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Get RaceDay Ready
re: IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
Dear Ol' Diesel,
I'm still trying to figure it out Todd. I check in on one thing for a few years and then I'll switch gears, etc.
2025 I've got no endurance plans...biggest focus is strength training 5/6 days per week.
Is this lack of dedication?
Is this why i never quite seem to get my goals?
Is it enough that I attempt which is more than 99.9999% of folks can say?
I dunno man, still in search of answers. But I will tell you my want for endurance is absent.
I don't want to get up early for a ride
I don't want to get up early for a run
Heck I don't really want to do any of those things right now.
I do want to spend a little extra time with the better half
I do want to slow down a moment and enjoy or take in this new reality of empty nesters...
Does this make me lazy? I worry I'm losing my edge.
Thank you for always sharing your thoughts,
I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA.
---
Dear I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA,
Haha… no, you are doing great. Take a break. Spend time with your wife. We love our kids, and we love being emptynesters. Super fun, lots of flexibility.
I’d say this, don’t train unless it sounds fun.
We are on a quick trip up the coast. Just the two of us. Rode with Susie until she was ready to rest, then rode a bit on my own. No hurry, no rush, no care to do X work out.
Now, I’m in the hotel room catching up and she is in the Jacuzzi.
Life is short, wives are more important than miles… and besides, they like us with a little muscle.
IMHO, you're on the right track.
Love ya!
The Ol' Diesel
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
9ish hrs sleep 830pm-5:30am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
166.8 lbs (too much recovery fuel?)
8ish hrs sleep 10pm-6:04am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
>
GETTING HIGH
NEARLY 6000' IN 32 MILES represents a good amount of climbing. Mostly straight up or straight down, on dirt. At about the 2 hour mark...
... I hit the highest point.
A few miles prior, a thought occurred to me.
If something bad happens,
I'm a long, long, long way from help.
The tires are new,
sealant fresh,
new chain,
cassette.
And, I was feeling pretty good...
... check, check, check and more checks.
Carry on,
enjoy the views,
and lack of humanity.
A bobcat appeared on the trail about 20 yards ahead of me,
it made a quick u-turn and loped along as I closed in,
before lunging over the side into the brush.
The red-tailed hawk surfed the gusty ridge,
searching for pray.
Chipmunks sprinted up and down the ancient pines.
Nature really does rock my world.
This mountain range is about a 35 minute drive from home.
I used to live closer,
and spent almost every Saturday up there, alone.
Looks like I've started the new year's resolution to adventure something new or different at least once a quarter...
... resolutions are kinda dumb.
Why wait?
As the great Yoda said...
... Do, or do not.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep 10pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I CHOSE THIS?!
THE BROCHURE PROMISED A CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE, everything would be tested. Yeah, all the mind, body, spirt stuff. Plus...
... every ounce of perseverence.
I salivated.
Months of prep were stacked,
when the date came,
I was ready...
... I thought.
But, then shift got real.
Way harder than I expected.
The sections with the group were hard,
we encouraged each other.
When it got really difficult,
nature split us up.
The loneliness was brutal.
I knew, hoped, we'd regroup when the elements eased.
Work together.
Get 'er done.
Crazy as it sounds,
getting towards the end,
I thought I'd gladly do it again.
Winning didn't matter,
completing the mission did...
... and, yeah, those hands were gonna be raised regardless of place.
Crossing the finish line,
to my surprise and delight...
... was my dad,
my creator.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags.
---
163.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:27am)
PullUps Push Ups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST ON BIKE WORKOUT EVER?
THERE ARE A LOT WAYS to get stronger and off the bike. Routines, fads, and trends come and go. For my money...
... nothing beats a singlespeed mountain bike.
I built one up because it was fashionable.
Little did I know how addicting the workout would be,
how much I would love riding it.
It was like battling a bipolar bull...
- docile spinning along the flats
- UFC cage fighting any time it got steep
... and it worked perfectly.
At the time, cycling had been quarantined to a few days during the week because weekends were family time in the desert riding motorcycles.
My spin stayed smooth due to the fixed gear range - it wasn't a fixed gear, I could coast.
In order to get up the constantly changing elevations...
- legs
- arms
- lats
- back
... were all recruited and magnificently engaged.
No need for weights or any kind of resistance training.
It was basically going from one interval to the next, with luxurious spinning in between.
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the ol' Trek hardtail.
Dusty.
In the garage.
Maybe it's time to spend the least dollars possible and...
... make strength training fun and sexy again.
---
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU BORING YOURSELF?
IS NEXT YEAR GONNA BE BETTER THAN THIS YEAR? It'll be different, for sure. Better is subjective, only you can determine...
... if it will be a year to remember.
We need new...
- locations
- friends
- events
- skills
... experiences that will change us.
Memorable,
forever.
As I start to fill in my calendar for next year,
it's tempting to play small,
safe...
... instead I do this.
First, I have to have one giant, unreasonable physical goal each year. (spiritual, mental, and social, too).
2024 it was Gravel Nats.
Next year (2025) hasn't crystalized yet, but it will.
Second, I think it's imperative to try a new event once a quarter.
Right now, it's looking like...
- March BWR AZ
- April Highlands Gravel (UCI)
- June BWR MT
- 4th Qtr is TBD
... it doesn't have to be fancy, could just be a weekend adventure someplace new.
Third, master something new, and have a plan to track progress.
For 2025, that is going to be bicycle mechanicing.
By the end of the year, I want to be able to do everything at a level that I could bail myself out if I was nowhere near a competent mechanic.
I'll be adding milestones to the calendar for that, and purchasing the proper tools.
There lots of other stuff on the calendar...
- date nights
- family activities
- work objectives
- service projects
... gotta make it all work cohesively.
Back in 2020 I set about getting out to the Cactus Cup for the first time.
I met a bunch of cool people, and made new friends.
Rode some fantastic and unusual terrain.
Found an outstanding Italian joint.
Cactus Cup stays in the rotation...
... I never would have found it if I hadn't ventured out.
They're having the 12 Days of Giveaways starting 12.12...
... I hope you'll win this bag, and join me out there.
---
Side note:
- I'm planning to do BWR AZ and stay the week in the desert for Cactus Cup the following weekend. If ya get out there for either one, let's meet up for sure.
- I'm also planning BWR UT, in May, and heading to Fruita/Moab the days following for some epic MTB. Lemme know if you're interested in joining.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5:55am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE THUNDER
LOOKING FOR SOME BACKGROUND VIBES, I loaded up a Goettl Media raw file of BWR Arizona 2024. It was supposed to be my first A race of last year, but..
... life had other plans.
It's never too early to start doing recon.
I like Joe's videos because...
- the POV is always really good
- his comments teach a lot
- he's super respectful
.... in other words, he's a good dude.
Turning away from the big screen to get some work done it struck me how much...
... a race at speed sounds like thunder.
Especially the gravel sections.
I got so electrified,
I ditched the project,
and dug into examining the terrain.
Joe raced the long version, the Waffle.
I'll most likely do the shorter Wafer.
From the looks of it,
I think this terrain will call for the Race King 2.0s...
- lots of sand
- some rocks
- whoops
... means it's gonna be a hoot.
Can't wait for my next thunder storm.
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EASY DAYS AND HARD DAYS ALWAYS
I WAS LISTENING TO A PODCAST with the superfamous coach of an ultrafamous racer, and the host, trying to dumb it down for us dummies, asked...
... What's the one piece of advice you'd give an amateur racer?
He had me on bearings and spokes.
Train easier.
What do you mean?
I mean most amateurs are doing too much.
Isn't that the way to get better?
No. I mean Yes, but no.
Explain.
If an athlete is training too hard all the time, and by too hard I don't mean to exhaustion, but, at a level that will not allow them recover, really recover, then they can't...
... go really hard, and get the big gains.
I thought about that today as...
- miles rolled by
- watts low
- h.r. lower
... my mind open and free.
That advice is easy to understand, hard to thoroughly absorb.
It feels wasteful.
Useless.
And so we ignore it,
to our detriment.
Being that it's a Monday, I tweaked the great Karen Carpenter's song...
... Easy days and hard days always get me fit.
This works for work, too.
There are days I'm resting, prepping, organizing...
... and days I'm slaying it with back to back to back appointments.
---
165.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COASTING IN
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DRIVIN' THAT TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH CORROSION isn't the corrosiveness itself. That's bad, for sure. But, I find the real problem is...
... it comes on so slowly.
Then, catastrophic failure.
Because I've been neglecting my trusty MTB all year, well, basically for two all years...
... I was caught out, bad.
"All of the sudden",
my shifting was shift.
It wasn't really sudden.
For months the shifting had been off, but...
... just good enough to put away and forget about.
It had reached the point of no return.
Irreparable damage had been done.
Rather than simply replacing the chain in a timely manner,
an easy home repair,
at little cost...
... I had to get a divorce,
and a hot, new, young,
complete drivetrain.
Costly.
It's just a drivetrain,
not something that really matters...
... those things deserve immediate, constant loving maintenance.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE IS LITERALLY NO SCHOOL FOR THIS
WE'RE ALL OUT THERE ENDURING, and it's like we have no compass, no gps, no no map, no field manual. There is no associates, four year, masters, or doctorate degree...
... and yet, somehow experts evolve.
Oh, there's the occasional book.
Usually so filled with jargon and graphs they are worthless, but boy...
... the authors sure look smart.
So, we rely on our...
- inner voice
- experience
- friends
... and get to work like mad scientists.
We can and do glean much from...
- watching races
- podcasts
- youtube
... then, we do our best to put it into practice on the next ride, run, swim.
Kinda makes ya wonder if...
