Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Todd’s Journal
Your are successfully subscribed for email notifications.
Notify me when available
We will send you a notification as soon as this product is available again.
Your email is required
We don't share your email with anybody
x
Get RaceDay Ready
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
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
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
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
>
IT ONLY TOOK ME 10 YEARS
Jun 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN THE PROMOTER OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MID-WEEK MTB RACE came over to say Hi last night he jumped on my lap. Then, noticing I had the Race Leader jersey...
... Did you win the series?
Yep.
I'm the same age as you were when you began coming out here.
No way!
Yeah, it was then that you started to get back into racing.
He's got a good memory.
So do I...
... years of getting whacked by the fastest cats in the county.
Malcom Gladwell famously said it takes 10,000 hours to be great at something. Others have said 10 years...
... I'd have to agree, at this point.
But, what is interesting to me is along the way, through all the learning, struggling and juggling, it doesn't seem like much progress is being made. Here a little there a little, 'till one day we wake up...
... hardly recognizable to our previous self.
To outsiders it seems like overnight,
so all of the sudden,
outta nowhere.
But, those who travel the lonely road to explore their potential know different...
... they know what it took.
The victories are nice, the journey getting there is better...
... whether or not a podium is climbed.
PRs > KOMs
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Until I write the book, I'll keep encouraging you to take my 10-Week Challenge...
... it only took me 10 years to figure it out.
What are you waiting for?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Sparky Sprocket made my night... came over to introduce himself and thank me for writing The Way of The RACER because it inspired him to come out and race, and do a triathlon... nothing better than that : )
160.7
6.25hrs 78% (always hard to sleep after an evening race)
Body Water 60.%
4 Rounds of Strength Circuit
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MY MONEY IS ON THE VAMPIRE
Jun 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T KNOW IF HE'LL WIN THE TOUR DE FRANCE FOR SURE, but I'm pretty confident he'll do better than his lauded teammate. I mean, he smoked him last year...
... so why not back him for the overall win?
He climbs like he has wings, and he looks like a vampire.
He's awfully young, you say?
I say... Whotheheck cares, he's got vampire strength!!
... and, his team is going all in on climbing, leaving Dennis and bringing Kuss.
Plus, everyone's gonna have to watch the Slovenians.
All, he has to do is act like No One Of Consequence, and be patient...
... like a heartless, bloodsucking vampire.
Who are you backing for the win?
Tadej is the obvious choice, but gimme your best 2nd choice.
---
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Speaking of the obvious choice...
... have you added these superlight and airy gloves to your wardrobe for the Fourth?
You are going to be properly patriotic that day aren't you?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
161.d
8 hrs 87%
Body Water 60.8%
1 Round of Strength Circuit
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
NO ONE OF CONSEQUENCE
Jun 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN at a race amongst strangers. Some go The Hulk route, dancing and prancing menacingly loudly during the warm up and on the start line...
... I prefer the tact used by Dread Pirate Roberts.
In fact, I even had my favorite line from the pirate printed on my special one-off kit a few years ago...
... No One Of Consequence.
That's exactly what you want the competition thinking when they look over at you.
If you are friendly, humble, meek,
If you point things out and ignore the Hulks,
If you pull through at the correct pace vs gapping everyone,
If you ham it up on the hard efforts with your tongue hanging out...
... competitors will automatically take you off the predator list.
Then, you move in for the kill.
---
The thing about the Dread Pirate Roberts was he had all kinds of skills and tricks...
... if you're up for a challenge to learn some of mine Click here.
---
163.9 (Fatter's Day)
7 hrs 81%
Body Water 60.9%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
NO POWER METER NEEDED
Jun 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YOU DON'T NEED A POWER METER. You don't need a coach. It's June, the days are long, kids out of school...
... and something great is on your calendar.
Everything is getting easier.
Right?
No.
Not really..
Actually, not one bit.
It only seems easier because you have developed a super power...
... persistence.
A power meter can be helpful,
a good coach transformative,
as long as you persist...
... in carving your own personal greatness.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Isn't it great to live in a country where you can do that?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
162.3
9.5 hrs 88%
Body Water 60.8%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
L' GO MY LEGO
Jun 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HE DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING BY IT. Was just trying to be nice, helpful. I've done the same thing, and met the same response...
... Get your hand off my back!
It happened while the group was charging up an 8 minuteish climb, culminating with The Wall. And it's a wall.
But this was a bit earlier, when the speeds were still in the high teens...
... and I was quickly moving backwards.
I didn't want the help, not because it's kinda humiliating (yeah, I'm proud that way) but because it's the end of a big building block week. Lots of miles, lots of lifting...
... the legs are heavy and I wanted to enjoy all the pain.
Not be ripped off from a push,
by a guy,
on an
ebike!
That's part of the big week experience, big heavy, big pain...
... big push through it.
Sounds like I'm having a baby.
But, that's kinda what a big build period is...
... giving birth to a shiny new you.
Each week is a like a lego piece, a block to build on. Another one next week, then the real racing starts on 7/4...
... can't wait!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Speaking of 7/4...
... you know what gloves and socks I'll be rocking at the Firecracker 50!
You are going to be properly patriotic that day aren't you?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
162.8
7 hrs 73%
Body Water 61%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
NOTHING LAST FOREVER
Jun 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
NOTHING LAST FOREVER. Why is that so hard to remember, especially when racing. Not the tallwind blowing us up the road, not the highhigh climb pounding us into submission...
... it all will change.
I was going over race strategies with a friend today who was mentally rehearsing his planned training ride tomorrow. He's prepping for Leadville.
I'm gonna charge every hill as hard as I can.
You shouldn't do that.
But, I want to.
Yeah, you and every other sparklypuppy with fresh legs on raceday. You do that and you'll be blown to pieces on the second half of the race.
.... hmmm....
Not hmmm, you want to be humming because that freshness is gonna fade into superstaleawfulness.
What should I do?
The first thing we should do is remember nothing lasts forever.
Not the pleasures,
nor the pains,
of racing.
We need to embrace the pain and grind through it...
... and embrace the pleasure and make it last.
These are superpowers only those on the edge of personal paramount performance learn to harness.
---
You know what else doesn't last forever? Riding buddies. The great Chris is moving away in a few weeks, today was our last ride together...
... cherish your friends, they will eventually move on too.
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
162.3
7.8 hrs 88%
Body Water 61%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
AIMLESS MAN MAKES DISCOVERY!
Jun 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE RIDING with no particular place to go. While aimlessness is looked down upon in general...
... on a bike, it's the best.
Like today.
My only objective was to find the roughest trails around so i could further refine my suspension set up. The goal is to max out the travel once on every ride...
... that's the full party mode.
Best tracking through corners,
smoothest ride,
max speeds.
So, when I came across a sign for a new2me trail that read Everything's Getting Worse...
... I couldn't resist.
It's newish,
quite skinny,
carved into a steep hillside,
with very tight switch backs,
culminating in controlled skid through a slot canyon...
... perfect.
Aimlessness wins the day, yet again.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
You know who wasn't aimless? Benjamin Franklyn, maybe the best autobiography I ever read.
Just another reason to rock the red, white and blue next month...
... are you ready?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
160.7
7.75 hrs 83%
Body Water 60%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE 3 Ps OF REAL ATHLETES
Jun 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'D BE LYING IF I DIDN'T TELL YOU I LOVE ATHLETES MORE than non-athletes. We are kin. I get you, no matter your sport...
