take last Saturday's race.
There were photographers all over the place, and I was really hoping one of the guys on the downhill would post his pics.
Instead, I got this one.
I like it, but for something you might not notice.
Before I get there, I'm just making a public service announcement...
- Buy the pics, unless they just muffed the shot
- Do NOT lift the pics and post without paying
... we gotta support 'em for the days they nail the shot.
Like this one...
Now, about that shot at the top.
The thing I like is it looks to me like the weight training is paying dividends...
... which gets me kind of excited for next season,
and hitting the weights a lot more.
---
164.9 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
0 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
DO CYCLISTS REALLY NEED TO COLD PLUNGE?
Dec 12, 2023 TODD BROWN
COLD PLUNGE IS ALL THE RAGE, and I've yet to do it. But, I'm wondering if today's ride counts as a cold plunge, which was prognosticated to be in the high 40's, yet on some devices...
... registered in the low 30's.
I'm still cold.
Because I dressed like a rookie...
- Decided my summer gloves would be sufficient
- Left my awesome KOM jacket at home
- Couldn't find my toe warmers
... I froze like a rookie.
Which gets us back to the original question:
Does not feeling anything in my hands for at least 20 minutes, wondering if I still had toes, and being cold 12 hours later count as a cold plunge?
Another bonus was we recorded very slow times on the main segments even though we were giving it everything to get home as quickly as possible...
... low hr,
low power,
complete exhaustion.
Now I know this is the point where all the armchair zwifties chime in on how dumb it is to ride in the cold, and the snowbound chide me for wearing arm and knee warmers, a base layer and skull cap in such balmy weather, so before you go there...
... can some heat me up so cocoa?
---
165.1 lbs
7.5 hrs
No strength
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
FAVORITE NEW TECH OF THE YEAR?
Dec 11, 2023 TODD BROWN
DID YOU FIND SOME CRAZY NEW TECH in 2023, or something you want to try out in 2024? I did, and it's not on my Christmas list because....
... it's priiiiii-ceeeeey.
In this case,
it's way better to give to myself
than to receive a look of shock and awe.
Oh, I'm gonna get it because...
... I think it will be a game changer for me.
First, my gravel bike will get it since that's my focus for 2024.
Here's the problem it solves.
If you run a 1x drivetrain, like I do, you either have to run a mullet cassette (10-52) so you have a wide range or run a smaller range of gears so you have narrower jumps.
The obvious solution is to run a 2x with a front derailleur, but that's not possible because of tire clearance.
Is it really a problem?
Well, it sure was last weekend at the Hardman Classic. I really wanted a few in between gears on the climb for maximum efficiency...
... and then on the return with 30 mph gusts blowing me at top speed.
The solution?
The Classified Hub which has a planetary gearing system in the rear hub effectively turning the drive train into a 2x system.
The result...
- Wider range of gears
- Narrower jumps between shifts
... a minor weight gain, with big efficiency gains.
You can read more about here: https://www.classified-cycling.cc/en_us/
Once I get one, I'll report it.
Anyway, that's best product leap I've seen this year.
How about you?
---
166 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Ciruit + more
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO WE HAVE AN OPERATING SYSTEM?
Dec 10, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M FASCINATED WITH AI, not that I'm using it much, more with the implications of what it means to be human. And the question...
... do we have an operating system?
For example, just yesterday bombing Coal Canyon, a rough and tumble dirt road, on gravel bikes it was clear....
... some of saw a playground, others saw a torture chamber.
From an OS perspective, I think it's pretty clear we see what we want to see.
- I wanted to see clean lines and the fastest way down
- Others, moving much slower, could only see the jagged rocks and harsh terrain
Can we control that or are we born with it?
Consider the Troxler Effect.
Stare at the red + sign above, and you'll see blue dot's randomly disappear and reappear.
Why?
Some say it's our Operating System no longer rendering them because they aren't novel.
I suspect something like this is happening when we bomb a mountain.
Some of us can focus on the red + sign - the clean line down the mountain - while others are trying to take it all in and remember all the danger points instead of editing them out like the blue dots.
If we are focused on the red +, the clean line, we don't need to render all the blue dots, the dangers...
... which frees up processing speed for us to go faster, and safer.
If this is true, that it is just an OS issue, can we improve that...
... rewrite our code and go faster?
I think we can, especially when we are young. And, I think the best way to do that is not to go as fast as possible all the time but to go slow and be playful and assess the options and pitfalls in slow motion...
... then speed that up.
Which brings up the question of what is happening as we age?
Why do we slow down over time?
I don't think it's the OS as much as it is the hardware, the gray matter, not being able to process as quickly and efficiently as it once could...
... take in the data and send signals to the body.
What does this really have to do with ripping on raceday...
... I'm not sure.
But, I never thought about this before observing AI.
---
164.9 lbs
7 hrs
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THAT WAS HARD, MAN.
Dec 09, 2023 TODD BROWN
AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGEMENT, I opted for the long route of the 8th annual Hardman Classic. The head wind was brutal for the first hour. If it had flipped for the return, which often happens...