- Jobs
- Ford
- Edison
... were just having fun, fascinated with figuring out what was possible?
---
Got a friend who's a Triathlete or Runner?
Blow their minds with a sport specific RaceDay Bag.
Use this code and save 20%: TRIRUN
Good ONLY on in stock Tri and Run bags.
---
165.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:45am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WORST GOAL EVER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I set two lofty goals. One I accomplished, one I fell far short of. What was the difference between...
... success and failure?
Both seemed outrageous at the time.
They still do.
I each case, I knew everything would have to go perfectly in order to get anywhere near what I wanted to accomplish.
The one I attained, everything did go perfectly.
I went about my business,
mission accomplished.
The one I muffed, a massive unforeseeable mountain in the road popped up.
It was such a kick in the front of my bib shorts where my legs come together,
that it was mentally and physically debilitating.
Months later, unforeseeable mountain turned to gopher mound, I'm back on track.
There's all the fancy platitudes of goals...
- goal unwritten is a hope
- goals must be believable
- goals should be realistic
... we could go on and on.
But, I'm not sure that's the point.
Really.
Having the guts to...
- set an outlandish goal
- share it with real allies, not punks who puke on our dreams
- and take massive action
... is the lifeblood of everything I do.
Failure.
Success.
They matter, but not nearly as much what occurs...
... in the process of going after personal excellence.
===
We could wait until 1.1.25 to think, start, plan...
... or, we could grab a calendar and get down to business.
https://pedalindustries.com/calendar
---
166.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DECEMBER'S FOCUS AND AN EXPERIMENT
THIS MONTH'S FOCUS ISN'T FOR BABIES. Babies crawl, make a mess of their food, and are on a quest to get fat. I'm not. Are you? I'm looking to...
... start the year on fire.
For December...
- LSD, not tripping, long slow distance
- Strength work
- Weight loss
... this is my focus.
That should have me in prime shape to hit it hard in Jan and Feb.
Two months to prep for the first races,
BWR AZ and Cactus Cup.
For Jan and Feb, I'm planning an experiment...
- Tues/Wed back to back intensity days, with long tempo on Saturday
- Tues/Sat intensity, with zone 1/2 days in between
... for alternating weeks to build race specific fitness.
The intensity for BWR's start and dynamic surges,
the tempo for Cactus Cup's old school XC race.
Should be fun.
No,
really,
it should be fun.
Just gotta nail December to be hammering in March.
---
167.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RULE OF 3
NEW AND FIRED UP, I jumped full speed into the road scene. Since all I'd done was road race, I was one hundred million percent sure...
... I was born to race road.
While I shamelessly slobbered, the old wise man at the bike shop tried to duck.
When I stopped to breathe, he said...
... Sonny you don't know you lycra covered butt from a pothole!.
Huh?
Listen up, buttercup.
Gulp.
It takes three full years...
... to know what you're good at.
But...
But nothing, now get outta here and go to work.
He was right.
By the end of that first year, I realized I was a much better crit racer.
So, I focused on crits for the next two years.
When I found mountain biking,
I was sure I'd be a cross country racer.
Turned out,
I was a much better descender than climber.
When I finally got a gravel bike,
I was sure I'd just use it to mix up the training.
Turns out,
it's actually pretty darn fun to race gravel.
There's nothing magical about the three years...
... it's the three years of working at getting better that matters.
Oh, and before you quote the 10,000 hour rule, think on this.
There are 26,297.46 hours in 3 years, which is kinda like saying...
... if you live, eat and breathe anything for 3 years, magic happens.
Now get to work!
---
168.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10pm-5am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S THE DATA DUMMY
I DO LOVE ME SOME DATA. In this vast digital world, there's plenty of it to access, crunch, and geek out on. The only question I have is...
... why? what? how? when?
It's more than what the Garwahoo is delivering.
That little screen can be divided so small the numbers become trivial, useless.
Then we can dissect it all on Starva, Training Peaks, etc.
Which brings up the question?
Do we.
And, if we do, what are we to make of it?
It is so tempting to wing it.
And, why wouldn't it be? That's how it was done from Adam till now.
Gut feel.
But, I had some sense knocked into me today.
Realizing inventory was running low on our gloves and socks, I was about to wing it on a replenishment production run.
Wait, why not pull a report?
Takes a few seconds.
Data don't lie.
And, whadaya know...
... winging it was not the way to go.
The thing about all the Garwahoo data is there's just a heckuva lot of it. We could...
- read a ton
- take some classes
- pester the nerd that rides
... or hire a coach, let a pro figure it out and tell us what to do.
I'm not for winging it,
and I'm not for outsourcing it...
... I'm more for figuring out what the data means.
Empowering myself.
---
167.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps & more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT SUITS US
ARE RUNNERS BETTER WRITERS or are there just more runners and therefore more writers that run...
... leading to a larger talent pool?
Christopher McDougall's Born To Run is probably my favorite running book.
Inspiring.
It got me to run.
Trail running for miles.
His book, Natural Born Heroes, got me totally into strength work because...
... the heroes were so naturally strong and lethal.
Jesse Itzler is a runner.
His book Living With A Seal is hilarious, and wildly challenges our limited beliefs about what we can accomplish.
Here are a few gems from my latest find...
- The most important thing we ever learn in school is that the most important things can't be learned at school.
- With my mind elsewhere I'm able to run for a long while, keeping up a natural speed that doesn't tire me out.
- There are three reasons I failed. Not enough training. Not enough training. And not enough training.
... from What I Think About When I Talk About Running.
For me, it's not so much the running that is compelling, but the book's ability to help me understand...
... why I love riding, and enduring.
How about you...
... got any faves?
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (11pm-6:05am)
PullUps PushUps
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL RACE YOU TO THE CORNER
AT SOME POINT, and it doesn't have to be now, but it will happen soon enough, we wake from our hibernation. Something stirs, and in disgust with our gluttony and laziness...
... we show our puffy faces.
It happened for me today.
I thought I could postpone it a few more weeks,
but there I was meeting at the start
of a ferocious ride.
The ride down was lovely.
Seeing the fellas, charming.
Even the first little climb
showed some promise.
It ended there.
My ballast keeping me grounded.
Basically, I made it to the first corner.
Now, I have a baseline.
And, it wasn't all bad.
I was only two seconds off my PR on that 6ish minute effort.
Things quickly went downhill after that.
Like, really fast...
... errrr, really sluggish.
On the next section I was 3 minutes off the pace.
20, TWENTY!, % slower.
I pulled the plug at that point,
proudly did the lonely ride of shame back to the van.
This Thanksgiving weekend, I am darn...
... thankful to have the desire to improve.
'Cause when desire goes,
when there's no more fire,
then what do we really have?
Gonna make to the second corner next time!
===
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are...
... Get your overstretched lycra in gear Saturday and Sunday.
Since some of ya pointed out the code wasn't working perfectly, I extended through Sunday.
TNX24 will save ya 20%.
That is if you're relating to my admission of bottoming out and still reading.
Which thrills the heck outta me.
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:15pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SATURDAY TRADITIONS
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts.
Not the pre-ownedness.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did Surfergirl see in me way back when,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:10am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KNOWLEDGE CHEAT CODE
MOST PEOPLE don't know this. Some do, like the great Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, we have this amazing cheat code...
... for insider knowledge.
Take today's ride.
Love Watts brought his wife's best friend's husband, and let me know he's a triathlete.
Here's the beauty of riding with someone.
Because when his wife's best friend's husband told me he was brand new to the gravel scene, I thought...
... Oh boy! This cat is gonna get wrecked once we hit the dirt.
Nope.
Dude can shred.
Guess what else?
My friend's wife's best friend's husband, who had been to our town many times, had no idea how amazing the gravel riding could be here in "suburbia".
Quite canyons.
Canopied trees.
Miles of single track.
What Steve Job's knew is if he went on a long walk with someone he could really get to know them.
It's the same with us.
While humanity zips around in cars...
... we go for ride, run or swim and get to know humans
and the places they live.
===
Black Friday.
I see all the unbelievable sales and savings, and sometimes I wonder..
- is it something a company does when the import gear made with slave labor in China?
- are my competitors that desperate?
- if it's such a great strategy, why don't the greatest brands like Apple, Cervelo, Tesla, Belgian Waffle Ride, Luis Vuitton, Kask, Tiffany, do it?
... seems like a good way to cheapen, destroy a brand.
But, what if it's a way to reward the loyal, cult following we have developed..
... for example my friend's wife's best friend's husband has three of our RaceDay bags.
How cool is that?
So, here's the deal.
Since you passed the test,
since you know me.
Use this code, TNX24, to save 20%.
It is only good through the 29th of November 2024.
Yes, I know it's not a mind blowing discount, but you know...
... we make our bags and apparel right here in the USA.
Quality.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS SO OVER THE TOP
DO SOMETHING ENOUGH TIMES and we start to pick up on the littlest things. Trust me, I've done this twisty country road decent at least 1000 times, when it comes to going fast...
... the littlest things matter.
On Tuesday, I hit 46.2 mph.
Not bad.
Not my best.
The PR is 50.2 mph.
A few of the little things...
√ Aero helmet
√ Tight tuck
√ Winter blubber
√ Fast wheels
... I had most of it right for top speed.
But, there was one massive ingredient.
It's not enough to make it to the top...
... gotta be sprinting past the goal to reach escape velocity.
===
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (930-530am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SLOWVEMBER, DEEPSLUMBER AND JAMUARY
IT'S MORE THAN OKAY TO CELEBRATE the holidays. In fact, it's mandatory. Will we sneak out for a turkey trot or social ride? Heckyes! Will we pile on the food?...
