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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
You can get it for full price here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dusty-shins-collection
Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CULTURE WARS
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAINING groups. Both extend invitations...
... the similarities stop there.
One culture assures...
- everyone is ready to start together
- there are plenty of stops
- nobody gets left behind
... fairness and concern.
The other demands...
- leaving on time
- no stopping
- no waiting
... rugged individuals.
The group we...
- join
- create
- help grow
... depends on the result we are looking for.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DIRT WORLD PROBLEMS
EVERY SURFACE HAS it's challenges. Add in the weather, how we approach things...
... changes quickly.
Super mist.
The normally grippy sidewalk we were slaying to meet the rest of the crew, was not only glazed with moisture...
... bright green moss screamed Slow down and do not lean over.
We ain't rookies,
not a problem.
It was so misty, the glasses were tucked away.
The late Fall moon dust covering most of our trails and roads...
- forks
- shins
- lenses
... quickly 3D prints on to everything.
Bombing the first downhill...
- nearly 40mph
- no brakes
- 1 minute
... the dust and pebbles flying up stinging our eyes.
Two choices:
Wear the glasses,
blurry, smudgy vision.
Wear no protection,
smoke your corneas or contacts.
When the sun finally burned through,
I grabbed my glasses from my jersey pocket...
... they were covered in sweat.
lol
Truly, dirt world challenges.
===
These Ugly Sweater jerseys woulda worked well today - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
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===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/99/-10 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT FREAKED ME OUT!
IN THE HURRY to get the miles in, sometimes we find ourselves willing to risk a potential short cut to get home early. Which is exactly what I did...
... just before halloween.
Hustling down a new trail.
The night's shadows suffocating the daylight.
A long ladder bridge spans steep canyon walls and the trail...
... whips around and under the bridge!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I was going too fast to even think about it.
Leaned on the tires.
Ducked my head.
Stopped.
Went back up and mastered it at even more speed.
I'd discovered a great way to freak my friends out...
... like finding a killer haunted house.
Gonna be good scare on the next weekly MTB ride.
===
Not as scary as these Ugly Sweaters - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
164 lbs/12.3%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ONLY GIMMICK GUARANTEED TO WORK
Mar 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DO YOU AHVE A FRIEND LIKE MINE? He's younger than me, was a standout athlete in high school, and...
... is in terrible shape.
I took him on a bike ride once.
Three miles of flat ending with a slight incline at the end of about 20 feet spread over about 100 feet.
Nothing.
At the top, poor fella, he had to get off the bike and lay down.
I literally thought he might be having a heart attack.
Over the years, among other attempts to regain some health he has...
- Hired a trainer at the gym
- Hired a chef
- Intermittent fasted
- Considered surgery
... and here's the latest: a diet suppression pill.
Speaking of hills to die on, I will die on this one...
- pick an event
- make a commitment
- be as ready as possible.
... this is the way.
The trainers, chefs, coaches, diets, surgery...
... are crutches.
Catalysts at best.
He will continue to fail and struggle and decline. It's rather sad. I would love nothing more than to see him return to being...
... an extremely capable, high-performing athlete.
Cut the crap.
Pick an event.
Get his butt in gear.
Yes, I've told him that with all the love and kindness and encouragement I can.
I know you're doing the same with your friends.
Keep inviting,
Keep showing the way,
Keep being the awesome person you are.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Inventory is dwindling on the GIANT RaceDay Calendar...
... with magical properties of
- Increased Focus
- Superior Planning
- Dreamlike Results
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If you like the blog, you'll LOVE the podcast version:
----
163
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
BATTLING THE NPCs
Feb 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE SIMULATION, then you've got to consider the reality of NPCs. Christians know the verse In the beginning was the Word, coders use words and text...
... to create virtual worlds.
Today, I was an NPC.
For gamers, NPCs are non-player combatants. Their threat is real, they are easily killed, there isn't a human player controlling them...
... they are part of the simulation.
I had every intention of doing the local group ride today. It's been months, and I needed a final beat down before the racing starts on Friday.
Up early.
In the van.
Rain started pouring.
I was easily taken out of the game as the road soaked and the tires hydroplaned. While I generally enjoy the occasional ride in the rain...
...not this one,
not on my race bike,
not right before I'll need it working perfectly.
And why ride soaked for 3 hours?
Maybe I'm not an unconscious NPC?
Maybe we are in a simulation?
Either way, I'll be back out later today when the clouds clear. Gotta get that final hardy ride in...
... no NPCs are showing up at the races.
Are they?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
If you're feeling like an NPC,
if you need a weekly kick in the lycra,
if you thrive hanging out with players IRL...
... today is the last day to join us who are playing the big game.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
----
162.8
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THIS IS WHAT DRIVES ME
Feb 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'M GONNA PUT MY HEART OUT HERE, because I think you ought to know. There is one thing driving PEDAL Industries...
... it's not you, and it's not me.
It's us.
Not just you and me, all of us. The planet.
I realized this the other day. I've been inviting people to ride bikes for as long as I can remember.
Why?
Because it's fun, and a great way to do the cardio side of in shape.
There are 3 things necessary for this nefarious plan of ours to truly work wonders:
- Pick an event, 1 a year will do
- Recruit or join a Posse.
- Get RaceDay Ready.
Let me explain.
Having 1 event a year to train for is invaluable for those looking to stay in reasonable shape annually because it's always out there...
... reminding us to stick to the plan, however loosely.
Knowing our posse is going to meet us at the proverbial corner each week is integral to staying on course. Training can be lonely, and for many of us...
... our deepest friendships often start and strengthen via the hours we ride side by side.
Being RaceDay Ready is all encompassing, it is much more than having a low resting heat rate and putting out big watts. Being truly ready means we are growing not just physically, but socially, mentally and spiritually.
The most fulfilled racers I know really are well-rounded squares.
They have an event or two on the horizon, a good group of riding pals, and both wheels on the ground...
... unless they're purposely shredding the gnar.
This what drives me to make the products we make, and to make them all customizable for each of our riding groups, teams, etc...
... there is something special about a uniform.
We showcase the colors and shapes and words that inspire and bond us into our unique tribes. For us, those tribes are made up of
- athletes
- adventure
- camaraderie
Want to make something amazing for your tribe?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/add-more-custom-products-to-my-store
Everything we make I've had a hand in creating and tested the heck out of...
... you can be sure it's quality.
Click here to set up a FREE design consultation.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/add-more-custom-products-to-my-store
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
----
163
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
RACING LIKE AN ELEPHANT
Feb 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT one of the insights from the book Into The Headwinds which I'm reading and how it applies to going fast on a bicycle by tapping into...
... our inner elephant.
Not a circus elephant on a bike.
We are primarily the products of thinking that is below the level of awareness.
That's the elephant.
Here's how it applies to bicycle racing.
New racers are like the rider, hyper aware and nervous and desperately trying to take it all in...
... think will power.
Experienced racers are like the elephant, much more relaxed...
... like daydreaming while driving home after work.
The rider has finite reserves.
The elephant has limitless energy.
Why is it so hard to establish a new habit? Because the elephant is in charge of the routine events in our lives.
Want to eat better?
Sleep better?
Train regularly?
The elephant is hard to overcome. Too much inertia.
However, the authors state...
If we do something with our rational/conscious self (the rider) long enough, we can train our intuitive/unconscious self (the elephant) to take over the task. The boundary between the elephant and rider is not static or impermeable.
I see it so clearly now.
In the beginning racing, particularly off road, required massive amounts of emotional energy. After years of riding and racing, instead of being nearly panicked during tense and technical racing...
... I slip into a state of flow.
Do you see it now?
Have you had that feeling or sensation on or off the bike?
The caveat, of course, is long enough.
What is long enough?
I've read it takes anywhere from 21 days to 60 days to establish a new habit. Personally, I think it's impossible to eradicate bad habits but infinitely possible to...
... instill good habits.
We're all riders and elephants.
The idea of sitting atop an elephant and trying to get it to do anything seems impossible in my mind...
