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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
>
1 OF 2 THINGS WE MUST LEARN TO SUFFER
Feb 12, 2023 TODD BROWN
PHYSICAL SUFFERING IS ADDICTING. Endurance athletes love it. We thrive on it, mile after mile. Onlookers are shocked...
... we are high, in our glory.
But, greatness depends on choosing to live with a different kind of suffering:
- The pain of discipline
- Or, the pain of regret
Choose wisely.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Seeing the entire year at once, with Saturdays and Sundays at the end of the week (like our racing)...
... is just the reminder we need to stick with the plan.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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162.3
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THE PROBLEM WITH TRYING SOMETHING NEW
Feb 11, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO is try something new on raceday. The outcome could be great. It's very risky though, because...
... we don't know how we'll react.
Right up there is discounting something new without a longterm trial.
Most rats, wild or captive, live about two years...
... lab rats a little longer.
I'm not saying we need to do our own madscientist experimentations for two years, but...
... it takes real time to know of particular training method is working.
After over a year, I'm 100% convinced my polarized training combined with the Cowboy Strong weight lifting method are extremely effective.
Props to Todd Udall for reminding me what the great Stephen Seiler said...
... training methods that work survive.
The rest fade away and become extinct.
Regarding Zone 2 training, where I spend 70-80% of saddle time, has other benefits besides simply training the heart.
- Pedal stroke efficiency
- Mental freshness
- Adventure
Today, was a big Zone 2 ride.
My only agenda was to do something different.
Along the way, I found a trail completely new to me.
It turned out to be a hoot.
The great Dan Sullivan said we should be engaged in something with which we are endlessly fascinating...
... for me, that's getting faster.
How about you?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
I cover most of my breakthroughs here.
It's free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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162.8
8.5 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
MY COLD RULES
Feb 10, 2023 TODD BROWN
I SPENT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING IN BED. Nasty cold/flu laid me out. I rode this morning because of Rule #1...
... of my 2 cold rules.
The rules rhyme.
- Above the neck, ride like heck.
- In the chest, zone 1 best.
- Feel dead, get in bed.
I thought there were two?
There are.
I see three.
There are two for riding with a cold and one when we feel awful.
Why did you list the third?
Because that's the one nobody wants to hear, myself included.
Ahhh.
Exactly.
The problem I have, and I'm sure you don't because you're smarter than me, is I don't want to listen to my body. Probably because I often ignore it when things get saucy in a race. In fact, it took everything I had not to ride at the end of the day yesterday.
I really wanted to.
Then, I sat down...
... and fell asleep.
Dead.
As you know, I'm not a doctor. This is just my rule of thumb.
Personally, I have found a zone 1 or 2 ride often speeds recovery. That and a hellahot shower.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Missing a few days of training isn't going to change much during an entire year, especially if you have your A race training blocked out months in advance.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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162.7
10 hrs Sleep
.5 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THAT LOOKS NASTY, LET'S GIVE IT A FEW WEEKS
Feb 08, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M ALWAYS SURPRISED BY MYSELF AND NEARLY ALL MY FRIENDS, right after a terrible outing we all say the same thing. Never again. Once in a lifetime experience...
... with the idea of never repeating the same mistake.
But, time heals all wounds.
Inevitably, after a few weeks we start replaying how things went and realize we could do better...
- Training
- Recon
- Logistics
- Bike set up
- etc
... and those wretched memories of terrible cramping or bonking or strategy or hotel are no longer nearly as tender like cactus thorns in the knuckles.
Then, the promoter sends out their schedule for the following year.
Months have passed.
Like a prize fighter who was knocked out, we are ready to take another crack at the champ who beat us.
We put down our money and register.
At that point, we realize just what we've done.
We're mad.
Embarrassed.
Even, ashamed.
And, here is where we can really screw it up...
... we forget how we got knocked out in the first place.
So, for all of us contemplating returning to the event that laid us out...
... don't get mad, get even.
Here is what I do:
Write everything down immediately after an A race,
before, during and after...
- What went well
- What mistakes were made
- Training files
- Accommodations
- Food strategy
- Equipment set up
... be extremely detailed.
It's important to really dig, and really document, and to do this immediately after the race while the wound is fresh and still bleeding.
I don't think I've ever finished an A race where I couldn't think of something I could have done better...
... even if I think it went absolutely perfect.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The moment you have the date(s) of the big event(s), take out a Sharpie and fill out your calendar.
This takes guts, and is extremely empowering.
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing on what inspired the post:
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164.5
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
IS ATTITUDE REALLY EVERYTHING?
Feb 07, 2023 TODD BROWN
ONE THING IS FOR SURE, on raceday there is a lot of attitude. Some good. Some bad. The question is...
... what is the best attitude to have?
In the case of turning, attitude is the angle of attack, the way we approach the corner, and it directly determines how well we exit.
Lean in too far,
or not enough,
Weight the outside foot too much,
or not enough,
Arms bent but too taught,
or not enough
Body too rigid,
or not enough..
... if our attitude isn't proper it's impossible to corner with max speed and safety.
It turns it's that way with everything...
... attitude is everything.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
I have found the most successful people with RaceDay Ready start with an open attitude to try something new...
... and a commitment to finish.
If you've started, have you finished.
If you haven't started, have you checked out the testimonials?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing:
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164.7
8.2 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
BREAKING THE PERSONAL SPEED BARRIER
Feb 06, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GO FASTER ON OUR BIKES than we are currently going. We can try and force it all we want...
... it just doesn't work.
Pathways to failure include:
- Tensing up
- Brute force
- Holding breath
Then, what works?
- Relaxing
- Slowing down
- Enjoying the moment
How do we achieve maximum effort and stay loose?
This was on my mind as I drove home from Saturday's race.
I felt so much more confident and in a state of flow on the all of the fast downhills than I did 3 months prior on practically the same course.
The main difference between then and now is rather than ride my MTB once a week, I'm riding it 60-80% of the time.
Saddle time matters.
Most of that riding is on the dirt, and when it's not there is still a fair amount of throwing the bike around and jumping curbs, etc.
Where and how we ride matters.
Actually, I'm riding a rather oldish hardtail that I set up to exactly mimic my race bike's fit.
Set up matters.
The bottom line, the more we ride the same bike over similar terrain the more we relax and going for it in a relaxed state...
... always yields max speed.
Practice => Flow => Max Results
The above formula works in all areas of life.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Current Weekly Training on my calendar:
Monday MTB
Tuesday MTB
Wednesday Road
Thursday MTB or Off
Friday MTB
Saturday Road
Sunday Off
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing:
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166ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
STRAVA STATS THAT MATTER
Feb 05, 2023 TODD BROWN
I LOVE STRAVA. There I said it. It's true. Even though hardly any of the latest updates, for which they are raising the overall subscription price, are useful...
... I love the data.
Here's why. At the end of the year, they give us all the totals for miles, time, etc.
But, that's not the best part.
I know I'm going to ride about 600 hours a year.
12 hours a week.
I can plan on that.
I know tomorrow, for example, I'm slated to ride 2 hours and probably need lights for at least part of the ride...
... sometimes that doesn't happen.
That's okay, because one of the beauties of Strava is keeping me accountable...
... helping me track the weekly goal(s).
After tomorrow, I have 5 more days to get my weekly plan completed.
Now, if they'd enable effective communication with each other ala Facebook Groups and Messenger...