... I would have cried.
Why did I go the long route?
Well, because Tatt!...
You doing the race Saturday.
I reckon, but just the short version.
C'mon, we're all going long. We'll ride together and just cruise.
Ok.
In other words, I knew that he knew that I knew he was totally full of bs, but...
... who doesn't want to ride with their pals?
The only reason we stuck together for the first hour was the brutal headwind. Nobody wanted any piece of the front. Once the climbing began...
... it was every racer for themself.
Let me just insert this odd piece of wisdom...
... I always suffer the most on the races I care the least about.
No disrespect to the race, or the promoter, or competitors. But, if I'm not totally into pushing myself I can count on the usual rookie blunders...
- Not eat enough
- Not drink enough
- Forgot to start computer until 20 minutes in (hard to know how much torture is left when you don't know how many miles have been covered.)
... those got me today, but I've also done these...
- Stayed out late the night before
- Lazy bike prep leading to failure
- Changing a tire the night before to wake up to a flat
- and more
... I actually did put on a new tire last night, and it sealed perfectly.
I told the network yesterday I'd be going for a PR on Skyline, and I was pleasantly surprised to get it done.
Not that it helped me ride with my much faster friends.
The downhill was a pretty rugged gravel road that had clearly been battered by all the rain earlier this year and the hurricane we had a few months back.
I let it rip and had a blast, so glad I had the new tread on the back.
The Conti Terra Speed 45s were flawless even though I rimmed out numerous times.
28lbs up front, 30lbs in the rear.
At the bottom I caught up with the Assassin and Out Of Africa. I was ready to pull the plug and head back vs doing all of that a second time.
C'mon, go with us.
Nah...
It's just that one climb.
For reference, long coures is 8300' of climbing over 70 miles...
... 6000' of it in a scant 35 miles.
Anyway, they talk me into it and I swear, the first little bump in the road was like dropping anchor...
... leaving me to ride alone for 2 1/2 hours.
I have the best friends.
I really do...
... and I saw lots of 'em today.
All I can say is the Hardman...
... is hard, man.
---
Because I accomplished my PR goal, and persevered I figured it was time for my typical splurge.
---
166 lbs
7 hrs
No strength work
00 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Comment on the post here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/spaces/12740042
MY BEEF WITH GRAVEL BIKES
Dec 08, 2023 TODD BROWN
GRABBED MY "GRAVEL" BIKE THIS MORNING. The only objective was to get to the cafe for some sipping time and take a breather from the rush of holidayness. Why that bike?...
... I wanted an adventure.
And, I got one.
Yeah, dirt and single track and pavement with no preset route...
... but, the best was the lovely gentleman I encountered whilst sipping outside.
Do you ride much?
Oh, yes, as often as I can.
Will you be around here Saturday?
Probably.
We'll be performing a Dixieland Christmas Concert over at the museum (downtown San Juan Capistrano).
Sounds wonderful.
By the way, you look strong. Could you help me out?
Sure.
We need to put up the tents today.
On the way to the museum to set up the tents, he pulled out a painting his great granddaughter had made for him, knowing how much he also likes to ride...
... with a perfect quote.
If there is a fork in the road, take it!"
- Yogi Berah
And, well, honestly this is my beef with "gravel bikes"...
... nobody wakes up wishing for gravel.
We want an adventure.
Let it be known that from this day forth all road bikes with fat tires shall hitherto be referred to as Adventure Bikes.
---
164.6 lbs
7.75 hrs
Pushups and Pullups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Comment on the post here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/spaces/12740042
THE BEST BOOK I READ ON RACING THIS YEAR
Dec 07, 2023 TODD BROWN
OF THE TWENTY OR BOOKS I'VE READ THIS YEAR, one stands out. It shouldn't really, it's a book for ages 8-12. I've applied it's teachings on raceday...
... but, story of our heroin drives home the point so well.
I couldn't stop thinking about it.
You might consider yourself much too wise to learn from an 11 year old girl.
I did,
and, mostly, still do.
However, the story of Pollyanna is a gem.
It is set in the early 1900's and there are all kinds of culture norms to consider, and ponder upon.
Plus, all the changes in technology and science that we take for granted.
Then, there's the language.
It's english, with a larger and more complex vocabulary than we use today, mixed in with all kinds of slang along the various social statuses.
I said the story is a gem, because Pollyanna plays the glad game...
... whatever happens, she finds a reason to be glad about it.
Which, when it comes to racing, is a mighty fine attitude to have...
... almost a superpower.
Lots can go wrong over the course of a season. Once we cross the start line and we have to adjust our plans, looking for the benefits of the challenges we face as the race unfolds is significantly more empowering than whining and complaining...
... the energy we have is limited.
We've to focus that energy on one thing only...
... getting across the finish line as quickly as possible.
Over the course of a season...
... Pollyanna would be tough to beat.
While we might complain about the weather, our equipment, lack of time, etc...
... she would be advancing every day.
---
Did you know PEDALindustries/riders are eligible for race reimbursement?
