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TODD'S BLOG
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Get RaceDay Ready
IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
166.8 lbs (too much recovery fuel?)
8ish hrs sleep 10pm-6:04am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
>
GETTING HIGH
NEARLY 6000' IN 32 MILES represents a good amount of climbing. Mostly straight up or straight down, on dirt. At about the 2 hour mark...
... I hit the highest point.
A few miles prior, a thought occurred to me.
If something bad happens,
I'm a long, long, long way from help.
The tires are new,
sealant fresh,
new chain,
cassette.
And, I was feeling pretty good...
... check, check, check and more checks.
Carry on,
enjoy the views,
and lack of humanity.
A bobcat appeared on the trail about 20 yards ahead of me,
it made a quick u-turn and loped along as I closed in,
before lunging over the side into the brush.
The red-tailed hawk surfed the gusty ridge,
searching for pray.
Chipmunks sprinted up and down the ancient pines.
Nature really does rock my world.
This mountain range is about a 35 minute drive from home.
I used to live closer,
and spent almost every Saturday up there, alone.
Looks like I've started the new year's resolution to adventure something new or different at least once a quarter...
... resolutions are kinda dumb.
Why wait?
As the great Yoda said...
... Do, or do not.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep 10pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I CHOSE THIS?!
THE BROCHURE PROMISED A CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE, everything would be tested. Yeah, all the mind, body, spirt stuff. Plus...
... every ounce of perseverence.
I salivated.
Months of prep were stacked,
when the date came,
I was ready...
... I thought.
But, then shift got real.
Way harder than I expected.
The sections with the group were hard,
we encouraged each other.
When it got really difficult,
nature split us up.
The loneliness was brutal.
I knew, hoped, we'd regroup when the elements eased.
Work together.
Get 'er done.
Crazy as it sounds,
getting towards the end,
I thought I'd gladly do it again.
Winning didn't matter,
completing the mission did...
... and, yeah, those hands were gonna be raised regardless of place.
Crossing the finish line,
to my surprise and delight...
... was my dad,
my creator.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags.
---
163.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:27am)
PullUps Push Ups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST ON BIKE WORKOUT EVER?
THERE ARE A LOT WAYS to get stronger and off the bike. Routines, fads, and trends come and go. For my money...
... nothing beats a singlespeed mountain bike.
I built one up because it was fashionable.
Little did I know how addicting the workout would be,
how much I would love riding it.
It was like battling a bipolar bull...
- docile spinning along the flats
- UFC cage fighting any time it got steep
... and it worked perfectly.
At the time, cycling had been quarantined to a few days during the week because weekends were family time in the desert riding motorcycles.
My spin stayed smooth due to the fixed gear range - it wasn't a fixed gear, I could coast.
In order to get up the constantly changing elevations...
- legs
- arms
- lats
- back
... were all recruited and magnificently engaged.
No need for weights or any kind of resistance training.
It was basically going from one interval to the next, with luxurious spinning in between.
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the ol' Trek hardtail.
Dusty.
In the garage.
Maybe it's time to spend the least dollars possible and...
... make strength training fun and sexy again.
---
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU BORING YOURSELF?
IS NEXT YEAR GONNA BE BETTER THAN THIS YEAR? It'll be different, for sure. Better is subjective, only you can determine...
... if it will be a year to remember.
We need new...
- locations
- friends
- events
- skills
... experiences that will change us.
Memorable,
forever.
As I start to fill in my calendar for next year,
it's tempting to play small,
safe...
... instead I do this.
First, I have to have one giant, unreasonable physical goal each year. (spiritual, mental, and social, too).
2024 it was Gravel Nats.
Next year (2025) hasn't crystalized yet, but it will.
Second, I think it's imperative to try a new event once a quarter.
Right now, it's looking like...
- March BWR AZ
- April Highlands Gravel (UCI)
- June BWR MT
- 4th Qtr is TBD
... it doesn't have to be fancy, could just be a weekend adventure someplace new.
Third, master something new, and have a plan to track progress.
For 2025, that is going to be bicycle mechanicing.
By the end of the year, I want to be able to do everything at a level that I could bail myself out if I was nowhere near a competent mechanic.
I'll be adding milestones to the calendar for that, and purchasing the proper tools.
There lots of other stuff on the calendar...
- date nights
- family activities
- work objectives
- service projects
... gotta make it all work cohesively.
Back in 2020 I set about getting out to the Cactus Cup for the first time.
I met a bunch of cool people, and made new friends.
Rode some fantastic and unusual terrain.
Found an outstanding Italian joint.
Cactus Cup stays in the rotation...
... I never would have found it if I hadn't ventured out.
They're having the 12 Days of Giveaways starting 12.12...
... I hope you'll win this bag, and join me out there.
---
Side note:
- I'm planning to do BWR AZ and stay the week in the desert for Cactus Cup the following weekend. If ya get out there for either one, let's meet up for sure.
- I'm also planning BWR UT, in May, and heading to Fruita/Moab the days following for some epic MTB. Lemme know if you're interested in joining.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5:55am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE THUNDER
LOOKING FOR SOME BACKGROUND VIBES, I loaded up a Goettl Media raw file of BWR Arizona 2024. It was supposed to be my first A race of last year, but..
... life had other plans.
It's never too early to start doing recon.
I like Joe's videos because...
- the POV is always really good
- his comments teach a lot
- he's super respectful
.... in other words, he's a good dude.
Turning away from the big screen to get some work done it struck me how much...
... a race at speed sounds like thunder.
Especially the gravel sections.
I got so electrified,
I ditched the project,
and dug into examining the terrain.
Joe raced the long version, the Waffle.
I'll most likely do the shorter Wafer.
From the looks of it,
I think this terrain will call for the Race King 2.0s...
- lots of sand
- some rocks
- whoops
... means it's gonna be a hoot.
Can't wait for my next thunder storm.
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EASY DAYS AND HARD DAYS ALWAYS
I WAS LISTENING TO A PODCAST with the superfamous coach of an ultrafamous racer, and the host, trying to dumb it down for us dummies, asked...
... What's the one piece of advice you'd give an amateur racer?
He had me on bearings and spokes.
Train easier.
What do you mean?
I mean most amateurs are doing too much.
Isn't that the way to get better?
No. I mean Yes, but no.
Explain.
If an athlete is training too hard all the time, and by too hard I don't mean to exhaustion, but, at a level that will not allow them recover, really recover, then they can't...
... go really hard, and get the big gains.
I thought about that today as...
- miles rolled by
- watts low
- h.r. lower
... my mind open and free.
That advice is easy to understand, hard to thoroughly absorb.
It feels wasteful.
Useless.
And so we ignore it,
to our detriment.
Being that it's a Monday, I tweaked the great Karen Carpenter's song...
... Easy days and hard days always get me fit.
This works for work, too.
There are days I'm resting, prepping, organizing...
... and days I'm slaying it with back to back to back appointments.
---
165.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COASTING IN
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DRIVIN' THAT TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH CORROSION isn't the corrosiveness itself. That's bad, for sure. But, I find the real problem is...
... it comes on so slowly.
Then, catastrophic failure.
Because I've been neglecting my trusty MTB all year, well, basically for two all years...
... I was caught out, bad.
"All of the sudden",
my shifting was shift.
It wasn't really sudden.
For months the shifting had been off, but...
... just good enough to put away and forget about.
It had reached the point of no return.
Irreparable damage had been done.
Rather than simply replacing the chain in a timely manner,
an easy home repair,
at little cost...
... I had to get a divorce,
and a hot, new, young,
complete drivetrain.
Costly.
It's just a drivetrain,
not something that really matters...
... those things deserve immediate, constant loving maintenance.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE IS LITERALLY NO SCHOOL FOR THIS
WE'RE ALL OUT THERE ENDURING, and it's like we have no compass, no gps, no no map, no field manual. There is no associates, four year, masters, or doctorate degree...
... and yet, somehow experts evolve.
Oh, there's the occasional book.
Usually so filled with jargon and graphs they are worthless, but boy...
... the authors sure look smart.
So, we rely on our...
- inner voice
- experience
- friends
... and get to work like mad scientists.
We can and do glean much from...
- watching races
- podcasts
- youtube
... then, we do our best to put it into practice on the next ride, run, swim.
Kinda makes ya wonder if...
- Jobs
- Ford
- Edison
... were just having fun, fascinated with figuring out what was possible?
---
Got a friend who's a Triathlete or Runner?
Blow their minds with a sport specific RaceDay Bag.
Use this code and save 20%: TRIRUN
Good ONLY on in stock Tri and Run bags.
---
165.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:45am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WORST GOAL EVER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I set two lofty goals. One I accomplished, one I fell far short of. What was the difference between...
... success and failure?
Both seemed outrageous at the time.
They still do.
I each case, I knew everything would have to go perfectly in order to get anywhere near what I wanted to accomplish.
The one I attained, everything did go perfectly.
I went about my business,
mission accomplished.
The one I muffed, a massive unforeseeable mountain in the road popped up.
It was such a kick in the front of my bib shorts where my legs come together,
that it was mentally and physically debilitating.
Months later, unforeseeable mountain turned to gopher mound, I'm back on track.
There's all the fancy platitudes of goals...
- goal unwritten is a hope
- goals must be believable
- goals should be realistic
... we could go on and on.
But, I'm not sure that's the point.
Really.
Having the guts to...
- set an outlandish goal
- share it with real allies, not punks who puke on our dreams
- and take massive action
... is the lifeblood of everything I do.
Failure.
Success.
They matter, but not nearly as much what occurs...
... in the process of going after personal excellence.
===
We could wait until 1.1.25 to think, start, plan...
... or, we could grab a calendar and get down to business.
https://pedalindustries.com/calendar
---
166.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DECEMBER'S FOCUS AND AN EXPERIMENT
THIS MONTH'S FOCUS ISN'T FOR BABIES. Babies crawl, make a mess of their food, and are on a quest to get fat. I'm not. Are you? I'm looking to...
... start the year on fire.
For December...
- LSD, not tripping, long slow distance
- Strength work
- Weight loss
... this is my focus.
That should have me in prime shape to hit it hard in Jan and Feb.
Two months to prep for the first races,
BWR AZ and Cactus Cup.
For Jan and Feb, I'm planning an experiment...
- Tues/Wed back to back intensity days, with long tempo on Saturday
- Tues/Sat intensity, with zone 1/2 days in between
... for alternating weeks to build race specific fitness.
The intensity for BWR's start and dynamic surges,
the tempo for Cactus Cup's old school XC race.
Should be fun.
No,
really,
it should be fun.
Just gotta nail December to be hammering in March.
---
167.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RULE OF 3
NEW AND FIRED UP, I jumped full speed into the road scene. Since all I'd done was road race, I was one hundred million percent sure...
... I was born to race road.
While I shamelessly slobbered, the old wise man at the bike shop tried to duck.
When I stopped to breathe, he said...
... Sonny you don't know you lycra covered butt from a pothole!.
Huh?
Listen up, buttercup.
Gulp.
It takes three full years...
... to know what you're good at.
But...
But nothing, now get outta here and go to work.
He was right.
By the end of that first year, I realized I was a much better crit racer.
So, I focused on crits for the next two years.
When I found mountain biking,
I was sure I'd be a cross country racer.
Turned out,
I was a much better descender than climber.
When I finally got a gravel bike,
I was sure I'd just use it to mix up the training.
Turns out,
it's actually pretty darn fun to race gravel.
There's nothing magical about the three years...
... it's the three years of working at getting better that matters.
Oh, and before you quote the 10,000 hour rule, think on this.
There are 26,297.46 hours in 3 years, which is kinda like saying...
... if you live, eat and breathe anything for 3 years, magic happens.
Now get to work!
---
168.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10pm-5am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S THE DATA DUMMY
I DO LOVE ME SOME DATA. In this vast digital world, there's plenty of it to access, crunch, and geek out on. The only question I have is...
... why? what? how? when?
It's more than what the Garwahoo is delivering.
That little screen can be divided so small the numbers become trivial, useless.
Then we can dissect it all on Starva, Training Peaks, etc.
Which brings up the question?
Do we.
And, if we do, what are we to make of it?
It is so tempting to wing it.
And, why wouldn't it be? That's how it was done from Adam till now.
Gut feel.
But, I had some sense knocked into me today.
Realizing inventory was running low on our gloves and socks, I was about to wing it on a replenishment production run.
Wait, why not pull a report?
Takes a few seconds.
Data don't lie.
And, whadaya know...
... winging it was not the way to go.
The thing about all the Garwahoo data is there's just a heckuva lot of it. We could...
- read a ton
- take some classes
- pester the nerd that rides
... or hire a coach, let a pro figure it out and tell us what to do.
I'm not for winging it,
and I'm not for outsourcing it...
... I'm more for figuring out what the data means.
Empowering myself.
---
167.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps & more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT SUITS US
ARE RUNNERS BETTER WRITERS or are there just more runners and therefore more writers that run...
... leading to a larger talent pool?
Christopher McDougall's Born To Run is probably my favorite running book.
Inspiring.
It got me to run.
Trail running for miles.
His book, Natural Born Heroes, got me totally into strength work because...
... the heroes were so naturally strong and lethal.
Jesse Itzler is a runner.
His book Living With A Seal is hilarious, and wildly challenges our limited beliefs about what we can accomplish.
Here are a few gems from my latest find...
- The most important thing we ever learn in school is that the most important things can't be learned at school.
- With my mind elsewhere I'm able to run for a long while, keeping up a natural speed that doesn't tire me out.
- There are three reasons I failed. Not enough training. Not enough training. And not enough training.