... that would be a truly useful upgrade.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Speaking of weekly training and annual planning, have you noticed that the Giant RaceDay Calendar starts on Monday and ends on Sunday?
That was one of the main reasons I created the calendars, so
- I could view my weeks how a train
- and see my weekends how I race
The calendars ship FREE.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Please check out the live versions and extra riffing:
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165ish
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
ARE YOU A CONSUMER OR COMMITTER?
Feb 04, 2023 TODD BROWN
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS? I've discovered a massive secret to improved performance. It will work for anyone...
... if they'll just commit.
Here's the dill.
Once we commit to an A race, for example, everything changes.
We are no longer wandering from race to race, or thinking about maybepossibly doing a particular race like a typical consumer. We now have what the great Napoleon Hill called...
... a definite major purpose.
On such and such a date, I will do X.
I was thinking about this today, my first race of the year, because it was a chance to check if my own definite major purpose was working.
MTB Marathon Nationals.
Once I made that commitment, a number of ideas regarding training came cascading into mind.
- Ride MTB almost exclusively, even if on the road.
- Go harder on the strength training.
- Build a massive Zone 2 base.
In practice this meant, no more gravel riding. I really need to be training the MTB position almost exclusively. I'm only riding the road, when I want/need to do really competitive group rides or races.
I've also increased my RaceDay Ready Cross fit from 12 minutes to 24 minutes by adding a few other exercises along with adding more weight. My baseline is now, 10 pullups and 30 pushups in a row, and deadlifting my body weight 10 times. Daily, or a minimum of 5 days a week.
Mondays and Fridays used to be 60ish minutes in Zone 1. No more. Now, I'm shooting for 2 hours Zone 2.
What I've noticed so far, is my Zone 2 efficiency is increasing. I'm going faster and faster at a relatively low heart rate. I'm never sore from the daily lifting, because my body now thinks that's normal. (Do bodies think?). And... AND... my MTB skills are coming back which means I can go much quicker with the same physical exertion.
None of this would have happened without that commitment.
But, why?
Without the commitment I never would have seen all the areas I could make tiny little improvement...
... which were on display today.
That's a pretty steady effort and all my lap times were within a minute except the last, which I'm attributing to knowing I had the race won and it being my first real race in about 6 months.
There's more to discover, and it will be a lot easier...
... because I'm committed.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I covered this similarly in the first chapter of my book.
The book is free, just cover the Shipping and Handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
Please check out the live version of this post:
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164ish
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
UNLEASHING ON RACEDAY
Feb 03, 2023 TODD BROWN
FIRST RACE OF THE YEAR FOR ME TOMORROW. Woohoo. It'll be fun to see friends, feel that start line energy...
... and unleash.
Part of that, of course, is unleashing the training I've done. Saddle time. Strength training. Good eatin'.
But, that's not all.
There is much more than just the setting our physical fitness free on the course.
What about our minds?
Not the made up angst about a certain competitor.
The other stuff.
- The pressures to perform
- Weather concerns
- Pre-race routines we didn't get to
- Who we can or can't follow
- Work responsibilities
- Relationships that are misfiring
All that stuff up there, takes all kinds of emotional energy to maintain and there is absolutely nothing we can to about on the course.
Unleash the mental distractions to truly...
... unleash all the physical potential.
You know I'll be lubing up with this this secret sauce. If purchased a RaceDay Bag™ recently you should have a small sample pack and a promo code.
This code saves you 25% of PR Lotion: PRsMadeEz
Please check out the live version of this post:
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164ish
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHO IS THE GREATEST CYCLIST EVER?
Feb 02, 2023 TODD BROWN
OUR APP IS POWERED BY AI. We use machine learning. These claims by more and more companies in and out of cycling, while true, might be...
... completely useless.
For example, I asked ChatGPT, who is the greatest cyclist ever:
Determining the "greatest" bicycle racer ever is subjective and can be based on various criteria, such as number of wins, longevity, impact on the sport, and more. However, several cyclists are often mentioned as contenders for the title, including:
-
Eddy Merckx: A Belgian cyclist widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of all time. He won 11 Grand Tours and numerous other races, setting numerous records in the process.
-
Jacques Anquetil: A French cyclist who was the first rider to win the Tour de France five times. He was also known for his time-trial prowess.
-
Bernard Hinault: A French cyclist who won five Tour de France titles and was known for his aggressive riding style and overall versatility.
-
Miguel Indurain: A Spanish cyclist who won five consecutive Tours de France and was known for his ability to excel in time trials.
-
Fausto Coppi: An Italian cyclist who won two Tour de France titles and numerous other races, and is considered one of the greatest climbers of all time.
It is important to note that these riders all dominated the sport during different eras and had unique skills and styles, making it difficult to definitively declare one as the greatest ever.
I'm no scientist, but even I can see that the AI is only as good as the data it has to work with. The data comes from the people who program the AI.
So.
If ChatGPT is only considering winners of the Tour De France as contenders in the greatest ever contest...
... what does that tell ya about AI?
I asked ChatGPT what is the best way to prepare for Mountain Bike Racing. There is some good general advice, a nice summary. I went narrower and asked the best way to prepare for Leadville 100 MTB race, and was provided more general advice particular to the race..
In neither case, was it suggested I to learn how to focus on the trail not the obstacles.
It might be one day,
if programmed.
No different from the Intelligence under our helmets.
It matters who's doing the programming, and the width and depth of the data considered.
For me, one of the greatest cyclists ever is John Tomac. ChatGPT couldn't get that right either, only scant highlights. Here is my version of his excellence on two wheels:
- BMX professional
- MTB National and World Champion in XC and DH
- National Crit Champion (best race I ever saw)
- National Team TT Champion
- Raced Pro on the road for Motorola in Europe
- ... AND Outstanding Father of the amazing Eli Tomac Supercross superstar.
Just like our own training of our bodies, AI outputs depend on the inputs.
That sticker photo above is from my tool box, we send those stickers out with every RaceDay Bag purchase...
... because I want you to rip on RaceDay!
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/bags-for-every-sport
Check out the live version of this post:
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164
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHAT IS THE GREAT SECRET TO LIFE?
Feb 01, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE IS NO GREATER TEACHER than a twisty, technical singletrack at speed. Or, the last corner of a sprint finish of a downtown crit course. We are forced...
... to sharpen our focus.
Anything less could be disaster.
Do not look back.
Don't glance to the side.
Focus only on where we want to be...
... and we magically get there.
I was reminded of that this morning on a charging group ride.
The final 5 miles, three of us were in a break. All out. It was looking good until the final 1/2 mile when one of the guys looked back and soft pedaled rather than pulling through...
... we were swallowed up with 150 meters to go.
So close.
You know who I always cut off midway through a sentence?
Isn't that dangerous dude.
Aren't you scared girl.
Shouldn't you
I've heard
There is no place for irrational fear.
I was reminded of that on page 148 of The Shack. Good book.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
One of the things I like about the Giant RaceDay Calendar is blocking out time to spend with those I love.
Check that video out.
#worthit
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Check out the live version of this post:
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164
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I WANT TO LOSE ALMOST EVERY RACE
Jan 31, 2023 TODD BROWN
MY FAVORITE LOSES ARE WHEN SOMEONE BEATS ME A NEW WAY, a tactic or move I never thought of, or cannot follow...