... good thing I'm a persistent sunuvagun.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
If you're looking for a way to get control of your elephant, join our Posse...
... you have until the end of the month, 2/28, then enrollment is closed.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
----
163
8.4 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
SAVE MONEY, FEEL GREAT
Feb 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SINCE THE WEATHERTHINGY SAID RAIN ALL DAY, I slept in. The plan, a few days ago, was to make this Saturday my last very hard day before next weekend's races...
... I did the next best thing.
Out in the chilly garage, I got down to business.
Threw the race bike up in the stand,
pulled out the race wheels,
mounted new tires,
lubed the pulleys,
waxed the chain,
race readied,
the bike.
Once done, the rain ceased for a few minutes. I took it for a brief spin...
... the bike felt amazing.
There's something about being able to do my own wrenching that is both...
... satisfying and energizing.
The investment of time to learn what and how to do the basics, and a few dollars in equipment...
... is one of the best returns we'll ever get.
Confidence.
I felt so good, I bundled up and took a shot at dodging the storm clouds coming in off the ocean.
Ninety minutes later a soggy and cold mechanic rolled home on the Frankenbike...
... ready as I'm gonna be.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
It's been good to have The Posse keep me on track...
... we start a new month next and there are a few spots available.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
----
163.3
9 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
DO YOU HAVE A SYSTEM?
Feb 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S REALLY HARD TO HAVE DISCIPLINE. For those who do, the results are amazing. For those who don't, like me...
... we have a secret.
We get all the benefits of discipline while having none.
What?
Yes.
It's called habits.
We don't think about habits, we do them. According to Duke University...
... 40% of our behaviors are habits.
We all have the habit to hop our bikes.
Meet the group at the corner.
Weekend morning ride.
We don't question Will I ride?, and our significant others think it's weird or something is wrong if we aren't on the bike at our normal time.
There's no decision,
no discipline.
We do it.
I was thinking about this because on the lightly attended due to heinous cold and blasting wind group ride someone said...
... I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing it.
You know exactly what I'm doing, I post it all every day.
I know.
Then do it.
It's hard.
It's not, it's just a few habits.
Personally, I wish I'd been practicing them my entire life.
They aren't complicated.
Easy to remember.
Effective.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
163.1
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HOW OLD ARE YOU?
Feb 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I DO ALL WEEK is to check in with The Posse. We review how the previous week went, how this week's going, our progress for the next big race...
... it's magical.
To listen how these other athletes are juggling life and fitness goals, their approaches and secrets, is incredibly powerful.
I learn so much.
Something stood out to me tonight. Their energy and enthusiasm is unmistakably youthful.
I had to ask...
How old are you in your head?
22
17, maybe 23
32
27
... nothing remotely close to our actual ages.
It shouldn't be surprising.
All of us are in phenomenal shape, with real health and performance goals...
... that make us stretch.
Are we stretching out our lives?
Going to live longer?
Who cares?
It's not about how many days we have,
it's about how good the days are.
We're approaching a new month, which means we are opening up membership in The Posse again.
You have until 2/28 to join.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
https://pedalindustries.com/products/join-the-pedal-posse-monthly-subscription
----
163.7
8.2 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I'LL HUFF AND I'LL PUFF
Feb 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE WIND CAME THROUGH AS PREDICTED. 25-30 mile an hour gusts, mostly tailwind on my way south to meet the group. I expected the turnout to be light...
... only the brave, crazy and stupid would show.
Which one was I?
You be the judge.
Normally, the group is 30-40 strong.
Josh and I rode down to meet...
... 4 guys?
4?
6 total.
Once we cleared the first hill and got up on the mesa the headwind was blasting us.
Everybody took a pull.
One guy bailed out.
5 of us.
On the mesa, the road snakes and the wind shifts from the right side to the left side and back to the right...
... we lost another.
4 of us.
The thing about the wind is it's just annoying.
- You really have to wrestle with the bike because it's weaving all over the place.
- It's so noisy you can't talk.
- Literally a drag.
The fact is, it's not really any harder than riding up a steep grade in terms of effort.
I'm used to that from all the mountain biking.
A lot of roadies aren't. They are used to taking a pull and relaxing, or just sucking wheel the whole ride. When the wind blows, suddenly they are super defensive.
The fact is, most of the ride was high tempo to low threshold. Comparing the effort to previous weeks on the same ride I actually spent less time in threshold.
It was easier.
But, the wind is so annoying it feels a lot harder.
Consequently, Josh and I did 90% of the pulling while the others sat in. I didn't care, I came for the workout.
At the turnaround, it was just me and Josh.
2 little piggies battling the big, bad wind.
What's the best way to ride in the wind?
If it's a huge group, and a headwind, it's pretty easy to just sit 15 riders back and hide. However, the moment that wind turns to the side it's a lot easier to be in the top 5-10 rotating.
In fact, I'd say it is almost always easier to be at the front doing short pulls because you're only in the wind for a brief moment then you are generally right back to being protected.
The farther back we get, the more squirrelly the riders get and the more difficult it is to conserve energy - physical and emotional.
It's just wind,
take a pull,
it's not a wolf,
get up front.
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What's more fun than a blog post?... me riffing on it.
----
163.3
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
YOU HAVE LESS THAN 6 MONTHS
Feb 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: You have less than 6 months until the Leadville Trail 100. That is for my friends...
... who think they have plenty of time to prepare.
They don't.
Neither do we, regardless of what we're planning to attempt this year.
We don't have plenty of time.
We have very limited time.
Every day we wait,
we have less time.
This isn't golf.
We don't have lucky days after not riding for months.
We have results of our preparation,
of our work.
I played tennis all through high school. Worked my way up to varsity. We were the worst team in the league, and I never made it out of round one at the championships. I played because my mom's boyfriend played and he kindly spent time with me. I didn't love it, I loved him. As soon as I left home, I quit playing. But...
... I'm always surprised how well I can hit the ball the first few swings.
Kinda like the first few pedal strokes after taking a lot of time off. It feels great...
... then it doesn't.
It hurts.
We wheeze.
Fire engulfs our legs.
The only way to avoid that on the day of reckoning is...
... training consistently.
Every day.
For the next 170ish if you're doing Leadville.
I'm not.
If was here is what I'd do:
- Every Saturday would be a long ride with big climbs at tempo. If I had children at home, I'd leave before sunrise and get home by 9ish.
- During the week I would begin with 1 intense group ride or hard interval session. Later in the season, I would up that to 2x per week... back to back, Tues/Wed.
- My volume would be 8-15 hrs/week. Maybe higher once or twice in July.
- I'd find 2-3 long races to do, or make my own, to simulate race pace and race day
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Inventory is dwindling...
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If you like the blog, you'll LOVE the podcast version:
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163.9
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THIS IS GETTING ME ALL HOT AND BOTHERED
Feb 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SURFERGIRL POINTED OUT THE CRAZY WINDS slated to hit us in two days. We get them this time of year. They'll be blowing hard Wednesday morning...
... and I can't wait.
That's the difference between us.
She's looking for calm winds and glassy water. I like that, too. But I also...
... live for nasty weather.
Not always.
For example, today was just incredible.
Green everywhere.
65 degrees.
Perfect.
So perfect, in fact, I felt better on the bike than I have in months.
What's too look forward to then?
A legit battle with the bike and wind,
jockeying for position in the group,
vigilantly watching the players,
and working together while,
others are spit backwards.
Yeah, that's fun.
What makes it even more entertaining is knowing how so many riders loathe it. Skip the rides...
... and struggle when it happens in a race.
But, not us!
Am I right?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
Races and rides that are nasty make the checkered flags and finishes something to truly relish.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
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What's more fun than a blog post?... me riffing on it.
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164.1
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HE HATES IT, BUT HE LOVES IT. ME TOO.
Feb 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'VE SAID THIS BEFORE: There is only one way to be great. Nowhere was that better captured than this week when the great Wout van Aert said...