... I just do.
But, something has changed these past few years.
It's not the same.
I still enjoy watching pro athletes perform, but not nearly as much as I have enjoyed probing...
... the very edges of personal potential with my comrades.
Out here, on the edges, time is precious.
More precious.
Limited.
Cutting the fluff, time spent watching (anything but our closest family and friends), has been instrumental...
... to learning what is possible and what works.
That's why I love the real athletes, why I connect with them at the dinner party, why we bond while waiting in line...
... we are on the same path to paramount personal potential.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Isn't it wonderful to be free to pursue this path...
... and the positivity that spills into everything else we do?!
I cherish their vision and bravery, and look forward each year to feel the spirit of the 4th.
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
160.2
7 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.2%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
COMPELLING STORIES.
Jun 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO COMPELLING. My friend Alex, after making tens of millions gives away all his secrets for free. My friend Mike, on a deep and expansive personal spiritual journey, shares everything he's discovering...
... and then there's ThinkMTB Dave.
He fell in love with mountain biking later in life, while running a crazy enterprise.
Just like that, the entire company got free kits and entries into all the local races...
... he could see the benefits of healthy recreation.
Now Dave is rounding up all the local mountain bike clubs so we have a unified voice in government and stewardship over the lands.
What is compelling about these three friends is their zeal to improve the lives of as many people as possible because...
... they feel compelled.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
It reminds me of a group of people in the late 1700s till the mid 1800s-ish.
Who felt compelled.
I cherish their vision and bravery, and look forward each year to feel the spirit of the 4th.
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
162
7.3 hrs 75%
Body Water 59.8%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
POWER TO WAIT
Jun 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO IMPORTANT POWER RATIOS. The ever popular power to weight, and the less well known power to surface area...
... the both take time to develop.
Let's cover power to surface area first.
The more upright you are, the more shift you have flapping around in the wind...
... the more surface area you have ssssslooooooowwwwiiinng youuuuuu dooooooooowwwwwnnnnn.
You've got to reduce that, while increasing your power by:
- getting a proper bike fit to maximize your power and position
- getting aero apparel
- getting an aero helmet
- shaving that forest on your legs you were so pubecently proud of
- testing positions by timing yourself freewheeling a local hill
... and that's just the surface, and only regarding your body in terms of aero.
As for power to weight, thou must weigh thyself daily.
- first thing in the morning
- after you potty, trim your nails and strip
It is the only way to get a grasp on your diet and how it effects your weight. It's immediate feedback...
... you'll either smile or have a little chat with yourself about how you can and will! do better.
And, don't be spouting off about how light you are after you just finished a hundy and didn't drink or eat enough...
... that's cheatin' yourself.
Reduce your surface area,
reduce your weight...
... you are instantly faster.
Well, not instantly. It takes time, so get after it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
Want a kickyourbutt challenge?
Do what I do.
I know it works.
This is exactly what I do.
And, you can upgrade for a whopping $7 and I'll send you a Customizer you can use to create the workouts for the next 10 weeks...
... all you have to do is enter how much you can ride and how many pushups you can do, the Customizer will do the rest.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
163.3
7.5 hrs 80%
Body Water 60.3%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S BETTER TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS
Jun 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY BETTER HALF BUSTED ME. Perfectly angled on the couch, feet up, reclined, eyes half open...
... The Daufine drama unfolding.
Another bike race is on?
Uh, yeah.
And you're just gonna lie there and watch it?
There was a lot I could say at this point.
Such as the rule of if standing, sit
if sitting, lie down,
if lying, sleep.
I sure as shift wasn't gonna tell her I already knew who won!...
... though she probably suspected as much.
It's true.
While it's nice to be surprised and on the edge of our saddles...
... I prefer to know how it ends in advance.
Then, I can watch exactly what the winner did to get it done. For me, that is more interesting...
... because that's how I like to race.
If it's actually an A race, that rare beast that comes along once or twice a year, I've often visualized every single thing that's going to happen...
... from Monday of the week before until crossing the finish line.
I have found that makes all the difference, and the sooner I start that process the better.
It's why I created the RaceDay Calendar. That giant year-at-a-glance tool I use to plan the year's races, vacation, and work.
It's why I love the Reminder Wallet, printed with my A race goal.
It's how I developed the RaceDay Bag™.
Everything we do at PEDAL Industries is about supporting your vision for RaceDay.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
It's why I'm sharing the RaceDay Ready Body, Mind, Soul Challenge™...
It's the general plan I've used and perfected over the years.
Are you ready for the challenge?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
---
163.4
8.2 hrs 100%
Body Water 60.5%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SHORTCUTS CAN BE GOOD
Jun 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVING PREVIOUSLY LAID OUT A GREAT XC COURSE, I was looking forward to ripping it up this morning. It took me just over 2:20 the first time in Zone 2...
... how much faster could I go unmuzzled today?
20 minutes faster. But, there's one small problem.
In my haste to get back early, I'd skipped downloading the route and exactly where to go and wound up deviating off course.
That's why I hate shortcuts...
... we don't realize the true win.
It doesn't matter if we cut the
- course
- gym time
- ride time
- maintenance
- sleep
- diet
- intervals
- ...
... cut any of it and we rob ourselves of ultimate victory. Either by not completing the goal, or missing the goal be not being completely ready.
Here's the good news, we can do it again...
... and do it right.
By repeating the course many times we'll get faster through as we memorize the course and experiment with set up, pacing, nutrition, etc.
Memorizing and experimenting are paramount for personal greatness...
... there's no shortcut for that.
Actually, there is one way to compress the time needed for mastery...
... hire a coach.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
I'm not a coach.
But, I have prepared a pathway anybody can follow with my RaceDay Body, Mind Soul™ 10 Week Challenge...
... and for most, it's gonna be a helluva shortcut.
It's the general plan I've used and perfected over the years.
Are you ready for the challenge?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
---
162.3
7.2 hrs 83%
Body Water 60.8%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Jun 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER BOMBING A LONG, ROCKY HILLSIDE TRAIL ABOUT 18" WIDE we came to a stop. What a charge! I'd had so much fun...
... my friend was panting and pale.
That cliff was so steep!
I guess.
Did you see that jagged boulder?
Maybe.
What about that crazy cactus?
I think so.
Same trail, entirely different experience.
But why?
Simple.
Vision.
I'd focused on where I wanted to go, he'd focused on where he didn't want to go.
There's a lesson there.
I hope you see it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
Did you see the 3 checklists I made for you?
- The RaceDay Bag™ is a checklist with it's labeled pockets.
- The RaceDay Bike Checklist™ starts counting down a week or so out.
- The RaceDay Body, Mind Soul™ is my daily checklist.
You can download them here, for free:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
---
162
7.5 hrs 80%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN TO WAKE UP, PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Jun 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
A FEW YEARS AGO, I was having lunch with the great Joe Friel. I'd paid to fly him out and have him speak to a select group...
... and I learned a lot.
Probably more than anyone, because I had him to myself.
How much sleep should we get Joe?
As much as you need.
How much do I need?
Well, let me make it simple for ya.
Ok.
I don't use an alarm clock, I get up when I'm done sleeping.
Dang. Simple. Advice.
But, what about raceday? Then we do need to set an alarm, we do need to be up and going through our routine.