Check out here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pedalindustries-riders-gear
---
164.1 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Comment on the post here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/spaces/12740042
ARE YOU THIS SELFISH?
Dec 06, 2023 TODD BROWN
THIS IS HOW SELFISH I AM. I was very apprehensive about attempting the Surf N Summit by myself. At 122 miles, 15000' of vert, with 10's of miles on desolate gravel roads...
... I was too scared to go it alone.
So, I invited and invited and invited until...
... I had a small group of warriors to take it on with me.
For most of these brave souls,
it would be their farthest ride ever.
By a long shot.
Which meant I'd be doing a lot of the pulling across the flats,
and I was totally down with that, as well as...
- Putting together a training plan for those who needed it
- Buying dinner the night before (though they all wound up paying me back)
- Teaching some of them how to download routes
... basically all I could think of to make sure they'd make it with me.
That's how selfish I can be,
just to get a few hearty gents,
to do more than they ever thought possible...
... and accompany on my personal quest,
because I had to get it done.
Have you been that selfish?
I bet you have.
---
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---
163.8 lbs
8ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIDER WHO DARES GREATLY
Dec 05, 2023 TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES IT HELPS TO PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. We see our heroes, the pros with big contracts, the local pros with endless free and amazing gear...
... and then there's us.
Doing our best.
Tight budgets.
Family to clothe and feed.
Pressed for time in every direction.
Then, when we are mocked for our endeavors,
chastised for our dedication,
misunderstood.
It can hurt,
if we let it.
But, we don't because we know...
... without our health we are nothing.
So in honor of the great Teddy Roosevelt...
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the busy and committed man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who actually crosses the start line...
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.
who strives valiantly,
who errs,
who gets dropped again and again...
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming;
but who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;...
who at the best knows in the end the triumph of the podium,
and who at the worst, if he fails,
at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be
with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat.
Dare greatly my friends...
... it matters to those who look up to you.
---
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---
164 lbs
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU KNOW THE MATH FOR SUCCESS?
Dec 04, 2023 TODD BROWN
LOOKING BACK ON THE BUSINESS YEAR is always a little more fun after the Christmas rush. The investments in inventory and ads start to pay, just like our fitness...
... it's simple math.
The problem is figuring out the equation.
The basics are:
- Increase Sales
- Reduce Expenses
No body argues that...
... but they sure as heck do argue this.
Weightloss basics:
- Increase training
- Reduce calories
It's not always + and -,
sometimes it's + and +
Fitness basics:
- Increase training
- Increase recovery
Sometimes it's just a feeling
Stress basics:
- Definitely gotta do that!
- No.
I use the last one a lot when I'm feeling overwhelmed or over committed...
... If it ain't Definitely gotta do!,
it's No.
---
165.6 lbs (uh, oh)
8.5 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pushups, pullups, squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
BABY STEPS TO BEING STRONG
Dec 03, 2023 TODD BROWN
IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY STARTED, you've most likely started thinking about it some sort of cross training to do now that it's dark and cold. Great!...
... being strong pays dividends on and off the bike.
You're not alone,
and there's no need to over think it.
There are 3 basic must exercises, but I'll bet my helmet most of ya are over thinking squats.
I was reminded of this yesterday at the park with our grandsons...
... if you're around toddlers, just watch.
They don't bend down to pick things up...
... they lower down by doing an air squat.
All the way down,
@$$ to the gr@$$.
Whether or not you invest in weights start here,
air squats.
How many?
Well, here's my formula.
It starts with pullups. For every pullup you can do, do 3 times as many pushups and 3 times as many squats.
5 pullups -> 15 pushups -> 15 air squats
Like a toddler,
do these EVERY SINGLE DAY.
How to remember?
Well, I have an inexpensive pullup bar I purchased a garage sell decades ago. It resides in my bathroom's door jamb. When I go to take a shower...
... I knock out one set of all 3 exercises.
We're busy,
We want to ride,
not change clothes and drive to gym.
This takes 5 minutes, and will astound you with...
... how weak you are
and how strong you will get.
Want bonus points?
My pullup bar is in the bathroom so any time I'm going to the bathroom...
... I'm knocking out a set.
Something quick.
3 pullups, 9 pushups, 9 air squats.
1 pullup, 3 pushups, 3 air squats
4 pullup, 12 pushups, 12 air squats
Nothing magical, just mixing up and getting on with life.
At the end of a typical day I've knocked out 10s of pullups and 3 times as many pushups and air squats...
... in no time.
Add the other accessories like dumbbells, jump box, sled, nodic curl fixture over time...
... this is a lifelong pursuit, not a sprint.
---
165 lbs
8 hrs
1 set of pushups, pullups, squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS IS NOT A CHEAP COUNTERFEIT
Dec 02, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE GENTLEMAN AND I met up some dirt today. It was perfect after a few light rains in the last 48 hours. Tacky, ripable...
... hero dirt.
Is there anything better?
Maybe fresh, new asphalt.
Or, a real gravel road.
Stringing together a bonanza of trails, some well-know to us and some completely knew, it occurred to me that some of today's dazzling tech...