... it's illuminating.
Especially when it's something I think will not work.
- The attacker, who just relentlessly attacks
- The early move, destined to fail
- The impossible to follow, downhill missile
- The never at the front, until the last meter
- The ride everyone off the wheel, until nobody remains
To name just a few who've recently thrashed me into submission.
Thinking these racers are stupid is risky. Understanding them isn't.
Oh how I would love to pop a drone into their training rides for a week, or month, or year.
How did they do what they did?
How often was practice?
Could I master it?
I never enjoy losing, but when I do, I hope it's by someone teaching me a new way to win...
... keep racing my friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Here's my favorite way to get ready to race.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Listen and watch the riffing version of this post
Search for the PEDAL Industries podcast on Apple or Spotify
Watch on our YouTube channel.
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163.3
8.25 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
GO YOUR OWN WAY
Jan 30, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS TO GET OUT AND RIDE, rain or shine. Today it was rain. I knew there was a chance...
... some would say I was risking it when I left.
Not me.
I committed to be outside for at least 2 hours every single day of 2023. The only risk would be...
... letting myself down.
The curious thing about commitments is they almost instantly separate us from everybody else.
Mudflap mounted, I rolled out.
Threatening clouds.
Wet streets.
No rain.
Neighbors shook their heads.
Drivers thought I was outta my mind.
I keep reading that being comfortable while being alone is a sign of mental health. For me, it's necessary.
You can call it another lonely day...
... welcome to my world.
https://pedalindustries.com/posse
Maybe that's why I love the PEDAL Posse so much.
https://pedalindustries.com/posse
Listen and watch the riffing version of this post
Search for the PEDAL Industries podcast on Apple or Spotify
Watch on our YouTube channel.
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163.6
8.25 hrs Sleep
2 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN IN DOUBT GO BIG
Jan 29, 2023 TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE LOOKING AT YOUR CALENDAR wondering what event or two will fit in well with family, work and life, consider this...
... When in doubt, go big!
Pick the bigger event,
choose the impossible goal.
Because if you're going on invest
in the time to train,
a diet worthy of a Spartan,
money to perfect your race bike...
... nothing will give you a better return than a big event and a big goal.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
I have 4 slots left for the accountability group.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
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164.5
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW FAR AHEAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING?
Jan 28, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHETHER IN A TIGHTLY BUNCHED ROAD GROUP or slicing and dicing the explosive start of an XC race, I never trust the riders ahead...
... I'm always looking as far ahead as possible.
It's a habit and it has kept me out of a lot of trouble because the riders ahead don't always call things out, even if they see them.
I've found the racers who are the most successful look the farthest ahead. Not just in the race...
... in everything, especially the calendar.
They aren't just looking at next week's race or next month's.
Six months out, for sure.
Often a year,
or more...
... because that is how long it takes to achieve greatness.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
I have 5 slots left for the accountability group.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
----
164
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY AREN'T MOST PEOPLE STRONGER THAN THEY COULD BE?
Jan 27, 2023 TODD BROWN
A FRIEND OF MINE WAS COMPLAINING RECENTLY that he always finds the time to ride, but...
... never finds the time to do strength work.
I made him a promise, if would do one thing just one time he would easily find the time to be a lot stronger.
Not only find the time, but get all the benefits of being strong on and off the bike.
- Increased stability and power
- Better bike control
- Stronger bones
Who doesn't want that?
So, here's what I asked him to do...
... Next time you do your pushups, pullups and squats, time yourself.
Here's the honesttotodd's truth.
It takes about 10 minutes.
That's it.
In that amount of time, I can easily do
10 pullups
+ 30 pushups
+ 5-7 heavy squats
... and catch my breath in between.
If there is one thing I wish I'd done my entire life, it's that. Every day. Sometimes more than once.
In just 10 minutes, you can get amazing results. That you can see. And feel.
10 minutes.
He knows that, but he'd never timed it.
Timing it makes it real.
That's my minimum, pullups and pushups and squats. I have a few other things I do to stay strong, but even that only takes 22ish minutes.
So, like this morning, when Surfergirl has an early flight and I've got 30 minutes to get out the door, it would have been soooooo easy to blow that off. Instead, it's 10 minutes...
... make it happen.
Every day, but Sunday (my day off).
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
I have 5 slots left for the accountability group.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
Check out my riff on this post... search PEDAL Industries on Apple Podcast, or Spotify
Or the video version https://youtu.be/mcZfAB5povg
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165 (ugh!)
7.7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
DISCIPLINE FOR DUMMIES
Jan 26, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE GREAT KATE COURTNEY was on a podcast with Ryan Holliday discussing the benefits of discipline. It's harder than it sounds if you love to ride. Her coach asked her..
... Do you want to be fast today or at the races?
It's Either/Or.
We can't have it both ways.
She went into the benefits of a legit offseason.
Cooling things down.
Reduced saddletime.
How do we know we're doing it right?
When can we ramp things up?
How hard should we go?
I was thinking about this yesterday, because I felt so darn good on the bike. For months, I've been having a pretty legit offseason myself. Reduced intensity and saddletime.
Now that the first races are approaching, with an A race in March, I'm aching to cut loose.
Oddly, and this could be weird for some of you, during this period of building base on the bike and strength in the gym, it feels a lot like dating.
Hear me out.
Proper dating doesn't start with a full makeout session on the first encounter. No. We dress up, we go out. Movies. Dancing. Dinner. A hike. A bike ride! Etc. Later, down the line...
... a kiss at the door is like hanging on to a group ride.
We keep putting in the time.
On the bike.
In the gym.
Eating well.
If we don't rush things,
if we are patient,
desire builds,
we wonder,
we know,
ready.
Ya can't race all the time, every weekend, all year long, without losing interest and burning out.
The C races, first dates.
The B races, meeting parents and friends.
The A races, absolutely magical if we've waited to unleash all our potential.
Too much?
For those of you into the data, you may not need the dating analogy. For the rest of us...
... that's pretty much how it is.
And, it's a lot of fun done right.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
If you're lacking some self-control, the accountability maybe just what need.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
----
164
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Listen to the podcast version (sometimes it's delayed) https://anchor.fm/raceday-ready-with-todd-b
Check out my YouTube riff on this post: https://youtu.be/6myCAC5E9fg
WHAT COMES LONG AFTER THE SUGAR HIT?
Jan 25, 2023 TODD BROWN
THIS GEM REALLY HITS HOME. It came during a conversation with one of the RaceDay Ready Accountability crew. It is so good...
... because it is so true, for us.
Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
That is gold.
Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
Write it on your bathroom mirror,
on your scale,
on your hand.
We are athletes,
born predators.
I was thinking about that doing a local climb.
My scheduled group ride through Camp Pendleton was nixed because they are doing training exercises. So, I turned around short, hit it hard coming back...
... and attacked the climbs.
PRs.
Yes, PRs in January.
Granted, the main segment, I haven't climbed it a million times, there's room for improvement. It's a solid 20 minute effort...
... aptly named Bahia Pain Cave.
I'm not lighter than the last time I PR'd. But, I'm most definitely stronger with all the leg work I'm doing nearly every day:
- Sled
- Squat
- Nordic
- Box Jump
- Toe Raise
- Heel Raise
The original phrase was Nothing tastes as good as being skinny. Skinny can be good...
... it can also imply weak.
Athletes, predators aren't weak.