... it'd be a shame not to.
Nothing better than the 3 F's...
- Food
- Family
- Friends
... for our slow-thudding hearts.
Bring on Deepslumber...
- More parties
- more events
- less time
... soak it up.
Jamuary will soon be to the rescue.
It's so dang easy to get carried away and spend the entire first quarter trying to...
... undo what we done did.
Honest question,
asking for a friend...
... you planning to wake up on 1.1.25 ready to jam?
===
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:30-5am)
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A PAIR OF 45s MADE ME OPEN MY EYES!
LEAVE IT TO HOLLIES to set things right. I'm not sure when it heppened, but it's pretty dawgawn clear my sprint is dead and...
... we gotta do some resurrectin'.
A veil of dust and yuck has been yanked open.
I couldn't put my finger on it,
but on today's MTB ride I could sense it.
Something I love, is missing.
The shackles of endurance were weighing me down...
... the chains getting longer and heavier.
It's my sprint, my freakin' sprint.I used to love to sprint...
... not the fastest, but cagey and wiley.
That was it.
Somehow, the singular focus on long endurance races had killed the speeding spirit...
- That fire.
- The angst.
- Thunder and lightning
... slumbered like a middle-earth Tolkien forest.
Doing the dishes an old tune came into my mind...
... What's the name of that?
Next thing I know, Long Tall Woman...
... is cranked up to 11.
Dishes, instantly done..
I'm jamming, alternating between...
- Squats
- PullUps
- PushUps
- Bent Rows, BENT ROWS!!!
... reactivating those muskulls.
Can't freakin' wait to get on my bike, and sprint!
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10:15-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats Rows
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PUTTING A RACING SUPERPOWER TO GOOD USE
RACE LONG ENOUGH, and you can eye a competitor and know, pretty quickly, if they are suffering. And, if we're feeling good...
... this is when we pounce to distance ourselves.
But, should we,
always?
Some of the tells are...
- heavy breathing
- sloppy form
- hanging on
... they are mostly easy to note.
Though there can be fakery...
... for the worse and the better.
But, what about out of competition?
Can we use this highly-honed superpower for good...
... when neighbors, friends and family are struggling?
Even faking All is well.
Rather than pounce...
... can we embrace and lift up?
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10-6:30am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SEXIEST HELMET HACK EVER?
IT'S NOT OFTEN someone eyes us over and says we look sexy all kitted up. Maybe that's why it worked this time, 'cause there I was with my helmet on, and she said...
... you look sexy!
It never would have happened if I wasn't...
... on my way to my new sexy helmet hack.
When I get home...
- I put away the bike
- stow the shoes and glasses
- strip and head to the shower
... head into the house.
So there I was...
... buck naked.
Helmet on my head.
Normally, this would merit a head shake.
Another silly idea.
Here me out.
Step into the shower post ride and pop out...
... helmet and body, fresh as can be.
===
Do you think it has anything to do with penning in Date Night on the RaceDay Calendar?
Right now, the miracle working deal includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to rule the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10-5:50am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
Right now, the Giant calendar includes...
- the Calendar
- the Annual Plan Masterclass
- plus, one month of the Be True & Rip Alliance
... a magical way to bring on the year.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/giant-raceday-calendar-2025-bundle
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45-6:30am)
PullUps, PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I LOVE COACH PRIME
THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS to love Deion Sanders. Just imagine all that incredible speed and power sprinting for the win at Roubaix, at least that's what I used to do...
... when the euros would strut and think their chamois don't stink.
That was then.
Three things I love about Deion now.
- He's not living in the past, pining about how great he was. In fact, he has a noticeable limp because he's had toes and muscles amputated. Can you imagine being great, then hobbled like that?
- He's turned around 2 different college football programs, from absolute trash into winners. Can you imagine making something great out of nothing?
- He's mission is a calling, not to win games or score a big payday, but to impact young men and turn them into winners. Can you imagine being driven like that?
What epic race or insanely long event have we ever done where at some point we weren't...
- hobbled
- down and out
- driven to get it done
... like life itself.
Inspiration is everywhere,
even in lil' ol' us.
Be great.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30-5:30am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO GOOD AT SHAMING
THERE IS A PLACE AND TIME for an honest conversation that might hurt. Done right, people can say something completely offensive, grab our attention, and we still take action because...
... shaming can be loving and effective.
Just yesterday, effing Michael F had the nuts to say...
... You stayed warm because you are fat.
Ouch.
True,
but ouch.
Early this morning, I was on a...
... "fat burning" ride.
See, shaming works.
I got to thinking a measly letter is...
... the only difference between F A T and F A S T.
Words came to mind...
- Speed
- Strength
- Stretch
- Sleep
- Sprints
- Salad
- Sculpt
- Strict
- Smart
- Start
- Sticktoitivenes
... things I could do.
Now, if someone could point out my impatience...
... and shame me!
===
166.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:15-5:10am)
PullUps, PushUps & Other Stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
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
>
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.
----
162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE REAL MEANING OF ZONE 1
Dec 23, 2022 TODD BROWN
I WALK A LOT. I also ride a lot. Walks are always Zone 1 for me. Some rides are, too. This morning, surrounded in mountains and snow, I realized...
... I was walking with purpose.
What is the real purpose of Zone 1?
One of my early coaches called Zone 1 a Rinse Ride, because the legs feel clean and ready to go afterwards.
There is a mental rinsing which always accompanies the physical rinsing and today I realized...
... I didn't have to be lazy about it.
Once the wandering legs and thoughts subside, it is a wonderful time to consider all I have to be grateful for.
Sometimes the list is rapid and unending, other times I struggle to have any gratitude in my heart...
... it's a signal to extend the walk or ride.
On my way back, I came up with an acronym for my zone focus:
- Gratitude is Zone 1
- Efficiency is zone 2 - pedal stroke, speed, aero
- Long is Zone 3 - much of my 1.5+ hours racing is done in this zone
- Short is Zone 4 - up to 90 mins of racing is typically here
- Sprint is Zone 5 - finish of a race, get up a hill, technical climbs
I hope that GELSS with you...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
... because gratitude is a gift.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
----
162ish
8 hrs Sleep
0 minutes strength
10 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU CAN DO THIS YOU CAN DO PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING
Dec 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS A SKILL MOST OF US HAVE which makes it a lot easier to pick up new sports, or get right back into activities we haven't done for a while. In fact, without it...
... things might have gone very badly today.
Nine inches of snow fell last night, and in some places it was as deep as 18-20".
Within the first couple of hours most of the powder was tracked out, meaning packed down.
Skiing the fluffy stuff is so delightful we headed off the runs and into the trees...
... we wanted more.
Trees can be deadly.
To ski powder the slope has to be steep, and you have to be moving fairly fast otherwise you sink and stop.
We did fine, had a blast, because we have this skill...
... which is really a discipline.
You know Dad, I have to give you some props.
I looked that good?
No, not really, but you did teach me to look where I want to go.
Simple as that.
I probably beat that into our children more than anything else. With bicycles, motorcycles, surfing...
... the body always follows the eyes.
What I've been most impressed with, however, is how the kids remember it and teach it to their friends and companions.
Not only does it work with most sports, but it is...
... true for anything you want to accomplish.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I cover it in my book. It's a critical skill for success.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
----
162ish
8.5 hrs Sleep
o minutes strength
15 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY CROSS TRAINING IS SO WIERD?
Dec 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
CONTINUING THE THEME OF HOW I PREFER FRIENDS WHO TRY TO KILL ME, my sassy daughter took her best swing at me today. It was her chance to...
... try and put me to shame.
We met at TrainInsane, and yes they had some insane moves.
This is what makes cross training so weird. We are fit and strong...
... until we do something super awkward, that we'd never do in real life.
Like one foot in a stirrup while doing a single leg squat.
This was a DaddyDaughter Challenge and I gotta say, if we are going on form she killed me here.
On the cardio it was Dad for the win.
The rest of the exercises were straight forward and awesome.
- 30" box jump (pretty stoked about this one)
- Running while dragging partner tethered with a band
- Squats
- Sled
- PushUps
- Punching bag
- Kneel on Bosu doing dumbbell curls
- Romanian squat with tricep extension
The big takeaways for me?
- My daughter is a badass
- Riding, running and RaceDay Ready have me set to take on any challenge.
Ave HR 122 - including stretching
Max HR 165 - I was legit gassed at one point
Plus it was fun to see the besties get their dads to the gym.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
The ladycoaches were impressed...
... if you have any doubts about your ability, take the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162ish
8 hrs Sleep
55 minutes strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYMPATHY AND MERCY?
Dec 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
I CHOOSE MY FRIENDS BASED ON WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO KILL ME. A true friendship is transactional. We give, and we get. It's not harsh...
... it's reality.
Today, at 9300', I got a lot of payback.
It started at 5000'.
Friendly.
Nice.
You can use my boots and skis. It should all fit.
Got any bandages, these nasty blisters from skate skiing yesterday are catching?
Sure.
And duct tape, my broken baby toe is snagging on this very tight boot?
Yep.
Got a bigger boot, my feet are in a vice?
No, that's my biggest.
Okay... let's do it.
I'm cycling fit, and the recent running helped too, so it wasn't too bad for the first hour of climbing. The going was gentlemanly, up a road, then a somewhat easy single track.
Didn't really need the poles, except for stability.
Then it got very steep, with lots of switch backs. The arms, shoulders and core much more engaged. It reminded me of doing dips. 1000s of dips.
It took about 3 hours, with a few stops, to get to the top. Talley's PR is half that time. This was not a beginner's route. The views were amazing...
... I was so glad to be fit enough to do this.