... I hate it, but I love it.
Was it interval training?
Intermittent fasting?
Bike hygiene?
Nope.
It was his loss at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, to his arch-rival Mathieu van der Poel.
Why would he love it?
A stinging loss at the line?
Because as the great TS Eliot penned, The journey, not the destination matters...
So, how do we achieve greatness?
We go on a quest.
If we're lucky, we find a worthy adversary who extracts not the very best of us, but...
... all of us.
That is why Wout hates it, but loves it.
When we go on a quest, it's a helluvalot more than
- Just finishing
- Standing on the podium
- Being the winner of a crapshoot sprint
The finish line is already known...
... what we are willing to do to get there is the journey.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
This design reminds me of the checkered flag and the victories that await those who put in the time.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
What's more fun than a blog post?... me riffing on it.
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164.3
9 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
DO YOU HAVE THIS TALENT?
Feb 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
BE HONEST. Look over today's ride, the previous week, month, quarter and year. Next, look over your results. PRs, KOMs, Podiums, Titles. Now, here's the question...
... do you have talent?
Before you answer that, let me tell you about today.
My goal was a shockingly fast group ride. Pain. Humiliation. Complete exhaustion. I wanted it all because my fitness is lagging...
... and the races are fast approaching.
I chose Swami's.
It's habitually nasty.
This edition was extra saucy with Jess and Sam in town. Sam, who rides for Legion, and his henchmen, got after it from the start. While they take over the front and start spitting people out the back, the beautiful Jess sits in. Barely breathing...
... like it's a day at the spa.
Me?
Gassed.
Gapped.
Gone.
While Sam and Jess certainly have talent...
... there was a less obvious talent on display today.
Think about this.
They live in Montana.
400' deep in freezing snow.
They've been here for less than a week.
My fitness is lagging because we've had a bit of rain and I had the sniffles...
... they are in great shape to lay down serious training in our perfect clime.
The takeaway for me is to further develop...
... the talent to work hard.
We can all do that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
This design reminds me of the checkered flag and the victories that await those who put in the time.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
What's more fun than a blog post?... me riffing on it.
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162
7.6 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
CHEAPER, BETTER, FASTER
Feb 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HARDTAILS ARE GREAT FOR MTB TRAINING. Not because of fewer moving parts to maintain, not because they can be picked up cheap. Those are good reasons...
... this is a great reason.
Hardtails feel fast.
Going all out on a hardtail is a lot rougher than a fullsuspension bike. We are bounced around significantly more, making the bike harder to handle at racepace. It feels like we're going really fast, but...
... we are really going slower.
That's okay.
We get the rush of riding on the ragged edge while being forced to pick cleaner lines. The result on raceday is we are picking cleaner lines and the fullsuspension MTB makes it feel slower and safer even though...
... we are really going a lot faster.
Oh, one other benefit to having an inexpensive hardtail to train on is a lot less wear and tear on the racebike.
One of the few cases where we can have cheaper, better, faster vs picking between two of the three.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
Whereas with this hoodie you only get to better and faster.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
I riff on all these posts here... Check it out:
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162.4
8.6 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THE MOST UNDERRATED SKILL IN ROAD RACING
Feb 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, I've probably raced on the road about 10 times. With what has become a personal tradition, the Tucson Bicycle Classic, happening in three weeks...
... it's time to dust off the one skill needed to win a road race.
Assuming it comes down to a sprint, likelihood 90%, there is really only one thing to remember...
... be the last one to lead the race.
If you really want to win on the road, you have to be a villain.
Be patient.
Fastfriendships and alliances will be short lived.
Be patient.
This is no time for chivalry.
Be patient.
Wait.
Wait.
Wait.
It thou desirest to win...
.... thou shalt not put thy nose in the wind.
The problem of course is training like this leaves us unprepared, weak, ineffective.
We must train on the front.
Take the pulls.
Burn.
We get used to the feeling, the respect and leadership that accompanies shredding the group to pieces and to our detriment...
... when the gun fires we want to display our readiness.
Resist.
There is one big risk.
It's always possible there is a brave, heroic and welltrained sunuvagun who can deliver the goods...
... and ride away solo to victory.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
Superheroes where hoods...
... and this hoodie is one of my favorites for the athletic cut and perfect weight.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
I riff on all these posts here... Check it out:
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161.4
8.6 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHO'S IN YOUR POSSE?
Feb 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I SHOW UP TO THE RACES, a mess of guys pile out of the van with me. No sense in taking on the competition solo...
... I roll with a badass posse.
Each one of them took a special part in prepping me.
It matters.
There's...
- Get plenty of sleep Sam
- Eat whole foods Ed
- Stretch and recover Guru
- Read and Write Sensei
- Lift weights Wanda
- Checklist Charlie
- Custom kit design Ken
- Weigh daily Danika
- Sargent Strava
... when I prep with the POSSE, anything's possible.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
I made this hoodie just for the posse, so we look sharp...
... it is a Limited Edition hoodie inspired by The Specials.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
I riff on all these posts here... Check it out:
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161.7
7.3 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HOW TO DETERMINE ZONE 2
Feb 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE GODFATHER OF ZONE 2 IS THE GREAT PHIL MAFFETONE. I learned about Phil while studying the great Mark Allen, aka The Grip...
... who destroyed his competition, staying in Zone 2.
Mark Allen was a devastating competitor who's epic battles with the great Dave Scott at Ironman are legendary.
I wanted that for the type of racing I was doing at the time. long distance MTB events.
The idea of chasing my competitors down who always went out too fast continues to captivate me.
According to Phil, Zone 2 is 180 - your age. It's based on the idea most people have a max HR of 180 in their prime. At the time, my max was 198 and I was 40.
Was my zone 2 158bpm?
No, of course not.
Was it 140?
Probably.
There are many systems and ways to come up with our zone 2 range.
- 60%-70% of Max HR
- Resting HR x 3
- 180 - age
There is the Power world, where HR is somewhat disregarded and zone 2 is based on a percentage of max power.
Or, the Perceived Exertion method, where any pace that is conversational is zone 2.
While these methods are based on the traditional 5 zones, there is also the 3 zone camp where zone 1 is the hero zone.
What I'm currently using, and think is quite accurate are the ranges generated by Strava. For me, that is 107-142. That is based on my max hr I hit last year at the Tucson Bicycle Classic TT.
Last night's Zone 2 MTB ride
How do I know this is my Zone 2 pace?
- I can easily converse at that pace,
- ride all day long,
- and survive on fewer calories than I need when racing or training hard.
- Also, I never feel sore after riding in that zone.
The biggest hurtle those new to Zone 2 training will face is the feeling of riding slow, not doing enough and wasting time.
Which is great because it keeps our competition in our grip...
... just where we want 'em.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
It takes a special, committed athlete to achieve Zone 2 greatness...
... this is a Limited Edition hoodie inspired by The Specials.
Ships free.
Grants early access to this limited edition kit
Order Now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-limited-edition-special-hoodie
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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163.5
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
NOBODY WILL EVER CONVINCE ME
Feb 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN TOLD A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT MYSELF. Some selling on me on my potential, some telling me I plain suck. Sound familiar?...
... it's tempting to believe.
But, it never sticks.
Good,
or bad.
As the great Matteo Jorgenson said today after his first big win.
I didn’t even believe I deserved to be professional. It was a process of convincing myself and doing races and being up there enough to believe it. Today, finally my dream came through.
I get that.
I miss that part of my cycling journey.
Starting out at the local team training race: C to B to A
Going to my first USA Cycling event as a Cat IV and shaking on the startline...
... to battling my way for three years to Cat II.
The great Henry Ford exclaimed...
... Whether you thank you can or you think you can't, you're right.
However, too often I forget it's not a switch I just turn on,
it's a process.
Doing,
Being,
Believing.
The great Tom Watson repeatedly taught...
... The fastest way to succeed is to double your failure rate.