The are lean.
Strong.
One more time...
... Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels.
Especially, when getting after it on a climb.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
Need some accountability?
It's just a call away.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life-subscription
----
164
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
Check out my YouTube riff on this post: https://youtu.be/ZB6SdvE83Gw
CAN HAIRY LEGS MAKE YOU FASTER?
Jan 24, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S WINTER, most of us are training indoors or outside solo. Some of it is top secret, some of it is posted on Starva. Meanwhile...
... will getting back to leg shaving make me faster?
Or, is it like Samson's hair?
Neither.
But, here's a short list of pros and cons.
Pro leg shavin'
- Looks cool
- Signals, I know what I'm doing
- Easier to clean up after taking a tumble
- Saves .2 seconds over a 100km time trial at 30mph
Pro leg hairyin'
- Looks wild
- Signals, Give me room I'm new
- Taking a tumble isn't even a consideration
- Saves hours over the course of a year of shower time
Diesel, do you shave your legs?
Why yes, I do.
Why are they hairy, then?
Because I'm not right now.
When do you shave your legs?
When I wanna feel fast and sexy.
When is that?
Which reminds me of the first time I got in the ocean after shaving my legs.
I felt naked.
Which reminds me of the first time I climbed in beg with Surfergirl after shaving my legs.
I felt nakeder.
But, I digress.
Showing up with wild legs is a legit tactic I've used when racing in strange lands...
... the disrespect is drenching.
And their isn't anything like disrespect to get me fired up.
Shallow, I know.
But, it works.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
You know what else works?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
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164
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE UNREALISTIC RACER
Jan 23, 2023 TODD BROWN
YOU CAN'T DO THAT. That seems hard. Don't be so unrealistic. Don't you want to enjoy life? Isn't time to take it easy?...
... this is Devilspeak.
The road we ride into hell is not paved with good intentions, it is paved with what appears to be helpfulness.
In the end, it creates uneasiness because in our souls we know we could have done better if we simply...
... shut out the naysayers and easyroaders.
If you are struggling to be RaceDay Ready, I get it. I take steps backwards myself, fall victim to the hoopla and shortsightedness of parties and visitors and what appears to be their well-meaning sentiments only to wonder if...
... they are subconsciously jealous, even malicious.
Pulling me down to their reality.
Fuhget that.
We are not looking for average, realistic results. Living below our capabilities is hell...
... heaven is full of unrealistic believers.
Let's go!
How can you be unrealistic this week?
Tell me one commitment you have made.
I'm pulling for you, always have been, always will be...
... supporting the unrealistic racer.
---
Recording our daily stats is good. A weekly checkin is better, because...
"When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates."
- Tommy Monson
If you are slipping, maybe it's time to check out RaceDay Ready For Life.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready-2023
----
165ish
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TO TRAIN OR NOT TO TRAIN OUR WEAKNESS?
Jan 22, 2023 TODD BROWN
SOME SAY WE SHOULD TRAIN OUR STRENGTHS others say we should train our weaknesses. Who's right? Why do we even have weakness? What's your take?...
... Here's mine.
It all depends.
If we're trying to actually win a race:
- Pick an event that suits our skills.
- Take those skills to their highest level.
- Go for the win.
If we're in it for the shear challenge:
- Pick something outrageous.
- Take the skills required to their highest level.
- Go for it.
For all it's glory, I've found winning to be hollow.
There is nothing like picking something outrageous, especially if nobody thinks we can do it, and getting it done.
Whether we are momentarily or permanently weakened is irrelevant...
... what we're doing with it is what matters.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Personally, I'm enjoying more than ever the effects of being RaceDay Ready...
... especially the results of the Cowboy Strong philosophy.
So much so, that I'm testing out a new twist to my training.
I'll be sharing the results in the coming months.
They are promising.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
165ish
8.5 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SUSTAINABLE POWER
Jan 21, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M A SUCKER FOR ANYTHING THAT SAYS SUSTAINABLE, even if my spider sense is yelling Scam Scam Scam I'll do what I did today...
... and risk being semi-disappointed.
Yes, the salad with sustainable salmon was good, however is it sustainable just because it is such a tiny piece of salmon?
All I can say is it wasn't nearly as thrilling as using my sustainable power...
... to drop my friends on a hilly 45 minute grind.
What is sustainable power?
Like the salmon in my salad, sustainable power isn't a hugehuge effort.
For me, it's the racepace I can hold all day. Not really all day, but for a longlong time...
... it's tempo.
150-159 beats a minute.
It's not a pace you use that much in road racing, where we have to hit it hard to hang on.
It's not a pace that will drop anyone immediately.
If that's true how did I drop my pals?
- honestly, I'm a little fitter at the moment
- I relentlessly kept the pace high
- One by one over the final 20 minutes they popped off.
How does this fit into polarized training?
Well, I'm still laying lots of base miles in zones 1 and 2 for most of my rides...
... which leaves 2 rides a week to get after it.
But, doesn't that mean the 2 hard days should be all out with lots and lots of intervals or a group ride at race pace?
Yes, and no.
Yes, we need the 2 hard days.
But, if the upcoming races are likely to leave you alone for long periods of time, like a MTB race...
... one of the two hard days can certainly be sustainable power.
Done right, it will feel a little too easy at the start and super challenging towards the end.
I was hungry all afternoon after my sustainable salad...
... fortunately, my competitive spirit, was veryvery satiated.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Another way to improve sustainable power, is to do offthebike strength training, like the kind we do with RaceDay Ready.
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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164
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
MOST RACES SUCK
Jan 20, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE 1-3 A RACES THEORY. It's just impossible for me to get up for more than 1 or 2 races a year, maybe 3. So I hone in on a few because...
... most races suck.
Not that the promoters are bad or competition unworthy or courses weak, that's not it at all...
... they're really just fine.
But, as the great Derek Stivers says...
... If it ain't hellyeah, it's no.
Because, when we turn down the other races we are left with the much bigger challenges. And, with big challenges comes big magic...
... we are forced to rise to the occasion.
Do I do more races?
Yes, for sure.
However, if I focus equally on them all they end up sucking the life out of me.
Choose wisely...
... Our A races define who we are.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Which makes it easy and wise to practice Race Day Ready every day.
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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165
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
REMEMBERING TYLER HAMILTON
Jan 19, 2023 TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE MORE INTERESTING BOOKS I'VE READ was the confession of Tyler Hamilton. It's been a while, but I was very much reminded of it today...
... as I clicked off the final minutes of my ride.
It wasn't good.
In fact, it was a total rookie move. But, for Tyler, it would have been a very pro move.
Among the many things he did to reach the top levels of the sport was to ride all day long on limited calories...
... then rather than eat he would sleep.
He complained about getting so lean it hurt to sit on anything but very padded surfaces because his butt was gone.
I'm in no danger of that, however I did really mess up my food.
I didn't bring enough and I bonked.
30 minutes from home.
Which for me means I get shaky, pretty fast.
I walked in,
helmet on
gloves on
shoes on
... and finding sugar,
calories...
... it was on!
Chocolate covered macadamia nuts.
Check.
Frozen cookie hiding in freezer.
Check.
M&Ms.
Check.
The problem with a serious bonk is it can take you muscles weeks to recover.
This was a minor bonk, and I was delirious...
... making all kinds of bad decisions.