I brought Josh, my soninlaw, along. He rented a split snowboard. Smart kid. I should have rented, my feet were barking hard. Miserable would be an understatement.
We were both so excited to get to the top, and give our bodies a break before attacking all the fresh snow.
It was a windy at the peak.
The top layer of snow a crusty from yesterday's sun.
Everybody was ripping the knee deep powder on the way down, except me. It'd been too long. I was more like a circus clown, crossing tips, hitting trees...
... a lot of Oh shift! moments.
Still, no way to wipe that smile off my face or anybody else's.
It was too good.
Talley had the line of the day, as he laughed at my clown show...
... I have sympathy, not mercy.
And that my friends, is what friends are for.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Talley is prepping for a back country ski race and using the RaceDay Ready challenge. He was telling Tom about it, who is going to PR Leadville in 2024.
I'm not all in yet, it takes a while to incorporate it. But, I've given up soda and I notice a difference.
Do you just do it for 10 weeks?
For me, it's a lifestyle. I just challenge people for 10 weeks because it's doable. And they'll incorporate some if not all of it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162ish
7.5 hrs Sleep
0 strength
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T BE CAREFUL...
Dec 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'VE SEEN THIS SO MANY TIMES, I can predict who is going to kiss the rocks/dirt/asphalt and who is going to fly on by. It's easy because one is careful...
... and one is confident.
Being careful, when it comes to going fast on a bike, is very dangerous.
There is so much going on a careful rider quickly becomes overwhelmed with all the variables. Inevitably, the rider will hone in on the biggest perceived danger...
... and follow their eyes to their doom.
Being careful is akin to worrying. People that worry about getting sick, get sick. People that worry about never finding love, never find it. People that worry, always...
... get what they worry about.
Confident people approach it all differently.
That was very obvious today, my first attempt at skate skiing.
I thought it would be easy.
I've ice skated.
I've skied.
We clipped in.
Jeff skated away.
I took a push and fell on my @$$.
Ouch.
Instantly, I switched to careful mode.
Taking baby swipes, moving like a drunk robot.
Not pretty.
Very out of breath...
... while he glided confidently into the distance.
My falls got further apart, but I was a mess. Skis going this way and that, arms on fire. I was being way too careful.
The fastest way to move confidently:
- Hire a coach
- Practice 'till perfect.
Which is exactly what I'd do if I lived up here...
... don't be careful, be confident.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162ish
8 hrs Sleep
0 strength
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU DOUBTING YOUR DOUBTS?
Dec 18, 2022 TODD BROWN
IF YOUR RACE GOALS ARE HUGE you'll have two times when your doubts are equally large. When you write them in Sharpie on your calendar...
... and immediately after you cross the start line.
Doubting our doubts is crucial.
Our doubts get knocked down as we prepare to race. Day after day of consistent, disciplined action...
... replace our doubts with assurances we can succeed.
But, the days just prior, and the night before the showdown with destiny, can be filled by confidence killing conversations with ourselves. Give them no heed. Reflect on your preparation...
... what you know to be true.
Doubt your doubts.
Trust your training.
This is the way.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Trust me, I have all kinds of doubts in my ability to swim and run effectively.
The Giant Calendars are shipping free.
Get one.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
162ish
7.75 hrs Sleep
RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MY LEGS ARE BURNING!
Dec 17, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE FEW THINGS THAT GIVE A PARENT MORE PLEASURE than teaching a skill or sport to be shared and enjoyed together. The best is when the parent is surpassed...
... but, there is something right up there next to that.
I had the second best experience today skiing with our snowbound daughter and son in law...
... and it's all because of dad's dang biker legs.
Little Pants has certainly improved since she began chasing Josh around the mountains. She was enjoying so much more of the available terrain, and keeping right up.
Impressive.
Black Diamond stuff.
Our grand day got even better when I heard...
... My legs are burning.
And that is the best thing next to being surpassed by your child...
... knowing you've still got one on 'em, for a little longer.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-cycling-raceday-bags
If you're looking for an outstanding gift to give to a child, parent, friend, lover, competitor...
... check out this email I just received.
We can ship anything that is in stock right away.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-cycling-raceday-bags
----
162ish
8 hrs Sleep
No strength training
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
TIME TO PUT IT TO THE TEST
Dec 16, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE AREN'T JUST TRAINING FOR RACING, we're training for life. To be fit, able to do any physical activity we want...
... at a level that is fun.
Tomorrow, and next week I'm putting that to the test.
Alpine skiing for first time in a few years, cross country and back country skiing for first time ever.
I'd say Wish me luck, but a friend once told me...
... luck is for the unprepared.
Which brings me back to just what it is we want to accomplish when we put in the miles.
- Fun
- Sanity
- Fitness
In that order for me...
... how about you, got anything fun planned for the holidays?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162ish
6 hrs Sleep
Just pushups
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW I MADE MY BIKE SUPER QUIET
Dec 15, 2022 TODD BROWN
THIS USE TO DRIVE ME CRAZY, the constant clanging of most saddle packs. I'd be ripping through the wilderness, or full gallop sprint on the road and I could hear was...
... that loose, sloshing.
Mine was relatively quiet, some cats sounded like a tweaker who got ahold of a tambourine.
- It's annoying on the road,
- and a buzz kill on the dirt.
One day, pre-tubeless, I had an inspiration. What if we made a pack...
... out of a thick MTB innertube?
The result is in the pic above, The Mini RaceDay Bag™.
- Holds everything tight with compression
- Deadens any sound
I keep 2 air cartridges, a nozzle, 2 levers, and a mini tool in there.
Silent.
Does not move.
Easy to access.
Does not move.
Easy to access.
Plus, everything is protected from the elements.
Use promo code SUPERQUIET to save 20%
Use promo code SUPERQUIET to save 20%
----
161
7.75 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
IS THIS WHAT I WAS CREATED FOR?
Dec 14, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT HAD BEEN A LONG DAY. I'd risen and started working at 5am. Pushed the pedals hard for 50 miles. Battled traffic for 2 hours. Returned at 7pm...
... there was no way I was getting off the couch.
But, I'd made a commitment.
But, I didn't care.
That is the major problem of the afternoon workout.
The flesh is weak,
and the spirit is weaker.
I asked myself if this is what I was created for...
to mindlessly watch motocross and surfing videos on YouTube?
to whither into weakness, tempted by Surfergirl's HagenDaaz?
to scroll myself to sleep?
Then, Twitter pounded me with countless posts on the power of strength training...
... and I got off my ass and got it done.
15 minutes.
- Squats
- Shoulder press
- Nordic hamstring curls
- Reverse Nordics
- Toe raise
- Calf raise
- Box jump
- Pullups
- Pushup
My energy shot right back up with the sexy feeling of blood pumping through my body...
... now, I'm ready to write.
Then, I'll go back downstairs. Pull up YouTube, stretch and Hypervolt while I learn something...
... and, yes, sink back into that couch.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Because in 10 weeks, I'll be doing my first triathlon in 15 years...
... and it's on my Giant Calendar, reminding me every day.
This is without a doubt, the most motivational thing I do...
... write in Sharpie for all the world to see.
If I really had the balls... I'd put qualify for Worlds on there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
161
7.75 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
CHECK, PLEASE.
Dec 13, 2022 TODD BROWN
I CAN TELL WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU WITHIN SECONDS. It's easy. Possibly incriminating. Definitely...
... 100% accurate.
All I need to do is monitor what you do when you first wake up.
What are you checking when those eyelids snap into action?
Me?
Sleep
Sales.
Weight.
In that order.
Why does it matter?
Because we get what we measure.
Want more or less of something...
... measure it DAILY.
The great Scott Adams in his book How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big claims we are simply moist computers and easily programmed.
Measuring is a simple example of that truth.
I cover this in detail in The RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge. Now that I think about it...
... the challenge is all about programming for success.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
161.9
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU CAN SKIP SOME WORKOUTS SOME TIMES
Dec 12, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT POURED ALL DAY YESTERDAY, right on through this morning. The sun broke out around noon and I set to grinding out the work as fast as possible...
... for quick loop before sunset.
Sunlight streamed through all the windows as I geared up, and was still streaming when I opened the door to leave...
... nooooooooo, more rainfall on a bright sunny afternoon.
Rats!
All I could think of was the great Bob Marley's Get Up Stand Up. ...
... and my version...
You can skip some workouts some time,
But, you can't skip all the workouts all the time.
Why didn't I skip today's?
Well...
- It rains in races, so it's good to have a feel for wet roads and clothes
- I'm taking off 10 days this month, gotta get the rides in that I can
- I applied Pelli Bike Care's ceramic coating to my bike and wanted to test it
- I also applied Wend Wax' new ceramic lube to my chain and wanted to test that.
... I had to get out there, conditions were perfect for testing.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/layers-vests-jackets-warmers/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
What I didn't have to test out is the KOM jacket, because I already know how awesome it is for just such a day.
40 degrees and raining.
We still have a few small and large available in the old style, on close out. $70 for $140 jacket.
It's one of my most favorite creations.
Cuts the wind and water like no other, yet breathable.
If it's super cold, add arm warmers and a 2nd jersey for layers... probably what I'll wear for tomorrow's 38 degree start.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/layers-vests-jackets-warmers/products/pedal-kom-jacket-isd
----
163.4 (nooooo, the xmas parties got me)
8 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO WANTS A NEW CHALLENGE?
Dec 11, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'M READY FOR SOMETHING NEW. I don't know what it is. But, I can tell it's time to change things up...
... find a new outrageous goal.
I thought it could be triathlon, so I started running.
Why not?... everybody should be able to run a 10k and swim 1k.
Which got me thinking about other basic things we should all be able to do easily...