... is just a cheap counterfeit.
We were IRL.
Not VR glasses,
on a stationary bike leaning over,
with a fan giving the sensation of speed.
This was the real thing...
- My arm was bleeding after being stabbed by unruly shrubbery.
- More than once, I felt the strain of the knobbies giving way and regaining their perch as we carved down the steep stuff.
- Hard-earned sweat dropped onto my lens, then sizzled in my eye
... and we were loving it.
But, the best was the ol' lady heckling us as we battled a loose, 25% pitch...
If it isn't 90%, it's not a real climb.
It was like a cackle from with Wicked Witch of The West.
We ride bikes.
They can go fast.
You will likely get hurt...
... and have a great story to tell about a lesson you learned,
in real life.
---
164 lbs
6.5 hrs
0 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED BENEFIT OF A GOOD TAPER.
Dec 01, 2023 TODD BROWN
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.
---
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---
Did you know PEDALindustries/riders are eligible for race reimbursement?
Check out here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pedalindustries-riders-gear
---
164.1 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU DO THIS, AND IS IT WEIRD?
Nov 30, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M TAKING A FEW WEEKS OFF, by that I mean I'm riding with absolutely no agenda and only if I feel like it. Three days so far this week, and I'm noticing a trend...
... I'm getting really good at my timing.
I have no reason to do this.
No coach in my ear,
No schedule.
Monday I decided I had time for a quick hour on the bike.
Tuesday, I passed on the traditional TMWC and as the day went on I was dying to get out. I thought I'd go our for 90 minutes and just rip it up for fun.
This afternoon, after grinding straight from 7am to 4ish I really need a mental break and two hours seemed about right.
There are a couple of trends there.
- Longer rides each day
- Riding at sunset
- Predicting ride time
Which I think is kinda weird...
Why am I so bent on ending at just the right?
How am I getting so accurate on ride time?
Is it just a product of playtime on the bike?
... are you as weird as me?
On a related note...
... I never seem to care about hitting a certain mileage on a ride.
It's all about time because miles can vary so much with terrain and weather conditions...
... the body does need a certain amount of time in the saddle to be fit.
Good thing I don't really care about that right now.
---
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---
Did you know PEDALindustries/riders are eligible for race reimbursement?
Check out here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pedalindustries-riders-gear
---
164. lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
MY STORY
Nov 29, 2023 TODD BROWN
MY STORY
I grew up on southern California.
From an early age, I loved riding bicycles. I wasn’t great. My friends were faster, more skilled. But, I loved it. I loved riding, and I loved learning tricks. Jumping, skidding, wheelies.
Once we could all drive, we got into surfing. Saturday mornings went from riding around town to waking up next to the shore and jumping in the water. I wasn’t the best, my friends had more talent and guts. But, I loved it. Riding the waves, learning the tricks and hanging out with my buddies.
I went away to college and fell in love with the mountains. Saturday mornings were spent up high. Hiking and skiing. I wasn’t the best, my friends had more talent and guts. But, I loved it. The solitude, learning tricks and hanging out with my pals.
One day a roommate brought home a road bike.
The next day, I rode it 6 miles.
The day after, 12 miles.
I was hooked.
When I moved back to Southern California, I did some racing on the road. It was a lot of fun. I wasn’t the best, my friends were all faster. But, Ioved it. Being in the zone in a crit brought me peace and happiness. I worked up to a Cat 2.
Kids came.
I quit racing.
Mountain bikes were a thing. I got one and loved it. The skills from my BMX days with the fitness from road racing. We got a little group going on Saturdays. I was better than most of my friends – some had fitness but no skill, some had skill but no fitness.I did a few races, when I could.
In '99, my friend Jeff challenged me to do Leadville. 100 miles, off road, at 10,000-12,500’ above sea level seemed insane. I trained for it as best I could. The skills were there, but the actual workouts were a mystery to me. I rode a lot and watched my heartrate. Looking back on it, I’m amazed I finished at all. My goal the first time was to keep my heartrate just under 180 beats a minute.
I went 3 years in a row, and each year cramped and limped across the finish line.
Because I’d cracked the magical 9-hour mark, and received a big belt buckle, I figured I knew what I was doing.
I didn't have a clue.
About that time, my friend Kevin challenged me to go under 9 hours at age 60. I was 39 at the time, and busy with work and family. It seemed so far away, and it was. This turned out to be one of the greatest blessings in my life because it was always in the back of my mind. It reminded me not to get too out of shape.
I was riding less and less, spending Saturdays with the kids on motos or surfing. If we were in town, I’d get up early and be home by 830 ready to play with the littles.
That changed.
They got older, wanted to do their own things. Went off to college.
I started riding more regularly, and reconnecting with the community.
In the early 2000s, Super-D burst onto the national scene. Promoters took the long DH of an XC course and timed it. Talk about an event tailor made for me: short, I wasn’t too fit or light; fast, I was used the moto speed; technical, and still pretty handy on my MTB.
I won back-to-back National Championships.
The key?