What I should have done is marched in, sans shoes, and mixed up a 150% of my recovery drink. Then, waited it bit until it took effect.
What I also should have done was take more calories when I rolled out, but one turn lead to another and I rode beyond my planned 90 min...
... even then, I was traveling too light on carbs.
Time to get off my augmented cushion of a derrière...
... and do some extra pushups before I hit the hay.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
Good thing I'm wearing a SuperTech T
Use promo code TODDSFAVET to save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/all-marble-supertech-t
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164
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT EBIKES
Jan 18, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE IS ONLY ONE GOOD THING ABOUT EBIKES, transportation. Getting from A to B, especially in hilly terrain and if you're a pre-driving teen. On the aporty side..
... they are also good for people with health challenges.
That's it.
I do admit to having been inspired by ebikes, not to clap some edork upside the head...
for destroying our trails during the rain
blowing through all the turns of our tight, fragile singletrack
hitting 30 mph on a bike trail, hands off bars, staring at phone
... no, none of those daily inspirations.
Ebikes have inspired me to get back on a dirt bike, probably a Honda 450X, and return to race Baja because...
... if you're gonna get a motor, it better be loud and overwhelmingly powerful.
Otherwise, all these overdressed underworking "athletes" are shortchanging themselves.
In true bandwagon fashion, USA Cycling, our governing body of competition which is constantly losing it's grip on local promoters due to their own silly policies and often surly officials, has determined esports Nats is a good idea...
... It's on the calendar, with a date and location.
Unlike many of the traditional National Championship events which have still yet to merit location and date announcements. Unlike almost every other promoter who has had their 2023 schedule and details up for months...
... these clowns, like their new esport love, can't be bothered with tradition.
Call me old.
Call me a blind...
... I prefer my suffering to be self-made, just like my power.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
Today, being in the low 40's a ebikers donned snowgear...
... all I needed was our thin Skull Cap.
It is the perfect layer to take the chill of your dome and still fit comfortably under your helmet.
Made from the same luxurious Italian fabric we use on the front of our #1 and PRO jerseys this is breathable and moisture wicking.
Save 20% with Promo Code: MANPOWER
On any of our headwear.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-hats
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162.6
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW CHAMPIONS FUEL FOR EPIC RACES
Jan 17, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING QUITE A BIT WITH FUELING. Calories per hour, at certain levels of effort. Getting it right...
... means laying down fast time.
Getting it wrong.
Not so much.
For many years, I strove to consume 300 calories per hour in a race or intense training session. I was religious out that. How I consumed them...
... was dependent on the terrain.
A road race, could be mostly food.
A rough and technical MTB race, all liquid from a hydration pack.
However, that has changed.
Not the methods depending on terrain, the amount of calories.
Now, I shoot for 400 calories an hour.
I perform better.
Interestingly, even though I may consume 1600 calories in a 4 hour session and according to the apps burn double that amount of calories...
... I'm not famished after the effort and I recover better.
But, anybody could and should play around and dial in their calorie consumption. Amateur and pro...
... but, champions devour a different kind of fuel.
When it all goes sideways, when all looks lost, when quitting is about to happen the champion...
... feasts and devours the past victories and triumphs.
Racers cannot conquer on bread alone.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Which is why journaling is an integral part of the 10-Week Challange
Have you started it?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162.4
8.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU TAKING THE TRANQUILIZING DRUG OF GRADUALISM?
Jan 16, 2023 TODD BROWN
TRADITIONALLY, AND I MEAN GOING BACK DECADES, this is my day to ride up the mountain top and look over my figurative kingdom...
... and think things over, make plans.
Most of us, myself very much included, cherry pick our victories and our defeats.
We are cowards, afraid to see things as they really are, to admit our faults and our weaknesses...
.... until we do that, we cannot begin to hope for greatness on or off the bike.
Dignity.
Discipline.
Destiny.
Devotion.
Dissatisfaction.
Dispair.
Difficulties.
These are what Dreams are made from.
If I learned anything from yesterday's tragedy it is that time is short, too short. There is no time to take the drug of gradualism.
We must make real promises to act with haste.
Rise.
Lift.
Struggle.
If you have never read the I Have A Dream speech, if it's been a while, do it. It's short (<10min). And beautiful. Inspiring. Don't let someone cherry pick the words. Read 'em. Own 'em.
We're doing life right when we have...
Dignity.
Discipline.
Destiny.
Devotion.
Dissatisfaction.
Dispair.
Difficulties.
... Dreams.
----
163.6
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE FOCUS ON TIME?
Jan 15, 2023 TODD BROWN
WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SHARE IS TROUBLING and terrible. Walking on the beach today we noticed a surfboard floating, looking closer...
... I could see it was tied to a body.
I ran.
Turned him over
With others, dragged him to the sand.
Surfergirl called 911 and flagged the lifeguards.
A friend, who had just renewed her CPR certification, began pumping his chest.
A bystander, who is a critical nurse spelled her.
First responders arrived and took over.
We talked after the ambulance rushed away.
22 minutes had passed since the call.
It seemed like a lifetime.
I couldn't help but think of the parents and loved ones.
I couldn't stop crying and praying.
Did you see the others kneeling?
I walked back, alone, in the deep sand.
She likes to walk in the water.
Time to process.
A man called to me.
Are you okay?
Yes, why do you ask?
I saw what you did, can I pray for you?
Of course.
Surfergirl joined.
We talked a bit, he gave me a book he was reading. The Shack.
Further down the beach, we walked over to a lifeguard in his truck. Tears rolled down his face, and ours.
He said, I'm just praying him and his family.
Near the top of the many stairs back to the parking lot, an elderly woman weakly made her way. I slowed...
Can I help you?
No, I'm 85.
Oh!
I broke my leg, but I still walk down over there and then walk up over here.
That is wonderful, you're so strong.
Wherever you are, I hope you are well and safe and on good terms with God and man...
... none of knows our time.
(Please do not ask me to talk about this further XOXO.)
APPARENTLY, I HAVE 9 LIVES
Jan 14, 2023 TODD BROWN
I DROVE 35 MILES SOUTH TO BEAT THE RAIN, and ride with the most ferocious group in the region. No matter the time of year, I get whacked. I have only one question...
... are these guys, just better?
There is something about San Diego that produces competitors. I suspect the origin lies with the Navel base, particularly the SEALs.
For decades, incredible athletes have been coming here to try and become Navy SEALs. Those guys live and train here, raise their families and retire...
... and their culture spreads far and wide.
Take that warrior mentality, combine it with year round perfect weather and you've got a petrie dish of awesomeness.
There's more.
If you look at today's route profile, you see the lung busting effort after effort through beautiful terrain with few traffic lights. it's just really good riding.
I arrived early, to warm up a bit and socialize. Might as well make friends before I decide...
... I hate every one of these guys.
The pace is casual, and even I'm antsy. I shouldn't be, but I am. Then, we turn right about mile 24...
... and go straight up for 4 miles.
My chest is heaving,
Joe's slobber is gushing down his chin,
and the pros are out of sight long before the top.
Unpredictably, there is a regroup.
I'm grateful.
About an hour later, a guy looks over at me and says...
You've got 9 lives.
How's that?
Well, you get ejected on every climb and somehow get back on.
It's hard to hate a guy that appreciates all the suffering, and daredevil descending to hang on...
... in fact, I appreciate all these guys who inspire me.
I just wanna know...