Here's how I do it:
- Saturday is my mock raceday.
- Friday I go through the motions of prepping bike and gear.
- Friday night I experiment with different foods.
- Saturday I wake up at the same time I'll be waking up on raceday.
- Test out what I'm planning to eat on raceday.
- Start riding when I plan to start riding on raceday.
The rest of the week, I'm mostly following Joe's advice.
If anything...
... we need an alarm for when to hit the hay.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
I have 3 checklists:
- The RaceDay Bag™ is a checklist with it's labeled pockets.
- The RaceDay Bike Checklist™ starts counting down a week or so out.
- The RaceDay Body, Mind Soul™ is my daily checklist.
You can download them here, for free:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
---
160.8
7 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.3%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE YOU.
Jun 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE'VE ALL DONE IT. Maybe not you smartypants. But, we have been mid-ride, or worse mid-race...
... and shift happens (or doesn't).
Unbelievably, I received 2 shocking race reports in the last 24 hours...
... freakin' rookies didn't charge their batteries.
One of them was racing Unbound and had miles and miles to go.
I can't let this happen to you.
So, here's my solution.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-checklists
A checklist for your Bike...
... yeah, you're gonna love it.
Heck, I got so inspired I created one for your Body too!
It's free...
... for now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-checklists
---
162.2
5.75 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 40 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE WHITE JERSEY IS A BOOBY PRIZE??
Jun 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER FURTHER THOUGHT, maybe I'm not such a fan of the White Jersey awarded to the best young rider. I suspect it represents the old heirachy...
... and the kids have figured it out.
Tired of banging on the door when they saw there power numbers were just as good as the established pros, they have been bursting through for a few years now...
... making road racing much more exciting.
Much, much, more.
Retrospectively, it looks like the White Jersey was given to placate the youngsters with talent...
... telling them to wait their turn.
They ain't having none of it.
Freakin' kids are awesome!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
They are ready.
Are you?
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
162.2
7.25 hrs 85%
Body Water 60.6%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
BETTER TO WON AND LOST THAT NOT WON AT ALL
Jun 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. There he was front and center on the VeloNews home page. Young Kevin, who used to ride with us. Except he's a man now, pulling a paycheck...
... racing bikes in Europe.
He's extremely disappointed because he lost today.
And, I love that.
He was in the winning break at the Dauphine, narrowly missing the victory...
... which is gonna sting for a bit.
But, he won...
- by being in the winning break
- by taking the White jersey
- by racing pro in Europe
He lost a chance to win his first pro race, but it's just a matter of time because...
... he's put himself in a position to win.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
You can't win if you you're not in a winning position.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
162
7.5 hrs 87%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SCIENCE BEHIND CHEAT DAYS
Jun 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IN HIS BREAKTHROUGH WORK, The Four Hour Body, the great Tim Ferriss reveals his support for the idea of Cheat Days...
... where you ditch the regimen.
I loved it.
It backed up everything I loved about my Sunday rituals. No bike, lots of rest and lots of treats...
... a time to return from the mountain, so to speak.
While it is nice to mow down a pint of ice cream or half a pie, I have also found there are two terrible consequences:
- Any cravings I may have conquered the preceding 6 days are reactivated, not satiated. Almost worse than before.
- The 6 days of progress are followed not by 1 day of regression, but 3-4 days to get things back to where they were.
Cheat days are awesome, if you're into continuing to struggle with cravings and stunting your progress...
... otherwise you're just cheating yourself.
BTW, you can eat whatever you want on a big ride... the pic above is 4 hours and 6000' in.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Need someone to hold you accountable?
A plan?
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161.8
7 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WHEELSUCKERY?
Jun 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AT SOME POINT ON TODAY'S RIDE things got goofy. It was the final 20 minute leg pulleroffer. Quads barking, kids hangry...
... not much left.
I like this ride for it's jumpiness.
But, it can wear even the fittest timber down to swirling sawdust.
Pulls get skipped, wheelsuckery abounds, tempertrantrumitis flares...
... which always cracks me up.
But, apparently it isn't funny to the great gravel gawds of Unbound who are actually on record that sitting on ain't part of the gravel racing ethos...
... because only the strongest should win.
Really?
Since when are tactics not part of racing?
Tactics can be a strength.
A superpower.
On a training ride, unhitching the unwilling should be practiced mercilessly...
... because in a race, it's gotta be done.
Conversely, training rides are a perfect place to master latching to faster riders and conserving till you're fingers are bleeding...
... because in a race, it might have to be done.
Which brings me back to today's comic relief...
... don't get mad, get off the front.
That eventually transpired today.
Touché.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Being not the most talented, I've had to learn to be crafty...
... which is what I'm teaching this cat.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
160.7
5.5 hrs 52% (yes I suffered because of this)
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
NO TRAINING, REQUIRED
Jun 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M GONNA MAKE IT REAL SIMPLE FOR YA. You're doing too much. Probably way too much...
... let's fix that.
Here's a filter you can use:
If it ain't Hellyeah!, it's no.
For examples...
Would you like some cake?
No.
Would you like to stay out late partying?
No.
Would you like to go for a killer ride tomorrow?
Hellyeah!
What merits a Hellyeah! depends on who you want to be and what you want to accomplish.
What merits a No is everything else.
It's simple.
Not easy.
Train it.
No...
... and it'll be a big Hellyeah! on RaceDay!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Like Leif.
He's training for a big Hellyeah! at Leadville this summer. Watch the video.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161
7.5 hrs
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
PLANNING 101
Jun 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOMEONE ACTUALLY ASKED ME HOW TO PREPARE FOR A RACE. That happens all the time, and I am generally free with the advice. Not this time...
... the race is next weekend!!!
What should I do to prepare for Giro Di San Diego next weekend, 100 miles 8000'?
Pray.
I mean, what can you do 10 days out?
Not much.
If it's an A race, your prep should have begun months ago and you'll be tapering the next 10 days.
If it's a B, you'll probably just train through it on your way to the A race.
Things you should do:
- Get a RaceDay Calendar™ and commit!
- Get my 10 week RaceDay Ready plan (give me 10 weeks and I'll get you ready)
- Get your bike prepped, I have a checklist for you.
- Get your travel plan in place, even if it's a short drive, figured out
In other words, get your shift together...
... you paid good money to line up, get your money's worth!
Don't believe me? Watch this.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Want a sample of the program Leif is on?
Just get this kit.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161
7 hrs
Body Water 61%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
HOT IN HERRE
Jun 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TWENTY DAYS TILL THE SUMMER SOLSTICE, and it's already starting to heat up around here. Should you be lucky enough to ride midday in the sweletering goodness...
... it's like a twofer.
- You are riding while the rest of us are grinding
- Good stuff happens in the heat.
Whether or not you're riding in the heat of the day to try and acclimate before some hideously hot event, here's the science:
- Blood plasma will increase. More plasma means better cooling, better nutrient distribution, protection against dehydration.
- Resting heart temp will be lower.
- You'll sweat earlier and more vs waiting until you're too hot which keeps you cooler.
- Left ventricle of heart strengthens, pumping more blood faster.
- Cellular adaptation, on the individual level to better withstand heat stress.
Yeah, this is what I tell myself when I'm caught out in the furnace...
... alone.
It's my self talk ain't sciency, it's like this:
All those fools in the air conditioned enclaves...