You can take it from here.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
This is where my doing starts.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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163.9
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
1 OF 2 THINGS WE MUST LEARN TO SUFFER
Feb 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
PHYSICAL SUFFERING IS ADDICTING. Endurance athletes love it. We thrive on it, mile after mile. Onlookers are shocked...
... we are high, in our glory.
But, greatness depends on choosing to live with a different kind of suffering:
- The pain of discipline
- Or, the pain of regret
Choose wisely.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Seeing the entire year at once, with Saturdays and Sundays at the end of the week (like our racing)...
... is just the reminder we need to stick with the plan.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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162.3
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE PROBLEM WITH TRYING SOMETHING NEW
Feb 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO is try something new on raceday. The outcome could be great. It's very risky though, because...
... we don't know how we'll react.
Right up there is discounting something new without a longterm trial.
Most rats, wild or captive, live about two years...
... lab rats a little longer.
I'm not saying we need to do our own madscientist experimentations for two years, but...
... it takes real time to know of particular training method is working.
After over a year, I'm 100% convinced my polarized training combined with the Cowboy Strong weight lifting method are extremely effective.
Props to Todd Udall for reminding me what the great Stephen Seiler said...
... training methods that work survive.
The rest fade away and become extinct.
Regarding Zone 2 training, where I spend 70-80% of saddle time, has other benefits besides simply training the heart.
- Pedal stroke efficiency
- Mental freshness
- Adventure
Today, was a big Zone 2 ride.
My only agenda was to do something different.
Along the way, I found a trail completely new to me.
It turned out to be a hoot.
The great Dan Sullivan said we should be engaged in something with which we are endlessly fascinating...
... for me, that's getting faster.
How about you?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
I cover most of my breakthroughs here.
It's free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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162.8
8.5 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
MY COLD RULES
Feb 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I SPENT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING IN BED. Nasty cold/flu laid me out. I rode this morning because of Rule #1...
... of my 2 cold rules.
The rules rhyme.
- Above the neck, ride like heck.
- In the chest, zone 1 best.
- Feel dead, get in bed.
I thought there were two?
There are.
I see three.
There are two for riding with a cold and one when we feel awful.
Why did you list the third?
Because that's the one nobody wants to hear, myself included.
Ahhh.
Exactly.
The problem I have, and I'm sure you don't because you're smarter than me, is I don't want to listen to my body. Probably because I often ignore it when things get saucy in a race. In fact, it took everything I had not to ride at the end of the day yesterday.
I really wanted to.
Then, I sat down...
... and fell asleep.
Dead.
As you know, I'm not a doctor. This is just my rule of thumb.
Personally, I have found a zone 1 or 2 ride often speeds recovery. That and a hellahot shower.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Missing a few days of training isn't going to change much during an entire year, especially if you have your A race training blocked out months in advance.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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162.7
10 hrs Sleep
.5 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THAT LOOKS NASTY, LET'S GIVE IT A FEW WEEKS
Feb 08, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'M ALWAYS SURPRISED BY MYSELF AND NEARLY ALL MY FRIENDS, right after a terrible outing we all say the same thing. Never again. Once in a lifetime experience...
... with the idea of never repeating the same mistake.
But, time heals all wounds.
Inevitably, after a few weeks we start replaying how things went and realize we could do better...
- Training
- Recon
- Logistics
- Bike set up
- etc
... and those wretched memories of terrible cramping or bonking or strategy or hotel are no longer nearly as tender like cactus thorns in the knuckles.
Then, the promoter sends out their schedule for the following year.
Months have passed.
Like a prize fighter who was knocked out, we are ready to take another crack at the champ who beat us.
We put down our money and register.
At that point, we realize just what we've done.
We're mad.
Embarrassed.
Even, ashamed.
And, here is where we can really screw it up...
... we forget how we got knocked out in the first place.
So, for all of us contemplating returning to the event that laid us out...
... don't get mad, get even.
Here is what I do:
Write everything down immediately after an A race,
before, during and after...
- What went well
- What mistakes were made
- Training files
- Accommodations
- Food strategy
- Equipment set up
... be extremely detailed.
It's important to really dig, and really document, and to do this immediately after the race while the wound is fresh and still bleeding.
I don't think I've ever finished an A race where I couldn't think of something I could have done better...
... even if I think it went absolutely perfect.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The moment you have the date(s) of the big event(s), take out a Sharpie and fill out your calendar.
This takes guts, and is extremely empowering.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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164.5
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
IS ATTITUDE REALLY EVERYTHING?
Feb 07, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ONE THING IS FOR SURE, on raceday there is a lot of attitude. Some good. Some bad. The question is...
... what is the best attitude to have?
In the case of turning, attitude is the angle of attack, the way we approach the corner, and it directly determines how well we exit.
Lean in too far,
or not enough,
Weight the outside foot too much,
or not enough,
Arms bent but too taught,
or not enough
Body too rigid,
or not enough..
... if our attitude isn't proper it's impossible to corner with max speed and safety.
It turns it's that way with everything...
... attitude is everything.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
I have found the most successful people with RaceDay Ready start with an open attitude to try something new...
... and a commitment to finish.
If you've started, have you finished.
If you haven't started, have you checked out the testimonials?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing:
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164.7
8.2 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
BREAKING THE PERSONAL SPEED BARRIER
Feb 06, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GO FASTER ON OUR BIKES than we are currently going. We can try and force it all we want...
... it just doesn't work.
Pathways to failure include:
- Tensing up
- Brute force
- Holding breath
Then, what works?
- Relaxing
- Slowing down
- Enjoying the moment
How do we achieve maximum effort and stay loose?
This was on my mind as I drove home from Saturday's race.
I felt so much more confident and in a state of flow on the all of the fast downhills than I did 3 months prior on practically the same course.
The main difference between then and now is rather than ride my MTB once a week, I'm riding it 60-80% of the time.
Saddle time matters.
Most of that riding is on the dirt, and when it's not there is still a fair amount of throwing the bike around and jumping curbs, etc.
Where and how we ride matters.
Actually, I'm riding a rather oldish hardtail that I set up to exactly mimic my race bike's fit.
Set up matters.
The bottom line, the more we ride the same bike over similar terrain the more we relax and going for it in a relaxed state...
... always yields max speed.
Practice => Flow => Max Results
The above formula works in all areas of life.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Current Weekly Training on my calendar:
Monday MTB
Tuesday MTB
Wednesday Road
Thursday MTB or Off
Friday MTB
Saturday Road
Sunday Off
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing:
----
166ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
STRAVA STATS THAT MATTER
Feb 05, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I LOVE STRAVA. There I said it. It's true. Even though hardly any of the latest updates, for which they are raising the overall subscription price, are useful...
... I love the data.
Here's why. At the end of the year, they give us all the totals for miles, time, etc.
But, that's not the best part.
I know I'm going to ride about 600 hours a year.
12 hours a week.
I can plan on that.
I know tomorrow, for example, I'm slated to ride 2 hours and probably need lights for at least part of the ride...
... sometimes that doesn't happen.
That's okay, because one of the beauties of Strava is keeping me accountable...
... helping me track the weekly goal(s).
After tomorrow, I have 5 more days to get my weekly plan completed.
Now, if they'd enable effective communication with each other ala Facebook Groups and Messenger...
... that would be a truly useful upgrade.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Speaking of weekly training and annual planning, have you noticed that the Giant RaceDay Calendar starts on Monday and ends on Sunday?
That was one of the main reasons I created the calendars, so
- I could view my weeks how a train
- and see my weekends how I race
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing:
----
165ish
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
ARE YOU A CONSUMER OR COMMITTER?
Feb 04, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS? I've discovered a massive secret to improved performance. It will work for anyone...
... if they'll just commit.
Here's the dill.
Once we commit to an A race, for example, everything changes.
We are no longer wandering from race to race, or thinking about maybepossibly doing a particular race like a typical consumer. We now have what the great Napoleon Hill called...
... a definite major purpose.
On such and such a date, I will do X.