... are they better?
Nurture or Nature?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
We still have 1 closeout KOM jacket. A Large.
This is without a doubt, the best product for weather like this, wind and water proof, and easily fits in a jersey pocket.
The new KOM jacket will be out soon, selling for $140... the Italian fabric is superawesome and superexpensive.
Grab the large for 50% off.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
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164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
MOST SHIFT WORKS
Jan 13, 2023 TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES GOLD JUST ROLLS OFF THE TONGUE OF A FRIEND and I have to share it with you. Like this from legendary promoter and world champion racer Victor Sheldon...
... Most shift works if you just stick with it.
The problem of course is the IF.
Because most people don't stick with things.
I'm guilty.
Already my commitment to do X amount of sales calls a week has been far short of what I hatched from the comfort of my lazyboy on NYD. Sales calls, like most things that take effort, are hard to get started...
... and awesome once we get going.
Same for my morning RaceDay Ready cross training.
More so for stretching a night.
20ish minutes for each of those ...
... I always feel amazing once I'm done.
Victor has bagged around 20 World and National Championships between his Pro Jet Ski racing and outstanding mountain biking career. He also promotes some of the very best MTB racing in these parts...
... he stuck with it when few thought he could succeed.
If...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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163.1
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SLEDDING IMPROVED MY PEDAL STROKE, A LOT
Jan 12, 2023 TODD BROWN
IT'S WINTER AND KIDS ARE OUT SLEDDING. Me too, and it's done wonders for my pedal stroke...
... especially out of the saddle.
But, it doesn't snow where I live?
Not a problem.
Not that kind of sled.
This kind.
Pull it backwards, and heal your knees.
Bend down and push on the bar sticking up and magic happens in your ankles because you have to use them to get that weight moving...
... while developing speed and power.
My bike fitter noticed a year or so ago that my ankles weren't moving properly. Today, getting fit to my Frankenbike...
... wow, the ankles are firing.
The sled is the first activity I do, almost every day. 5-10 minutes. It's loaded with about 220 pounds now.
Many gyms have sleds.
This is the link to the one I'm using here.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
You might get thirsty... check out this bottle deal.
Ships FREE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
----
163.7
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
IS YOUR BALANCE IMPORTANT?
Jan 11, 2023 TODD BROWN
AS I AGE, I find it more and more difficult to maintain my balance. Oh, I can still track stand and ride the curb, do most of the fun stuff...
... but balancing is becoming an issue.
At this point, I want to be really good at a few things.
I don't want balance...
I want to ride my ass off,
work my ass off,
and know God
... I want results.
The order of priority changes often, daily, by the minute.
If there is one thing I know for certain, it's a lot easier to balance...
... with speed and vision.
Going fast,
keeping the eyes up,
makes overcoming obstacles more likely.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
That's probably why I like clear water bottles, too.
Stock is limited,
bottles are rad,
price low.
Ships FREE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-2023-clear-water-bottles-2-bottles
----
164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
GOOD TRIBE VIBES - 10x10 special offer
Jan 10, 2023 TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT GOING RACING. The training, the bike prep, the countdown...
... and the explosion pulling into the venue.
My palms are sweating just thinking about it.
Line of cars.
Parking.
Unloading.
Kitting up.
Warming up.
Sizing up.
Lining up.
And, RACING!
I think the people that have the most fun are the ones who are there with a group.
Even if it's just two.
There is something about sharing the experience with someone who gets what we're doing...
... it's bonding, often lifelong.
The really organized groups don't just have matching kits..
... the have a place to hang out, before and after.
Usually a sweet canopy, like this one.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags
Notice how it looks like their back wall is lit up, that's because we prefer to do the back walls out of a special mesh fabric...
... more light, better wind flow.
If you'd like to get a custom canopy or back wall or bike rack banner, we're doing...
... a special 20% off this week on all outdoor gear.
Go here to get started: https://pedalindustries.com/products/add-more-custom-products-to-my-store
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164.1
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU KNEW
Jan 09, 2023 TODD BROWN
I THINK THE HARDEST PART ABOUT PUTTING TOGETHER AN ANNUAL PLAN is not picking the events or blocking out the weekends or...
... lining up the training blocks.
The hardest part is believing what we have planned will work, and then working that plan.
In the beginning, it's really hard to tell if any progress is being made.
It's even easier to wait a day or a week to get started because...
... the weather, work, illness, vacation, celebration
If we really believed in our plans, if we were absolutely certain in the outcome, if victory - however we define it - was certain...
... we get to work right now.
That's the plan.
Work it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
164.3
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
65 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS THE OPPOSITE OF MODERATION?
Jan 08, 2023 TODD BROWN
FOR SOME PEOPLE MODERATION IS RELIGION. All things in moderation they say.. Not me. If you asked me how to spell moderation, I'd say...
... M-E-D-I-O-C-R-I-T-Y.
It's the opposite of moderation that yields results.
The best don't do any of this in moderation:
- Sleep
- Eat
- Drink
- Train
- Stretch
- Lift
- Recover
- Skill drills
Can you imagine a pro telling the team director, Not too worry, I've trained moderately? Slept Moderately? Eaten moderately?
Of course not.
Pros do the opposite of moderation.
They know exactly what it takes, and get it done...
... nothing more, nothing less.
Precision,
that's the opposite of moderation.
How do spell winning?
P-R-E-C-I-S-I-O-N.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
164.7
8 hrs Sleep (rookie move!)
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
100 minutes reading + Journaling
I FINALLY CELEBRATED BOXING DAY
Jan 07, 2023 TODD BROWN
I LOVE BOXING DAY CELEBRATIONS. Especially the kind where I don't have much to donate, but receive all kinds of gifts...
... like punches in the gut.
Today was exceptional, finally dry and beautiful after what seemed like a month of straight rain.
LoveWatts and I rode over to let the Lords of Winter Fitness enjoy their reign by raining down...
... attack after attack.
I'm not even sure they were trying all that hard, such is our state of readiness after wet and cold weather, travel, work, holidays and some wisely backed down months.
Officially, it is exactly 10 weeks until Cactus Cup, where I've sworn to snatch a PR on the long course...
... age be damned.
It
is
time.
What's an interval loathing, powermeter hating, crusty old diesel gonna do?
Obviously, take the 10-Week Challenge in earnest.
Less obviously, use and be abused at the local group rides...
... building my fitness one week at a time.
When will I stop the RaceDay Ready strength circuits? Tapering off of them 2 weeks out.
It's a lot like pulling back an arrow.
The string maybe sloppy and lax now, but it will get tighter and tighter...
... until I let it fly.
That's my plan.
What's yours?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
165.1 (the horror!)
6.8 hrs Sleep (rookie move!)
0 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
ROAD, DIRT AND FRANKENSTEIN
Jan 06, 2023 TODD BROWN
GRAVEL RIDING IS HERE and it is killing off road racing in these parts. The turn out is bigger, the energy greater...
... it is fun and new.
Promoters don't know what to do.
Some are threatened, some are on the band wagon,
Racers don't know what to do.
Stick with the small fields or head on over to larger fields.
But, there is a problem as I see it.
Several.
First gravel racing isn't really racing.
Hear me out.
Gravel racing is more like a gran fondo, a mass start adventure served with caviar and wine. Nobody is really there to win, but a few pros. The rest are there to ride fast, bump bars, maybe shed some skin...