... and I am working!
HOW TO STAY FOREVER YOUNG
May 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF YOU HAVE FIGURED OUT WHERE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS, not just healthy and badassly on the bike. And, it warms my heart almost daily...
... to see your vitality.
If you haven't figured it out yet, it's right there hiding in the picture above.
See all those racers sprinting for the line?
They're kids.
In Europe.
And, that young man on the far left is from around these parts. His dad has ridden with him and coached him since he was a wheel high. His high school put together a NICA MTB team. Then he was recruited to race with Roy's LUX development team...
... yep, all kinds of oldsters have been around Luke's development.
If there is one piece of advice I can give you who are searching for the fountain of youth...
... it's with the youth.
Get around them.
Sponsor them.
Mentor them.
The blessings are undeniable in the countenances of those who donate their time and resources to the youth...
... they are younger and more vital than their peers.
It's undeniable.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lux
We donate bags to all the kids on the team.
If you'd like to support the team, use PROMO code: TEAMLUX
You'll save 10% and the team will earn 10%.
Or, if you'd like to donate directly or become sponsor: luxcycling@gmail.com
Stay young my friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lux
---
160.9
7.2 hrs 97%
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TOP 2 HIDDEN BENEFITS OF ZONE 2
May 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A HUGE BUZZ ON POLARIZED TRAINING, as there should because it's backed up by science. What isn't backed up by science...
... is hidden.
We need to be intentional about the obvious hidden benefits.
First, do your Zone 2 with your friends. Because it's a conversational pace, having a friend(s) a long will allow you to connect in ways we used to before the invasion of our digital gods.
Second, because we spend (should spend!) so much time in Zone 2 it can get monotonous unless we spice it up with efficiency challenges like:
- cornering
- braking
- jumping
- drafting
- eating
- drinking
- form
- pedal stroke
- aerodynamics
- etc
These are cornerstones of superior athletic accomplishments...
... camaraderie and efficiency.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets0
That's where the money is.
Speaking of money, there is nothing better to being on a ride or simply remember who cool this sport is than this nifty wallet made from innertube.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
162.2
6.2 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT ABOUT JAI?
May 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
JAI HINDLEY WON THE GIRO TODAY. Nobody was watching him the first week, some watched him the second week...
... what a scene this week!
How could a race 3 weeks long
come down to the last 3 miles
with 3 seconds between
the top contenders?
If you missed the whole thing, go back and watch the final big climb on Saturday. There is no better drama than months of prep and weeks of racing come down to this...
... one man was significantly better than the rest.
Man?
Honestly, looks like a boy.
Better than rest?
You'd never know it looking at him, there's sense of ego or I'm better than you, he looks like a kid who's just having a good time.
It's been a long, long time since I've seen such amateur joy at the pro level...
... maybe the first time.
Maybe that's what happens when nobody believes you've got it in you?
Maybe it's a result of enjoying the experience vs stressing to perform?
Maybe Jai knew what no one else did...
... he was ready to have the ride of his life?
Are you?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Well, be sure to change in style before and after your grand day.
These changing ponchos are awesome for changing before and after, and wiping down your body and bike after.
Use promo code: PONCHO
to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
8.25 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IF IT AIN'T FIXED, BREAK IT
May 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE ENDLESS FASCINATION THAT IS PERSONAL PERFORMANCE has led me in a new direction. Today was evidence it's working. I've previously dabbled and tinkered, but...
... I had to break the molds to get the results.
Yes, plural.
Molds I've broken this year.
Suspension. I've pretty much shied from messing with suspension over the years. This year, I had the suspension refreshed and revalaved for my specific weight. Then I took the time to test it and dial it in the past few weeks, adjusting sag and rebound well outside of the recommended factory settings...
... I've never had a more dialed in rig.
Weight training. Like most sheeple, I commenced lifting weights each "offseason", quickly blowing it off. This year I committed to lifting every single day...
... I've never felt stronger.
Polarized training. About a year ago, I started experitmenting with polarized training. I had good success, accomplishing last summer's major objective: Silver Corral at Leadville for '22. This year, fulling embracing the concept...
... I've never felt fresher.
There are more broken molds laying around here, stay tuned.
In the meantime, what was so successful about today's ride?
A darn respectable time on our local big climb, all in low zone 3 and after just over 2 hours and 3000' of climbing getting over there. Then I spun around and ripped the downhill which was majorly socked in and difficult to see, getting a PR on the entire up/down segment... look at that fork for reference.
I also stuck to my nutrition plan and consumed: 6 bottles of doubleserving Skratch, 3 Paleo bars, 1 Clif bar, 1 Mexican Coke, a portion of Zack's Stinger waffle. And I felt great all day.
Oh, and a slewful of PRs on a number of DH sections. That is really good news, because it's taken me a while to get comfortable on the MTB after so much gravel riding.
Doing the math: I climbed as much today, 12,000' as the looming upcoming race. I did it on a 20 mile shorter course, in 6:48. That leaves me 1:12 to cover that 20 flat miles, which would be about 17mph...
... it's gonna be really, really close to my 8 hr goal.
Might have to find a few more molds to break.
If y'all are looking to break some molds of yer own, there's nothun bettah than a giant RaceDay Calendar to motivate ya.
It takes gigongous cajones to take a Sharpie and write yer goals so everyone can see.
One place to see the entire year's events.
- Weeks are set up Monday- Sunday, because the weekends matter to us.
- Large area on top for top annual objectives
- Weekends and Holidays are highlighted as well as the time changes
- Plenty of space at the to bottom for detailing your vision for the year.
How HUGE?
27.5" Wide X 48" Tall.
What's it made out of?
We are using the same durable fabric we use in our RaceDay Bags™. This will create an enduring record of what you planned and accomplished each year.
Best racing investment you'll make all year.
---
162
6 hrs
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
TRUING OUR WHEELS
May 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
STRAIGHT AND NARROW IS THE WAY which leads to life. That line is preceded by Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction. And is followed by...
... few there be that find it.
What does that have to do with racing, Diesel?
What doesn't have to do with racing?
I ain't here to be preached at.
I ain't here to preach.
Why the scripture, then?
Racing isn't the end, it's part of being a well-rounded superstar.
The race is to be a well-rounded. social, mental, physical, and spiritual. Physical is just one thing we are after. By focusing equally on all four of these components...
... we will be true.
True wheels are faster, stronger, essential to ripping.
Be a ripper.
Be true.
---
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the goodness in our community. Those of you who take time to say hi and give an encouraging word to me and to the rest of us really do make a difference...
... that's the social side of well-rounded.
Here's some more goodness from friend Amber, Olympian and 2X World Champion...
https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/
I just finished it, and gotta say I gotta little tearyeyed when it was over. We are all facing hidden battles all the time, this is a story of perseverance and patience. Truly inspiring.
Get the book here: https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/
She'll wearing our superlight race gloves and socks at Unbound next weekend... along with a gorgeous kit we made for her.
They come in a rainbow of colors...
... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.
And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161
7 hrs - 78%
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
ON THE WEIGH
May 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SINCE IT'S ALL A NUMBERS GAME, it make sense to figure out what the numbers are. There are power to weight numbers, hours, miles, laps...
... and then there's water.
Not just how much we're drinking per hour, but how much is in our body.
I was reminded of this by Dr. V, our local health wizard.