- 10 pullups
- 30 pushups
- Squat our body weight
- Ride tempo for 2 hours
- Bunnyhop a curb
... but, that's basic and not outrageous.
Candidates for outrageous:
- Xterra Nationals
- MTB Marathon Nationals
- MTB Marathon Worlds
- Best of Both
- Downieville Classic All Mountain
- Moab Rocks
Let me qualify outrageous. For me, that means making one of these events my A race for the year and going all in. Going for the win.
I haven't settled on one yet. Some are hard to get into. Some dates still unknown.
All I know at this point is, it's going to be something new and it's not going to be an 8-10 hour deathmarch.
What about you?
Same old races you've done year after year or are you looking for something different?
I'd love to know.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
162.2
8 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
VAGUE, RANT!
Dec 10, 2022 TODD BROWN
I LIKE TO RIDE ALONE THIS TIME OF YEAR. It feels good to roll out with a vague idea for the ride. More important is...
... time to reflect on the year behind, and the year ahead.
Where have we been?
What have we accomplished?
What's in store for the year ahead?
For me, crushing my PR at Leadville was for sure the highlight of the year because it...
... proved the power of focus.
While the nonchalant training of this season is pleasant and rejuvenating, it must end if excellence is to be accomplished.
Vagueness gets us nothing.
Clarity gets us everything.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
161.3
7 hrs Sleep
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE ART OF RIDING
Dec 09, 2022 TODD BROWN
MANY GREAT THINGS HAVE RESULTED FROM CLOSING OUR RETAIL LOCATION. For example, meeting Leah, the lovely artist who took over the space...
... coincidentally, a founding member of the Sisterhood Of Cycling.
I'm always amazed at vastness of the small word of bike lovers.
Tonight at her gallery's art show, we met all kinds of of riders who live here in town, ride the same trails and surf the same waves.
Wait, do you know...
Oh, you ride with the Motley Crew
Haven't I seen you in the water at Sano..
While were having this lovefest and bondathon it comes up that one of the couples has a mountain bike tandem...
... and that's where I have to bite my tongue.
But, Surfergirl lets it out that we have one too.
We rode the crud out of our Ibis Cousin It during the 90's. Us. The kids on the back. All over the local mountains...
... until that fateful day I said No more.
It was hot. We were grinding up a steep tail. I was out of breath and she's talking about dinner plans and where to go on vacation the next summer. I was out of breath! Suffering!...
... she's painting her nails with her feet up on the top tube.
I snapped.
Silly I know.
The tandem sat in the garage for the next 20 years. Saved by memories of good times. Collecting dust. Resting on flat tires...
... until I restored it last summer.
We've ridden it once.
I gotta feeling we'll be back on it soon with our new fast friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
Might have to get Surfergirl to take the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
161
17.4% bf
60.6% h2o
7 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU GETTING COMPOUND INTEREST?
Dec 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
FOR YEARS I WOULD LET MY FITNESS GO at the end of the season. Correctly, I'd plan to get it back the following year. Incorrectly...
... I was missing a chance to have my fitness compound.
With the nest empty, I've take an interest in the CANI approach.
Can I have Constant And Neverending Improvement?
Yes, kind of.
The supreme fitness reached during a season cannot be held onto forever, but we don't have to let it all go to helk...
... we can enter the next season fitter than we entered the previous season.
How?
- Don't pack on a winter coat
- Do strength train more
- Do cross train
- Do keep stretching
- Do back off the volume
- Do keep doing intervals 2x/week
- ...
If I'd done that I'd have a Gold Medal by now, LOL.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
It's all revealed in the challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
160
17.3% bf
60.5% h2o
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
3 TRAITS ALL WINNERS HAVE
Dec 07, 2022 TODD BROWN
WINNERS HAVE THESE THREE TRAITS, and losers are generally lacking in at least one, but not the first one...
... everybody on the start line has ambition.
That's a given.
Who will win?
Who will put down their best time?
They'll have ambition,
and a laser focus on their goal.
But, lots of competitors have that.
There is a legend of a triathlete who in his mid-40s decided his goal would be to become a world champion, to win Kona. At the time, he was fast and finished in the top 20% of his age group...
... but he wanted to win the big prize.
He noticed that many athletes would train with pain and ultimately they would permanently injure themselves, or simply burn out.
His plan was to outlast them all. He made sure to rest, to take time off, and to address any pains or discomforts immediately.
At age 70, he became an Ironman World Champion...
... because he was patient.
Ambitious.
Focused.
Patient.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
My patience has garnered me all kinds of knowledge this year, and you can have it all for free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
160.9
16.5% bf
60.9% h2o
7.5 hrs Sleep
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE HARDEST THING YOU MIGHT DO NEXT YEAR
Dec 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
ABOVE IS A PICTURE OF A CUSTOMER'S WALL OF FAME. It's hard to miss the Giant RaceDay Calendar, and while I'm thrilled to see it in action it's living proof...
... how hard it is to commit.
There's a HUGE miss on it.
Do you see it?
It's easy to fill in the dates of races, maybe start with pencil or a fine ball point pen. As things gel, take out a Sharpie and mark up the events we really care about.
But, even as impressive as this calendar is...
... and results garnered over the year were incredible...
... it's missing the most powerful component.
Here's a hint.
Do you see it now?
It's not the red vs black, though I will say there is a certain amount of badassery with red.
It's the top.
THIS YEAR I WILL...
His is blank!
This is not the first time I have seen the most powerful portion neglected, and I think I know why...
... it's scary has heck to make a commitment like that.
- Big
- For all to see
- The absolute glory or complete failure
In Sharpie!
What can we do about that?
Well...
- Realize there is tremendous power performing this written ritual.
- Meet with a group who are equally engaged in their own mythic quest.
- Master the calendar of our life.
... and, Get. It. Done!
How?
May I suggest a tiny investment with massive potential.
For a mere $11.53 a week you can...
- Jump on a quick, WEEKLY call with us and a few other amazing athletes to check in and be held accountable to your goals throughout all 2023
- Be part of a group where you can ask the coaches anything
PLUS...
- Get a Giant RaceDay Calendar ($30)
- A reminder wallet with YOUR major race goal ($38)
- RaceDay Ready SuperTech T ($75)
- A RaceDay Journal to document your progress ($20)
- I'M READY socks ($20)
- READY retro trucker hat ($30)
AND...
- Meal plans
- Strength and stretching videos
YES, THIS TOO...
- 25% saving code for ALL PEDAL Industries products - stock or custom
- Early Access and 25% savings to our events like SurfNSummit
DON'T FORGET...
The PR-SMASHING Guarantee:
If you aren't smashing PRs and blowing yourself away...
If you aren't learning things you never even considered...
If you aren't stoked out of your gourd about life in general...
... I don't want your money, none of it.
I'll give it back at the end of the year as long as you've done the work...
... and you can keep the RaceDay Ready 2023 gear.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life
I can't believe I'm doing this on top of all of the above...
... use this promo code to save 20% on RaceDay Ready For Life:
RDR20
Code will expire 12/31/22
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life
----
160.9
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, SO WHAT!
Dec 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOME OF US HAD GREAT SPORTING YEARS, some of us fell short of our goals, and some didn't even come close. Wherever you fall, be sure of this...
... it ain't about where we've been.
It never was.
Never will be.
Nevever.
There are only two things that matter.
- Where we're headed
- How badly we want to get there
That's it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
If you ain't getting there,
want to try something different,
take the 10-week challenge.
----
161.2
6.5 hrs (thought it was 630, it was 5... got going anyway)
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE MEANS FORTIFY THE ENDS
Dec 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
I STRUGGLED TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS FOR DECADES. As a kid, bouncing back and forth between parents' homes, the excess trying to make up for the suckiness...
... I dreaded the holiday season.
Fortunately, there were bikes from time to time and I could ride away from it all...
... ride and ride and ride.
Thank God for liberation via the Schwinn Stingray.
One year, a mermaid tricked me into visiting her home in the islands for the holidays. It was there that I finally found Christmas music that healed my wounded soul...
I'm listening to this amazing music as we prepare for a white Christmas in the mountains with our children, their spouses and the grands.
What does this have to do with training and racing?
Often it's the bad race, the disappointing result, the ugly moments...
... which lead us to be great.
Hang in there.
I don't know who you are, but hang in there, and know that I'd love to go for a ride with you...
... on Stingrays if we can find 'em.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
This is my gift to you.
----
160.1
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS AIN'T THE LOTTERY, YOU GOTTA EARN IT
Dec 03, 2022 TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BEST PARTS ABOUT RACING FOR YEARS is watching people progress. From that first race, getting the helmet straps blown off...
... to sticking with it and getting on the podium.
If you're reading this, you've been to that first race when you are confronted with cold hard facts...
... there's a lot more to racing than riding your bike.
- Arriving early
- Bike prep
- Training
- Course pre-riding
- What to wear
- How to eat before, during, after
- How much to drink
- Whether to join a team
It really is endless, and it all starts...
... with the end of the first race.
Commit, or quit.
I was thinking about that today when the 55+ podium was announced.
At the top was the sly fox Ken W (for winning). He's been around forever, and we've had some good battles. In 3rd and 5th were two guys I've been watching. Reggie and Jiri...
... they are committed and improving.
I don't know if they really care about the podium as much as they care about figuring out racing, battling the best guys around...
... and the high we get when we master something new.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.4ish
7 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHYI DON'T CARE HOW MUCH I WEIGH ON RACEDAY
Dec 02, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'M RACING TOMORROW and I don't care how much I weigh when I wake up. Do you? Should I? I mean, I'll be racing...
... and it's all about power to weight ratio.