... and pedal for an absurd amount of time.
There is nothing wrong with that, but it's not racing. This is racing:
- Lining up with riders of similar talents.
- Getting after it with power,
- and guile.
Gravel is a lot of fun, and it drew me in a few years back...
... I think it could be even more funner.
My typical gravel ride around here is limited. We just don't have endless dirt roads.
We have some dirt,
and some single track,
and all kinds of horse trails,
plus back alleys and sidewalks and curbs,
and of course lots and lots of concrete and tarmac.
Which means my gravel rides aren't really gravel at all...
... they are a helluvalot more fun.
Each time I roll out on my gravel bike, I'm like Dr. Frankenstein building the parts from each terrain...
- jumping
- sliding
- climbing
- hammering
- carving
... I'm not a gravel rider,
I'm a Frankenrider.
What would make gravel racing more fun?
- Shorter courses
- Requiring more skill
- With categorized riders
Or maybe it would ruin it all together when the angry step dad, UCI, found out we were having fun and came in to make it "legit".
Speaking of legit, I have determined that for me the right tool for Frankenriding is an old hard tail.
- Party up front
- Business in the back
- No fretting if things get messy on course
Maybe it's just more representative of who I am as a person?
I dunno.
I do know this.
I'm planning to race more MTB this year, and being as close to my MTB position on all rides is going to be helpful...
... Frankenriding is the only way to log the Zone 1 and Zone 2 miles.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Frankenriding also requires more upper body strength.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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164
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strength Circuit
0 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE REAL REASON THE 10-WEEK CHALLENGE WORKS
Jan 05, 2023 TODD BROWN
MORE OFTEN THAN YOU'D THINK, I get a thank you note or text or even a phone call from someone who took the 10-week challenge...
... they've all been grateful and pumped.
Curiously, while they all have a favorite aspect, there isn't one aspect that they all laser in on.
Which got me wondering...
... what is it about the challenge that works?
I haven't ask them, but I will tell why I think it works.
No matter who you are, how good you are, hDow much you know...
... I guarantee change is going to be required.
That is because the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge is a comprehensive program...
- physical
- mental
- spiritual
- social
... at the end you'll have so much proof of improvement in each area you'll be...
... Ready to rip on RaceDay.
It took me forever to figure it out.
For example, I once paid to Joe Friel to come and speak to a group of us. He and I had a long lunch and talked about all kinds of aspects of training. If you want to see his current thinking, which is exactly what we cover in the challenge go here: https://joefrieltraining.com/my-5-2-training-routine/
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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163.4
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHICH IS A BETTER USE OF YOUR TIME?
Jan 04, 2023 TODD BROWN
THE LARGELY ONE-DIMENSION APPROACH most riders use to get faster cracks me up. So much time spent mindlessly riding...
... vs time spent riding with purpose.
Which is better...
- Pedal stroke smoothing drills or riding more?
- Learning to carry speed through turns or riding more?
- Dialing in race nutrition or riding more?
- Clean and pristine drivetrain or riding more?
- Strength training for 15 minutes or riding more?
- Tire set up or riding more?
- and so on
... perfecting the little things or riding more?
Yes, we do need piles of miles.
But, we can get a helluvalot faster with a little effort.
I wrote a new book about that, kind of.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
I say kind of because the book really is just a healthy nudge in the right direction and will require a lot from you...
... it comes with a 100% money back guarantee.
Check it out.
Ships free, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
----
163.4
8 hrs Sleep
1 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T BE A PARASITE
Jan 03, 2023 TODD BROWN
YOU CAN ALWAYS SKIP A PULL. Fake breathlessness, creep in the back. There are lots of ways to do it...
... but, we know what you're up to.
You're being selfish, saving your powder and trading something awesome for something now.
The peloton doesn't forget.
The trust is gone, and so will be the next break...
... without you in it.
Do the work.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Are you in the calendar club?
Now shipping free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162.4
7 hrs Sleep
1 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU AT WAR?
Jan 02, 2023 TODD BROWN
I'M AT WAR. Nobody knows it. Instead my friends and neighbors say things like You're so dedicated or You're an inspiration. Maybe I am, and that's cool...
... but, it's not about them or what they think.
It's my fight.
When I look at the pull up bar strategically placed in my bathroom door jam, I'm reminded of the battle. It is there because I committed to do pull ups and pushups...
... every dawgawn day.
The first few are never fun, never, which is why it is so difficult to get started...
... I grab that dern bar and hang.
Up.
Down.
Then, it's 3 pushups for every pull up completed...
... I grudgingly assume the plank position.
Down.
Up.
In a few minutes, it is all over. My muscles are full of blood and it feels so flipping good...
... that's why I go to war with myself.
Because I like it,
the challenge,
overcoming.
It's the reason I am going to go alone today and do intervals on a 10 mile rocky singletrack climb...
... nobody will know, but me.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Just like nobody will see all the work I put in before the A races on my calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
166
7 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW GOOD COULD WE BE?
Jan 01, 2023 TODD BROWN
FOR THE LAST 3ISH YEARS I have been riding 3 bikes. Gravel, road, mtb. 40%, 30%, 30%, respectively. It's been a lot of fun...
... but, I think it's made me worser.
There's just no way to reach maximum potential performance training on three different bikes, in three different disciplines, because the...
- fit
- handing
- strategies
... though similar, are different.
Is that really true?
While I just completed a breakout year, and while three of the most exciting road pros are battling it out in Cyclocross right now, and two of them compete on MTB as well, one the Olympic Champ...
... yes, I still think that could be true.
For me.
Friday, while going up a somewhat technical 6 mile singletrack climb, I just didn't have it...
... dismounting where I should be charging with power.
Not a good indication.
A few weeks back, on a challenging road ride, the group was frisky and I suffered with every acceleration.
Time to experiment.
There is nothing but MTB races and a road stage race between now and April...
... I just might have to go all in on 2 of the 3.
Any thoughts?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Have you watched this?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
166
7 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO STAY SHARP
Dec 31, 2022 TODD BROWN
I READ A LOT. I buy a lot of books. I like paper, I like to dog-ear the pages and underline the passages that are most meaningful...
... most of that is done when the house is quiet.
The best part is going for a long ride alone and considering the thoughts the authors were trying to convey.
Somehow a jarring trail or screaming descent or maximum effort on a long climb...
... will bring forth an epiphany.
An insight.
Or change my mind.
But, I don't think I've been going deep enough.
I say that because not in the stack above are the my trusty religious texts which always seem to give more with each reading.
This year, I'm going to limit myself to a handful of books.
I'll probably still buy a lot, but as the great George Raveling says sometimes you don't need to read the whole book. Or, as the great Seth Godin says most books you get the joke quickly and the rest is filler...
... if it's boring or long winded, I'll move on quickly.
The good ones I'll read and reread.
The most impactful book of the year in that stack?
The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.
I recommend it a long with others as part of the 10-Week Challenge because...
... all riding and no reading makes Toddy a dull boy.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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163.4
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WIPE OUT YOUR COMPETITION LIKE ROCKY WIPED OUT DRAGO
Dec 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
TODAY'S CLIMB IS 6 MILES. Straight up. It's singletrack, mostly too narrow to pass...
... with a fair amount of challenging rocks and features.
I picked it for one reason.
It's time to chop wood.
What I mean by that is it's time to train solo, on terrain that might make me bleed.