... from What I Think About When I Talk About Running.
For me, it's not so much the running that is compelling, but the book's ability to help me understand...
... why I love riding, and enduring.
How about you...
... got any faves?
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (11pm-6:05am)
PullUps PushUps
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL RACE YOU TO THE CORNER
AT SOME POINT, and it doesn't have to be now, but it will happen soon enough, we wake from our hibernation. Something stirs, and in disgust with our gluttony and laziness...
... we show our puffy faces.
It happened for me today.
I thought I could postpone it a few more weeks,
but there I was meeting at the start
of a ferocious ride.
The ride down was lovely.
Seeing the fellas, charming.
Even the first little climb
showed some promise.
It ended there.
My ballast keeping me grounded.
Basically, I made it to the first corner.
Now, I have a baseline.
And, it wasn't all bad.
I was only two seconds off my PR on that 6ish minute effort.
Things quickly went downhill after that.
Like, really fast...
... errrr, really sluggish.
On the next section I was 3 minutes off the pace.
20, TWENTY!, % slower.
I pulled the plug at that point,
proudly did the lonely ride of shame back to the van.
This Thanksgiving weekend, I am darn...
... thankful to have the desire to improve.
'Cause when desire goes,
when there's no more fire,
then what do we really have?
Gonna make to the second corner next time!
===
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are...
... Get your overstretched lycra in gear Saturday and Sunday.
Since some of ya pointed out the code wasn't working perfectly, I extended through Sunday.
TNX24 will save ya 20%.
That is if you're relating to my admission of bottoming out and still reading.
Which thrills the heck outta me.
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:15pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SATURDAY TRADITIONS
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts.
Not the pre-ownedness.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did Surfergirl see in me way back when,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:10am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KNOWLEDGE CHEAT CODE
MOST PEOPLE don't know this. Some do, like the great Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, we have this amazing cheat code...
... for insider knowledge.
Take today's ride.
Love Watts brought his wife's best friend's husband, and let me know he's a triathlete.
Here's the beauty of riding with someone.
Because when his wife's best friend's husband told me he was brand new to the gravel scene, I thought...
... Oh boy! This cat is gonna get wrecked once we hit the dirt.
Nope.
Dude can shred.
Guess what else?
My friend's wife's best friend's husband, who had been to our town many times, had no idea how amazing the gravel riding could be here in "suburbia".
Quite canyons.
Canopied trees.
Miles of single track.
What Steve Job's knew is if he went on a long walk with someone he could really get to know them.
It's the same with us.
While humanity zips around in cars...
... we go for ride, run or swim and get to know humans
and the places they live.
===
Black Friday.
I see all the unbelievable sales and savings, and sometimes I wonder..
- is it something a company does when the import gear made with slave labor in China?
- are my competitors that desperate?
- if it's such a great strategy, why don't the greatest brands like Apple, Cervelo, Tesla, Belgian Waffle Ride, Luis Vuitton, Kask, Tiffany, do it?
... seems like a good way to cheapen, destroy a brand.
But, what if it's a way to reward the loyal, cult following we have developed..
... for example my friend's wife's best friend's husband has three of our RaceDay bags.
How cool is that?
So, here's the deal.
Since you passed the test,
since you know me.
Use this code, TNX24, to save 20%.
It is only good through the 29th of November 2024.
Yes, I know it's not a mind blowing discount, but you know...
... we make our bags and apparel right here in the USA.
Quality.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS SO OVER THE TOP
DO SOMETHING ENOUGH TIMES and we start to pick up on the littlest things. Trust me, I've done this twisty country road decent at least 1000 times, when it comes to going fast...
... the littlest things matter.
On Tuesday, I hit 46.2 mph.
Not bad.
Not my best.
The PR is 50.2 mph.
A few of the little things...
√ Aero helmet
√ Tight tuck
√ Winter blubber
√ Fast wheels
... I had most of it right for top speed.
But, there was one massive ingredient.
It's not enough to make it to the top...
... gotta be sprinting past the goal to reach escape velocity.
===
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (930-530am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SLOWVEMBER, DEEPSLUMBER AND JAMUARY
IT'S MORE THAN OKAY TO CELEBRATE the holidays. In fact, it's mandatory. Will we sneak out for a turkey trot or social ride? Heckyes! Will we pile on the food?...
... it'd be a shame not to.
Nothing better than the 3 F's...
- Food
- Family
- Friends
... for our slow-thudding hearts.
Bring on Deepslumber...
- More parties
- more events
- less time
... soak it up.
Jamuary will soon be to the rescue.
It's so dang easy to get carried away and spend the entire first quarter trying to...
... undo what we done did.
Honest question,
asking for a friend...
... you planning to wake up on 1.1.25 ready to jam?
===
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:30-5am)
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A PAIR OF 45s MADE ME OPEN MY EYES!
LEAVE IT TO HOLLIES to set things right. I'm not sure when it heppened, but it's pretty dawgawn clear my sprint is dead and...
... we gotta do some resurrectin'.
A veil of dust and yuck has been yanked open.
I couldn't put my finger on it,
but on today's MTB ride I could sense it.
Something I love, is missing.
The shackles of endurance were weighing me down...
... the chains getting longer and heavier.
It's my sprint, my freakin' sprint.I used to love to sprint...
... not the fastest, but cagey and wiley.
That was it.
Somehow, the singular focus on long endurance races had killed the speeding spirit...
- That fire.
- The angst.
- Thunder and lightning
... slumbered like a middle-earth Tolkien forest.
Doing the dishes an old tune came into my mind...
... What's the name of that?
Next thing I know, Long Tall Woman...
... is cranked up to 11.
Dishes, instantly done..
I'm jamming, alternating between...
- Squats
- PullUps
- PushUps
- Bent Rows, BENT ROWS!!!
... reactivating those muskulls.
Can't freakin' wait to get on my bike, and sprint!
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10:15-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats Rows
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PUTTING A RACING SUPERPOWER TO GOOD USE
RACE LONG ENOUGH, and you can eye a competitor and know, pretty quickly, if they are suffering. And, if we're feeling good...
... this is when we pounce to distance ourselves.
But, should we,
always?
Some of the tells are...
- heavy breathing
- sloppy form
- hanging on
... they are mostly easy to note.
Though there can be fakery...
... for the worse and the better.
But, what about out of competition?
Can we use this highly-honed superpower for good...
... when neighbors, friends and family are struggling?
Even faking All is well.
Rather than pounce...
... can we embrace and lift up?
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10-6:30am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SEXIEST HELMET HACK EVER?
IT'S NOT OFTEN someone eyes us over and says we look sexy all kitted up. Maybe that's why it worked this time, 'cause there I was with my helmet on, and she said...
... you look sexy!
It never would have happened if I wasn't...
... on my way to my new sexy helmet hack.
When I get home...
- I put away the bike
- stow the shoes and glasses
- strip and head to the shower
... head into the house.
So there I was...
... buck naked.
Helmet on my head.
Normally, this would merit a head shake.
Another silly idea.
Here me out.
Step into the shower post ride and pop out...
... helmet and body, fresh as can be.
===
Do you think it has anything to do with penning in Date Night on the RaceDay Calendar?
Right now, the miracle working deal includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to rule the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10-5:50am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
Right now, the Giant calendar includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to bring on the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45-6:30am)
PullUps, PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I LOVE COACH PRIME
THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS to love Deion Sanders. Just imagine all that incredible speed and power sprinting for the win at Roubaix, at least that's what I used to do...
... when the euros would strut and think their chamois don't stink.
That was then.
Three things I love about Deion now.
- He's not living in the past, pining about how great he was. In fact, he has a noticeable limp because he's had toes and muscles amputated. Can you imagine being great, then hobbled like that?
- He's turned around 2 different college football programs, from absolute trash into winners. Can you imagine making something great out of nothing?
- He's mission is a calling, not to win games or score a big payday, but to impact young men and turn them into winners. Can you imagine being driven like that?
What epic race or insanely long event have we ever done where at some point we weren't...
- hobbled
- down and out
- driven to get it done
... like life itself.
Inspiration is everywhere,
even in lil' ol' us.
Be great.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30-5:30am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO GOOD AT SHAMING
THERE IS A PLACE AND TIME for an honest conversation that might hurt. Done right, people can say something completely offensive, grab our attention, and we still take action because...
... shaming can be loving and effective.
Just yesterday, effing Michael F had the nuts to say...
... You stayed warm because you are fat.
Ouch.
True,
but ouch.
Early this morning, I was on a...
... "fat burning" ride.
See, shaming works.
I got to thinking a measly letter is...
... the only difference between F A T and F A S T.
Words came to mind...
- Speed
- Strength
- Stretch
- Sleep
- Sprints
- Salad
- Sculpt
- Strict
- Smart
- Start
- Sticktoitivenes
... things I could do.
Now, if someone could point out my impatience...
... and shame me!
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:15-5:10am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PULLS NOT PILLS
THERE ARE PET PEAVES and then are things that make you go hmmm. This isn't going to be about either those because some things make me shake my head so much...
... my helmet might fly off.
I just don't get it.
Take today...
- it's dark
- f'ing freez'ing
- and early as heck
... I thought we all got out on the road to be pushed.
But, no...
- jokers are gonna sit it
- get to the front
- not pull thru
... it's embarrassing.
I used to boast about how vicious this ride was.
Like, come out...
... and cry all the way home.
This is how pill pushers work,
attacking the weakminded,
for a quick fix.
You're probably like me, almost every ride that starts like this...
- cold
- dark
- earlisimo
... I'd way way way rather be in my pj's reading a book,
or sleeping.
"Feeling like it",
ain't the determiner of if we're going.
Yes,
I know it's offseason.
Yes,
I know not everybody can take a pull
No,
it's never cool to clog the front of a dawgawn training ride.
Pull the heck through!
===
167 lbs
8+ hrs sleep (9:15-5:19am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I TOLD MY DR. TO TAKE THIS PILL AND SHOVE IT!
SOMETIMES IT'S HARD TO BE AN ATHLETE. Okay, all the time it's hard to be a committed athlete. It's simply not enough to have...
... drive, discipline and determination.
Sometimes, the indomitable spirit gets dominated.
My doctor reminded me of this during a check up last Friday (referring to bloodwork we did after my injury, back in April).
Old timer, your testosterone is muy low.
I'm old.
We can increase it.
How?
Take this magic pill or inject this secret elixir.
Ugh, No. And, don't even suggest it in the future.
Why?
It's not permitted for competition.
And, you compete?
Hellyeah, I compete.
So, my lycraloving friends what do the internets tell us...
- lift weights
- be lean (proper body weight)
- get plenty of sleep
- don't drink, smoke or do drugs
- no sugar
- eat fruits & vegetables
- Brazil nuts
- fiber
- flax seed
- lots of protein
- sunshine (Vitamin D)
- spinach
- pomegranates
- zinc
... without too much effort, cost or danger?
I'm not saying, don't get the shot, I'm just saying it's not for me at this stage.
Here's a weird one, some say...
... cold plunge can help.
If there's a common thread here, I think it's...
... doing manly things creates manly bodies.
Probably an oversimplification.
I don't mean to be a selfpromoting, Itoldyousoing knowitall, but...
... all this has been covered in the RaceDay Ready Challenge.
If you're into challenges,
if you're into going for it
if ya need a little help...
===
167 lbs
8+ hrs sleep (9:15-5:19am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TALIBAN CHUCK GETS HIS CHERRY POPPED
YESTERDAY WAS ONE OF THE BEST RIDES OF THE YEAR. We rolled out with no planned route, no ambitions to train, just the friends...
... out for an adventure.
Here's the problem,
when you're riding from home,
it can be hard to be truly adventurous.
We already know everything, right?
Kinda.
Collectively, yes.
Individually, no.
Even if we did actually know it all from experience...
... time changes everything.
Thought experiment:
If we went back in time, for exactly one year, where would we be?
Right where we are?
Nope.
Earth ain't just moving around the Sun...
... the entire solar system is on the move.
We'd be lost in space.
Which is why yesterday was such a great adventure, we...
- hit trails we hadn't been on for a few years
- tested latent water crossing skills (I failed)
- shared secret areas only some of us knew
... with the sole directive: let's check it out.
After a virgin run on a trail new to him, my friend with the amazing beard said...
... you popped my cherry...
... he instantly regretting giving me blog fodder.
Bowie was right...
... Time may change us, but we can't help having a good time on an adventure.
===
167 lbs
8+ hrs sleep (10-6:30)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GEN - ET - ICKS, WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR?
THE OL' BORN ON THIRD BASE ANALOGY is an easy copout. It's almost as good as winning the genetic lottery. But, my favorite is...
... beginner's luck.
These are the things we say to ourselves when we are struggling.
At least,
I do.
For example...
- my dad once scored double-digits in a church basketball game
- his dad, and all my uncles struggled with diabetes
- as I look at my shirtless self, I can see the beginnings of his Buddha belly
... on the other side...
- my mom once ran a marathon
- her dad, also had diabetes
- like her, I have one knee that ain't great
... this is what I was given to start off with.
Don't misunderstand, I'm well aware of all the blessing of a sound body and mind (though many question that), of living in a free country, and being surrounded with incredible family and friends.
I'm just sayin'...
- pops didn't play pro basketball
- mom wasn't an olympian.
... would that matter?
There's more...
- my dad loved sailing the ocean, and mastering the elements
- that marathon my mom ran, was on a wrecked knee and required limping the last 12 miles
... that I can draw from.
I'm naturally pulled to activities that feed my need for...
- Adventure
- Endurance
- Persistance
... and help fight off modern society's penchant for all things sugar and couch.