I did way more prep than anybody else, pre-riding the courses. Most showed up in baggies and pads, I showed up in a skinsuit with moto goggles and an aero helmet.
My 20 year goal, was getting closer.
I started to think about that date with destiny… sub-9 at 60.
Around 2012, I went back to Leadville and clocked 8:30. That marked 4 tries. 3 between 8:28 and 8:38, 1 at 8:20. I felt good about my chances of cracking 9, and figured I’d go back one more time between then and 2022.
A year or two later, our oldest got into road riding and racing, I followed him. Bought a road bike, started to get back into some light racing. It was the funnest two years of training I ever had.
He moved back to Southern California and returned surfing.
At that point, I started this incredible journey.
I had the time, kids were gone.
I had the curiosity, how to go faster than ever at Leadville?
In 2019, I went back. I’d learned a lot over the years about my body, about training, about bike set up, about going fast.
I decided to go for a PR.
It all came together, and I went 8:15. I was completely blown away. How did I just go faster than ever, at 57 years old?
The next 3 years, I studied more, tinkered more, learned more. I developed a philosophy of how to pull it all together and have a truly great day on the bike.
In 2021, I did the Leadville Stage Race with the solitary goal of qualifying for the Silver Corral. This would allow me to start with pros and other incredibly fast races. In a race with 1000s, starting position matters.
With the start assured, I was now ready to put it all together.
And, I did.
I started to feel so good in early 2022, I wondered could I do another PR… at 60? I believed I could, if everything was perfect on raceday: my body, bike, preparation, and the always iffy weather.
I set my sights on a truly absurd goal: sub-8 hours.
Only one person over 60 had ever accomplished that, and he was an ex-pro who had the race outright back when I did an 8:20. He beat me by an hour that day.
The day came in 2022. Everything, and I mean everything, went perfectly.
7:57.
I was stunned, my friends shocked.
But, was I really?
No.
I had cracked the code to ripping on raceday, and I knew it.
It started with the simple idea of exploring what is physically possible for me?
What am I capable of?
I’m fascinated by that question… in all areas of life.
Now it’s time to share the keys to mastering ripping on raceday.
---
164.1 lbs
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
GIVE ME TREACHEROUS OR GIVE ME DEATH
Nov 28, 2023 TODD BROWN
I HAD A CHOICE TO MAKE TODAY: take the fire well-worn fire road or the hard packed clay with varying depths of gravel strewn across it. One I could ride blindfolded...
... the other could leave me folded in cement ditch.
I didn't hesitate.
The treacherous gravel was much more appealing for the simple reason it would require more skill...
- The slippery feel of the moving gravel
- Proper modulation of the brakes as the road curved
- Quick identification and adjustments as the gravel depths changed
... and honing those skills will lead to massive efficiency on raceday.
For the same reason, I rode the very challenging singletrack on Saturday.
I'd much rather deal with the obstacles at my own pace, build up my skills by myself, than face them for the first time, in a crowd, at speed...
... in a racing situation.
But, that's just me.
---
164.4 lbs
7ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups, pushups, squats and nordic curls
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO RIDE FOREVER
Nov 27, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHY ARE SOME OF US RIDING FOREVER, and others for a season or two? Are there basic laws that if applied would keep us all endlessly fascinated with this beautiful sport...
... do they apply elsewhere?
I think so.
I'll take me for an example, because... yeah, decades in the saddle.
- I left surfing for cycling because of certainty. The waves are so fickle, the roads and trails always deliver.
- The thing I love about riding and surfing is variety. All the places to ride, all the skills required to be proficient.
- When I started racing, I loved the recognition of moving up the ranks, getting on podiums, and now Strava cups and KOMs.
- There is so much connection between my regular riding pals as we log the miles and share what is going on in life.
I've heard it said, if we can consistently deliver on 3 of the 4 qualities above...
... we will create an addiction.
So, here's the question:
Where else can we apply this?...
- lovers
- customers
- family
- teams
- ...
specifically, who needs...
- certainty
- variety
- recognition
- connection
... from us?
If we're losing teammates, or worse...
... it's a pretty easy fix to touch the people that really matter.
Another amazing lesson learned...
... JRA (just riding along).
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups, pushups and squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO WE NEED TO BRING BACK THE TOUR DE DONUT?
Nov 26, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN A MINUTE since our last Tour de Donut. I know why we haven't repeated the silliness, because it just doesn't jive with the trend in massive carb consumption while racing...
... it was too much.
Maybe we did it wrong?
It was easy to string together 10 stops over the course of about 80 miles,
we live in a donut mecca.
According to the latest trend, Pro Tour racers are consuming 100-120 grams of carb an hour. The science and the results prove this new twist on nutrition vs the old-fashion way.
That is about 4 glazed donuts, and I can verify...
... a donut every 30 minutes was too much.
But!... since I'm 99.999999999% sure we did it wrong,
I'm considering a second attempt.
How'd we foul it up?
We simply weren't riding that hard, and it actually got worse as the sugar caught up with us and nearly put us into a collective coma.
The more I think about it,
the more a second attempt seems prudent.