Yeah, but.
Let's take a step back.
First, most people confuse hunger with thirst. They should actually be drinking vs eating.
Second, most people are so addicted to food they can't handle the feeling of hungry...
... especially the sugar addicts.
Third, we aren't most people.
- we drink plenty
- aren't addicted to sugar
- can handle the feeling of hunger
Which has a lot to do with being lean and strong.
Okay, the table is set.
Here's what I mean.
Because the day before I'm focused on fueling all systems, instead of being lighter than the day before, or the same weight...
... we might be a pound or 3 heavier.
I don't care about that.
The previous months were already spent getting down to my race weight...
... on RaceDay I'm topped off on calories and liquids.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.4
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE STEEL
Dec 01, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY VIDEOGRAPHER CAME OVER TODAY TO SHOOT the RaceDay Ready work out. We shot it start to finish...
... it takes about 15 minutes.
Unlike what every other gooroo is telling you to do...
- get to the gym
- 2x per week
- 6-10 reps
- 3 sets
... we spend 15 minutes a day.
I followed the gurus.
When I followed the gooroos, my legs were smoked so I couldn't to an effective riding...
... and by the time I started to see results the gooroos said to back it way down or stop.
Cameraguy isn't a rider or runner, so he didn't totally understand when I explained the benefit of each exercise in regards to developing power on the bike.
When we were done, 14ish minutes later I asked him...
Whadaya think?
I wanna do it.
Mission accomplished.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.4
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT DO YOU HATE MORE?
Nov 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE REASON I RACE IS SIMPLE. I lose. Often. Sanctioned or underground or racing friends to the city limits...
... I almost always lose.
And, it ticks me off!
A lot.
So, when...
It's way too ffffffreezing and wet
I'm too tired for big miles
I want the damn donut
I loathe pull up bar
... I revel in how much I hate losing, being dropped, failing a personal quest.
Embracing the hate is one way...
... to start winning the battle of the mind.
It's all mental.
Or, as the Sultan says, we create it all spiritually first.
The Sultan's Seven Secrets is one of the excellent books I recommend in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.8
7.75 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
GET YOUR @$$ IN GEAR
Nov 29, 2022 TODD BROWN
GOT A BUNCH OF PROVOCATIVE EMAIL TODAY. First, the incredible Hugh. Anybody who completes the Everest Challenge is amazing in my book. One problem, in his own words...
... he's covered his studliness in blubber.
I thought about sending a kind and gentle email, relating to how hard it is to keep fit and juggle life.
But, he's a stud.
So, I wrote him back...
... Get off your @$$!
Thanks for the motivation, Todd! Not having scheduled races/events over the past two years is exactly why I gained the weight and retained it: No goals, no competition, with just nominal effort, has kept me from the ‘eyes on the prize’ focus, thus yielding its own outcome. Time to get my @$$ in gear.
There is so much magic in signing up for an event, even one of our own making like Everesting.
What this stud really needs is to commit for 10 weeks. My brother did that 4 weeks ago and according to dear ol' mom over turkey dinner...
... Matt looks great. I asked him what he's doing and he said your program.
---
Then Brian has the juevos to send this contrary opinion:
Hey there: my opinion?
PR’s are worthless or at best, not worth much at all.
Why?
Way too many variables that significantly influence any given performance. They include, equipment, weather, riding conditions (solo, in a group? etc), sleep, diet, physical health, and on and on and on.
Without isolating and controlling for any particular variable, a PR doesn’t meaningfully inform me of much at all.
Just my two cents….
Which I think actually proves my point.
What we are after is our PERSONAL RECORD, regardless of what the Strava Lords say...
... only you know if it was your best effort.
---
On a related note, when we set about going for a PR often we find the universe conspires to make it happen...
... it's almost scary how often that has happened to me.
We can, and do, bend reality.
---
Frank's email of the custom shirt we made him (pic above) really say it best...
PRs - you gotta risk it, to get the biscuit.
---
Where was I...
... some will wait until Jan 1 to start
others have already started and will be 5 weeks ahead...
... what are you going to do?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
160.7
8.25 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY PRs ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN KOMs
Nov 28, 2022 TODD BROWN
Have you got the hang of being RaceDay Ready™ yet?
Have you found a rhythm?
If not, you will soon.
I promise.
It gets a lot easier and the faster you can go all in the better.
That picture up there represents my results for the Leadville 100 MTB race in 2022.
Notice, I finished in 2nd place.
What are the odds?
My finishing time of 7:57 was the 2nd fastest time ever posted by someone in my age group. The previous best was set by an ex-pro who won the race overall the first time I did it. That day he beat me by over an hour. His best at 60, 7:54. And that was 3 years prior.
The next best time for our age group was 8:40ish.
I should have won my age group, and there is the important lesson I want you to consider as you transform your body, mind and soul...
... there is always someone better, always.
There is great power in chasing our PRs, and potentially great poison in chasing a victory or a KOM.
Was I disappointed?
Nope.
I crushed my previous PR, destroyed it.
And, that was my goal.
Do I like to win?
Hellyeah!
It's super cool, and fun.
But, there is nothing better than a PR...
... knowing I couldn't have gone any faster, done any better is the best feeling in the world.
There are going to be days when you will want to quit or skip.
I know.
I face 'em.
You'll face 'em, too.
The only question is...
... how badly do you want to perform your best?
When you're feeling weak, disappointed, there is only one thing to remember and that is everybody feels that...
... people who want it push through, day by day.
Keep Challenging Yourself!
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161.4
8.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU CHALLENGING ME?
Nov 27, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOMEONE HAD THE GALL TO CHALLENGE ME. Can you believe that? It wasn't a direct challenge, but a challenge to one of my readers...
... How can you believe what that guy says?
It's a legit question:
How can some dude (me) possibly have any good advice when he's not a doctor and has never gone to school for what he's telling you to do?
Well, other than the fact that I have read countless books, listened to hours of podcasts, studied the fastest and toughest athletes, and put it into practice to bust my PRs...
... you've got a good point.
Except,
I'm not telling you what to do, and I'm warning you that I'm not a doctor, all I'm saying is...
... this is working miracles for me
you should try it out for 10 weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
161
9 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
DETUNING MY FITNESS
Nov 26, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'M A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR, but there is still plenty of time to detune my body. Gaining physical fitness is a lot like taking a car to a tuner and...
... removing the factory settings for increased performance.
There are two ways to undo that:
- Reduce training
- Stop training
But, why should we detune our fitness?
For me, there are two outcomes I'm looking for and they both revolve around feeling fresh:
- Physically
- Mentally
I can't say one is more important than the other, because they go hand in hand. Fortunately, they respond together in detuning...
... as well as fine-tuning fitness.
Nowhere was this brought home more clearly than in April of this year. I wouldn't normally take a big break midseason, but I really wanted to take Surfgirl to a secret surf spot in Mexico.
To be honest, I'd already raced a lot by then and wasn't completely looking forward to the big ramp up for Leadville.
Still, I was concerned it would throw my fitness off.
Quite the opposite.
After nearly a week off the bike, doing nothing but surfing a few hours and sleeping in and a little work as a keyboard cowboy...
... I felt amazing.
So, since I'm just a passionate dude and not a doctor let me give you this link to the science.
Along with this summation:
The athletes who took time off at the end of the season - reduced or completely off - started the season slower than those who trained year round but...
... had much higher output and results during the meat of the season.
Personally, I like the reduced approach.
Fewer days on the bike.
More days on the board.
And...
... no structure whatsoever,
for about a month.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
It is kind of like tapering for a big race, the same effect but in a much bigger way.
Tapering is definitely part of being RaceDay Ready.
----
161.6
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
GRAVELICIOUS
Nov 25, 2022 TODD BROWN
I GET A LOT OF JOY CREATING COURSES. Some, like TMWC, have been in use for 20 years. Others, like HUNKR, were rad but too costly promote...
... today, I nailed a classic.
It's not solely gravel.
There's road.
Single track.
I took a previously very challenging course and lopped off the rocky, steep stuff.
Now, it's flowy and fast.
The real joy isn't so much in the creation as it is in the...
... sharing and riding with good friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
On the ride we were talking about what we could have done better this year.
I need to lose a few pounds and get back in the gym.
Bro, just gimme 10 weeks...
----
161.9
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SURVIVING THE FOOD AVALANCHE
Nov 24, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT'S COMING, HECK IT'S HERE! Started today, and it's just gonna keep coming until it sweeps even the most dedicated...
... off their fitness mountain.
But, I have the antidote.
Arm yourself with this excerpt from RaceDay Ready:
There are two important concepts I want to share with you:
- Eat like an athlete
- Eat what you can identify
The biggest shift I had regarding what I put into my body came through a conversation with my son, Shane.
Want to grab a donut?
Nope.
Why not?
Because I'm an athlete.
It's a simple shift in our thinking, to think of ourselves as athletes first.
What would an athlete eat?
That's a loaded question, but let me give you a simple rule of thumb for eating.
If you can identify it, eat it.
There are all kinds of strategies you can employ around that:
- Intermittent fasting
- Low carb, high fat
- More protein
- Fruit until noon
- Carnivore diet
- Atkins.
It takes some experimenting to figure out what works best for your body...
... just eat whole foods!
Nuts, eat 'em.
Fruits, eat 'em.
Veggies, eat 'em.
Meats of a kinds, eat 'em.
Do you see what I mean?
No factory food.
No packaged goods.
No traditional desserts.
It's hard at first. It took me a long time to get on the rythym of it all...
... and then the surprising happened.
My cravings went away.
Poof.
Well, not totally because now I crave whole foods...
... whose ingredients I can see.