If we put in the work...
... all the things we think lack, make us extra-ordinary.
(Trust me, our neighbors don't think are normal... ain't that great!)
===
167 lbs
8 hrs sleep (10-6)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CAN WE CHANGE?
THERE WAS A TIME when our oldest was a certified speedster on bikes. He'd been bit by the bug, chucked his other pursuits, and...
... gone all in.
My favorite training rides ever were during this period.
Eventually,
he moved on.
Sold everything
One day, he got the bug again and purchased a bike to just ride and get some physical activity going.
Was there a chance he'd be back killing me?
I was reminded of all of that as I helped him move this week and saw that glimmer of hope of a bike.
It's dusty.
Tires are pretty much flat.
He's busy pursuing his career,
and hitting the gym 6 days a week.
People change,
passions change,
pursuits change, too.
How do they change?
I'm asking, because I'm wanting to change a few things.
For example, since my injury, I've become this insane sleeper.
Not insane insane.
But, a year ago 8 hours of sleep would be a miracle,
now it's normal.
A while back, I was having lunch with the great Joe Friel.
We were talking about sleep, and he said...
... If you need an alarm clock to wake up, you're not getting enough sleep."
After the injury, I ditched the alarm clock.
My challenge is I want to start my day earlier, around 5 or 530am vs 6 or 630am,...
... so I can get more done in the morning when my brain works best.
The obvious reset is to go to bed earlier,
which should be easy for an emptynester.
Which route do I choose...
- Forcing myself to bed at 9
- Forcing myself up at 5-530
... is change that is forced even good?
Just for fun, I'm going to start posting my wake up time...
... there's a chance it will work.
===
165.8 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
6:30 am
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PROBLEM WITH BEING OBSESSED
I'M OBSESSED, and it's a problem. Everything I do, everything I think about, even my dreams, all revolve around...
... my obsessions.
It's good, in the fact that I'm extremely focused.
But, it leaves me not well-rounded.
Imagine being focused solely on my ...
- Babe
- Babies
- Business
- Books
- Bikes
- Big guy in the sky
- Best friends
... who cares about the order?
Honestly, the priority of each varies, constantly.
But, the focus doesn't.
I'm such a mess.
It leaves me no time for anything else...
... maybe that's not such a bad thing.
===
166 lbs
7.75 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
6:30 am
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
QUICK LEG WORKOUT
TODAY WAS JAMMED PACKED. It started early with Zoom calls, and ended late helping my son load up the moving van. Like any committed nutjob...
... I found time to hit the legs.
When I say I do squats almost every day, here's what I really do:
- Deadlifts
- Weighted Bulgarian Split Squats
- Nordic Hamstring Curls
- Box Jumps
... one set of each with sets of PullUps and PushUps in between.
Takes like no time,
definitely cooks the legs.
As the shadows got long, I thought...
... Dang, I got time for a quick hour.
So, hit my very local hills on the gravel bike...
- 2070' of vertical
- 256 Normalized Power
- 704 kj
... in 61 minutes of glorious pain.
The results?
Well, I'm dang glad I regularly do this workout so that when called upon I can actually lift something and be useful.
I'm also dang glad we were moving boxes and stuff down stairs...
... legs are officially jello.
===
165.3 bs
7.75 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
THE HOLIDAY PACE AND DECEMBER LOSERS
LOVE WATTS SHOWED UP WITH A NEW KID. This isn't the easiest ride for a virgin. They left early to make the ride over easier. What could go wrong...
... when riding holiday pace?
Oh, so many lessons and reminders.
New kid is so new,
he's riding tubes.
Poor lil' fella...
... after a flat,
and another flat,
he had to make the call of shame.
Newlywed to boot.
Back to the holiday pace...
... and its potential folly.
Jovial as the ride was,
things still got semi-serious on Up & Up and The Wall.
For some riders...
... this is the danger zone.
Take a poor slob like me who has spent a good chunk of the year gettin' his lycra kicked.
It's tempting, dang tempting to ramp up...
- training
- intensity
- commitment
... and stick to these easy going turkeys.
A little pay back.
But, here's the oh-so-sad truth...
... December Hero = Summertime Zero.
We must resist.
A great way to do that is to invite a new kid.
===
165.9 bs
6.5 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SHOW ME THE LIGHT!
ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS ABOUT DARK MORNINGS, is it means I have to show up with lights. Front, and rear. Simply because...
... I'm committed and I get up early.
What's so great about that?
Well, ya see, it takes me about an hour to get to the start of tomorrow's ride.
While those who live close, leave home after the sun is up.
I don't.
Which means...
- extra work
- extra weight
- extra resistance
... I'm getting some secret training.
But, wait, there's more!
I'm less of a secret on the road...
... those lights are lightin' me up.
So, it's the win-win-win...
... extra lights = extra visible = extra fast in the summertime.
PS I often run lights during the day, too.
===
166.1 bs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps & PushUPs
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ROOTS OF THE MATTER
IF YOU'VE EVER CLIPPED A TREE while careening through the forest, you know one thing for sure...
... the tree always wins.
Why?
The roots...
- the wind my howl
- the weather punish
- fire char and burn
... healthy trees live to fight another day.
What are the roots of fitness?
Here's what they aren't...
- stunning locations
- fancy equipment
- snazzy labels
... those are leaves.
The roots...
- power
- strength
- flexibility
- endurance
... cannot be bought.
Got calluses?
===
166.3 bs
7 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COULD YOU RIDE FOR PONY EXPRESS?
THERE IS SOMETHING INSANELY APPEALING to an opportunity that is literally death defying. It calls to some of us, like...
... a beguiling lover.
Is it a massive challenge to our bravery?
The Pony Express put out this ad (image above)...
YOUNG, SKINNY, WIRY FELLOWS
not over eighteen. Must be expert
riders, willing to risk death daily.
Orpans prferred.
Wages $25 per week.
... the job was to ride a horse, form MO. to CA,
in 10 days or less, in 1861.
Interested?
How about this one from Shackleton...
MEN WANTED
hazardous journey, small wages
bitter cold, long months of complete
darkness, constant danger. Safe
return doubtful, honor and recognition
in the event of success
... the job was reach the South Pole, in 1909.
Would you dare?
Modern life is so figured out now, so coddled, few of us can imagine ever attempting these adventures.
And there's no need.
But, and here's the challenge, we can be...
- skinny
- wiry
- expert riders
... able to
- withstand brutal weather
- attempt risky adventures
- accept total failure
... it's literally in our DNA.
I was thinking about this today, while suffering during a pretty climby MTB race.
Dropped early,
getting demolished,
there was time to reflect on the truth...
... I need one ridiculous goal a year.
Unlike the qualifications listed above, I'm not..
- young
- an orphan
- willing to die
... it's not the
- honor
- money
- recognition
... that calls to me.
It's the challenge...
... to find out what is possible.
What's on your calendar?
===
166 bs
7 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR, RIGHT?!
AT THE TOP OF A NASTLY CLIMB, two athletes stopped. Gasping for air, heads down, sweat pouring, and sharing...
... that all knowing smile.
A rider,
and a runner.
They'd never met.
It didn't matter...
- gender
- color
- age
... because they know what it is.
Bound by the ties of adrenalin,
and fitness,
and fun.
What it is...
- runs
- rides
- swims
... in our blood.
It's who we are.
As the great Sly Stone sang...
You see, it's in the blood
Both kids are good
Blood's thicker than mud
... it's a family affair.
===
165.6 bs
8 hrs sleep
No Strength
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHANGING UP THE BREAKFAST ROUTINE
WITH TIME CHANGE, I switched over to riding early in the morning. Which means when I roll in, I'm pretty dang hungry and need to...
... get in some good calories.
Not donuts,
though the do sound awfully dang good.
After a few days in a row, I'm wondering why I ever stopped...
... concocting these yummy shakes.
This weeks beaker project included...
- L-Glutamine powder
- Frozen blueberries
- Kachava
- Water
- Ice
... and I can't get enough.
The only reason I'm not doubling up is my throat is frozen when I'm done.
I scramble up...
- butter
- bacon
- eggs
... and warm my throat right back to normal.
My functional health doctor prescribed L-Glutamine when I was coming back from my TBI. It's know to help muscle recovery. I have still have some, so in it goes.
Kachava is pretty nuts, in terms of what it contains. All kinds of good stuff. My son got me onto a subscription and I ended up with surplus, so in it goes.
The frozen blueberries? I just love 'em, and they're great for thickening the shake.
I'm pretty sure you know what butter, bacon and eggs are good for.
What's your go to post ride breaky?
===
167.1 bs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS SECOND WIND A REAL THING?
THE SANTA ANAS ARE BLOWING TODAY, a seasonal wind phenomenon in this area. I ignored the weather warning and hit out for a second day in a row of Hill Fest...
... with gusts and dust.
Half way in,
I wanted to quit.
It wasn't that my lungs were struggling,
they were.
On the heels of last week's climbing focus,
and this week's Hill Fest rides...
... I was runnin' outta steam.
I pressed on.
Why?
The plan was to climb for two hours...
... and I wanted to see if the legs would come back around.
Up the final climb, I looked down...
... 400+ watts.
Not my best,
not bad.
The only guaranteed way to get a second wind is to keep chugging along...
... and have some faith things will improve.
===
PS... That's Love Watts in the pic, he rode straight into the dust storm for over an hour. I'm guessing the tailwind on the way back, felt a lot like a second wind.
===
165.3 bs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
POSITIONS OF POWER
TODAY I RODE HILLFEST, a diabolical route through my sleepy little town. Covering a mere 32 miles, I got in 4200' of elevation, in just over 2 hours...
... without killing myself.
In fact, it was fun.
There is something infinitely easier, for me, to hold a decent Normalized Power while climbing vs. on flat terrain.
What could it be...
- the position
- undulating pitches
- opportunity to stand on the pedals
... that makes it feel easier?
Another position where it appears easier to put out more power is the faux time-trial, where the forearms are on the bars, and hands cupping the Wahoo.
Why does...
- the position
- resting vs grabbing bars
- increased speed from aero
... make me want to stomp on the pedals a little more?
Is it just boredom with...
- flat terrain
- upright position
- hands on the hoods
... the usual, the common, the comfortable.
I think it's fair to say, in my case anyway...
... greater challenges inspire and deliver greater power.
===
166.2 bs
7.5 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU DO NOT GET A VOTE
I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. A simple question, asked kindly and thoughtfully at the dinner table, when we were all together on Sunday...
... would I like the answer?
Why did I even ask it?
Will we ever eat together again, as a family?
It was stupid,
I should have let it go.
But, when your kid's are making decisions for their kids, and their kids' kids...
... you've got to know why they are voting that way.
What are you voting for...
- giant orange rolls
- or
- green beans and bacon
... on Thanksgiving?
Little did I know they are split...
- carb-free always
- blow off the diet on holidays
... evenly.
It's a toss up over here.
How is it at your place?
===
166.2 bs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
PROPER FUELING
WHAT WE USE FOR FUEL MATTERS because it propels us. We study it, we buy it, we consume it. But...
... is it consuming us?
Why am I in bed early,
out the door before the sunrises?
Is it...
- to win the trinket?
- prove the doubters wrong?
... that will be fulfilling?
Or, do I define success on my terms,
with metrics that matter to me,
that endless fascinate,
and captivate...
... what is possible?
===
165.9 bs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY GETTING DESTROYED IS AWESOME
OUR LOCAL FOREST BURNED DOWN last month. Not all of it, but over 23.000 acres of beautiful mountains. Along with it, we lost...
... some of our best trails.
Trails that had made many magazine covers.
They're gone,
destroyed,
closed.
Today, I rode up to where the fire had burned.
Branchless sticks replaced our lovely scrub brush and ancient oak and pine trees.
Everything was charred and naked.
And, then I saw it.
In the pic above, there is a little tiny green plant pushing through the blackened soil.
It's so vibrant,
valiant.
Isn't that a perfect representation of racing, of life?
We train,
we enter,
we battle...
... we resist everything that is fighting against us.
When we cross the line,
we collapse.
There is nothing left to give.
We swear will never do such insanity again, and a month later...
... there is a little bit of yearning starting to sprout.
It's not recreation we are after...
... it's re-creation.
And, it's good.
===
166 bs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WE ACTUALLY BELIEVE THIS
WHY DO WE BELIEVE SOME THINGS AND NOT OTHERS? Pretty simple, we've found them to be true through our own experiences. Sometimes good, sometimes bad...
... always teaching us something.
Every Day Is RaceDay.
That's a truth.
It doesn't mean we actually pin on a number and throw down every day of our lives...
... it means what we do every day matters.
Every thing matters.
Every action.
They all combine and build on each other...
... whether we like it or not.
That's why having a plan is so important.
The plan could be to...
- take it easy
- be lazy
- rest
... but, it's planned.
Just like...
- do base miles
- lift weights
- intervals
... is planned.
Good Plans = Good Results
===
166 bs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOING THE DISTANCE
YOU KNOW WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO RACE, it's on the calendar. It is so far into the future, you don't really care about it. But, you should because...
... starting early matters.
Whether the course is the same ever year, or changes every year, getting acquainted with it can make a big difference in success.
Still, we don't.
At least, most don't.
And, if we do, we just look at the distance and think...
... Oh, I've gone that far before.
Or, maybe...
... I'll start training tomorrow.
But, do we?
No,
not even.
The route,
the passage of time,
and, our ability to overcome obstacles..
... never winds up according to our plans.
We can either plan early,
plan well...
... and make minor course corrections along the way.
Or, we can skip the planning,
wing it...
... and wonder What the heck happened?