You should post your water numbers on the blog.
What are those?
The percent of your body that's water.
How would I know that?
Get a proper scale.
Ok.
I'm usually X% and always jealous of you know who, he consistently checks in at 66%.
Ordered it.
So, what have I learned in the past week or so of weighing?
I have a lot of improvements to be made. My hydration could be better by 8-10%. My body fat registers at the highest end for athletes.
Seeing the actual numbers takes the guesswork out and gives us something we can measure...
... what gets measured gets managed.
Saturday I'll be doing an epic training ride. Can't wait to compare the morning weigh in to the post ride weigh in. I'm going to be super diligent on my 1 bottle/hour rule, more if the heat is excessive.
I can manage some improvement.
Can you?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Measuring sheds light on our situation, so might as well blow out these lights.
There are a few Medium Front lights and a few more Small Rear lights. They provide nearly 360• of visibility, and they're super light weight.
This promo code will expire on Saturday, or when we run out of the lights.
Code is MEASURE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
160
7.27 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 59.7%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
May 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE SECRETS TO GOING FAST DOWNHILL is not thinking about it. Huh? Turning my focus to MTB racing...
... I've had to think about this.
The fastest among us aren't thinking,
analyzing,
fretting.
But, how do we get in the zone?
We have to think about it, for a bit.
In my case, after months and miles of graveling on the gravel bike I retarded my Road and MTB descending skills.
For example, on gravel bike I ride a lot of difficult trails en route to gravel, everything is slower.
No suspension + skinny tires + high pressure = slow.
Slow because it's so much rougher. Every rock and root is magnified...
... the largest effect has been on my vision.
I'm not looking far enough ahead when on the fast and fierce MTB bike which smoothes everything out. Consequently, I'm having way to many Oh $#!2! moments.
That thought solidified - look as far ahead as possible - takes effort. It's breaking a bad habit.
Once a bad habit is broken, we no longer think about it.
We are in the zone.
Going fast(er).
Confidently.
There are a slew of other things to think about when ripping off road. This is a great place to start: https://youtu.be/8y6ocZHpLoE.
Think about it.
Work on it.
Rip it...
... without even thinking about it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Ever heard the term...
... Grip it and rip it!
If I wasn't constantly being stopped by the locals wearing these gloves and socks, I wouldn't be so passionate about them.
They come in a rainbow of colors...
... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.
And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.2
6.39 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups +3 0 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
May 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S JUST NOTHING QUITE AS SATISFYING AS WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. Probably because it's so rare...
... it's Pavlovian.
Consequently, we keep coming back to the races.
Like tonight.
It all clicked for me.
I remembered the race was only 2 laps, lots of good sleep prior (contrary to what the app is saying), bike set up was spot on, work was extremely smooth and productive, arrived plenty early...
.... had a really good race.
It's kind of a numbers game:
- 7-8 hrs of sleep
- 161.3 lbs - down 3 from last week
- Tire pressure lower - 19 rear, 17 front
- Suspension, maxed out my sag to 30% and slowed the rebound way down
- lots of sales always energizes me
- arrived 2 hours early
- 1 application of PR Lotion
- 1 water bottle, 2 scoops of Skratch
- leisurely 40 minutes recon of lap
- 3 trips to the bathroom
- 1 honey stinger gel 10 minutes before start
- start line with 4 minutes to spare
- 1st into the very early off camber 170˚ loose and dusty turn
- 1st onto the hill
- 1st onto long single track descent
- 1st into the melee merge with the beginners/intermediates
- Est Power Ave 231, Max 1035
- Ave Speed 14, Max 33.5
- Ave HR 171, Max 179
- 11 miles
- 2 laps
- 1st
The good news is no one racer has yet to dominate. It's been a jumble every week...
... which means lots of fun ahead.
The bad news...
... I'm not sure where I can improve.
Thank Dog for Pavlov.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Speaking of Pavlov, a good marketer (like me) knows it's good when things sell out, and we're gonna sell out of the special offer...
... free personalization.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
161.3
7.23 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE RACE
May 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE SHORTEST RACE POSSIBLE turns out to be the best race possible. While all the money is behind the Tour de France, Unbound, Leadville, nobody starts there...
... they start small.
A Strava segment, a city limit sign, a group ride, a local weekday race. This is wherewe are born...
... and grow from there.
Social bonds are formed, knowledge is gained, skills improve, talents are discovered...
... focus leads to fascination.
George reminded me of this on Saturday's group ride.
Todd, I feel faster than ever.
You do?
Yes, I'm not, of course, because I'm way past my prime.
Tell me more.
I feel more confident, closer than ever to my potential.
That's wonderful George!
The race to be great is a long one, a personal one, the best one...
... it starts with the shortest race possible.
It's up to us to continually encourage our friends, and Yes! our competitors, to join the endless fascination to be our best. They might be hesitant, that's where we remind them...
... if you want to know something, you have to do something.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Just like if you want to know the joy of giving the best gift ever, with the recipients name printed on the bag...
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
6.8 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
65 minutes reading + Journaling
LET THIS SINK IN
May 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVERYTHING MATTERS WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. Every little thing. It all adds up...
... to combine for a great day.
Here's one you might never have considered.
For years, I would head out to the garage the night before the ride and make sure everything was ready to go. That's a good practice...
... but, it could have been a little bit better.
How?
Well, the garage at night is perpetually cold. Which means the chain is cold, as well as the chain lube. Which means, when you apply the lube to the chain it doesn't penetrate as well as it could if it was warmed up a bit.
But, who wants to take a blow dryer to their chain and risk damaging any carbon parts?
The solution:
- Let the lube and the chain warm up in the afternoon sun.
- Clean the chain and the pulleys
- Lube it with the good stuff.
- Work it in.
- Let sit.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
These are the little secrets we come up with prepping for race day...
... you're not keeping this secret are you?
The fact that you can get one of these in stock designs personalized, for free.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (18 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
7.7 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DAY RIPPER
May 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LOW CLOUDS EVENTUALLY BROKE FORTH. Not rain, but not fog. Somewhere in between. Enough to dirty the lens, not enough to soak the socks...
... no better weather for ripping!
Woke up groggy, took forever to get out the door, and really didn't have much of a plan other than trying to find the local speedsters on the CV ride. Of course, right about the time I wanted to catch them I really had to pee, tucked in behind some bushes...
... I could hear the gaggle of geese freewheeling by.
Perfect.
Chasing, which is what I was hoping for.
I wanted to be pushed hard today. It's the last week of a 3-week build, and I wanted to go really deep.
Mission accomplished, highest fitness I've ever seen on Strava.
Things are percolating right along for a summer of racing.
Part of seeing that peak fitness has been my commitment to polarized training. A lot of zone 2, plus 2 hard days a week. The 2 hard days can be back to back or bookend the zone 2 work, it doesn't seem to matter. All that matters is that I don't go hard more than 2x a week. I'm hiding this in a long paragraph so the skimmers don't see it. It's just for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
This might be for you, too...
... or someone you know.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (25 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
6.37 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
SMALL DISCIPLINE
May 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DINNER AT 8 they yelled as they drove by. These weren't strangers, they know me well and they know i'm really focused on 1 goal this summer...
... I could feel a hangriness comin' on.
It's just a small thing, pushing back the dinner hour by an hour.
But, I'd been doing small things all day.