In the name of science and athletic excellence a Tour de Donut must be reenacted...
... this time we must sprint from shop to shop.
Think of the strides we'll make for humanity.
Think of how smart we'll look powering down a bear claw,
while power away from the bunch...
... oh, the sponsorship opportunities!
Who's in?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/tour-de-donut-speed-jersey
---
163.8 lbs
8ish hrs
no strength today
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
ABOVE THE NOISE AND CONFUSION
Nov 25, 2023 TODD BROWN
FIVE OR SIX OF US WERE SUPPOSED TO MEET UP TODAY. Instead, it was just me and Smiles, and he had to be back early. The trail, which is quite rugged...
... was unusually deserted.
We climbed for well over an hour before seeing a single soul, at which point we parted ways.
I climbed on, up and through a near-empty campground...
... the next singletrack was a place known for cougar encounters.
It was too pristine,
too sacred a morning,
to be concerned about...
... what could go wrong miles from help?
The final mile and a half gains 1000', with pitches well above 20%.
I could hear a few propellor planes in the distance.
Other than that,
silence.
I laid my bike down,
grabbed a tasty crepé,
and sat on a metal bar meant to keep traffic on the gravel road.
No need to hurry,
It was difficult to leave.
I was glad nobody else made it,
the solitude was cleansing.
These days, it can be so difficult to rise above the noise and confusion and here I was...
... far above the illusions that tug us daily here and there.
And, I had a thought.
What if I tried something different this coming season.
Rather than block out Saturdays from some brutal group ride, or racy MTB PR-chasing throwdown...
... what if I dedicated more time for adventures?
I'd still get the hard efforts in the day before with structured workouts.
Gotta hit those highs.
But, rather than a couple of times in the offseason...
... most of my Saturdays would be filled with adventure.
Scoping out new single track on the MTB,
discovering new gravel routes...
... driving to the start of something new vs rolling from home for the same ol' ride.
Would I have more blissful moments like today, accompanied by the inherent risks of new territory and riding alone?
Can they be manufactured,
forced?
Would I lose fitness?
Would I lose the racer's edge?
Something to think about as I take some time off before ramping up for the new season.
---
164.5 lbs
7 hrs
Pushups and Pullups
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WE KNOW WHAT IT IS, THEY THINK THEY DO
Nov 24, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHATEVER THE BIKE RACE, what we see is totally different from what a casual observer sees. First, the TV cameras always make the inclines, jumps and corners...
... look way easier.
Even if the casual observer gets beyond that, they are missing something more important that we have.
Context.
Because when you've done the same thing,
or tried to do it and failed...
... you know what it takes.
Is the video of Tom Pidcock blasting by other pros down a mountain at 60+ mph, along the side of a cliff with no barriers thrilling?
Yes, for sure.
Anybody can appreciate that.
But, until you've suited up in colorful, aero underpants,
put on a pitifully lightweight plastic half-shell helmet,
"protected" your hands in ultra-thin leather gloves,
ridden on tires as wide as your thumb,
at anything over 50 mph...
... you have no freakin' idea of the incredible,
skills and reflexes required,
or courage summoned.
But, we do.
Most of us have done something like that at least once.
For some, once is enough.
For others, it's never enough.
And, when we see Pidcock calm and relaxed and loving it,
we can actually imagine what it would be like.
Our hearts might race,
or our palms sweat.
We know how freakin' crazy it is.
We have real-life context...
... and that's a darn fine thing to have regarding anything.
---
163.8 lbs
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
A FRIENDLY REMINDER REGARDING PIGGING OUT
Nov 23, 2023 TODD BROWN
I WAS DOING GOOD, solid ride with the posse, recovery drink, quick shower, walk a couple of miles on the beach with family. It was all according to plan...
... until we got home.
Smelled all the goodness.
Saw all the snacks to hold us over...
... and completely lost my mind.
It started innocently enough,
chips, salsa and a
game of chess.
Crushed my son-in-law...
... celebrated a rare victory with mini peanut butter cups.
That was it,
chip tooth and sugar tooth fully activated.
Hours later, as I was polishing off two slices of pie (gotta find out which is tastier) my son said...
... Don't worry dad, it's just one day.
He's right,
but here's the thing I want to share.
When we ride more and eat less,
the math of weight loss,
our energy drops.
Other than my belly feeling abnormally full,
I feel great...
... and I'll probably feel great riding tomorrow.
So here it is..
... if you want to drop some blubber,
do it now.
Not in the season when we're trying to train hard,
set big PRs,
and race.
We need good energy to rip on raceday.
It's just one day,
and there will probably be several more this year,
the rest of the coming days I'll be monk like so I can...
... roll into 2024 in fighting shape.
---
161.7 lbs
6.5 hrs
no weights
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
AWARDS FOR NEXT YEAR'S WORLDS
Nov 22, 2023 TODD BROWN
EARLIER THIS MONTH we held the unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships. As usual, we had the age group winners, and for the first time I announced a Most Improved Rider of the year...
... but, all week I have been lamenting I didn't add more callouts.