Either way,
we will line up and race...
... how we finish is on us.
===
165.3 bs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats & Stuff
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER GET COLD FEET
A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, I quit wearing shoes for anything other than riding, running and hiking. One of the many benefits is...
... I never get cold feet.
I mean I do,
but not like I used to.
Back in day of shoes, as soon as the temperature dipped I'd throw on the toe covers or booties.
Not any more.
So, when my kid called to complain about the cold sand during his sunrise walks...
... I had to shame him.
Suck it up!... it's good for your circulation, getting blood movement down in your feet, and good to connect with the earth, and good to feel some discomfort. : )
Did I walk our daughter down the aisle in flipflops?
Yep.
What about a nice dinner with Surfergirl?
Yep.
On the way to the slopes for a day of skiing?
For sure.
Not church?!
Yep.
Why Todd... why would you do such a thing?
Well, my feet starting hurting in regular shoes.
I probably rode them into the ground,
and destroyed them.
Not only am I...
- quick to ditch the shoes walking into a home
- infinitely more comfortable every day
- using my lower leg muscles
... I get to shock everyone else on those cold morning!
Before you say, Bro you live where the weather is great all the time, trust me...
... 39 degrees with humidity is very C O L D.
Never getting cold feet maybe...
... the secret to signing up for hard stuff?
===
166 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats & Stuff
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
IS IT WHAT'S INSIDE THAT COUNTS?
AERO FRAMES ARE SO SEXY. Just one look, and t's hard to imagine anything but going fast on them. Unfortunately...
... looks aren't everything.
What about the things we can't see?
Here's a short list...
- Bearings - wheels, bottom brackets, pulleys, pedals
- Teeth wear - cassette, chain rings
- Lubes - chain, pulley
- Tire pressure
... of things we don't see or notice.
There's all kinds of speed to be gained or lost on those four things.
So while we might be intimated by the fancy aero bike, and aero does matter, there's a whole bunch we can't see or don't notice or neglect that matter. A lot.
And, what about the bodies of other athletes?
You know the racer who is lean,
or has great muscle tone?
That can be intimidating, too.
But, wouldn't it be much more telling to know their...
- power to weight ratio
- nutrition strategy
- VO2 Max
- readiness
... before we make a judgement?
My pal Pete and I were training a lot years ago.
We were decently fast on bikes.
So, we decided to do a 10k.
What could be so hard about a 6 mile jaunt?
We figured we'd crush it.
Around mile 4, I was dying.
My body hurt, and I was barely moving.
Suddenly I'm being passed by...
- on ol' lady in a Juicy Courtier sweatshirt
- a chubby dude with rubbing thighs
- and some cat in flipflops
... it was very humbling.
The point is,
we can be awed by the sexy and shiny stuff, or...
... we can focus on improving what we have.
===
As I'm typing this, Surfergirl stops by for a goodnight kiss with a Hagen Daz bar in hand.
Where did you get that?
The freezer.
Did you hide it from me?
You told me not to let you be tempted.
Ugh!
===
165.3 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats & Stuff
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS WOULD BE A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT
MY DENTIST IS SO ANNOYING. The dentistry is great, but he's a sadist when I'm in the chair. One of these days...
... I'm going to get even with him!
He's like your worst training partner.
You know the type...
- We're doing all we can to relax
- keep a grip on our emotions
- our hearts are pounding
- our lungs exploding
... and Mr. I'm In Control is talking.
Talking!
As if it's nothing to be doing 400 watts up a hill.
That's how he is with his diabolical drill in hand...
- Chatting away,
- asking about the family,
- sharing some juicy gossip.
... and all I can do is grunt.
Well, I'll tell ya,
if I ever get him out on a bike...
... I'm going to yak it up and half-wheel him until he pukes.
That's the kind of friend I am,
and I've been friends with this Dr. Day since we were wee lads.
===
165.8 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Squats & Stuff
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FIGHTING DEMONS
AT SOME POINT, the race always gets tough. Could be a blistering rush for the single track, missing out on a powerful break, dust so thick it chokes and blinds. In all cases...
... there's a demon to be fought.
How do we prepare for that?
As the great Mike Tyson said...
... Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the nose.
First off, our plan needs to go beyond the initial encounter.
You know...
... getting punched has to be part of our plan.
It's gonna happen.
And, it's not so much preparing to be hit that matters,
as knowing what it feels like, that it will pass,
that we can and will recover.
As the great Paul Simon lyrics from The Boxer reminds us...
And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
"I am leaving, I am leaving"
But the fighter still remains
... we are fighters.
The great Pat Benatar sang...
Knock me down, it's all in vain
I'll get right back on my feet again
... Hit me with your best shot.
===
Last Call
The Ugly Sweater Jersey offer ends 10.28.
When you purchase an Ugly Sweater Jersey, we'll include:
- Matching Skull Cap $32
- Matching Socks........... $20
- Giant RaceDay Calendar ............ $37
... $89 dollars in product for FREE.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection
===
166.2 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WEEK 3 OF HAVING A COACH AGAIN.
Jul 12, 2023 TODD BROWN
I HIRED A COACH. It's been about 2 years, since I had one in my corner. That one lasted a couple of years. Prior coach to that was on and off over a number of years...
... mainly off.
I have a problem with structure.
As the great Jack Nicholson said in The Shining...
... All work and no play, makes riding dull and not a joy.
Today, was my first workout with a power meter in about 4 years.
I pushed back on this request, and the coach pushed this gem back at me...
Yeah, you old school guys have been successful doing it the old way. I get it. But, my ways are new school and very effective.
... so I got the pw, who wants to be called out like that?
When I reported I had it installed he said...
Oh yesssss
Now we can get going!
... and I'm thinking, bro we've been going for 2 weeks.
The workout drills were pretty straight forward and I had a good idea of what amount of watts I was supposed to hold for set amounts of time...
... and then I experienced the truth of a power meter.
When you commit to hold X watts for Y time,
your HR starts climbing,
breathing accelerates,
pain increases.
What am I hoping to accomplish via this new training?...
... learn some new tricks, reach some new heights.
Because here is one thing I know for sure,
we can learn reading books and watching videos...
... a world-class coach can speed all that up, and I'm in a hurry.
---
Regarding that pic above, during one of the interval sessions I was blasting along, holding down that power through a turn that had been booby trapped. Normally, I would have slowed up a bit...
... maybe I don't have to hurry that much?
---
164.7
7ish hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
OVERNIGHT UPDATE
Jul 11, 2023 TODD BROWN
AHHHH, THE OLD We're updating your OS tonight message from our digital overlords. Well, it got me thinking...
... What would I like upgraded tonight?
Here's the short list:
- % body fat lowered
- new XC race bike
- power meter on all bikes
Instead of that I'll probably get this:
- coyotes howling and waking me up
- my bladder waking me up
- an email from an African princess in distress
Which brings up this...
... what can we really upgrade and why, how, when should we do it?
Lots.
But, the changes won't happen overnight which means a lot of peeps won't be bothered to...
... do the little things that matter.
I list 'em all out in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.
Have you taken it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
Have you heard of...
The See Food Diet?
The Cowboy Strong approach to weight lifting?
Sleep Doping for recovery?
This and more is revealed, and it's all free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
---
165.8
7.7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
9 OUT OF 10 DOCTORS RECOMMEND
Jul 10, 2023 TODD BROWN
A BREAKTHROUGH REPORT WAS JUST RELEASED BY THE CRR. After a study of 100,000 endurance athletes over 20 years, there is indisputable evidence...
... how races are won and lost.
In 98.6% of the cases, the peer reviewed conclusion is that poor preparation is the leading cause of failure on RaceDay.
Researchers were shocked by the sheer number of athletes who neglected to show up with their equipment in excellent working order and...
,., horrified at masses who straight up forgot something.
Often essential.
Asked by this reporter...
What is it about the study you found most revealing?
Well, it's tough to say.
Why?
Well, you'd think after all the time, money and effort these competitors spend prior to the event that being prepared would be obvious.
Is there any link to what's happening?
Just one, and it's quite tragic.
Do tell.
Well, the closer the racers they get to the finish line the stupider they are?
Kinda harsh isn't?
Yes, most definitely, but not as harsh as the reality that all of the time, money and effort...
... should have yielded a much better result.
What can be done?
We recommend all endurance athletes have some sort of checklist, on their bike or toolbox and on their gear bag...
... for many, it's their only chance to maximize their results.
Reporting live from The Center for Ripping on RaceDay, this is The Old Diesel.
Now that the science is settled...
... if only there was a company that had checklists like that.
---
166.9
7ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF
Jul 09, 2023 TODD BROWN
HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF OF THE YEAR, and wondering if it could possibly be as good as the first. As far as the racing goes, not likely...
... not just because there are fewer races.
When we throw it in the big chain ring in January, it's hard to be excited in July.
That's a warm clime thing.
But, it's still a thing.
So, how do we stay motivated all year long?
Hard to say.
Why stay motivated all year long?
Hard to say.
Is that even a good idea?
Hard to say.
But, I'll try.
We can stay motivated all year long by having an A race or event once or twice a year.
By being consistent, we never really fall all that far out of peak fitness.
It's a good idea because our overall health will be excellent.
So, why is the second half of this year likely to be less fruitful than the first half?
I'm not sure,
but I think it has to do with a lack of training with purpose.
Gonna have to change that.
---
167.1
7.5 hrs
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
30 minutes journaling and reading
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
GRAVEL, RACING.
Jul 08, 2023 TODD BROWN
APPARENTLY, AND THIS COULD BE CORRECT, I haven't done the right gravel races. For that reason, I have yet to catch...
... the gravel racing vision.
I'm told If I select better gravel races I'll learn the truth.
The right gravel races are the closest thing we can get to a real European road race.
Rather than a typical US road race, with lots of slow riding and a few hard moments, the right gravel racers are hard as heck right from the start.
Bike handling skills are tested at every turn.
There's no rest,
just constant fighting for position.
Now that
sounds like
a whole lot of fun.
Want to know which ones I've done?
Can't tell ya, don't want to hurt the promoter's feelings.
Want to know which ones I'm planning on?
Me, too.
For next year, I'm thinking...
the BWRs
gravel nationals
Best of Both
... got any suggestions?
Because racing over mixed terrain...
... is how I'd like to mix it up next year.
---
165.4
7 hrs
No strength training
30 minutes journaling and reading
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
REALLY, EVERY DAY?
Jul 07, 2023 TODD BROWN
BECAUSE EVERY DAY IS NOT RACEDAY, FOR ME. I hear that phrase nearly every day. At some point, someone will walk in and notice my hat and mid-conversation justify whatever thing they want to slack off on...
... clarifying they aren't racing every day.
Fair enough.
Nobody is.
I mean those cats racing around France are for three weeks. But even they aren't racing every day.
The sprinters scratch and claw over the steep stuff and barely make the cut.
The climbers scamper to the front on a sprint stage only to clear out when it things get feisty.
Some days RaceDay is just doing the bare minimum...
... expending the least amount of energy.
Other days RaceDay means sleeping in and getting a massage...
... recovery is an overlooked superpower.
So, yes, Every Day Is RaceDay.
Don't waste 'em.
They compound.
---
167
7.5 hrs
Pushups, Pullups, Squats, Nordics
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE NCL'S FLAMEOUT
Jul 06, 2023 TODD BROWN
I READ TODAY ABOUT THE DEMISE OF THE NCL. What else would I do when I've programmed myself to take a break from training this week?...
... but, nitpick someone else's effort.
Am I wrong?
The NCL.
I heard about it,
but not enough to be interested.
Maybe because the main thing I heard was that Legion, the dominant crit racing team in the USA, had no interest in being part of the NCL.
Anyway, when I read they were flaming out during their first season I thought I'd check out their website.
What NCL offered:
With a vision to make bike racing more understandable for the average American, they came up with a format experienced racers couldn't easily understand.
If you can't get Legion, you can't get sponsors. The NCL sponsor list looks like something a local promoter would be slightly ashamed of.
Their values are weak, bland and tired: diversity, equality, sustainability, community.
The promotional video's top hits were crashes, which I think stemmed from a poorly laid out course.
What would have I done?
This, because I'm not on my bike right now:
Keep it simple, the existing crit format obviously works as it's the last bastion of US road racing.
Do whatever it takes to get Legion involved. They have the money, the fans and the sponsors.
Values: badass racing, enough money for racers to make a living, grassroots racing feeders to the league, race on restricted bikes so it's a level playing field and affordable to race.
Promotional videos shot from cameras on every bike, on every helmet, on every corner, from every angle featuring the insane handling that allows pros to corner and rub shoulders without crashing.
The real innovations should have been in payouts and promotion and equipment.
Which NCL do you think would survive?
Nobody Cares without Legion vs gNarly Crit League
In the end, to me it looks more like some smart people figured out how to rip off professional ball players' hard earned cash...
... and that's shame.
167.1
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
NICE JAI FINISHES FIRST!
Jul 05, 2023 TODD BROWN
IS IT TOO LATE TO CHANGE MY PICK TO IN THE TOUR? I mean Tadi looks tired, Jumbo's strategy is amateurish, and that friendly bloke from down under...
... is a proven savage.
But, here's NOT the question:
Why do people, me included, overlook Jai Hindley?
He gets no respect...
... and he uses it to his advantage.
All the time.
Over and over.
To massive success.
I remember watching the Giro, and the commentators are like...
Yeah, and Jai Hindley is riding well.
... meanwhile, he wins the darn thing.
And even then, journalists be like...
... Oh, he got a little lucky.
How many times do we have to witness this?
Which is also the wrong question.
The right question is...