- Small chainring for 90 minutes
- Small weight sessions for breaks.
- Small portions for breakfast and lunch.
I could feel a greatbighuge step backwards coming on.
At 6pm, they looked at me and said Dad, you look like you need a few Brookside DarkChocolate Acai and Blueberry flavors...
... not even the berries, just the favors!
Ok, just a few.
They're good aren't they?
Kinda.
Want a few more?
Sure.
Feeling better?
No, hand me the bag!
Okay, small lie there.
But, you get the idea small things can give us big results when applied consistently...
... on the scale, too, if we don't demonstrate some small restraint.
Small note on my personal life: The daughter and soninlaw are visiting for a month and want to make sure y'all know how strong and smart and fit they are.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Which is a nice lead in to Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
162.4
6.36 hrs (I don't know about this app, pretty sure it was closer to 7.5)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER
May 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER ON RACEDAY. Some of them are obvious...
... these aren't.
- Clear your calendar. You gotta work, we all do. If it's an afternoon midweeker, clear the afternoon - start earlier, work longer the next day, etc. If it's on a weekend, clear out Friday afternoon. The emotional energy of work needs to be saved for the race.
- Sleep dope. Get an exceptional night of sleep the night before the night before and a really good night of sleep the night before.
- Eat hearty. Afternoon midweekers need a big late lunch. Epic weekenders require a ton of food the day before. You aren't a wrestler or boxer, you don't need to cut weight the day before. Load up.
- Bonus... this ties in with #1, get there early. Real early. Cut the stress out of rushing, waiting at registration, hustling to warm up etc... this should be a zenlike moment, a warrior slowly preparing for battle.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Of course, it all starts with the RaceDay Bag™...
... because you can't race proper if you aren't geared proper.
With Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
161.8
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD?
May 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IN MY CULTURE we talk about having high standards all the time. Even judging each other based on our choice to keep the standards high...
... or let 'em drift low.
The benefit of high standards, of course, is everything is much easier.
I was reminded of this on my ride today when I saw the above sign.
No horses
No rollerblades
No e-bikes
No kooks
Enjoy
The builders of this brandnewsupersecret singletrack definitely have some standards they expect to be honored.
In this light, standards are a lot like commandments. They can be used as guideposts and ways to measure our commitment and progress.
For example, if our standard is to satisfy hunger a Big Mac and fries will do. If our standard is to eat like world-class athletes we would look down on that choice and...
... opt for something inline with our standards.
Eating like an Olympian makes going fast on a bicycle a lot easier than eating like Michael Moore.
During the final miles of the ride, the sun was setting and a father and son sped by on their e-bikes. The dad yelled...
... Sorry, I know we're cheating.
I smiled, gave him a thumbs up.
We have different standards, that's all.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Some people have modesty as a standard, and you know what they say...
... modest is hottest!
The changing poncho promo code is active again, it's PONCHO.
It'll expire Friday at midnight, save you 20%.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
5.8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
May 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE WE WERE, blitzing the same course as last week. Really getting after it, I was right behind two world champions, Brian Lopes (MTB DH) and Jeff Ward (Supercross)...
... little ol' me hanging on tight.
Then, I blew 3/4s of the way up the only climb.
Not blowblow, but uncoupled form the dynamic duo.
All I could do was watch them bridge up to the younger group of Experts that started infront of us.
That was my plan!
Well, that didn't work.
What did work was
- taking 50 seconds off last week's time,
- arriving early for a nice leisurely warmup,
- racing with no computer (tracking it on the Apple watch)
- feeling good after Saturday's 100 miles heat stroking adventure
- pounding a bottle of Amp Recovery Mix
- the bike was flawless
- saying hi to so many friends I haven't seen since last season
- delivering the canopy top to my friends at Linked Cycling (gotta do some work out there),
- setting my canopy between La Habra Cyclery (who gives RaceDay Bags™ to their VIP customers)
- and Crank Bros (who's pedals and wheels I love)
What can I do to improve next week?
- My diet was awful over the weekend, I can improve that and come in a bit lighter
- Better sleep Monday night, it was good not great.
- Positioning, I gave up spots too easy and had to close gaps the first half of the first lap... gotta be meaner, LOL
- run the Wahoo mounted, I generally like to race these short races on feel but giving up 3rd place to Robb hurt - kudos to him for brilliantly riding his 2nd lap faster than his first
- The website had a pretty major meltdown today and was stressing me out all afternoon - still is - that'll be fixed by then.
I call this Review and Repeat, which is covered in the 5th chapter of my book.
Will, a race promoter back East, purchased 3 books Sunday and shipped them to 3 different people.
That makes me happy.
Have you read it?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
164.9
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SATISFACTION GAURANTEED.
May 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS SOMETHING ASTONISHINGLY SATISFYING IN MY GARAGE. A nice rack, some decent tools...
... and I bike to work on.
It doesn't matter what level of mechanicry you have reached.
If you can fix, do it yourself.
If you have a hunch, see it through.
If you can kinda handle it, attempt it for sure.
It doesn't take much in terms of tools to be able to do the basics:
- Change a tire
- Add sealant
- Fix a flat
- Adjust your brakes
- Tighten your headset
- etc
Just tonight I noticed a slight wobble in my front disc after giving the wheel a spin. Zing, zing, zing as it spun around.
I used to have a really cool tool for bending a disc back into shape, but I accidentally sold it.
What to do...
What could I use to grab hold of it that didn't have sharp edges or grooves...
... a crescent wrench!
Just like that, I straightened it out.
The level of satisfaction is instantaneous...
... the level of confidence will last a life time.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
2DAY'S MASTERCLASS
May 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TWO OF THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE GIRO showed a level of mastery few attain. There is no hack that we can employ...
... this takes years.
As noted by the great Sun Tzu...
... Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
On Friday and on Sunday, the winner of the stage was distanced. Gapped. The announcers let us know things weren't looking good at all.
How very wrong they were.
Koen and Jai, rode right up to their very limit. Rather than going beyond a sustainable pace chasing the leaders they held strong to what they knew they could do...
... kept clawing their way back.
To victory!
There are 2 ways to acquire this skill:
- Intervals
- Racing
That's it.
Just riding around ain't gonna do it. Your limits won't be exposed.
And, as Uncle Harry says...
... A racer's gotta know their limitations.
Do you know yours?
You must know.
No guessing.
Imperative.
Most people don't, because it hurts reallyreally bad.
Most people race first, then seek to win.
It's Monday, what are you going to win this week?
- Ride
- Race
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Maintenance
- so many ways!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.8
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
OF COURSE WE'LL DO IT AGAIN
May 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE FAILED TODAY. The plan was to ride from the surf in Dana Point to Summit of Big Bear. 135 mile, 16,000 of vert. That wasn't the problem...
... 99 degrees with a slight tailwind was devastating.
No relief.
I've wanted to do this ride for decades but never really figured out a good route, or which bike, or who'd be willing to attempt it.
Then, gravel became a thing and I'll just pause right here...
... the route is epic.
Lots of gravel, a stealth 40ish mile bike trail to skirt you mercifully through urban sprawl, hidden roads through gorgeous neighborhoods...
... and some singletrack to keep it real.
The beautiful bouquet of enthusiasm for adventure began to wilt around mile 70. Convection-style heat, blacktop...
... scorched and dry and dead land.