I was thinking about this today, my first race of the year, because it was a chance to check if my own definite major purpose was working.
MTB Marathon Nationals.
Once I made that commitment, a number of ideas regarding training came cascading into mind.
- Ride MTB almost exclusively, even if on the road.
- Go harder on the strength training.
- Build a massive Zone 2 base.
In practice this meant, no more gravel riding. I really need to be training the MTB position almost exclusively. I'm only riding the road, when I want/need to do really competitive group rides or races.
I've also increased my RaceDay Ready Cross fit from 12 minutes to 24 minutes by adding a few other exercises along with adding more weight. My baseline is now, 10 pullups and 30 pushups in a row, and deadlifting my body weight 10 times. Daily, or a minimum of 5 days a week.
Mondays and Fridays used to be 60ish minutes in Zone 1. No more. Now, I'm shooting for 2 hours Zone 2.
What I've noticed so far, is my Zone 2 efficiency is increasing. I'm going faster and faster at a relatively low heart rate. I'm never sore from the daily lifting, because my body now thinks that's normal. (Do bodies think?). And... AND... my MTB skills are coming back which means I can go much quicker with the same physical exertion.
None of this would have happened without that commitment.
But, why?
Without the commitment I never would have seen all the areas I could make tiny little improvement...
... which were on display today.
That's a pretty steady effort and all my lap times were within a minute except the last, which I'm attributing to knowing I had the race won and it being my first real race in about 6 months.
There's more to discover, and it will be a lot easier...
... because I'm committed.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I covered this similarly in the first chapter of my book.
The book is free, just cover the Shipping and Handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
Please check out the live version of this post:
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164ish
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
UNLEASHING ON RACEDAY
Feb 03, 2023
by TODD BROWN
FIRST RACE OF THE YEAR FOR ME TOMORROW. Woohoo. It'll be fun to see friends, feel that start line energy...
... and unleash.
Part of that, of course, is unleashing the training I've done. Saddle time. Strength training. Good eatin'.
But, that's not all.
There is much more than just the setting our physical fitness free on the course.
What about our minds?
Not the made up angst about a certain competitor.
The other stuff.
- The pressures to perform
- Weather concerns
- Pre-race routines we didn't get to
- Who we can or can't follow
- Work responsibilities
- Relationships that are misfiring
All that stuff up there, takes all kinds of emotional energy to maintain and there is absolutely nothing we can to about on the course.
Unleash the mental distractions to truly...
... unleash all the physical potential.
You know I'll be lubing up with this this secret sauce. If purchased a RaceDay Bag™ recently you should have a small sample pack and a promo code.
This code saves you 25% of PR Lotion: PRsMadeEz
Please check out the live version of this post:
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164ish
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHO IS THE GREATEST CYCLIST EVER?
Feb 02, 2023
by TODD BROWN
OUR APP IS POWERED BY AI. We use machine learning. These claims by more and more companies in and out of cycling, while true, might be...
... completely useless.
For example, I asked ChatGPT, who is the greatest cyclist ever:
Determining the "greatest" bicycle racer ever is subjective and can be based on various criteria, such as number of wins, longevity, impact on the sport, and more. However, several cyclists are often mentioned as contenders for the title, including:
-
Eddy Merckx: A Belgian cyclist widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of all time. He won 11 Grand Tours and numerous other races, setting numerous records in the process.
-
Jacques Anquetil: A French cyclist who was the first rider to win the Tour de France five times. He was also known for his time-trial prowess.
-
Bernard Hinault: A French cyclist who won five Tour de France titles and was known for his aggressive riding style and overall versatility.
-
Miguel Indurain: A Spanish cyclist who won five consecutive Tours de France and was known for his ability to excel in time trials.
-
Fausto Coppi: An Italian cyclist who won two Tour de France titles and numerous other races, and is considered one of the greatest climbers of all time.
It is important to note that these riders all dominated the sport during different eras and had unique skills and styles, making it difficult to definitively declare one as the greatest ever.
I'm no scientist, but even I can see that the AI is only as good as the data it has to work with. The data comes from the people who program the AI.
So.
If ChatGPT is only considering winners of the Tour De France as contenders in the greatest ever contest...
... what does that tell ya about AI?
I asked ChatGPT what is the best way to prepare for Mountain Bike Racing. There is some good general advice, a nice summary. I went narrower and asked the best way to prepare for Leadville 100 MTB race, and was provided more general advice particular to the race..
In neither case, was it suggested I to learn how to focus on the trail not the obstacles.
It might be one day,
if programmed.
No different from the Intelligence under our helmets.
It matters who's doing the programming, and the width and depth of the data considered.
For me, one of the greatest cyclists ever is John Tomac. ChatGPT couldn't get that right either, only scant highlights. Here is my version of his excellence on two wheels:
- BMX professional
- MTB National and World Champion in XC and DH
- National Crit Champion (best race I ever saw)
- National Team TT Champion
- Raced Pro on the road for Motorola in Europe
- ... AND Outstanding Father of the amazing Eli Tomac Supercross superstar.
Just like our own training of our bodies, AI outputs depend on the inputs.
That sticker photo above is from my tool box, we send those stickers out with every RaceDay Bag purchase...
... because I want you to rip on RaceDay!
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/bags-for-every-sport
Check out the live version of this post:
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164
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHAT IS THE GREAT SECRET TO LIFE?
Feb 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS NO GREATER TEACHER than a twisty, technical singletrack at speed. Or, the last corner of a sprint finish of a downtown crit course. We are forced...
... to sharpen our focus.
Anything less could be disaster.
Do not look back.
Don't glance to the side.
Focus only on where we want to be...
... and we magically get there.
I was reminded of that this morning on a charging group ride.
The final 5 miles, three of us were in a break. All out. It was looking good until the final 1/2 mile when one of the guys looked back and soft pedaled rather than pulling through...
... we were swallowed up with 150 meters to go.
So close.
You know who I always cut off midway through a sentence?
Isn't that dangerous dude.
Aren't you scared girl.
Shouldn't you
I've heard
There is no place for irrational fear.
I was reminded of that on page 148 of The Shack. Good book.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
One of the things I like about the Giant RaceDay Calendar is blocking out time to spend with those I love.
Check that video out.
#worthit
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Check out the live version of this post:
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164
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I WANT TO LOSE ALMOST EVERY RACE
Jan 31, 2023
by TODD BROWN
MY FAVORITE LOSES ARE WHEN SOMEONE BEATS ME A NEW WAY, a tactic or move I never thought of, or cannot follow...
... it's illuminating.
Especially when it's something I think will not work.
- The attacker, who just relentlessly attacks
- The early move, destined to fail
- The impossible to follow, downhill missile
- The never at the front, until the last meter
- The ride everyone off the wheel, until nobody remains
To name just a few who've recently thrashed me into submission.
Thinking these racers are stupid is risky. Understanding them isn't.
Oh how I would love to pop a drone into their training rides for a week, or month, or year.
How did they do what they did?
How often was practice?
Could I master it?
I never enjoy losing, but when I do, I hope it's by someone teaching me a new way to win...
... keep racing my friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Here's my favorite way to get ready to race.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Listen and watch the riffing version of this post
Search for the PEDAL Industries podcast on Apple or Spotify
Watch on our YouTube channel.
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163.3
8.25 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
GO YOUR OWN WAY
Jan 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS TO GET OUT AND RIDE, rain or shine. Today it was rain. I knew there was a chance...
... some would say I was risking it when I left.
Not me.
I committed to be outside for at least 2 hours every single day of 2023. The only risk would be...
... letting myself down.
The curious thing about commitments is they almost instantly separate us from everybody else.
Mudflap mounted, I rolled out.
Threatening clouds.
Wet streets.
No rain.
Neighbors shook their heads.
Drivers thought I was outta my mind.
I keep reading that being comfortable while being alone is a sign of mental health. For me, it's necessary.
You can call it another lonely day...