Like:
- Dr. of Animation - for that cat who charges week after week
- El Suckador - for the one who just will not, unless mocked, pull through
- The Therapist - you know, the one everyone wants to talk to
My motivation is this:
- Reward the rider who keeps the ride lively and pace fast
- Shame that sucker into pulling through
- Acknowledge the person who makes the ride always lovely
The idea being, that if it was an annual award, cats might be thinking about it during the year...
- I sure hope I in the running for Dr. of Animation,
or Most Improved
or The Therapist - I sure as heck hope I'm not called out for being a wheelsucker
Whadaya think?
Got any suggestions to add... add 'em here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/posts/awards-for-next-years-worlds
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162.7 lbs
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
NOW YOU'VE DONE IT!
Nov 21, 2023 TODD BROWN
You signed up for the big race,
or to go for an outrageous PR goal,
or you’re attempting an insane challenge, just finishing would be amazing.
I get it.
It’s scary.
It’s also the most exciting way to live…
… and train.
These quests give our training a purpose for a season, usually a year (I’m working on a 10-year quest).
But…
… it is more than that because we know when we are fit we do all of life better.
And, that is the cliff's edge we are all on.
How do we be true to what matters (family, career, faith, community, friends, commitments) and still Rip On RaceDay, our self-selected date with destiny?
That is our quest.
To be true… and rip.
It is why we are here.
- To share and learn what works and doesn’t
- To stay motivated and be held accountable
- To buoy each other when discouraged.
To arrive at the start line ready…
… to cross the finish line completely satisfied, knowing we did all we could do.
That is winning.
That is ripping on raceday.
Does that resonate with you?
---
164.3 lbs
7 hrs
no strength exercises
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO AWESOMENESSES HOOK UP?
Nov 20, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S HAPPENING! I'll take full credit for this, because it's true in my mind. Two of my favorite race promoters are hooking up. Not like that!...
... hooking up a killer week for us.
In the desert.
This winter.
Arizona.
I'm taking credit because last year I did my part to get these two lovers, not like that!...
... who promote for the love of sport,
and hope to make a profit.
Sage, you really outta team up with BWR next year for a desert showdown.
Oh, yeah.
Michael, wouldn't it be cool to put something together with Cactus Cup?
For sure.
Now, what you might be wondering is why the heck would I do that?...
... because it's gonna be awesome.
- I love the desert in the winter, so pretty!
- I love the idea of finding out who's got the skills.
- I love stage racing, and this is taking it to the next level.
Michael coined the phrase, Duel In The Desert...
... we all loved it, because that's what it is.
A duel to see who's got skills: dirt, road, singletrack, and recovery.
How's it work?
Lowest combined time of BWR Wafer and Cactus Cup 40 mile XC course...
... will be crowned King or Queen of the Desert.
Why is it so rad?
Because these are legit courses.
- Cactus Cup is 40 miles of 100% single track
- BWR is unroad, a road race with serious skill challenges
I can't wait.
Sign up and race deets here: https://thecactuscup.com/duel-in-the-desert/
Oh, and each registrant will receive one of these...
Kings & Queens will get one of these...
If you're thinking of going, let's meet up.
You can RSVP here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/posts/45749547
---
164.7 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU REMEMBER YOURS?
Nov 19, 2023 TODD BROWN
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM TONIGHT, 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,
that tradition lives on.
Not the pre-ownedness,
it was humble times for the inlaws.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did she see in me then,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray I'd painted dozens of times...
... 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.
...
Our first grandchild has mastered the pre-owned Stryder bike his parents found on FB and is getting a pedal bike this year...
... who's more excited?
---
164.8
6 hours (not enough)
no strength exercises today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
I'M DRY, BIKE IS FILTHY
Nov 18, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE PLAN WAS TO LEAVE AT 7AM. Pesky clouds and rain wouldn't clear as predicted. The group text kept pushing a later start. At 9:20...
... I finally got on the road.
Can I just point something out for you who like to gather....
... please RSVP.
Multiple people I enjoy riding with missed the ride because I had no idea they were coming and I didn't add them to the text chain.
I could do better,
and RSVPing would help a brother out.
Anyway....... I really like the rides we do this time of year.
A lot more chill.
A lot more conversational.
Just base miles,
good times.
Which reminded me of one of my training break throughs from 2021...
... back to back hard days during the week,
long tempo on the weekend
the rest zone 2.
Which... has nothing to do with the title of the post.
But, this does.
When the bike comes back filthy, it's a good indication we had the guts to brave the elements.
We kind of did today.
Wet roads can be slippery,
and lead to a lot of flats.
Since we missed the rain and the roads were drying and perfect by the end we also missed the soaked socks, soggy shoes...
... my least favorite consequence of riding in the rain.
Thanks to the great Steve B for sharing his secret...
... why his bike looked amazing and mine didn't.
He uses SC-1 from Maxima.
Tell us what you use, click here.
---
164.5
7.5 hours
pushups, pullups & squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WE CAN ONLY IMAGINE...