You know what else went away?...
... a lot of blubber.
Easily.
Over time.
A word about cheat days.
They are popular, and I believe they are stupid. All they do is restart the cravings.
Do I cheat?
No, sometimes I'll say Ice cream sounds good today. But, instead of pounding a pint I have a few bites. It just doesn't taste as good.
In it's place, I currently crave greek yogurt with frozen fruit mixed in.
Which brings us to the 4 Don'ts of RaceDay Ready
- No Alcohol
- No bread
- No soda
- No sugar
For some of you this is easy peasy, for others you might really struggle...
... are you an athlete?
Do you want to be your best?
Should you go cold turkey or ease off? That's your call.
Don't stress about it.
It is a lifestyle change, and once you start seeing your food through this athlete's filter...
... you'll notice you have a lot of places where you can improve.
It's a process.
Start now.
For those of you in need of accountability, we have RaceDay Ready For Life...
... use this promo code to save 20% RDR20.
The code will expire.
----
161
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
15 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
STOP AND SMELL THE GRATITUDE
Nov 23, 2022 TODD BROWN
ON MY HOME LAST NIGHT I HAD TO LAY MY BIKE DOWN. There were things to do, places to be. Instead, I stopped. Or, I was stopped...
... it was too beautiful to keep riding.
Who created all of this?
Why am I so lucky to witness it?
How did I wind up with the health to get up here?
When will the the sun and sky ever be like this again?
Moments like these are common, but I tend to ride right on through them...
... in a hurry to get on to the next thing.
At dawn, I rose and began my morning writing. Reflecting on the previous sunset a steady stream started to flow...
... line upon line of gratitude.
Calling out each person who has made a tremendous impact in my life this year by name, and their specific contribution.
Detailing the changes I've made for the better in my mental, physical, social and spiritual life.
It's been a great year...
Demanding.
Rough.
... the kind that makes me better.
Do you know why I'm so passionate about RaceDay Ready 2023?
Why it's free?
Because I feel called to share everything I've learned this year.
There is no other reason.
I'm simply grateful and looking for a way to give it forward.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
161.3
7.2 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
10 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
MAKING INTERVALS FUN AGAIN + Black Friday All Year Long
Nov 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
WERE INTERVALS EVER FUN? I am sure there are many of you who just love to do intervals. Indoor, outdoor. 1 minute. 5 minute. 20 minute...
... I'm envious of you.
We all know that intervals are they way to go to get battle hardened and prepped to rip on raceday, or any day.
I'm probably in the minority, there are just a handful of who refuse to do them. Not out of religious protest or fear of hurling...
... simply because we don't like 'em.
What's an enduramaniac to do?
I was thinking about that today on a most glorious ride...
The fall weather, perfect.
Shadows, lengthening.
Energy, high.
... because it was one of those days where I'd see a climb, or a straightaway or a g-pressing berm and just uncork it for a bit.
These are my kinda intervals.
They hurt plenty.
But, it's fun.
The moment passes, and I get back to smelling the dead leaves and setting sun.
Is it as good as real intervals?
Maybe.
I did quite a few of them.
Had a ton of fun.
But, more importantly, these types of intervals tend to be the same places a galloping peloton would do the same thing...
... and isn't the point to be raceday ready?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-pedal-posse/products/pedal-posse-2023-membership
I get asked a lot, Will there by any Black Friday deals?...
... yes, when you join the PEDAL Posse you save 25% all year long.
Check it out.https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-pedal-posse/products/pedal-posse-2023-membership
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160.1
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU AS BUFF AS MY DAUGHTER?
Nov 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY SASSY DAUGHTER IS VISITING US for a few days. I couldn't resist having her mock my workout and at the same time...
... seeing how tough the little fitness queen is.
First up was the sled, which she shot video of me getting set up to share in the family text where the brothers could pile on the mockery. This video does look a little dorky, but I'm telling ya...
... the workout is legit.
I drag my body weight, and when I was through we lightened up for her to do the same. She did just fine, which I expected.
She was good on the squat, 40lbs in each hand. And the shoulder press with 15lbs in each hand.
Knowing she hits the gym regularly, I wasn't too surprised at how well she was doing.
But, that was the end of normal for her...
... it was time to do the exercises that have vastly improved my pedal stroke.
Starting with the nordic for hamstrings.
It was fun to take her through the RaceDay Ready routine.
By the end, she was no longer selling me on joining a gym.
She got it.
Dad, you can do this and not get sweaty.
Yep, just strong.
Do you do it more than once a day?
Sometimes, only takes 15 minutes.
I like that.
And just like that, my sassy daughter had some respect for the old guy for a brief few moments.
I'm working on a new video of the basic RaceDay Ready strength routine for the 2023 version...
... so you'll be able to get a dash of respect from your detractors, too.
Click on the logo to check it out...
... get signed up and you'll start receiving the new material as I have it ready to go.
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160.3
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
15 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
SWEET NEWS
Nov 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
I DELIVERED A SPEECH TODAY. The group comprised all ages. Some, I knew were in tremendous shape, others battling age and illness, the rest indifferent or not concerned...
... about maximum health.
Part of my text covered my PR crushing time at Leadville last summer.
There was no time to go into the details, so I want to share with you some sweet news.
- what's happened to my vision since ditching sugar
- why it's not enough to ditch sugar
Since I really clamped down on my sugar intake one of the many benefits has been improved vision. This is not scientific, I haven't had my vision checked to confirm. I can only tell you this, it's better.
Recently I read an article confirming the damage too much sugar can do to vision. Then, found a YouTube video discussing the benefits of berries to our vision...
... which is why it's not enough to ditch sugar.
It needs to be replaced.
Anybody who has tried to quit anything knows quitting is nearly impossible, replacing is much easier and more likely to be permanent.
For example, I use to enjoy ice cream at night. I've replaced that with Fage Greek Yogut (brand of choice), with frozen berries mixed in. The berries freeze the yogurt. I think it's amazing.
That afternoon snack I used to grab during the week, which was typically sugar/carb based, has been replaced with nuts. Currently, it's mainly Macadamia nuts. I love them chilled, in the freezer. Their benefits are many. Look 'em up.
Part of my prep for RaceDay Ready 2023 will be more details on what I'm actually doing with diet. Remember, I'm not a dietician or a doctor...
... I'm just your biggest fan, sharing what is working for me.
Take it with a grain of salt.
Stay tuned for the 2023 version of RaceDay Ready, it's on the way.
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157.8 (probably dehydrated)
7.5 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
NEITHER DR FRENCH OR MR BULL COULD HELP THIS TIME
Nov 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
A BUNCH OF US ROLLED OUT to the Temecula 8 hours of endurance today. Most were racing 2, 3, and 4 person teams...
... it's always a lot of fun.
Unless you're racing solo.
Then, it's 5 hours of a lot of fun, followed by a lot of questioning...
... What was I thinking? How stupid is this?
There is a reason for this questioning, because unlike a race of an epic distance this is a timed race. In a distance race you can just speed up and get it over with. In a timed race, you speed up and you still have lots of time to go.
Personally, I was thinking it'd be fun to see everybody, ride some new single track, get miles in with Easy E and Speedy Steve...
... I even planned to pull the plug at 5 hours.
What I didn't plan on was cramping up with an hour to go, plus I was just plain tired...
... I had to bring in the heavy equipment.
French's Mustard for the cramps, and Red Bull for the energy.
Didn't help much, and when I rolled up and saw Steve chillin at the 5 hour mark, I knew it would be wise to stick with the plan...
... then I remember how sick I was 72 houra prior.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
The campground seems to have unlimited hot water, and it felt great to wash all the dirt and salt of my body.
The Travel bag had my toiletries, towel, clothes, shoes, etc...
... because I followed the checklist on the pockets.
And yes, of course we can make these in your team colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
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160ish
7.5 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
I THOUGHT THE RACING SEASON WAS OVER?
Nov 18, 2022 TODD BROWN
I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT TOMORROW’S RACE. Not because the venue has cut an entirely new network of single track, not to see all my pals, and certainly not because I decided to race the 8 hours solo division…
… because it’s going to be so darn cold tonight.
Previously, I’d be okay with that. I’d sleep great in my Costco down mummy. Everything would be great until I got out of that protective barrier because come morning…
… the van morphs into a giant icebox.
No longer, I hope.
The great Steve, master of all things mechanical, installed a tiny diesel heater for me. In true Steve fashion, he performed all kinds of upgrades and customization, vastly improving the out of the box set up. He also installed the seat swivels that I’ve had waiting for way too long.
Just now, I noted the thermometer inside was reading 60 degrees. That’s normal. I had my big parka on and my feet were cold. Also normal. Then I thought, let’s test that heater out.
15 minutes later, we at 68.
That’s the lowest setting.
It’s a pretty low-tech unit, pulling diesel from the van's tank. No thermostat.
With much colder temps coming through the night, it should be just right inside my little cave on wheels.
You know what they say...
... warm hands, ready to rip heart.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
Speaking of ready to rip...
... I'm rolling out the 2023 program.
It's in a bit of a test mode, but you can get started on it and the pieces will be all together by month's end.
Just click the READY logo.
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160.1 (weight is back to normal)
7 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I FEEL LIKE I COULD FIGHT A LION
Nov 17, 2022 TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY WAS ROUGH, had me crawling on my knees and praying to a porcelain god. Add in the sweating and chills and you've got a recipe...
... for weight loss.
Not the good kind, but a kind never the less.
By the end of the day, I was on the mend.
I weighed myself just to get a smile.
Yep, a lot lighter.
Maybe 24 hour flu should be called 24 HR FAST + (the plus being purging.)