... How does he do it?
How does he get underestimated time and time and time and time and time again, like today at the Tour?
I think I know.
He just looks like a super nice kid,
who is humble and friendly,
just happy to be there.
Let's be honest.
I'll be honest.
Everybody, especially me, loves to find a reason to hate on our competitors,
Or build them up into Goliaths.
It's just a lot easier to marshal all our energy and focus to defeat, or be prepared for, an unlikeable, braggadocios, cocky, sunuvagun....
... and hard to best a kind, harmless Jai.
---
166.3
7.7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
WHY RISK DIVORCE?
Jul 04, 2023 TODD BROWN
MY FRIENDS ARE IN FOR LEADVILLE. He started last year, she got inspired last year, they're in. Now, all they have to do is...
... start and finish the beast.
However, it's a tricky thing to train and teach your spouse.
Too many dynamics.
History.
An experienced XC racer wouldn't call the route particularly challenging, but if your riding is mainly zwifting or pelotonning...
... it could be a problem.
Sensing a disturbance in the force, I piped up.
Let's meet up, I'll take over the training.
The potential to ruin a friendship was high.
We got started, and she shot right up the fire road.
Then, we did a couple of loops on a Beginner single track.
All good.
Time to take it up a notch.
Heading down an intermediate trail, she was right on my wheel. Well, not right on, but plenty close.
I was impressed.
Coming up to a blind drop down a hill I know has sent more than one to the hospital...
... I had a choice.
Stop, and analyze.
Or, send it.
I held my breath,
prayed for her safety,
grinned like a proud papa.
She was ripping it up...
... until we hit the bottom which wasn't particularly difficult.
The transition from down through a dip and back up...
... threw her off her bike.
I heard the banter,
and was glad I wasn't there.
After a few minutes they rolled up.
She crashed.
Any blood?
A little.
I expect a little whimpering or quivering chin.
Nothing, just a smiling signal to ride on.
There were a few more low speed tumbles.
The scrapes were adding up.
Little flesh tears.
Riding back to the car, we drifted back a ways.
You did way better than I thought you would. You're a natural.
Thank you so much for taking me and pushing me... if he would have taken me down that I'd want a divorce.
And that my dear pedaling posse is one way to up your lover's game,
and not have to sleep on the couch.
---
164.9
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
HOW SCARY IS YOUR NEXT RACE?
Jul 03, 2023 TODD BROWN
I LIKE RACES THAT SCARE ME. Either because of the terrain or distance or lack of experience in a particular discipline...
... but, I'm pretty sure I would never do this one.
Would you?
Before you say yes, let me just point out only 200 applicants get to do it, and this is the first thing you see on their website...
This is not for you.
Nothing personal. But it’s not.
This is for people with fight.
Resilience.
And minds tougher than their bodies.
They’re not interested in being the best.
All they care about is besting themselves.
They’re no nonsense.
No hand-holding. No sugar-coating.
They’re in pursuit of something bigger.
Their team behind them, a smile on their face.
If that sounds good, then maybe we were wrong about you.
... why isn't The Norseman for us?
Well, first off, the idea that it's not kinda hacks me off. It makes me want to throw off my helmet, chuck my cleats and start swinging.
But, for me, at this time, they are right.
The idea of loading onto a boat off the coast of Norway
to be launched off the back and swim back to shore in frigid water
to then ride 112 miles with 12000' of climbing
then run 26 milies over very rocky terrain...
... it does scare me.
How would you train for a 50 degree water swim?
Which bike, TT or road bike?
Could you even run after?
You know who it doesn't scare?...
... the one and only Jennifer Vollmann.
But, why would it?
She's rad,
she's tough,
she's a mindset sensei.
We talk about big challenges and a lot more in this podcast...
... things like:
- why group rides help triathletes rip
- how to improve your mindset
- how she went from crosstraining to triathlon
- what level agegroup athlete make it to Worlds
- why coaches have coaches
- how to escape corporate life and pursue your passion
- what's it like to be a woman riding with men
Check it out.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/0XB3yBx-FQ8
---
165.3
9 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
BLUE PRINT FOR ASPIRING RACERS
Jul 02, 2023 TODD BROWN
HERE IS MY BLUE PRINT FOR RADICAL CHANGE. It's worked for me, for numerous grateful readers, it might work for you but you'll scoff...
... because it's not conventional.
Instead, you'll keep focusing on more miles and gadgets.
For those seeking real change,
here is the daily practice:
- Review your 'A' race on your calendar
- Record your rides
- Weigh yourself first thing
- Record hours slept
- Do Pull Ups
- Do Push Ups
- Do Squats
- Read transformational works, in paper form, min 30 minutes
- Journal, min 30 minutes
- Stretch and massage
- Eat whole foods
- Drink enough
- No alcohol
- No bread
- No soda
- No sugar
Which is the most important daily practice?
The most impactful?
I'll give you a hint.
In fact, I'll bet my bottom bracket you think...
... reading and journaling are a waste of time.
---
165.7
8 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE 3 PHASES OF A RACER'S LIFE
Jul 01, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?! The young guys are slowing down, the old guys are speeding up. Does this prove my point in the folly...
... of trinket and KOM chasing?
Here are a few examples:
- UK Luke skips the hardest part of the climb,
- Bonifast only rips 1 of my legs off,
- The old fossil Mark drops me.
Then this dawned on me...
- BK
- DK
- AK
... the 3 phases of a racer's life.
Before Kids, the youthful are nothing but merciless marauders on every ride. They're always improving, recovering in no time...
... living the life of Riley.
During Kids, things settle down and responsibilities expand, crowding out training time. With the right juggling...
... they sneak out to turn the cranks a bit.
After Kids, with a little luck and determination, these same racers find themselves with extra time and often a little extra coin...
... to put into rejuvenatiing their parentbods.
Here's the thing.
Regardless of where we find ourselves, only we know where we are and where we need to be...
... and we have no idea the commitments, responsibilities and burdens of others.
So, for all you DKrs...
... do your best and forget the rest.
---
165.8
7.5 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
TOMORROW SHOULD BE A DANDY
Jun 30, 2023 TODD BROWN
WE'VE GOT A NUMBER OF CHARACTERS committed to a little adventure. Some new, some regulars. The regulars will appreciate the deleted 20 minute climb...
... on the way to the weekly slaying.
The new and uninitiated will wonder why so easy.
Well, I'll tell ya why...
About 30 miles in, the heat will turn up,
and like the frog in the fryer failing to perceive danger,
a good chunk of this merry band of pedaling fools is gonna be cooked.
... that's why.
Then, the question will likely return to...
Why the heck did I join these guys?
How do I get back home?
Will I ever recover?
... but, I like these questions better...
Did I PR any of it?
How do I get faster?
When can we do it again?
... because it ain't about winnin'
it's about gittin' better.
---
167
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
TWO OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE NUTRITION HACK VIDEOS
Jun 29, 2023 TODD BROWN
I LOVE YOUTUBE. I learn so much there. Why kids still go to school escapes me, when there is so much free and awesome content...
... like these two videos.
It's important to watch them in their entirety and in order.
One is from the 70's and is still timeless in its wisdom and wit. With a very deep dive into the uselessness of willpower and the overwhelming importance of the right friends.
The other is a very snappy take on how to get your protein to calories number and easily manage the input while still eating dessert from one of my favorite entrepreneurs.
Remember, this one first...
... all the way through.
What's more important...
... willpower or proper environment?
How do you friends stack up?
Then, and only then...
... this one.
Do you have a formula...
... that is this clear and simple?
Here are some of my protein staples:
---
166.2
7.3 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
TWO REASON TO DO TWOADAYS
Jun 28, 2023 TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHILE I rode two times. Once in the morning, once in the evening. Among the several reason to do so...
... these are the top of my list.
I had a race.
Reason number one then, is any time there is a less than 60 minute effort in the latter part of the day, it's beneficial to get out for an hour or so in the morning...
... it really helps loosen up the body and flush out the legs.
In my case, I had a blistering XC race on tap.
Normally, I would warm up for an hour or so before the race. But, with the hour of very easy spinning already, my pre-race warm up was cut to about 25 minutes.
And, I felt great.
The other reason to do a twoaday is because, and this could be a myth, but I like it so I'm going with it, placebo or not...
... the body generates HGH each time we work out.
So, while yesterday was an oddity in that I rode twice, I do a lot of twoadays...
- Crosstraining in the morning, ride in the afternoon
- Paddlesurf in the morning, ride in the afternoon
- Ride in the mornining, surf in the evening
- Run in the morning, ride in the afternoon
... I post most of it on Starva, check it it you like.
It's working for me,
might work for you.
---
165.9
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THAT'S A WRAP
Jun 27, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE WEEKLY MTB SERIES IS CONCLUDED. Each week was a battle, and I really enjoyed the closeness of the racing. Even as Coxy beat us race after race...
... he was so gracious it didn't sting.
How are some competitors so easy in their wins, as well as their defeats?
Is it perspective?
Is it easier because they are winning?
Is it because they've been on the receiving end of a rude winner?
Do you know why it's so impressive?
Because the only way to make it to the top is to be a killer,
a merciless marauder,
a soul crusher...
... and they keep that to themselves.
Win or lose.
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH EVENTS
Jun 26, 2023 TODD BROWN
I LOVE GOING TO EVENTS, especially the ones we sponsor. To get there early and set up the canopy and chairs and stickers and a few samples...
... is the second best.
The best is leaving all that behind.
Yep, if you see the van, the canopy it's highly likely you won't see us.
We're out riding.
Racing.
Banging bars with our friends and frenemies, ripping the trails and carving the tarmac...
... that is the best.
That's where the ideas come from,
the friendships deepen,
things get done.
So, why sponsor the event?
Well...
great parking,
great place to hang out,
great to help these dern promoters do their thang,
... oh, and "free" race entries.
See at the racing,
but probs not the canopy.
---
163.8
8.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
REVIEWS
Jun 25, 2023 TODD BROWN
REVIEWS CAN BE WEIRD, in particular the negative ones. I used to think I was just overly sensitive for the occasional negative product review I receive...
... then, this happened.
In narrowing my selection for my book club, I thought I better read the reviews.
I'd settled on 10x Is Easier Than 2x.
Most of the reviews were 5 Stars, confirming my own impressions of the message and lessons being conveyed.
It was the 1 and 2 Star reviews where things got funky...
Did they even read the book?
Why was it so difficult to accept certain examples?
... then I realized it's the same with the rare negative review we get.
Check this recent review...
Bag is too large.
... which is funny because while I'm reading his review I see he orders the smallest size, the Classic.
I mean bro..
... we have size charts and videos all over the site.
What's the point of all this?
While many negative reviews are legit and can positively contribute to product development...
... some are lazy, with an axe to grind.
Which begs the question...
... How often do I dismiss a person, product or experience as lacking when I have been lazy or blinded by prejudice?
---
167
8.5 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THIS WAS A THING.
Jun 24, 2023 TODD BROWN
THIS IS A WEIRD ONE. We were having a discussion about the various exercises I've incorporated in the last year and the neuromuscular connection to my dramatically reactivated pedal stroke. Turns out...
... 50% of the cycling world thinks it's a waste.
Now how could that be?
Is it that 50% doesn't no jackshift about pedaling?
You know who I'm taking about right, the stabbers. The people you show a one-legged drill to and they have a massive deadspot in their pedal stroke.
Apparently, and this is hard for me to believe...
... this group is 100% convinced there is zero (0) benefit to applying pressure all the way around.
Let me hearken back to the time I paid the renowned and great Joe Friel to fly out and speak to a group of about 300 cyclists and kick off the year.
Half way through his presentation he busts out these very unusual charts which show incremental improvements in efficiency the more a rider was able to deliver power all the way around the pedal stroke.
Each one seemed negligible.
But, taken together the measured improvement was anywhere from 1-8%.
Anyway, if you want a quick check on this...
... get on a flat road, in your easiest gear, and unclip one foot.
If you can't pedal all the way around, smoothly, for a long time...
... you might have a problem.
Which brings me back to today.
Unbelievably to me, I managed to PR a climb I've done a million times.
Yes, I was hanging on for dearlife as we started,
Yes, I was popped about 75% up...
... yes, I stayed seated and relaxed and felt those hammies and ankles FIRING!
Oh, what are the exercises?
Take the Challenge to find out.
---
165.5
7ish hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
I'M NOT HERE TO CODDLE YOU
Jun 23, 2023 TODD BROWN
I WAS RECENTLY LISTENING TO A GROUP OF GUYS AND GALS I love and respect report on their training. To me it sounded like they are dumbing down what...
... they agreed to be held accountable to.
Here is my message to them (and you).
As you tailor your metrics, be sure you aren’t holding the bar low. We are here to be stretched, not coddled.
For example, my minimum is 5 pull ups, 15 pushups, 3 squats every day – often 2-3 times more. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday… I run 1 mile, and do the whole Rip On RaceDay circuit which adds: sled, nodics, hip flexors, box jumps, toe raises, calf raises… and other things I think up. Recently, I added the running because I feel everybody should be able to easily jog a mile without feeling like they’ve been in a car wreck the next day.
Here’s what I’ve found.
Doing the minimum daily makes it normal.
What was once a major stretch becomes the baseline,
it’s no harder than walking up a flight of stairs.
It is so powerful to always have an A race to look forward to.
Right now, I have two: one in September of this year, and the other in August of 2032. If you don't have an A race, find one and sink your teeth into it.
Otherwise asking this question makes no sense…
… Will this make me faster?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
164.9
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Crossfit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
HOW OFTEN DO YOU ASK THIS QUESTION?