... welcome to my world.
https://pedalindustries.com/posse
Maybe that's why I love the PEDAL Posse so much.
https://pedalindustries.com/posse
Listen and watch the riffing version of this post
Search for the PEDAL Industries podcast on Apple or Spotify
Watch on our YouTube channel.
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163.6
8.25 hrs Sleep
2 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN IN DOUBT GO BIG
Jan 29, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE LOOKING AT YOUR CALENDAR wondering what event or two will fit in well with family, work and life, consider this...
... When in doubt, go big!
Pick the bigger event,
choose the impossible goal.
Because if you're going on invest
in the time to train,
a diet worthy of a Spartan,
money to perfect your race bike...
... nothing will give you a better return than a big event and a big goal.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
I have 4 slots left for the accountability group.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
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164.5
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW FAR AHEAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING?
Jan 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHETHER IN A TIGHTLY BUNCHED ROAD GROUP or slicing and dicing the explosive start of an XC race, I never trust the riders ahead...
... I'm always looking as far ahead as possible.
It's a habit and it has kept me out of a lot of trouble because the riders ahead don't always call things out, even if they see them.
I've found the racers who are the most successful look the farthest ahead. Not just in the race...
... in everything, especially the calendar.
They aren't just looking at next week's race or next month's.
Six months out, for sure.
Often a year,
or more...
... because that is how long it takes to achieve greatness.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
I have 5 slots left for the accountability group.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
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164
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY AREN'T MOST PEOPLE STRONGER THAN THEY COULD BE?
Jan 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A FRIEND OF MINE WAS COMPLAINING RECENTLY that he always finds the time to ride, but...
... never finds the time to do strength work.
I made him a promise, if would do one thing just one time he would easily find the time to be a lot stronger.
Not only find the time, but get all the benefits of being strong on and off the bike.
- Increased stability and power
- Better bike control
- Stronger bones
Who doesn't want that?
So, here's what I asked him to do...
... Next time you do your pushups, pullups and squats, time yourself.
Here's the honesttotodd's truth.
It takes about 10 minutes.
That's it.
In that amount of time, I can easily do
10 pullups
+ 30 pushups
+ 5-7 heavy squats
... and catch my breath in between.
If there is one thing I wish I'd done my entire life, it's that. Every day. Sometimes more than once.
In just 10 minutes, you can get amazing results. That you can see. And feel.
10 minutes.
He knows that, but he'd never timed it.
Timing it makes it real.
That's my minimum, pullups and pushups and squats. I have a few other things I do to stay strong, but even that only takes 22ish minutes.
So, like this morning, when Surfergirl has an early flight and I've got 30 minutes to get out the door, it would have been soooooo easy to blow that off. Instead, it's 10 minutes...
... make it happen.
Every day, but Sunday (my day off).
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
I have 5 slots left for the accountability group.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
Check out my riff on this post... search PEDAL Industries on Apple Podcast, or Spotify
Or the video version https://youtu.be/mcZfAB5povg
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165 (ugh!)
7.7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
DISCIPLINE FOR DUMMIES
Jan 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE GREAT KATE COURTNEY was on a podcast with Ryan Holliday discussing the benefits of discipline. It's harder than it sounds if you love to ride. Her coach asked her..
... Do you want to be fast today or at the races?
It's Either/Or.
We can't have it both ways.
She went into the benefits of a legit offseason.
Cooling things down.
Reduced saddletime.
How do we know we're doing it right?
When can we ramp things up?
How hard should we go?
I was thinking about this yesterday, because I felt so darn good on the bike. For months, I've been having a pretty legit offseason myself. Reduced intensity and saddletime.
Now that the first races are approaching, with an A race in March, I'm aching to cut loose.
Oddly, and this could be weird for some of you, during this period of building base on the bike and strength in the gym, it feels a lot like dating.
Hear me out.
Proper dating doesn't start with a full makeout session on the first encounter. No. We dress up, we go out. Movies. Dancing. Dinner. A hike. A bike ride! Etc. Later, down the line...
... a kiss at the door is like hanging on to a group ride.
We keep putting in the time.
On the bike.
In the gym.
Eating well.
If we don't rush things,
if we are patient,
desire builds,
we wonder,
we know,
ready.
Ya can't race all the time, every weekend, all year long, without losing interest and burning out.
The C races, first dates.
The B races, meeting parents and friends.
The A races, absolutely magical if we've waited to unleash all our potential.
Too much?
For those of you into the data, you may not need the dating analogy. For the rest of us...
... that's pretty much how it is.
And, it's a lot of fun done right.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
If you're lacking some self-control, the accountability maybe just what need.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
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164
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Listen to the podcast version (sometimes it's delayed) https://anchor.fm/raceday-ready-with-todd-b
Check out my YouTube riff on this post: https://youtu.be/6myCAC5E9fg
WHAT COMES LONG AFTER THE SUGAR HIT?
Jan 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THIS GEM REALLY HITS HOME. It came during a conversation with one of the RaceDay Ready Accountability crew. It is so good...
... because it is so true, for us.
Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
That is gold.
Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
Write it on your bathroom mirror,
on your scale,
on your hand.
We are athletes,
born predators.
I was thinking about that doing a local climb.
My scheduled group ride through Camp Pendleton was nixed because they are doing training exercises. So, I turned around short, hit it hard coming back...
... and attacked the climbs.
PRs.
Yes, PRs in January.
Granted, the main segment, I haven't climbed it a million times, there's room for improvement. It's a solid 20 minute effort...
... aptly named Bahia Pain Cave.
I'm not lighter than the last time I PR'd. But, I'm most definitely stronger with all the leg work I'm doing nearly every day:
- Sled
- Squat
- Nordic
- Box Jump
- Toe Raise
- Heel Raise
The original phrase was Nothing tastes as good as being skinny. Skinny can be good...
... it can also imply weak.
Athletes, predators aren't weak.
The are lean.
Strong.
One more time...
... Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
Especially, when getting after it on a climb.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
Need some accountability?
It's just a call away.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
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164
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
Check out my YouTube riff on this post: https://youtu.be/ZB6SdvE83Gw
CAN HAIRY LEGS MAKE YOU FASTER?
Jan 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WINTER, most of us are training indoors or outside solo. Some of it is top secret, some of it is posted on Starva. Meanwhile...
... will getting back to leg shaving make me faster?
Or, is it like Samson's hair?
Neither.
But, here's a short list of pros and cons.
Pro leg shavin'
- Looks cool
- Signals, I know what I'm doing
- Easier to clean up after taking a tumble
- Saves .2 seconds over a 100km time trial at 30mph
Pro leg hairyin'
- Looks wild
- Signals, Give me room I'm new
- Taking a tumble isn't even a consideration
- Saves hours over the course of a year of shower time
Diesel, do you shave your legs?
Why yes, I do.
Why are they hairy, then?
Because I'm not right now.
When do you shave your legs?
When I wanna feel fast and sexy.
When is that?
Which reminds me of the first time I got in the ocean after shaving my legs.
I felt naked.
Which reminds me of the first time I climbed in beg with Surfergirl after shaving my legs.
I felt nakeder.
But, I digress.
Showing up with wild legs is a legit tactic I've used when racing in strange lands...
... the disrespect is drenching.
And their isn't anything like disrespect to get me fired up.
Shallow, I know.
But, it works.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
You know what else works?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
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164
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE UNREALISTIC RACER
Jan 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YOU CAN'T DO THAT. That seems hard. Don't be so unrealistic. Don't you want to enjoy life? Isn't time to take it easy?...
... this is Devilspeak.
The road we ride into hell is not paved with good intentions, it is paved with what appears to be helpfulness.
In the end, it creates uneasiness because in our souls we know we could have done better if we simply...
... shut out the naysayers and easyroaders.
If you are struggling to be RaceDay Ready, I get it. I take steps backwards myself, fall victim to the hoopla and shortsightedness of parties and visitors and what appears to be their well-meaning sentiments only to wonder if...
... they are subconsciously jealous, even malicious.
Pulling me down to their reality.
Fuhget that.