The great Rocky Balboa came to mind, in Rocky IV. He's up against Ivan Drago...
... a Russian killer.
He killed Rocky's bestie, Apollo Creed.
He'd nearly killed Rocky.
But, not this time. While Drago is training with scientists in a gym, our hero is in the freezing Russian winter...
... chopping wood.
I cruised up San Juan Trail in Zone 2. Keeping it mellow. It was surprising how degraded my skills are right now. Multiple dismounts. It's the perfect place to train for...
... the blows that are sure to come next season.
How do you chop wood?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Along with the 10-week challenge, I'll be going back to ride that trail often.
It's a longer climb and more technical than any of the races on my calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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162
7 hrs Sleep
19 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MY TWO BIGGEST TROLLS
Dec 29, 2022 TODD BROWN
AS I ENJOY A BIT OF MICROFAME, I have had to deal with a number of trolls. It's flattering, and kinda fun to have a few haters who just don't get..
... who I am.
The two biggest trolls are of my own making, and they are constantly on my case.
In fact, they stalk me on most of my rides. Someone must have doxed me on Strava...
... it's super annoying!
The first is this young punk. Always making fun of me, and egging me on.
Jump that gap!
Get off the brakes!
Stop sitting in, attack!
(Have you seen either of these troublemakers?)
There other is an old coot couch rider. He yells I shouldn't be attempting any of my quests.
Slow down for hecksakes!
Give it a rest, grampa!
You can't do that!
Like I said, trolls are pretty funny and generally quite pathetic. I just laugh it off, and stick my plan...
... that's who I am.
What do you do with your trolls?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
I don't think any of them could take the challenge...
... trolls are all talk.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162.5
7.5 hrs Sleep
18 minutes of strength
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
RACEDAY PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF HOW FAST YOU ARE.
Dec 28, 2022 TODD BROWN
RACEDAY PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF HOW FAST YOU ARE. If you're looking at it that way, you're bound to fall short of the mark. Instead, how well we do...
... shows how hard we worked leading up to the start line.
No amount of want can make up for a lack of prep.
Ever.
I was thinking about that yesterday. It was my first day of laying base mileage down.
Base mileage is like laying tile. It's slow work, demanding exactness in terms of effort. When I do it right, when I throttle back my efforts for a few weeks...
... I can feel the energy of a hungry, caged animal.
But, I keep holding back.
I keep laying down the miles.
Keep lifting the weights.
Keep stretching.
In time, I'll join a group ride (mine are analog, digital is great if weather is a hinderance) and allow myself to hang on without out getting after it.
The animal paces back and forth, angry purring.
Miles.
Weights.
Stretching.
Laying that tile, with a beautiful mosaic...
... unleashing a little bit more each group ride.
If you want to check out my current weight regimen, click here.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
There's a lot more revealed in the 10-Week Challenge.
Which is free... insane value, free.
Because I love you, and hope nothing but the best for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162.4
7.75 hrs Sleep
189 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO MY TERRIBLE FRIEND
Dec 27, 2022 TODD BROWN
I LIKE ROAD TRIPS because they give me time to think. Just before leaving, I downloaded David Goggins new book, Never Finished. This is his second book...
... and I have one big takeaway.
Goggins reminded me who I am on raceday, with an entire chapter on alter ego.
Bruce Bannon or The Hulk
Jessica Drew or Spiderwoman
Do you have an alter ego?
I do.
Surfergirl reminds me of it often. I like that. She gets into it...
... I don't get into it until the start line.
That 3-5 minutes before the gun sounds.
There might be a million people around, all kinds of wanker energy.
Not me.
I go quiet.
Dark.
I already have my cape on, a kit that I have chosen or designed just for said A race...
.... now it's time to summon the superpowers.
And, have some freakin' fun.
My alter ego name goes all the way back to the largely idiot college days. Only a handful of people know the name.
Once, Surfergirl gave a love note to JR to give to me before Barnburner, where I was trying to qualify for Leadville. He read it.
Who's T F'n B?
You're lookin' at him.
What's the F stand for?
Whatever you freakin' want it to stand for!
So, if you try and chat me up before an A race don't be offended if you get your freakin' helmet ripped off...
... it ain't me, it's T F'n B.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
We're making these calendars all the time, if it says pre-order, if will ship in about a week.
For free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162.4
7.75 hrs Sleep
189 minutes of strength
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
10 DAYS OFF THE BIKE
Dec 26, 2022 TODD BROWN
I WAS READY TO TAKE A BREAK FROM RIDING before we left. During the 10 days I took off the bike, while enjoying a snowy Christmas, I found time to hike, ski and crossfit..
... I came away convinced I could do just fine living up there.
If I had to guess, I'd mainly back country ski and ride a fat bike. There just isn't a good adrenalin payoff with skate skiing and cross country skiing...
... oddly, I found my old love of riding the lifts a bit boring and confining.
With that in mind, freedom to roam the wilderness with an adrenalin payoff, I shouldn't have been surprised when all I could think about while driving home was making it in time to get on the MTB.
No urge to gravel.
No call to road.
What does that mean for racing next year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
We're making these calendars all the time, if it says pre-order, if will ship in about a week.
For free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162ish
6.5 hrs Sleep
4 minutes of strength
15 minutes recovery
00 minutes reading + Journaling
MY HOPES AND FEARS
Dec 25, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE THINK WE HAVE 6 DAYS to get the resolutions finalized. Those calendars are longing for ink, our brains for direction, because...
... Next year I'm gonna!
Here is how I'd grade 2022.
Did I do all I could do last year in the four areas of a well-rounded square?
- Physical
- Mental
- Spiritual
- Social
Physical, off the charts. The PR at Leadville, breaking 8 hours was at the very limit of my wildest dreams. Add in the big upgrade in RaceDay Ready, and I'd have to give myself an A there.
Mental, the way I measure this is how the business is doing. I made a lot of changes, but the biggest were: closing down the retail location to focus on ecommerce; cutting my ad spend by 80% to focus on referrals and direct sales. I'm giving my self a B+ here because the direction was correct, but I'm still working on the execution.
Spiritual, this is tough to measure. I think it has to do with harmony in the relationships that matter, and having a charitable heart vs my natural default - which can be embarrassing at times. The biggest breakthrough came via the 30 minutes I spend first thing each morning journaling. This has been by far the most fulfilling personal journey in years. Another B+, good progress but I want to do so much better.
Social, or just being friendly and reaching out. This might surprise you, but I'm an introvert by nature. When Surfergirl goes out of town, she knows I'll be just fine. I'm completely happy to be alone. So, we made it a goal (me, because she is loving and social by nature), to go out and see friends or do something in public at least once a week. Here, I've got a long way to go. Just a C+ on this one.
The next 6 days are a great time to reflect.
In chapter 2 of my book, The Way of The RACER, I cover doing all we can do. Because, as the great Art Williams said...
... All you can do, is all you can do.
What did you do in '22?
What will you do in '23?
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162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
10 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
JUST MERRY
Dec 24, 2022 TODD BROWN
THIS IS MY THIRD TRY AT A POST FOR YOU to read tomorrow morning. The first was a weak attempt to be pithy about ChristmasChanukahKwanzaFestivus. The second touched on being...
... young at heart.
What I'm really trying to say is, regardless of faith, I hope the 25th is joyous and merry for you.
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162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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