Jun 22, 2023 TODD BROWN
I CAME ACROSS A QUESTION so powerful and clear it startled me. Not because I had never asked it...
... but, that I don't ask it enough.
It's a game changer.
The British Rowing Team put it into practice for the 2012 Olympics. Prior to that, they hadn't won a gold medal in nearly 100 years.
They used this filter to judge the worthiness of every action, every day.
Will it make the boat faster?
or, for us...
Will it make the bike faster?
Simple.
There's obviously the bike itself and it's many parts,
then the person piloting the bike,
their food and drink choices,
their home environment,
their social lives,
their recovery,
etc.
The closer we get to an 'A' race the more we need to ask it. Then again, every day is raceday...
... how we race reflects how we prep.
Well, will it?
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
60 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
ARE YOU DOING THIS ON PURPOSE?
Jun 21, 2023 TODD BROWN
I SURE THE HECK HOPE YOU AREN'T DOING THIS for the wrong reasons. There are so many, fortunately there are...
... just as many right reasons.
But, let me tell you the biggest wrong reason.
The number one, No. 1, biggest, hugest, ugliest reason is to win some silly trinket.
Take last night for example.
I had an incredible race, and a massive breakthrough...
... I also, got whacked on the final climb by Tommy.
For the first time all series I felt really good. In fact, I PR'd the climb which I've done 19 times prior according to Starva...
... and I felt totally in control doing it.
Plus I had the big breakthrough, and I think I've discovered why I have struggled a few times this season.
I was racking my helmet holder.
What was different? What has changed? Why did I feel like I couldn't breathe? Why was tonight so veryvery good?
The weeks I have felt just awful and battled to finish were the same weeks we were tasked with caring for the granddog. I think it's extremely likely I've developed some sort allergy to dogs...
... and this dog is a massive shedder.
Kids are gonna be sad,
but, dad very glad.
Here's the problem with trinket chasing...
... it's never enough, and is often a killer of mental health.
If winning had been paramount, it's highly like I would have missed so many good things on the evening...
- PRd the climb
- Figured out the breathing issue
- Made some really good biz connections in the vendor area, teams needing new gear
- Plus, might have found the perfect fit for a position I've been looking to fill
... there's a secret though.
Rather than look at the trinket that was missed...
... look backwards and see all that was accomplished.
I can see I'm slightly off track here because I'm not listing a few of the reasons to go to the races, beyond the podium climbing...
... which is always a bonus.
Here are a few of the reason I show up to race...
- Stay in shape which has allowed me to play with my kids and be most effective at work
- Develop friendships and bond with dudes - we need this
- Get outside and enjoy nature
- Go some place different
- Learn how to maintain and operate something in the physical world
- Scare the crud out of myself from time to time
- Savor the experience of finishing something huge
... don't let trinkets be your purpose, they are a byproduct at best.
Yes, I display and talk about them but that's mainly so y'all don't think I'm completely full of shiz...
... which reminds me of a troll I once had.
He paid me the highest compliment.
I'd gotten so good, so fit, so fast...
... he accused me of cheating.
Now, that is high praise.
Not that I'm into that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
Wanna hang out with some cool peeps?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
165.8
7 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Crossfit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
'A' RACE SECRET NO. 7
Jun 20, 2023 TODD BROWN
IS THE NUMBER 7 REALLY LUCKY? Is this really Secret No. 7? These questions and others will be answered...
... will you take action?
I'm not into luck.
Luck is for the unprepared.
7, in scripture, signifies perfection or completion.
I am into that.
But, here's the dirty little secret.
The races we pick determine the racers we become,
the training we do,
skills we master.
If I want to become the most complete racer possible,
I must pick the most challenging race.
Then commit to be ready to rip.
Numbers aren't lucky,
people seem lucky when in reality they are prepared.
By the way,
this is the seventh secret I've dropped in the last 7 days.
---
166.2
7.5 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups only
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THE MAGIC MICHELANGELO TRAINING TECHNIQUE
Jun 19, 2023 TODD BROWN
I SPENT MY FIRST SUMMER AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, working for a tour company. As the advance scout, I would take a train to a day early and make sure accommodations were in order...
... then, read up on local attractions.
That is where I learned one of the greatest secrets of life.
In Italy.
Reading The Agony and The Ecstasy,
a biography of the great Michaelangelo.
I was fascinated,
then blown away.
I apply this secret to this day.
While carving the most impressive 17 foot tall statue called The David, which was one of his first projects, he described his method:
The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.
Imagine that.
Really.
When it comes to prepping for races or building a company or caring for friends and family...
... what can we chisel away?
There's the obvious few (many) extra pounds around the waist,
the few upgrades we might make to the bike.
What about time on social media, watching shows or surfing the web?
Unnecessary relationship drama at home or work?
Time spent making food vs a quick trip to Chipotle?
A home gym vs driving to the gym?
Work meetings for no reason, starting late, running over?
A checklist vs prepping from scratch each race?
A clean and pristine drivetrain vs debris and drag?
A proper bike fit for maximum efficiency?
Stocked up on special race nutrition vs running around at the last second?
Early travel plans for savings and most restful accommodations?
Early morning training vs the often uncontrollable late day training times?
Still reading?
Let's take it up another level.
Some might call this repentance, ceasing to do things that hold us back from being nearer to what we want...
... be that God or the finish line.
Think of it as ascension vs giving something up...
... isn't that the point of creating our next masterpiece anyway?
---
166?
7ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
IS IT REALLY ALL ABOUT BALANCE?
Jun 18, 2023 TODD BROWN
WE USED TO LEARN TO RIDE TWOWHEELERS by starting with training wheels...
... that turned out to be a bad idea.
The training wheels were essentially a crutch, keeping us from learning about balance.
Now kids as young as 2 learn to balance and coast on a bike with no pedals.
Once they learn to balance we can add complexity like pedals and brakes.
Ditch the training wheels.
Keep it simple.
Balanced.
---
166.3
7.5ish hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE NUMBER 1 REASON TO CUT THE RIDE SHORT
Jun 17, 2023 TODD BROWN
YEARS AGO, nearly all my rides ended early. Even on the weekends, I'd head out early and be back by 830 or 9...
... because I had another ride to do.
These were the best rides,
with my best riders.
We lived right next to this beautiful canyon, with a pristine singletrack.
followed by a mile or so fire road climb,
and a ripping, bermy, flowy ride
to the bottom.
The best 5 mile loop for these little troopers, ever.
It started with a bolt on half-bike thingy and our oldest.
Then we got ahold of some tiny cranks and a bottom bracket that allowed him to ride and pedal on the back of the tandem, with our second son bolted onto the back of that on the half-bike thingy.
I loved it.
They loved it.
It was a heckuva workout for me,
with them doing what the could when I really need Full Power!
26 years ago today, the sassy little sister joined the party...
... which is why I needed to cut the ride short this morning.
We're all gettin' together from her bday and Father's Day, at the beach.
The bike riding didn't really take hold...
... but, getting outside and doing fun things sure did.
---
165.3
7.3ish hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
BUT, SERIOUSLY...
Jun 16, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S JUST A SPORT, a passion, a hobby. Consequently, a lot of times we don't take ourselves seriously...
... when we could.
Look back a few years, to that first bike ride.
Slow.
Dorky.
Not good.
Look at you now.
Much better.
Faster.
Or maybe back to slow?
Here's the dill.
When we look back and see where we've come from vs where we are now...
... it's obvious we've improved.
We did something.
Take stock of that, then ask...
... who can help me take the next leap forward?
I did just that today.
Thinking about my commitment for Marathon Nats, I realized I'm going to need to take my fitness up a notch.
Quickly.
So, I hired a coach,
someone who knows more than me,
who can teach me something I don't know...
... quicker than I'd learn it on my own.
Seriously,
time is short.
Who is the missing piece of your puzzle?
---
165.1
7.2ish hrs
Full RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHAT A GREAT DAY!
Jun 15, 2023 TODD BROWN
A DAY IN MY LIFE.
Get up to factory to review new prototype jerseys, bibs, tech t's and base layers with our new pattern maker.
We're close.
But, I'm picky.
And, she's pickier.
It's take much, much longer than anticipated to develop these new patterns...
... and I think we are a week or two from our final revision.
From there, I hustled home to do a podcast with Tom Danielson.
What a story.
Scrawny kid,
rips on a mountain bike,
switches to road as a climbing specialist,
races at the highest levels all the way to the Tour de France...
... falls from grace.
Regroups.
Rebuilds.
... fall again and crashes and burns.
Regroups.
Builds something new.
From nothing.
Amazing.
I had no idea the depth, breadth and details we'd cover.
Popped on my kit,
barely caught up to the fellas,
got shot out the back to do some purposeful Zone 2.
Quick shower.
Jump on our Alliance call, where this gold is dropped by Kyle.
Marty, you mentioned you still get anxious and nervous before a race even after doing 1000s of races.
Yeah.
I'm an anesthesiologist and early on I mentioned to my mentor that putting kids under made me really nervous...
... he told me, Good, if that ever stops it's time to quit.
I tell ya, it was a truly great day.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
164.4
7ish hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
6- minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
MY WOMAN MEETS MY OTHER WOMEN
Jun 14, 2023 TODD BROWN
WE'VE BEEN THREATENING TO DO THIS, get our other women together and see how things go. You know jump on...
... the trending societal debauchery.
Tonight was the night where Surfergirl found out my other woman...
... is a man with a bike.
Kidding aside.
I put out a text the DRTY WDNSDY crew,
Susie is making tacos after the ride.
Here's the thing.
We spend all this time riding together,
talking about work, kids, life,
the good, the trials,
dude bonding.
We need it.
Too few of our contemporaries have any kind of male only interaction. Dude loneliness is a thing, and for some can be a killer. In that sense, we are extremely fortunate.
While we know each other so well,
our partners only know of us...
And, I reckon more than a few have wondered...
... Who the heck is he spending so much time with?!
So, to finally get together and put faces with stories it can be an amazing experience for everybody because truth be told most of us are...
... riding with incredible human beings.
---
164.8
7 hrs
Full RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
ZONING OUT
Jun 13, 2023 TODD BROWN
ZONE 2 TRAINING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL TO ME. There is nothing better to build a huge cardio engine...
... but that is only the half of it.
Nearly all of my zone 2 training is alone.
Like most, my schedule can get hectic, and it is a challenge to meet others for a session more than once or twice a week...
... so, it's just me.
Not only am I riding in solitude, but the majority of the rides are off-road, in nature. Or, off the highway on a bike path.
Here is where I tap into the superpower of zone 2...
... and maybe you do the same.
I noticed it long ago, when a certain infamous champion dominated cycling's collective consciousness. As I rode along, I imagined I was him. My posture changed, my cadence changed, my thoughts were elevated to those of a champion.
Years later, I realize zone 2 can be a meditative workout.
Far from the distractions of life, I am with my thoughts. Sometimes, for sure, I am envisioning a great outcome on the bike. Reviewing what I'll do in preparation, and how I will perform at a given time...
..., but, that's not all.
I take this time to imagine all areas of life having the outcomes I desire. My marriage, our kids and grandkids. Our long-term physical and spiritual health. The people I serve. And, most definitely, where PEDALindustries is headed.
That is how I do zone 2 training...
... how about you?
---
165.4
7.3 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE GEARS
Jun 12, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S PROBABLY NOT NEW TO YOU, but I was stunned to see this. Right before my very eyes, binge watching...
... the Tour de France.
Have you seen it?
On Netflix?
We sat down for the first episode, with steak and veggies.
The initial scenes are incredible.
And suddenly I'm thinking, maybe just maybe, my friends and family will finally get it...
... why I'm so crazy for this sport.
The insane technology,
incredible athletes,
massive danger,
fans so close,
this is it.
Maybe.
Maybe they'll be drawn in.
Because, how cool would it be to get a whole bunch more friends and family out riding, and dreaming of...
... going that fast,
being that good,
on two wheels.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
Circuit training
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
SO TAKE MY STRONG ADVICE
Jun 11, 2023 TODD BROWN
YA KNOW, it's a shame I have to be reminded of this every year or so. But, here it is very late spring, and the signs couldn't be more clear...
... there's evil creeping in the woods.
It's unseen,
unless you slow down.
But, who has time for that?
While we were out ripping it up on DRTY WDNSDY the evil was doing it's thing...
... wrapping around my arms and legs.
Painless.
Without a trace.
Until last night when I awoke in misery.
My right arm got it the worst.
Everything from sleeve to glove is inflamed, in a weird rhino-skin way.
So, here are my top 2 remedies.
- If you suspect in the slightest, use Tecnu immediately after returning from a ride.
- If you've blown it, like I have, Ivarest is great at knocking back the urge...
... to rip the skin off your body.
Roadies, you got nothing to worry about.
Gravelers, maybe a teeny chance if you poach singletrack.
Mountainbikes below 5000' in moist, shady areas like the bottom of our trail network...
... beware, and take care.
It ain't called Poison Ivy for nothing.
---
166.2
8.5 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HOW HARD WAS THIS WORK OUT?
Jun 10, 2023 TODD BROWN
SINGING ANDY came up for some MTB fun this morning. An outstanding road racer and accomplished runner, he's found a new focus...
... offroad triathlon, Xterra.
Today's mission: have some fun.
The heavy mist provided amazing traction, zero dust...
... and 3D printed our legs and bikes with mud.
Since he's at the end of a big training block, and I'm starting to lay base for my September showdown neither of us was looking to push too hard...
... but, what do you make of that pic of my BPM up there?
We had done a number of steep pitches...
... however, nothing to warrant 225 BPM.