We are not looking for average, realistic results. Living below our capabilities is hell...
... heaven is full of unrealistic believers.
Let's go!
How can you be unrealistic this week?
Tell me one commitment you have made.
I'm pulling for you, always have been, always will be...
... supporting the unrealistic racer.
---
Recording our daily stats is good. A weekly checkin is better, because...
"When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates."
- Tommy Monson
If you are slipping, maybe it's time to check out RaceDay Ready For Life.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
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165ish
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TO TRAIN OR NOT TO TRAIN OUR WEAKNESS?
Jan 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SOME SAY WE SHOULD TRAIN OUR STRENGTHS others say we should train our weaknesses. Who's right? Why do we even have weakness? What's your take?...
... Here's mine.
It all depends.
If we're trying to actually win a race:
- Pick an event that suits our skills.
- Take those skills to their highest level.
- Go for the win.
If we're in it for the shear challenge:
- Pick something outrageous.
- Take the skills required to their highest level.
- Go for it.
For all it's glory, I've found winning to be hollow.
There is nothing like picking something outrageous, especially if nobody thinks we can do it, and getting it done.
Whether we are momentarily or permanently weakened is irrelevant...
... what we're doing with it is what matters.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Personally, I'm enjoying more than ever the effects of being RaceDay Ready...
... especially the results of the Cowboy Strong philosophy.
So much so, that I'm testing out a new twist to my training.
I'll be sharing the results in the coming months.
They are promising.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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165ish
8.5 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SUSTAINABLE POWER
Jan 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'M A SUCKER FOR ANYTHING THAT SAYS SUSTAINABLE, even if my spider sense is yelling Scam Scam Scam I'll do what I did today...
... and risk being semi-disappointed.
Yes, the salad with sustainable salmon was good, however is it sustainable just because it is such a tiny piece of salmon?
All I can say is it wasn't nearly as thrilling as using my sustainable power...
... to drop my friends on a hilly 45 minute grind.
What is sustainable power?
Like the salmon in my salad, sustainable power isn't a hugehuge effort.
For me, it's the racepace I can hold all day. Not really all day, but for a longlong time...
... it's tempo.
150-159 beats a minute.
It's not a pace you use that much in road racing, where we have to hit it hard to hang on.
It's not a pace that will drop anyone immediately.
If that's true how did I drop my pals?
- honestly, I'm a little fitter at the moment
- I relentlessly kept the pace high
- One by one over the final 20 minutes they popped off.
How does this fit into polarized training?
Well, I'm still laying lots of base miles in zones 1 and 2 for most of my rides...
... which leaves 2 rides a week to get after it.
But, doesn't that mean the 2 hard days should be all out with lots and lots of intervals or a group ride at race pace?
Yes, and no.
Yes, we need the 2 hard days.
But, if the upcoming races are likely to leave you alone for long periods of time, like a MTB race...
... one of the two hard days can certainly be sustainable power.
Done right, it will feel a little too easy at the start and super challenging towards the end.
I was hungry all afternoon after my sustainable salad...
... fortunately, my competitive spirit, was veryvery satiated.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Another way to improve sustainable power, is to do offthebike strength training, like the kind we do with RaceDay Ready.
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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164
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
MOST RACES SUCK
Jan 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'M A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE 1-3 A RACES THEORY. It's just impossible for me to get up for more than 1 or 2 races a year, maybe 3. So I hone in on a few because...
... most races suck.
Not that the promoters are bad or competition unworthy or courses weak, that's not it at all...
... they're really just fine.
But, as the great Derek Stivers says...
... If it ain't hellyeah, it's no.
Because, when we turn down the other races we are left with the much bigger challenges. And, with big challenges comes big magic...
... we are forced to rise to the occasion.
Do I do more races?
Yes, for sure.
However, if I focus equally on them all they end up sucking the life out of me.
Choose wisely...
... Our A races define who we are.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Which makes it easy and wise to practice Race Day Ready every day.
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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165
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
REMEMBERING TYLER HAMILTON
Jan 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE MORE INTERESTING BOOKS I'VE READ was the confession of Tyler Hamilton. It's been a while, but I was very much reminded of it today...
... as I clicked off the final minutes of my ride.
It wasn't good.
In fact, it was a total rookie move. But, for Tyler, it would have been a very pro move.
Among the many things he did to reach the top levels of the sport was to ride all day long on limited calories...
... then rather than eat he would sleep.
He complained about getting so lean it hurt to sit on anything but very padded surfaces because his butt was gone.
I'm in no danger of that, however I did really mess up my food.
I didn't bring enough and I bonked.
30 minutes from home.
Which for me means I get shaky, pretty fast.
I walked in,
helmet on
gloves on
shoes on
... and finding sugar,
calories...
... it was on!
Chocolate covered macadamia nuts.
Check.
Frozen cookie hiding in freezer.
Check.
M&Ms.
Check.
The problem with a serious bonk is it can take you muscles weeks to recover.
This was a minor bonk, and I was delirious...
... making all kinds of bad decisions.
What I should have done is marched in, sans shoes, and mixed up a 150% of my recovery drink. Then, waited it bit until it took effect.
What I also should have done was take more calories when I rolled out, but one turn lead to another and I rode beyond my planned 90 min...
... even then, I was traveling too light on carbs.
Time to get off my augmented cushion of a derrière...
... and do some extra pushups before I hit the hay.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
Good thing I'm wearing a SuperTech T
Use promo code TODDSFAVET to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
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164
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT EBIKES
Jan 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS ONLY ONE GOOD THING ABOUT EBIKES, transportation. Getting from A to B, especially in hilly terrain and if you're a pre-driving teen. On the aporty side..
... they are also good for people with health challenges.
That's it.
I do admit to having been inspired by ebikes, not to clap some edork upside the head...
for destroying our trails during the rain
blowing through all the turns of our tight, fragile singletrack
hitting 30 mph on a bike trail, hands off bars, staring at phone
... no, none of those daily inspirations.
Ebikes have inspired me to get back on a dirt bike, probably a Honda 450X, and return to race Baja because...
... if you're gonna get a motor, it better be loud and overwhelmingly powerful.
Otherwise, all these overdressed underworking "athletes" are shortchanging themselves.
In true bandwagon fashion, USA Cycling, our governing body of competition which is constantly losing it's grip on local promoters due to their own silly policies and often surly officials, has determined esports Nats is a good idea...
... It's on the calendar, with a date and location.
Unlike many of the traditional National Championship events which have still yet to merit location and date announcements. Unlike almost every other promoter who has had their 2023 schedule and details up for months...
... these clowns, like their new esport love, can't be bothered with tradition.
Call me old.
Call me a blind...
... I prefer my suffering to be self-made, just like my power.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
Today, being in the low 40's a ebikers donned snowgear...
... all I needed was our thin Skull Cap.
It is the perfect layer to take the chill of your dome and still fit comfortably under your helmet.
Made from the same luxurious Italian fabric we use on the front of our #1 and PRO jerseys this is breathable and moisture wicking.
Save 20% with Promo Code: MANPOWER
On any of our headwear.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
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162.6
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW CHAMPIONS FUEL FOR EPIC RACES
Jan 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING QUITE A BIT WITH FUELING. Calories per hour, at certain levels of effort. Getting it right...
... means laying down fast time.
Getting it wrong.
Not so much.
For many years, I strove to consume 300 calories per hour in a race or intense training session. I was religious out that. How I consumed them...
... was dependent on the terrain.
A road race, could be mostly food.
A rough and technical MTB race, all liquid from a hydration pack.
However, that has changed.
Not the methods depending on terrain, the amount of calories.
Now, I shoot for 400 calories an hour.
I perform better.
Interestingly, even though I may consume 1600 calories in a 4 hour session and according to the apps burn double that amount of calories...
... I'm not famished after the effort and I recover better.
But, anybody could and should play around and dial in their calorie consumption. Amateur and pro...
... but, champions devour a different kind of fuel.