I made a major blunder in Loma Linda. We should have stopped for cool liquids but I was certain we were only a few miles from our rendezvous. It was infernal...
... so hot, I'd forgotten we rode to the start and added a good 6 miles.
These miles turned out to be all uphill.
Starting with a slick and dusty hiking trail and connecting to a supersmooth tarmac climb though custom custom dreamhomes...
... it should have been a wonderful climb.
We pulled in, ruined, to find the van waiting and willing.
Frozen Oreo icecreams, cokes, chips, got us resuscitated us. After a lengthy stop, we got after it just in time to hit another wonderful climb...
... at 2pm.
Couldn't be hotter.
I could tell we wouldn't all make it. There was no point in one soldering on for hours.
We made the call.
Surfergirl performed a perfect rescue, showering us with icecold treats. We began the long journey back home.
You'd thing we'd be quiet.
Ashamed.
Not our style, and our ladies know us oh so well, as evidenced by this message
Why do it again?
- It's an absolutely incredible route
- Insane Zone 2 training, ave HR 129
- It's on the Calendar..
... therefore, it must be completed.
We're targeting late Fall, to avoid the insane heat that scorches the I.E
Sunrises at 7, and sets at 6.
We'll roll at 5 with lights to assist.
We have all the stops figured out, it will be supported.
Yeah, we've thought it through.
Here's what we were able to accomplish: https://www.strava.com/activities/7143784639
How about you?
Are you gonna make it to the most grand challenge of the year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
You'll need to put it on your calendar.
Did you know we can make these with your team graphics and pre-populate with your team's A events?
Or, just get this one shipped right away.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
164
4.39 hrs (just too dang excited)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
COWBOY STRONG
May 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER SHAKEN A COWBOY'S HAND? I'm not talking about one of them weekend line dancers, I'm talking an honest to gosh working cowboy. Like my cousin...
... it's like shaking hands with a telephone pole.
They are hard, strong and immovable.
It can be intimidating for most of us, because we instantly realize we are so pathetically weak.
But, real cowboys, for the most part, are skinny and lean...
... and they don't go to the gym.
I was reminded of this by my friend Jim, who was originally Don's friend Jim Fromthegym. He was complaining about gaining weight since he started lifting weights.
How do the cowboys do it?
Strong, yet sinewy.
They are constantly lifting and working physically throughout the day, which is what I've been preaching...
... to my apparently deaf choir.
Yes, lift weights...
... but, lift like a cowboy vs a musclebeachboy.
How?
Simple.
Heavy weights.
Low reps.
Daily...
... by daily, I mean throughout the day.
Get up, do a set.
Get some work down, do a set.
Don't drive to the gym.
Don't get sweaty.
Don't pump up.
Just be cowboy strong.
Which reminds me of how to handle your bike like a cowboy, maybe I'll share that some other day.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The point is to be RaceDay Ready™.
Which is what the R stands for.
This PEDALindustries R kit comes with magical properties:
- 20% Savings on everything all the time
- Access to the RaceDay Ready™ Strava Group where you can ask me anything.
- Plus, the beta version of my RaceDay Ready™ 10 Week Program
- and more.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164.2
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps +5 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT GETS MEASURED
May 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER THE RACE TUESDAY EVE, I commented to Bob that I think having a remarkable night of sleep was the magic trick I needed. He whipped out his phone...
... it turns out I've been lying to ya, for years.
Not on purpose, pure ignorance mixed with a little hope that I was doing it right. This convo cleared that up.
I've been measuring my sleep on my watch.
I got one of those.
With this app, AutoSleep.
I'll get it.
Well, I got it.
Measured the last two nights. It's ugly. Truly.
Currently I have 27% of Sleep Debt. That's because I slept terrible Tuesday, 5:10. And, rotten Wednesday, 6:25.
In my head, I was guessing I wound up in bed at 1130 and got up at 6. But, the app is counting sleeping not lying.
That's the bad news.
The good news is we all know what gets measured gets managed.
That's why we upload to Starva, why I weigh myself daily, report in how much reading and writing and recovery.
Tracking our stats ultimately leads us to tracking down and stomping our competition, PRs, etc...
... if you're into that.
I am.
There are lots of ways to track sleep. I'm using Apple Watch and app, there's Oura ring, Whoop.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
The app treats sleep like a bank account. I like that.
Do you like this?
It's the perfect size whether you're out for an all day ride, or just want something sleek and light to slip into your pocket.
There are 2 slots for cards and cash, one shows the top of cards, the other is deeper.
Made in USA, from inner tube rubber.
Did I mention it's the perfect size?
Or, that we can make 'em with your team logo?
Such a great gift!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
163.1
6.25 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHIFTY RACES ARE GOOD, TOO
May 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THINGS DIDN'T GO AS EXPECTED AT THE RACE LAST NIGHT. While I arrived plenty early, felt wonderful on the warm up, and ripped off the front on the first lap...
... I made a big booboo on the second lap.
It was my fault.
Let me preface it all with this bit of truth from the allegory of the olive tree. The master of the vineyard, wanting to preserve his trees ordered his workers to dung the ground. In other words...
... without pig shift trees were gonna die.
So it is with racing, if we aren't blundering or worse from time to time...
... there would be no growth.
My blunder?
Trusty Mike came through and told us it was a 3 lap race. The announcer said it was a 2 lap race. For some dumb reason 3 stuck in my head, and I didn't mind turning over the lead as we finished the second lap...
... until the cat I was stalking sprinted for the line.
It was too late for me to do anything.
I burned in that shifty thinking by completing the third lap anyway. Apparently, that wasn't enough because when I related the idiotic episode to Surfergirl she reminded me...
... you've done that before.
Some lessons we get to repeat, until we master.
Which is the point.
Mastery.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
How do you like the red glove, red sock combo to go with the red helmet and red R on the kit?
If you're into to looking sharp, this month's buy the gloves and socks special is awesome.
Just put the gloves and socks in the shopping cart and you automatically receive the socks for free.
Buy Gloves, Get Socks.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.5
5.5 hrs (so hard to sleep after evening races)
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY
May 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SAN DIEGO COUNTY MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST COUNTY ON THE PLANET for getting after it on road bikes. A stunning coast line, a rich field of challenging talent, bike lanes...
... and the best weather on earth.
It's where I received the sage wisdom from a crusty wrench in a small, passionate shop on PCH...
... It takes 3 years to know what you're good at racing bikes.
At the time, I was living in a small studio in Pacific Beach. A hotbed for jazz, kids and fooling around...
... fancying myself a stage racer
The beach town knew I was odd, with my shocking blue Gios and Campy Record.
Didn't care a bit.
Rode at dawn, worked my first job hard, and lived for the SDBC Saturday ride.
Typical younggun, all spice no calories.
I'd spurt ahead, get laughed at.
Spurt ahead, get dropped.
Chase, survive.
Loving it.
Learned I wasn't a stage racer at all, it was crits and circuits for me. Still is on the road.
So, I was thrilled today to see some new designs come through for the famed squad that taught me so much back then.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/sdbc-san-diego-bicycle-club-store
This is the second time we've updated their designs on our gear.
Y'all all know it's my long standing dream to see an entire team in their changing ponchos, post race, yacking it up, dropping their bibs.
It's a great time of year for the changing poncho...
... who wants to wiggle around in their car when you could stand loud, proud, and modest?
If you fancy ponchos for your team, let me know.