Nov 17, 2023 TODD BROWN
Y'ALL ARE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, ride all kinds of bikes at all kinds of different races and events and festivals, with wildly varying experience, talent and skill level. We can only...
... imagine your #1 goal for next year.
I'm crystal clear on mine,
are you?
Mine...
is a whole new challenge,
is yours?
will have me in 3 different states,
will you travel?
involves racing,
does yours?
I'll do with some of my pals,
how about you?
seems outrageous,
does yours?
will require some new bike parts, not a bike,
how about you?
is spread over 8 weeks,
yours?
includes a side race or two which could throw it all out of whack,
will you risk ruining recovery?
might include the support of Surfergirl,
will you have your own support?
deserves a special edition kit to fire me up,
have you ever done that?
could include heinous weather,
would you race if it gets ugly, cold, miserable?
I am so stoked about I decided to sponsor the prizes,
have you done that?
I really really really want to know,
and so does everybody else reading...
... do tell us here: https://pedalindustries.com/rip
---
163.4
7.4 hours
pushups, pullups & squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO GAIN RESPECT IN THE BUNCH
Nov 16, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHEN YOU'RE NEW TO ROAD RIDING, or riding in a new area with a new group, it's superduper easy to feel dissed. Trust me, it's real and they know their doing it...
... because they don't know us.
We are an unknown,
a potential danger...
... a newb.
How to fix that:
- Be nice
- Be confident
That's it,
that's all you can do.
The dissing can come in many forms: cold shoulders, yelling at us, not letting us pull through, chopping our wheels, mocking us, etc...
... none of it is cool as far as I'm concerned.
As long as it's not dangerous, I mostly find it entertaining...
... even hilarious.
For example, at BWR UT this year, I was in the second group and we were closing on the leaders.
It was a hard effort, and I wanted to be as efficient as possible while still making it up to the front...
... I was spinning like a hamster wheel.
This tan, chiseled dude for a well-known team rides up and says...
... You're spinning too much.
Talk about a diss!
I just smiled, and said...
... Thank you.
We connected with the leaders,
flew out of town to the rollers.
I knew, having done the race before, that the rollers were deceiving and that there was a stout little hill at the end...
... then it was very fast double track for miles.
I let them go,
cleared the top on my own and did my thing...
... passing blown or unskilled rider after rider.
By the time we hit the pavement,
just in time to get in a paceline...
... I was back with the tan, chiseled disser and his merry group of graveleros.
We were rotating nicely,
his demeanor changed...
... Where are you from?
Yeah, we struck up a pleasant, friendly conversation.
Nothing changed.
I was the same rider.
- Nice
- Confident
After about 30 minutes of riding in a well-working paceline...
... we hit another challenging section.
I moved to the front...
... never saw them again.
It's always better, whenever possible, if we really feel it's necessary...
... to let the legs do the talking.
---
163.1
8 hours
1 Rip On RaceDay circuit + more pushups, pullups & squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE COST OF NOT REGISTERING
Nov 15, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE FIRST LINE OF MY BOOK, The Way of The RACER, has been quoted back to me more than any other. Every time I hear that line, I'm reminded of the day I shared it with Surfergirl...
... she didn't like it.
So,I knew it was good.
She doesn't know us (me and you) like I do.
Here it is:
Until you Register for an event, or the event, you are nothing.
Because that's just how it is.
And that, my fine young ripper, is the cost not registering.
Being a hopydreamy cat vs. a driven and...
... highly committed son of a shift.
No wonder Evan just picked up ten to give to his teammates for Christmas.
$8.95, include shipping: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
163.8
8 hours
1 Rip On RaceDay circuit + more pushups, pullups & squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WILL WE EVER SEE THIS CAT AGAIN?
Nov 14, 2023 TODD BROWN
THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, and I fret for those who go this route. Cat retires (in this case) or gets laid off or starts working remote, and decides there is no need to
... meet at 630am when it's cold.
I get it.
But, most don't fully comprehend the danger.
'Cause here's what happens almost every time...
cat skips those cold mornings,
shows up in the Spring when it's warm,
gets shot out the back...
... decides the ride has somehow gotten too fast.
No, sucker...
You
have
gotten
slower.
Because...
You
have
skipped
the hard rides.
Oddly, this does not seem to happen to those who are laid up due to illness, injury, work, family or other more pressing matters because those cats...
... would be there if they could.
There's a difference,
in mindset.
When those cats come back,
they know what they're in for...
... but, I think it's more than that.
They never left,
in their heads their I'd be there if I could mindset...
... gives them the wherewithal to withstand
those initial kicks in the lycra when back
to the regularly scheduled drubbing.
Set your alarm clock,
set your mind,
dress warm,
stay fit.
Ain't nothing gonna replace meeting the gang at the corner at 630am.
... and before you tell me Zwift is the replacement... yeah, I know and I'm not worried about you. You get it.
The key is the weekly checkin,
heartrate revving ride,
chasing friends...
... weekly, all year long.
Still reading?
This is exactly why I have no intention of retiring,
that kinda thinking scares the shift outta me.
---
164.9
7 hours
pullups and pushups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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