When it all goes sideways, when all looks lost, when quitting is about to happen the champion...
... feasts and devours the past victories and triumphs.
Racers cannot conquer on bread alone.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Which is why journaling is an integral part of the 10-Week Challange
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162.4
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU TAKING THE TRANQUILIZING DRUG OF GRADUALISM?
Jan 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
TRADITIONALLY, AND I MEAN GOING BACK DECADES, this is my day to ride up the mountain top and look over my figurative kingdom...
... and think things over, make plans.
Most of us, myself very much included, cherry pick our victories and our defeats.
We are cowards, afraid to see things as they really are, to admit our faults and our weaknesses...
.... until we do that, we cannot begin to hope for greatness on or off the bike.
Dignity.
Discipline.
Destiny.
Devotion.
Dissatisfaction.
Dispair.
Difficulties.
These are what Dreams are made from.
If I learned anything from yesterday's tragedy it is that time is short, too short. There is no time to take the drug of gradualism.
We must make real promises to act with haste.
Rise.
Lift.
Struggle.
If you have never read the I Have A Dream speech, if it's been a while, do it. It's short (<10min). And beautiful. Inspiring. Don't let someone cherry pick the words. Read 'em. Own 'em.
We're doing life right when we have...
Dignity.
Discipline.
Destiny.
Devotion.
Dissatisfaction.
Dispair.
Difficulties.
... Dreams.
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163.6
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE FOCUS ON TIME?
Jan 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SHARE IS TROUBLING and terrible. Walking on the beach today we noticed a surfboard floating, looking closer...
... I could see it was tied to a body.
I ran.
Turned him over
With others, dragged him to the sand.
Surfergirl called 911 and flagged the lifeguards.
A friend, who had just renewed her CPR certification, began pumping his chest.
A bystander, who is a critical nurse spelled her.
First responders arrived and took over.
We talked after the ambulance rushed away.
22 minutes had passed since the call.
It seemed like a lifetime.
I couldn't help but think of the parents and loved ones.
I couldn't stop crying and praying.
Did you see the others kneeling?
I walked back, alone, in the deep sand.
She likes to walk in the water.
Time to process.
A man called to me.
Are you okay?
Yes, why do you ask?
I saw what you did, can I pray for you?
Of course.
Surfergirl joined.
We talked a bit, he gave me a book he was reading. The Shack.
Further down the beach, we walked over to a lifeguard in his truck. Tears rolled down his face, and ours.
He said, I'm just praying him and his family.
Near the top of the many stairs back to the parking lot, an elderly woman weakly made her way. I slowed...
Can I help you?
No, I'm 85.
Oh!
I broke my leg, but I still walk down over there and then walk up over here.
That is wonderful, you're so strong.
Wherever you are, I hope you are well and safe and on good terms with God and man...
... none of knows our time.
(Please do not ask me to talk about this further XOXO.)
APPARENTLY, I HAVE 9 LIVES
Jan 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I DROVE 35 MILES SOUTH TO BEAT THE RAIN, and ride with the most ferocious group in the region. No matter the time of year, I get whacked. I have only one question...
... are these guys, just better?
There is something about San Diego that produces competitors. I suspect the origin lies with the Navel base, particularly the SEALs.
For decades, incredible athletes have been coming here to try and become Navy SEALs. Those guys live and train here, raise their families and retire...
... and their culture spreads far and wide.
Take that warrior mentality, combine it with year round perfect weather and you've got a petrie dish of awesomeness.
There's more.
If you look at today's route profile, you see the lung busting effort after effort through beautiful terrain with few traffic lights. it's just really good riding.
I arrived early, to warm up a bit and socialize. Might as well make friends before I decide...
... I hate every one of these guys.
The pace is casual, and even I'm antsy. I shouldn't be, but I am. Then, we turn right about mile 24...
... and go straight up for 4 miles.
My chest is heaving,
Joe's slobber is gushing down his chin,
and the pros are out of sight long before the top.
Unpredictably, there is a regroup.
I'm grateful.
About an hour later, a guy looks over at me and says...
You've got 9 lives.
How's that?
Well, you get ejected on every climb and somehow get back on.
It's hard to hate a guy that appreciates all the suffering, and daredevil descending to hang on...
... in fact, I appreciate all these guys who inspire me.
I just wanna know...
... are they better?
Nurture or Nature?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
We still have 1 closeout KOM jacket. A Large.
This is without a doubt, the best product for weather like this, wind and water proof, and easily fits in a jersey pocket.
The new KOM jacket will be out soon, selling for $140... the Italian fabric is superawesome and superexpensive.
Grab the large for 50% off.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
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164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
MOST SHIFT WORKS
Jan 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES GOLD JUST ROLLS OFF THE TONGUE OF A FRIEND and I have to share it with you. Like this from legendary promoter and world champion racer Victor Sheldon...
... Most shift works if you just stick with it.
The problem of course is the IF.
Because most people don't stick with things.
I'm guilty.
Already my commitment to do X amount of sales calls a week has been far short of what I hatched from the comfort of my lazyboy on NYD. Sales calls, like most things that take effort, are hard to get started...
... and awesome once we get going.
Same for my morning RaceDay Ready cross training.
More so for stretching a night.
20ish minutes for each of those ...
... I always feel amazing once I'm done.
Victor has bagged around 20 World and National Championships between his Pro Jet Ski racing and outstanding mountain biking career. He also promotes some of the very best MTB racing in these parts...
... he stuck with it when few thought he could succeed.
If...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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163.1
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SLEDDING IMPROVED MY PEDAL STROKE, A LOT
Jan 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WINTER AND KIDS ARE OUT SLEDDING. Me too, and it's done wonders for my pedal stroke...
... especially out of the saddle.
But, it doesn't snow where I live?
Not a problem.
Not that kind of sled.
This kind.
Pull it backwards, and heal your knees.
Bend down and push on the bar sticking up and magic happens in your ankles because you have to use them to get that weight moving...
... while developing speed and power.
My bike fitter noticed a year or so ago that my ankles weren't moving properly. Today, getting fit to my Frankenbike...
... wow, the ankles are firing.
The sled is the first activity I do, almost every day. 5-10 minutes. It's loaded with about 220 pounds now.
Many gyms have sleds.
This is the link to the one I'm using here.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
You might get thirsty... check out this bottle deal.
Ships FREE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
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163.7
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
IS YOUR BALANCE IMPORTANT?
Jan 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS I AGE, I find it more and more difficult to maintain my balance. Oh, I can still track stand and ride the curb, do most of the fun stuff...
... but balancing is becoming an issue.
At this point, I want to be really good at a few things.
I don't want balance...
I want to ride my ass off,
work my ass off,
and know God
... I want results.
The order of priority changes often, daily, by the minute.
If there is one thing I know for certain, it's a lot easier to balance...
... with speed and vision.
Going fast,
keeping the eyes up,
makes overcoming obstacles more likely.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
That's probably why I like clear water bottles, too.
Stock is limited,
bottles are rad,
price low.
Ships FREE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
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164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
GOOD TRIBE VIBES - 10x10 special offer
Jan 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT GOING RACING. The training, the bike prep, the countdown...
... and the explosion pulling into the venue.
My palms are sweating just thinking about it.
Line of cars.
Parking.
Unloading.
Kitting up.
Warming up.
Sizing up.
Lining up.
And, RACING!
I think the people that have the most fun are the ones who are there with a group.
Even if it's just two.
There is something about sharing the experience with someone who gets what we're doing...
... it's bonding, often lifelong.
The really organized groups don't just have matching kits..
... the have a place to hang out, before and after.
Usually a sweet canopy, like this one.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
Notice how it looks like their back wall is lit up, that's because we prefer to do the back walls out of a special mesh fabric...
... more light, better wind flow.
If you'd like to get a custom canopy or back wall or bike rack banner, we're doing...
... a special 20% off this week on all outdoor gear.
Go here to get started: https://pedalindustries.com/products/add-more-custom-products-to-my-store
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164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
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