Yes, I know, the ongoing saga of my Wahoo device.
I looked at Andy's bike.
No bike computer?
Nah, I don't measure anything any more.
Nothing?
Only on my road bike, when I do intervals, I track power.
No Strava?
Not for 4 years.
No heart rate monitor?
I'm pretty sure it's still beating.
Hmmm...
Yeah, I just like to ride on feel and be in the moment.
I can respect that.
Especially given the worthless data I was receiving.
The Apple watch came through with HR data, but it always records about 10% less vertical than the Wahoo.
Which is correct?
Does it matter?
Or, would we all be better off riding on feel and in the moment like Singing Andy?
---
Afterwards, I caught myself in the mirror on the way to the shower. It wasn't good.
I thought my gloves were tucked stowed in my jersey, I often throw them up there post ride...
... that little pooch in front of my jersey wasn't my gloves!
Time to face reality...
... I've let something slid on the meal plan and it's gathering in plain sight.
As much as I assure myself my current weight trend is from all weights, I now 100% sure it's not.
---
166.4
7.5 hrs
PushUps and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
A TOUR DE FRANCE PREDICTION
Jun 09, 2023 TODD BROWN
LAST YEAR ABOUT THIS TIME, I predicted the The Vampire (aka Jonas Vingegaard) would win the Tour. My logic was simple...
... he was making his team captain Roglic look old and slow.
You can read about it here.
So, what about this year?
First off, I'm excited as heck to see my favorite mountain biker in action...
... Pidcock is so fun to watch.
There's a lot of hype around his descending skills, deservedly so. He's so hard to classify as a racer, extremely aggressive...
... and supremely confident.
Wout, Mathieu, Remco all race like that.
As if they've just escaped from jail and they ain't going back.
Then there's Tadej.
He's currently recovering from a broken wrist.
However, that won't be driving him.
He's coming for redemption.
He was embarrassed.
If you think this year's exploits in the Classics were to focus on something else besides the Tour, I'd guess you're wrong. In my eyes, those peloton stomping wins were much more...
... a show of force, shock and awe.
Is the vampire rattled?
Judging by his performance so far at the Dauphine, I'd say nope.
Should he be?
Definitely.
No Roglic to misdirect the competition.
Kuss just rode the Giro and could be weaker than last year.
It's early, it's risky...
... it's gonna be Tadej.
There.
I said it.
Who are you picking?
---
164.2
7ish hrs
No strength workout
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
MY SECRET ALLIANCE
Jun 08, 2023 TODD BROWN
I HAVE THIS CORE GROUP OF ATHLETES I meet with once a week on Zoom. In the beginning, it was simply to hold each other accountable. Six months in...
... it's become a trusted group of advisors and motivators.
If you're like me, very few people can relate to what I want to accomplish.
Why do you want to do that?
Ugh... I hate that question.
Is it to make me feel guilty?
Is it because I'm making them look bad?
Or, maybe it's just jealousy that I have something I'm passionate about.
Personally, I just want to go for it.
Simple as that.
I want to.
Which is what makes my alliance so invaluable.
They all get it because they are on a similar quest.
We ask why, so that we know how to support each other.
We ask how, and we get gold from the group.
We ask when, to cheer each other on.
Each week, we check in and update each other on our progress on and off the bike, our challenges, our races, our PRs, etc...
... and I love it.
I hope you have something like that in your life.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
If not, check this out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-alliance
---
164
8ish hrs
Push Ups, Pull Ups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
THE INFINITE RACE
Jun 07, 2023 TODD BROWN
LAST NIGHT WAS A CLOSE ONE. Pre-riding part of the course, my chain was skipping a bit. Can't have that racing...
... luckily, my local bike shop was there.
So, I cut my pre-ride short figuring the course was unchanged from the previous week.
Big mistake.
(Note: this is why I highly, highly recommend supporting the local shop)
The other mistake, as The Coathanger pointed out, was not dialing in my bike before showing up.
Hey, I saw your bike hanging up and being wrenched on.
Yeah, chain is skipping.
Aren't you supposed to be raceday ready?
Yes, I am.
Don't you make a checklist for having the bike ready on raceday?
Yes, I do.
Well?
Well... shift happens.
Anyway, we line up to race and within about 3 minutes we've nearly caught the wave that stared 30 seconds ahead of us and as 3 of my competitors gap me with ease...
... I'm thinking Why the heck do I sign up for this torture?!!
My breathing is so loud and laborious, even I'm concerned.
Fortunately, along with my derailer not working well my Wahoo HRM wasn't working either.
Let the records show that both of these devices were working fine the day before.
If I'd been about to see the HR recorded by my back up Apple Watch, I probably would have quit.
It was really hard.
Towards the top, I made up a bit of ground and while the leaders were being held up a bit by slower traffic on the single track return to the bottom, I was able to connect once we hit the pavement.
Remember how I skipped riding all of the course?
Yeah, well, if I had, I would have known to be first into the final single track, which we haven't ridden all year.
It's not that hard.
But, it does have some very steep and tight turns that must be attacked with power...
... the kind of turns that can get in your head.
Sure enough, the rider in front of me misses the last 180 and we all have to dismount.
Ugh.
Winding around to hit the big hill for the second and final time, I'm feeling a little better.
Slowly, ever so slowly, I pulled away from the fellas and established a big enough gap by the bottom to comfortably ride away.
The point is this.
Sometimes, I (we?) just want to quit.
It hurts.
I'm tired of suffering.
Inevitably, at least for me, I almost always start to feel good.
As the great Mike Tyson famously said...
... Everybody's got a plan until the get punched in the face (gapped off the back.)
The thing is though, while the pain is real, it's not infinite...
pushing through,
giving it our all,
persevering,
... is what we do, and who we are.
It doesn't always work out, that we catch back on or feel better. Sometimes we just get shelled and do the ride of shame back to the start line.
You know what would be a real shame?
To never go back,
to stop clawing and battling,
to never chase another outrageous PR.
The real race is the infinite one, against ourselves.
---
164.7
6.8 hrs
RaceDay Ready Circuit Training and Run
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
DRAFT OR BOTTLE?
Jun 06, 2023 TODD BROWN
HAD A RACER PING ME and let me know he'd beat anybody, anytime, anywhere. He'd put up $500, cash. He just had one requirement...
... no drafting.
Then asked me my thoughts,
poor soul.
They are many.
- He would lose to any pro male, and most pro women.
- Drafting requires a level of skill and cunning, I personally enjoy.
- Drafting is important in decreasing order:
- BMX
- Road
- Gravel
- Mountain
- Time trialing.
- Don't wish things were different, with you were better.
So rather than bottle up that angst,
go for something where drafting matters less, or not at all.
MTB
or, TT
Prove it.
Now, I really like this cat. He has sent me a number of emails over the years...
... I hope he is encouraged to go for it.
Winning a Cat 1 race in either of those would be a truly massive feat.
I hope he does it.
I hope he rips it up,
climbs to the top step,
and claims the all elusive Gold medal.
That would be rad...
... then, we can find a pro who he can give $500 to.
If you're still reading brother,
I send this in love and as a challenge.
Let me know.
Meanwhile, I'll be finishing at to top of my age group tonight...
... 15+% slower than the pros.
---
165.2
7.5 hrs
PushUps and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
VISION PROBLEMS?
Jun 05, 2023 TODD BROWN
ALLRIGHTY KIDS, you may be having the same challenge I am. Oddly, and this is happening on and off the bike, I have found myself challenged...
... to look far ahead.
That's a problem if you're trying to go fast.
For some inexplicable reason, I am having to really force myself to keep my eyes up...
... searching for the next turn or obstacle.
Instead, I find myself rather myopic (kids, that means only seeing what's right in front of me.)
The result is instead of being in a state of flow, I often find myself being reactive and overly cautious.
Do I need glasses?
Mmmmmaybe.
But, I don't think so.
In fact, after a deep dive into 10X Is Easier Than 2X, I'm convinced my vision has just gotten lazy on the bike.
Lazy?
Maybe not the right word.
Bad habits?
It could be I've been doing more road riding and it is so easy to just focus on staying glued to the wheel I'm drafting off.
In the 10X Book, Dan and Ben propose that by focusing on 10X goals our mind will develop the pathways to get us there.
Rather than looking far down the trail and having the faith my body will fill in the gaps...
... which is what it does when I'm in a state of flow,
when the stakes are sky high...
... I'm looking only a few feet ahead.
This puts me in a much more reactive state when ripping, far from flow. Much more of...
... a state of Oh, shift!
Not good.
Slow.
Not joyful.
Danger.
Where I should be loose and attacking,
I'm tense,
rigid.
The only cure I can think of is to get out on the trails more,
and go a lot faster than I've been going lately...
... because going 10 times faster,
used to feel a whole lot easier.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
One of the secrets to going faster is...
... expecting good things to happen.
I talk about this in Chapter 4.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
---
165.8
8 hrs
RaceDay Ready Strength Work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
IT'S NOT AN 'A' RACE IF...
Jun 04, 2023 TODD BROWN
AS RACERS AND ATHLETES, the 'A' race is our north star. Everything we are doing is aligned to achieve a specific result. To be truly powerful...
... 'A' races are something we have never done.
Doing LoToJa for the 'nth time is not an A race...
going for a PR is,
arriving at a never before race-weight is,
completing it when life derailed nearly all training plans is,
shooting for the podium after being pack fodder for years and years is...
... if it isn't scary, it's not an A race.
It's just a race that will B nice to do and allow us to C our friends
Which is fine, but hardly a north star by which all decisions are going to be weighed against...
... is this going to help or hinder the A race?
In that light, most us fail.
Me, especially.
We plan poorly,
make up excuses,
create unrealistic fears,
anything to keep us from facing the fact...
... we are scared shiftless.
Recently, I was talking myself out of going to USA Cycling's MTB Marathon Nationals...
- It's so far away.
- I hate flying (I really do)
- Work is so busy that time of year
- It's gonna cost a ton
- ... on an on.
... What a freakin' baby (I'd say pussy but I know that offends a lot of people, but that's what I was thinking. What a freakin' pussy to come up with all these excuses when it's been on my bucket list for years to go and to win.)
You know the difference between an A race and a B and a C?
Courage.
Because we don't know how we're gonna do it.
We've never done it.
It's impossible.
There is a secret, however.
It starts with Registration.
Just because we can't fathom the outcome we want to achieve,
doesn't mean it's unachievable.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
If you've read my book, which apparently I need to read again for a kick in the bibs...
... then you know Registration is where the magic begins.
And, until that happens we are only fooling ourselves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
---
165.8
8.2 hrs
Pull Ups, Pushups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
I THINK I'VE BLOWN IT
Jun 03, 2023 TODD BROWN
ON THE VERY FIRST BABY CLIMB, I suspected I was in trouble. 2 hours later, when riders from all parts met up, I received confirmation...
Bro, you're overtrained.
I was shot right out the back 2/3s up a power climb...
... the lonely ride of shame ensued.
Dangit!
I knew it'd be risky, this little plan o' mine to put in a big training block during our racing break in order to up my fitness a bit.
5 out of 8 days, hitting it hard...
Saturday
Sunday off
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday exhausted, skipped the ride
Friday, very easy
Saturday
... plus weights, Mon-Wed and Fri.
Now, what to do in the next 72 hours?
- Get plenty of sleep - I've struggled a bit lately by adding an early morning commitment, but I think my rhythm is coming around.
- Hypvolt and stretch daily.
- Recovery walk tomorrow.
- Monk-like on the diet.
- Easy spin Monday...
... with any luck, I'll feel better.
We have 4 races left.
My plan, going forward, is back to back hard days with race Tuesday, hard MTB Wednesday...
... then lots of zone 2.
Ideally, the last 3 races I'll be feeling really good.
We'll see.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
At least I was looking good with these superlight gloves to match my kit above...
... we have lots of colors and did you know...
... it's Buy A Pair, Get A Pair for FREE?
Nothing like matching gloves to make the kit look slick.
Note: be sure and order 2 pair, the discount is automatic when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.9
6.8 hrs (no bueno)
Pull Ups, Pushups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE POWER OF A GOOD TAIL WIND.
Jun 02, 2023 TODD BROWN
WAS I REALLY GOING 24 MPH on my gravel bike, with underinflated tires and a heart rate of 114 bpm? It sure felt good, plus the sun had finally broken through after a month of May Gray...
... and, it dawned on me.
Everything is easier with a tail wind.
Except for one thing.
And, that can be a problem.
The tail wind speeds everyone up. Suddenly wind is not an issue, and the most powerful riders, if allowed to breakaway, can be nearly impossible to catch.
But, what if we had our won personal tailwind?
Wouldn't that be grand?
Some of us do.
And you can, too.
For a coupla bucks you can have a home gym,
and in 20-30 minutes knock out enough work to make a lot more watts.
Normally, I'd point you to the RaceDay Ready Challenge right here, where I unveil all the strategies I use...
... to Rip On RaceDay.
But, I'm not gunna.
I can't.
Hundreds and hundreds have started the challenge, but failed to make it.
That's on me.
And, it makes me sad.
I really do want you to have your best days ever...
... so, I'm revamping the program.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
So, allow me to point out that these supersexy, superlight race gloves are amazing...
... light and airy enough to wear ih the hottest temperatures.
Plus... there's a deal going on...
... it's Buy A Pair, Get A Pair for FREE?
You know how cool these are gonna be on the 4th!
Note: be sure and order 2 pair, the discount is automatic when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.6
7.5 hrs
Pull Ups, Pushups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
ARE YOU A PROTEIN HACKER?