If you want a stock design, go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Use promo code: PONCHO by friday.
Yes, the code works on stock designs or your team's custom design.
---
164
8.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RUNNING
May 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
RUNNING HAS A LOT OF CROSSOVER WITH CYCLING. Legs, lungs. Sprinting, enduring. Shoes, shorts. Winners, losers. And, of course...
... all runners eventually come to the bike.
They just don't know it.
But, there's something a lot of cyclists don't know and that is that running books are by and large much better reading than books on racing bikes.
Better stories.
Better insights.
Better performance data.
Maybe it's because more people run?
The latest find is by the U.S.'s half-marathon record holder, who also held the U.S. marathon record. His name is Ryan Hall...
... and his younger brother is a local slayer on mountain bikes.
The book is called, Run The Mile You're In.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Once we cease to be impressed by the size of our challenges, our ability to overcome them grows exponentially.
- If we want to change our results, we've got to change our hearts.
- The way to become mentally tough is to believe you are mentally tough
If you're into the spiritual side of endurance racing you'll enjoy this book.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Running is also great cross training, and the SuperTech T is perfect for that.
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.3
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD YOU RAISE YOUR BARS?
May 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DEPENDING ON YOUR RIDING STYLE, BIKE AND FLEXIBILITY you might want to change your bar height. Lower can be faster, put in you in a more aero position...
... but, bars too low can be slow.
Are your bars too low?
Maybe.
Not those bars on your bike.
Your performance bars.
Mine have been and I can't get this thought out of my head...
... the hardest bars to raise are our own.
For example, I know to hit my most audacious goal for the summer I've got to shed a few lbs. There's just no way to reach the speeds I want unless I'm lighter.
Basic physics.
But, when I checked the scales last night and saw I was set to have a light weigh in this morning...
...what did I do?
Grabbed an extra bowl of dessert.
So weak.
Rather than get to that next level, I chowed myself right back to where I've always been.
It's one day, I'll recover...
... but it's one day closer to the start line.
Stay strong my friends, and raise those bars.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
The bars I care most about are my PRs, which is what this summer is all about.
And, we've certainly raised the bar with the SuperTech T
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.7
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
TRIBE VIBES
May 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CLUBS, TEAMS, CREWS, POSSES, TRIBES. They draw us in. Call to us. Until it's too late, and we find ourselves high on a brutal climb...
... bonked.
Such was the fate of two young adventurers we came across this morning.
9 miles from the bottom.
3400' climbed.
There they were.
Dismounted...
... not discouraged.
Garage sale bikes.
Handmedown gear.
Decades earlier I'd collapsed on this same climb. On a similar day, Brad and I had foolishly joined Jeff and Eric.
They were Cat 1s out for a good time on a big climb...
... I think we were the entertainment.
We never made it to the top that day. Instead, we pulled over and enjoyed the view, joking about what a dumb idea it was to try and keep up with those cats...
... it would be years before I would try again.
Eventually I found my tribe, or they found me?
Encouraged me. Loved me. Looked out for me. Taught me...
... what it took to be good.
That's the vibe of our tribe.
Being good.
Even great.
Our best us.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The R stands for
- Race
- Ready
- Rewards
Get the kit if you want to represent.
You'll also get 20% on everything we make.
* Note: this is for ambassadors, not to replace your current team.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
NEVER, EVER DO THIS WITH YOUR COMPETITION
May 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
OCCASIONALLY AN ACTUAL COMPETITOR SHOWS UP ON A GROUP RIDE. I'm not talking about somebody that is going to push me, I'm taking about that rare time...
... someone I might actually be battling with in an A race is present.
Generally speaking, most of us have our club or team or posse or crew we train with. With these cats we are giving it our all. Together we go to a big race and we're either working together...
... or taking on all comers.
A year or so back, this cat used to show up from time to time on our group ride. We'd be slogging it out, hurting each other as much as possible...
... but, I neverever showed all my cards.
There is no advantage to proving how strong you on a training ride.
If a direct competitor is there...
... always hold something back.
Always.
And, if you are visiting one of your competitor's rides to scope their fitness they might do the same to you.
Why do you think the pros feign nursing knees, stomach bug, etc leading up to the Tour de France...
... then show up and slay the competition?
They aren't ill.
They are prepping, building their engines in private.
That's pro.
Be pro.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
You know what else is pro?
Having a super slim wallet to carry the essentials when riding or out on the town.
We make these out of MTB innertubes.
The part I love is that it's so grippy inside my jersey, it's never going to fall out.
It's all I use...
... keeps me from carrying around a brick on nonsense in my pocket.
Plus, it's proof I'm committed to fitness...
... people dig that.
No promo code on this one... it's a mere $24, and ships for free.
And yes, we can put your team logo on there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
---
164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO WE WEAR HELMETS?
May 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE FASTEST I'VE EVER GONE ON A BICYCLE WAS 63 MPH. I was helmetless, drafting a loaded diesel down Parley's Canyon on I-80. Aboard my Cannondale touring bike...
... shorts, t-shirt and shades.
Of those who latched on at the top of the steep decline, I was the last to get popped. When I finally pulled off, it occurred to me...
... that wasn't too smart.
Had I flatted or hit a wheel-destroying pothole or had a rock been thrown up at my face...
... a helmet wouldn't have saved me.
So why wear one?
Simple answer: there are plenty of lower speed oopsies where a helmet makes all the difference.
Better answer: a sexy helmet looks cool and makes us feel fast.
Best answer: the helmet serves as an unstated reminder that racing is a mental game, as much as it is physical.
At some point...
- it's going to hurt
- things are going to go wrong
- we are going to doubt our abilities
... if we aren't mentally tough, we aren't going to make it.
We must create mental helmets to protect us from the false and weakening beliefs trying to get inside our heads.
Personally, I like a good rapper name. A WWF moniker. Dubbing ourselves with powerful titles...
... to remind of us of who we really are.
Years ago I fell in love with MTB racing, quickly learning I wasn't the best at the shorter more vicious efforts. My talent lie in keeping my speed up, blasting through technical sections, eating and drinking and rolling right by competitors at the end of much longer races...
... bearing down like that heavy diesel I drafted long ago.
I'm The Diesel.
Unstoppable.
Who are you?
Whats's your power?
Where are you strongest?
When will you unleash this strength?
How will you remember when all seems lost?
Why?
Why not?
Nobody else can do this for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Of course we all wear helmets all the time.
Especially on insane rides that are likely to fail, like the inaugural (that' ambitious) Surf-N-Summit.
We aren't driving, we're riding.
On gravel, single track, and pavement.
If you're in, or thinking you're in...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
---
162.7
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
PUT THE LOAD RIGHT ON ME
May 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER A LONG DAY, it ain't always easy to get out and ride. We're tired. Maybe a little beat down...
... carrying the weight of the day.
There in the poorly lit garage is refuge.
Some say everything has a soul.
Science says everything is in motion.
I say there is nothing like the whisper of a bike...
... Put the load, put the load right on me.
We wade through our gear, check the lens is clean, and reluctantly roll off.
Sluggishness slips away.
Our load is lifted.
We are free.
Just wind.
Wheels.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
What a gift.
If you have a friend with a load, maybe they need the ease of the worldfamous RaceDay Bag™.
Send 'em a gift card.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
---
164
7 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Invalid password
Enter