Jun 01, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT CAN BE A CHALLENGE TO EAT ENOUGH PROTEIN, which our bodies need to repair and maintain muscles. With all our efforts to be fueled for the ride, it's easy to skip or skimp on...
... whatever your thoughts on how much protein you need.
The studies can be startling.
A study showed the young really don't need any protein because their bodies manufacture their own supply, while aging athletes need more because their bodies can't utilize it as efficiently.
What are we supposed to do?
Me, I have a goal to eat a gram of protein for every pound I weigh.
To stay on track and make it easy I try and knock most or all of my protein consumption prior to dinner...
... then, I can eat whatever the family, friends or I want to eat.
There are bonuses to this program:
- Your full all the time
- Not consuming a bunch of unneeded calories
I created a journal my protein consumption, the rest is a focus on eating "clean".
For example, here's today's entry...
6/1
30 Kodiak waffles
7 Bacon
7 Cheese
22 Sardines
12 Rx Bar
25 Kachava Shake
50 Poke (dinner)
36 Greek yogurt (dessert)
... a little over gram/pound of my body weight.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Good thing the Superlight Race Gloves...
... provide such a powerful connection to my bars.
Did you know...
... it's Buy A Pair, Get A Pair for FREE?
I wear 'em all year long, they're that good.
Anyway, if you're in to Patriotic stuff like me, get a pair for you and a friend.
Note: be sure and order 2 pair, the discount is automatic when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.6
7.8 hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
DON'T LOOK BACK, BUT DO LOOK DOWN.
May 31, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE DRTY WDNSDY RIDE is one of my favorites. We meet at the corner, chase each other up the climbs, search out new and challenging downhills...
... what could be better?
The Assassin had gone to the front, and as the trail got a lot steeper, the pace stayed the same...
... I was afraid to look back.
If I looked back and saw The Gentlemen gapped off,
I'd probably drop anchor myself.
If I looked back and he was on my wheel,
I'd press on and blow up before the top.
Now, why do we do these rides?
Adventure, for sure.
Chance at coming home bloodied, that too.
But, there's something else.
Something bigger.
We're all training for A races in a couple of months. What we are doing now, is laying down the foundation:
- Lots of saddle time
- Riding trails much harder than we'll race
The Great Alex Hormozi shared a great and applicable story we can apply to base training.:
Two men set out to build a building.
One lays the foundation for a 10-story building and finishes the entire building in nine months.
The other lays the foundation for a 100-story building and it takes him the entire nine months just to build the first few floors.
The first “being ahead” mocks the second for taking so long. He decides he wants to build his building into a 100-story building to prove how good of a builder he is. So he tries to add stories on top. He gets to 15-16 stories and then the foundation begins to crack. He starts reinforcing things. But no matter what, he feels he can’t put anymore on top.
Over time, the second guy keeps building and passes the first man. Two years later the second man completes his 100-story building despite barely having his foundation finished by the time the first man finishes his entire building.
The first man, goes to a mentor to ask his advice on growing his building taller. The mentor tells him “you need to tear down this building or start another one new”
He says “and waste all the time I spent building this one? Can’t I just add it on top if I just knew how?”
The mentor replies “there’s a lesson here: The fastest way to build a 10-story building isn’t the fastest way to a 100-story building. Your desire to grow fast ruined your ability to grow big.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
All of us had on the Superlight Race Gloves...
... with the perforated palms, real leather and device friendly thread.
Did you know...
... it's Buy A Pair, Get A Pair for FREE?
I wear 'em all year long, they're that good.
Anyway, if you're in to Patriotic stuff like me, get a pair for you and a friend.
Note: be sure and order 2 pair, the discount is automatic when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.1
7 hrs (not enough, trying to shift my sleep pattern)
1 cross training
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
DO YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY?
May 30, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE I WAS, MOVING QUICKLY UP A STEEP CLIMB through a local neighborhood. The bottom far below and the top nowhere in sight, when a lovely lady said...
... Wow, you make that look easy.
I smiled back and wished her well.
She wasn't flirting with me, I don't think.
But, her assessment wasn't quite accurate.
What she couldn't appreciate was the miles I've logged,
the discipline I've learned to exercise,
the wonderful feelings in my body,
the challenges I've faced,
the skills I've developed.
I wasn't making it look easy...
... I was making it look enjoyable, pleasurable.
And that is all the difference,
why I'm endlessly fascinated with this sport.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I was wearing these superlight gloves...
... with the perforated palms, real leather and device friendly thread.
Did you know...
... it's Buy A Pair, Get A Pair for FREE?
I wear 'em all year long, they're that good.
Anyway, if you're in to Patriotic stuff like me, get a pair for you and a friend.
Note: be sure and order 2 pair, the discount is automatic when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.6
7.7 hrs
1 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
HOW TO GET PRs WITH RUBBER LEGS
May 29, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHAT COULD GO WRONG WHEN YOUR PAL, who is already faster, invites you for an easy and lazy holiday spin? Nothing, unless he's noticeably lighter and says...
... We're just gonna cruise up a few hills.
To start, we did something I reallyreallyreally didn't want to do first
Nyes Place.
20% grade.
So steep when the homes were constructed cement trucks were mandated to carry half loads.
I PR'd Nyes, and that was just the beginning of the magic.
Let me tell you how weird this was.
I'd already done the full Cowboy Strong Circuit, plus my legs were still feeling fatigued from Saturday's 80 mile adventure.
Strangely, probably because everybody dropped me on Neyes, I rode that sunnuva climb faster than ever before. I'd only been up it a few times, but still.
Then, I PR'd 2 of the next 3 steep climbs, and got a 3rd fastest on the 2nd of the 4 climbs.
It was just so strange because the remaining 3 climbs seemed so much easier than they ever had before.
Yes, I was huffing and puffing.
Yes, it was a high threshold, nearly anaerobic effort.
Yes, we were regrouping and actually cruising from climb to climb.
But, how could that be?
All these PRs when I'm a lot older?
Maybe the cross training got my muscles firing?
I remember the hearing of the Lakers, in the glory days, hitting the weights before the game.
Maybe it was the nice 45 minute warm up ride over to the climbs?
I do appreciate a good warm up more and more.
Maybe it was the perfect, 60ish degrees and misting.
Maybe it was just physics?
I hadn't done any of these climbs since before I got back into racing and dropped at least 10 pounds.
Maybe it was fitness?
I'm just a lot more committed and fit than I was when Strava first came out.
Maybe it was the bike?
My current road bike is super legit, much more than the bikes I rode for fitness and getting road miles in.
Maybe it was chasing my very fast friends?
There really isn't anything like seeing someone else ahead and tapping into the mental magnet to get pulled along.
It coulda been any one of those, all of those, or some combination.
But, I reallyreallyreally think riding the beast that is Nyes first...
... made everything else seem a whole easier.
Maybe there is something to the Rubber Arm Experiment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdxlT68ygt8
---
166.6
7.5 hrs
1 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT REALLY, REALLY HURTS
May 28, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE BIKES WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE. It was a spectacular finish line crash, but I suspect that was nothing compared to the pain felt yesterday...
... which must have been overwhelming.
So, what do we do when we're really banged up?
If you watched the last, incredible stage of the Giro today you might have missed it.
- Not the crash
- Not G Thomas' massive pull
- Not Cav's insanely dominant sprint
A couple of kilometers out, I saw something none of the pundits caught.
Did you?
Geraint Thomas began the healing process from what had to be a supremely bitter and painful loss...
... by helping a friend in need.
Go back and watch it.
He' not paid to pull Cav's lead out man, LL Sanchez, but he pulls along side and says Get on my wheel.
Then, Thomas strings out the race at just the right moment, keeping the pace extremely high and making all the other sprinters work very hard to get into position while Cav is cruising in the perfect position.
With 1k to go, the other sprint teams' momentum carries them around Cav and he's perfectly slotted in 10 guys back on the wheel of the guy rocking the Sprinter's jersey.
It couldn't be better,
it wouldn't have been better if Thomas hadn't done a very good deed.
---
165.6
7ish hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
SMALL RING, SMALL DETOUR, BIG FUN
May 27, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOCAL RIDE I'VE DONE A THOUSAND TIMES, which is why I don't do it that much of late. We hit it today because my pal TimmyV texted up...
... I'm outta shape and need a hard ride.
Perfect, CV is a ride he knows well and knows how to get home.
A mile from home, I realized my front derailer was dead. Same as yesterday, only this time I'd charged the battery...
... good thing there's lots of vert, little flat riding.
We picked up Charlie and met about 30 fire breathers, soon we'd be feelin' that burnin' he'd been yearnin' for.
The first little pitch I stretched my legs, looked back and saw a gap.
Hmmm.
I pressed on, made a light they missed.
I coulda waited, but I was really wanting to ride hard and the group didn't seem that interested.
After 8ish minutes, I eased up and waited and waited and waited...
... they were missing all the lights before the canyon.
We all dropped down the corkscrew, leanin' hard and singin' brake pads, pouring out onto the downhill run before blasting up the other side of the canyon.
I was about 7 guys back.
The pace was heating up, finally.
With zero warning, we hit a road closure. Stopped. Trees down. Turned around.
This is where it got fun.
Paralleling the road is a paved stretch through a campground, which turns to dirt for the final 1/2 mile or so.
Surprisingly, only a few of us knew the route.
A few roadies, balked and bailed out.
The rest loved the detour.
Back on the climb up the canyon, things got going again. It felt so good to be sweating, hearing my heavybreathing, watching the leaders ride away over the top...
... reeling them back in by the 120 degree turn at the bottom,
and hanging on.
Ryan, Chase and I opted for the extra credit, 20% pitch over the very top before regrouping with the rest.
Tim's text came through,
I'm done.
Fried.
I'm glad he got me out,
I'm glad I kept going with only the small chain ring.
It was good to see the friends,
good to get pushed hard,
good to test the legs.
When I got home, I saw the most amazing thing...
... the mark of a winner.
Primoz Rogic dropped his chain,
remained calm and put it back on.
Didn't freak out.
Didn't get emotional.
Didn't give up and quit.
That's focus.
---
166
8ish hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WANTING A LOT MORE RESULTS IN 2023
May 26, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE IS A BIG PRICE TO BE PAID when we have a true A race. It's not the entry fee, the bike upgrades, travel, lodging, food, time off work, time away from family...
... it's a lot more than that.
This is what makes it so hard, and why so many of us fail to accomplish that big A race goal.
The price we must pay is...
... saying NO! to every other race and event and thing we also want to do.
Sure, we'll do other races. Go for PRs. Race our friends to the City Limit signs all year long.
As the great Derek Sivers says in Anything You Want...
... If it ain't Hellyeah! then it's No.
Trust me, I'm battling like hell with this right now.
I had my A week back in March,
that fitness carried through to an exceptional April,
and now we are halfway through a weekly MTB series and it's been a real battle.
I'm burned,
My body is burned,
My MTB is even burned.
But, that competitive bug has bitten and I'm sick with a desire to see if I can manufacture some fitness for the last 4 races...
... then, I'll take a break before building for the next A race.
This could be really dumb and back fire.
If you love racing, which I'm guessing you do since you are reading this post...
... it's one thing to know you need a break, another to take it.
It actually takes courage,
and faith.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023
Thanks to Neal F for the photo above...
... it's a progress shot from his 10-Week Challenge, so rad.
(photo credit RVAHUB)
---
165.6
8ish hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
SOMETHINGS ARE BETTER NOT SAID
May 25, 2023 TODD BROWN
I RAN INTO A FRIEND OF MINE who asked if I was going back to Leadville this summer. He said he needed to go back because he'd had a major mishap...
... and couldn't let that be his last attempt.
Who wants to end on a low?
Not him.
Not us.
We want to go out on top, whatever that top is.
Here's the weird thing though...
... few of our family and friends can relate to what we want to accomplish.
That's actually not that weird, because our standards are so insanely far above the average adult.
What's weird is the reactions of these friends and family.
The questions they ask, the looks on their faces.
They just don't get it.
I told him I wasn't going back that I needed a break, it's a massive commitment.
You going back?
For sure, can't let last year's flop be my last.
That's cool, I'm stoked you're taking it on again.
I knew you'd understand.
For sure.
It's gotten to the point where I rarely share these adventures and quests because nobody gets it.
I'm right there with you. We do these epic challenges just because we want to, it's our thing.
You know what else?
There's a lesson there, one we all know but...
... might not recognize.
At least I didn't recognize it until recently.
Wanting things magical. Simply wanting something a lot opens up the pathway to making it possible. In our case...
... the training, knowledge and plan.
It all starts by simply wanting to do it, regardless of what everybody else thinks.
We gotta want it.
---
165
7ish hrs
Minimal cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
MY SECRET COMBINATION
May 24, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE THORN JAMMED IN MY THIRD KNUCKLE wasn't bothering me at all during my ride. I could feel it catch as I slid my glove off, which was no big deal. Then I knocked against the counter...
... yeah, I felt that real good.
It was a reminder of how great the day had been.
I'd gotten up early.
Done my morning reading and writing.
Followed by a quick session of cross training.
I settled in at my desk and knocked out some good work.
And finished the day riding single track trails with The Gentleman.
It's amazing how quickly things can be accomplished when the habits are in place.
James Clear, in Atomic Habits, says...
... If you want to do 50 pushups start by doing 5.
Naval Revekant says...
... At the end of the day, we are the combination of our habits and the people we spend the most time with.
To which I'll add...
... If you want to rip on raceday, start riding with purpose and meeting up with faster riders.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-accountability
Did I mention, I'm relaunching this and the price is going up? Join now, and get the current price.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-accountability
---
165
7ish hrs
1 round of cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
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