But, here is the really good news, my appreciation for a healthy body is dramatically renewed as well as my empathy for those who aren't feeling 100%...
... plus, I feel like I could fight a lion!
__________________________________________
Started the day with a solid round of the RaceDay Ready Strength circuit...
... stay tuned for the 2023 version, it's on the way.
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158.3
12 hrs (felt so good to sleep so much)
1 Strength Circuits
15 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
A DUMB THING CAN BE A GOOD THING
Nov 15, 2022 TODD BROWN
I STUPIDLY HELD OFF PUTTING ON THE NEW TIRE until late last night. It looked good, seemed to have sealed and be holding air...
... flat as can be at 5:15am.
Not a good thing to discover 20 minutes before I needed to roll, so I grabbed the gravel bike and figured why not...
... it'll be harder.
Harder is better.
Harder it was.
Permanently ejected on the penultimate climb, I had 2 choices:
- Chase and hope they wait
- Take the dirty way back
Being well-trained in not waiting, the idea of chasing only to be gassed and gapped again wasn't a top choice...
... dirt it is.
Gotta be honest here, this was the best Tuesday morning ride I've had all year.
- Warming up with the posse
- Pummeled by the posse
- Ditching the posse
The dirty way was free of cars, and nearly all people.
Too cold, too early.
Dumb to wait until late the night before to replace tire...
... good to get out anyway.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
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159.4
7 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TRY NOT TO OVERTHINK IT
Nov 13, 2022 TODD BROWN
HERE'S THE DEALIO, we are humans and humans love new stuff. We are always looking far into the horizon...
... because there might be danger out there.
Or food. Or friends. Or, in modern terms, a new and better way to do things.
Consequently, it is extremely easy to overthink our training.
Consider this, from an old book called Bike Racing 101, which a friend showed me today...
In February 1998 American Fred Rodriguez scored a stunning three stage wins and top 10 overall place in the grueling Le Tour de Langkawi, beating out many top European road pros.
This performance got him noticed and picked up by the strongest squad in the world at the time, the Mapei team.
How did he prepare for this astonishing feat?
Freddie had already been riding for many years with his coach, René Wenzel. Wenzel knew Freddie could handle a tough program. He started out with one hour per day of endurance-paced riding in early October and continued to add 20 minutes per day each week until he was doing six hours per day, all at an endurance pace. By the time he left for the Malaysia event, he had only very briefly been above 80 percent of his maximum heart rate on one occasion during team training camp.
At 80 percent of his MHR, Fred was averaging approximately 25 MPH (40 KPH)
on flat sections of his training rides. The rest is history.
To be honest, none of us has 6 hours a day to ride in zone 2. Even if we wanted to our bodies probably couldn't handle it.
There's a lesson in there somewhere...
... use it.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
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160.6
8 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW SOON IS TOO SOON FOR THE FIRST GROUP RIDE?
Nov 12, 2022 TODD BROWN
I DRAGGED A NEWISH RIDER TO HIS FIRST GROUP RIDE. Not just any group ride, one with serious talent which...
... has destroyed many an ego.
It's November, and I was thinkinghoping it would be somewhat tame.
The 30 mile ride to the start might have been a tall ask but...
... I look at it as an extra thorough warmup.
The ride itself is about 30 miles with countless rollers and turns. I wondered how long he would last.
- Mile 1, flat and casual.
- Mile 2, a number of stop lights to catch up.
- Mile 3, he was through the roundabout onto the first riser...
... and out the back.
Which turned about to be a great thing.
- Mile 4, I had a catastrophic gash in the front tire 3 darts wouldn't seal.
- Mile 4, he had a tube I definitely needed.
Back riding, it was fun the rehash the start of the ride.
How'd you like that?
Is it always that fast?
Yep.
The whole ride?
That was the start, it just gets faster and harder from there.
I'll never be able to keep up.
You will, just keep coming.
Where was he keeping his 2 canisters, nozzle, tire irons and spare tube?
Same place I should have had a tube.
The amazing MiniRace Day bag, made of innertube so everything is tight and quiet.
Use promo code TOOSOON and save 20%
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159.6
7 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO DOESN'T LIKE A BIG BUMP?
Nov 11, 2022 TODD BROWN
I PROMISED THE GUYS WHO WENT ON OUR 230 MILE ADVENTURE last weekend that things were gonna change. That this week would be amazing...
... because of the big fitness bump.
I could make that promise for 2 reasons:
- Nearly all of them had never ridden that far in 3 days
- We kept a steady zone 2 to zone 3 pace.
Specifically I promised them that not only wouldn't they be sore, but they would gain a massive fitness bump.
Heard from the first one today...
You were right?
About what?
The fitness bump.
Howso?
Well, I'm cruising effortlessly at 24 mph.
... how could I make such a promise?
Been there, done that...
... it's the secret sauce few tap into.
But, why does it work?
Why does zone 2 work?
Well, I think gravel bikes are particularly wellsuited to fooling around and adventure. By their very nature gravelbikes aren't meant to go fast on the road, nor are they much good over rough terrain.
What happens is I wind up riding slower, taking in more of the beautiful scenery and serenity.
It's refreshing.
All the hurrying and hustling that race bikes for road and mountain inspire ends up producing, for some, a lot of stress vs stress free riding...
... when what most of us need is a simple endurance adventure.
The fitness bump is the cherry on top.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
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161.2
7 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE ARE JUST 2 TYPES OF ATHLETES
Nov 10, 2022 TODD BROWN
I USED TO BE THAT GUY, and you might have been too. It all changed for me when I had a conversation with my superfit son who said...
... I'm not on a diet, I'm athlete.
Which got me thinking there are just two types of athletes in the world:
- Those who view food as a reward
- Those who view food as fuel
The first one is almost always battling weight gain, shifting moods, and gravity. For me, that was a fact. But, I didn't realize what the problem was until that conversation with my son...
... then everything started to shift.
It was a process, and it took time...
... mainly because I didn't know what I was doing and kept dragging it out.
I'm looking forward to all the holiday hoopla, and eating with friends and fmaily. It's such a wonderful way to spend time together.
I just ask myself, is this fuel or fun...
... and will it be fun tomorrow?
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
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159.5
8 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS THE POINT OF AN FKT?
Nov 09, 2022 TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE, pros posting a blistering time on a Strava segment and calling it the FKT...
... aka the Fastest Known Time.
And, it's got me thinking.
Why is it called FKT and not KOM?
To avoid Strava conflicts?
But, if not on Strava then where...
... I think that's the only place for people to care because it's public and everybody sees it.
In reality it's a great marketing ploy by these pros and their sponsors
- FKT sounds cool and is intriguing
- Somehow it shines brighter than KOM
- Anything that starts with F these days will get looked at
I could be wrong, but I bet Strava wishes they'd thought up that name...
... it's F'ing brilliant.
Who doesn't want to say I've got the FKT on ______?
Me...
... PR > FKT > KOM.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Check these LKPs...
... $10 for pair of $35 gloves?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
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159.2
7.5 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T FALL FOR THIS!
Nov 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS A REASON I AM CONSTANTLY REPEATING Keep Challenging Yourself and it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that...
... you're not being challenged every day.
We all are.
Life is truly hard.
What I'm really saying is Don't fall for the I'll be happy when I...
- win the big A race
- beat my friends
- snag a PR
- a KOM
... you'll never be happy with those accomplishments, because there is always someone faster, something harder, just out of reach.
Just be happy now,
with the things that really matter.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I go into greaert detail in the chapter called All You Can Do of my book, The Way of The RACER...
... the book is free, just cover the shipping.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
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159
7.5 hrs
17.3% b.f.
60.4% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE BE RUNNING IN THE OFF-SEASON?
Nov 07, 2022 TODD BROWN
WHEN WE REALLY GET INTO CYCLING we tend to get really out of everything else, because time in the saddle always equals...
... time saved on raceday.
I often wonder if it's worth it.
While my watch alerts me nightly that my h.r. has fallen below 40 bpm...
... should we pursue more than a superefficient cardiovascular system?
There are sacrifices.
Have you tried...
- running
- tennis
- volleyball
- basketball
- jogging
- rucking
... lately?
Sure, we can go all day doing almost anything...
... but, we often find ourselves pounding Advil the next day.
Over the weekend, Singing Andy started selling me hard on an Xterra Triathlon. I once again thought this over.
- We should be able to easily run a couple of miles, and not be in traction the next day.
- Same goes for a basic 1/2 hour swim.
C'mon do it.
I dunno.
It'll be fun!
Ugh.
Surfergirl, do you wanna do it?
Sure, why not?
Todd?
Alright, alright. I'm in.
Today was my first run.
15 minutes for the first mile of halfwalking and halfrunning...
... lots of room for improvement.
Funny thing is I don't really hurt, yet.
Maybe tomorrow or maybe there's more to RaceDay Ready™...
... than meets the Oakleycovered eye.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
I did go all Rocky on the first run, singing Take It Back, with the beanie on.
$20, free shipping, available in 4 different colors
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
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159
7 hrs
17.2% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER?
Nov 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
I DON'T LIKE THE EASY WAY, as much as I love the way that makes everything easier. Does that mean it's harder?...
... you tell me.
The easy way generally...
- gives immediate satisfaction
- provides a quick pleasure
- requires little effort
The way that makes everything easier...
- is an everflowing fountain of fulfillment
- supplying long lasting happiness
- requires discipline
Of course, the most interesting part of the above is that discipline becomes very easy...
... with time and commitment.
Just look at what we accomplished over the last 3 days and how few would be willing to attempt such a feat, let alone be able finish it.
Not only did we finish it, we were all smiles.
Maybe it is best summed up in a conversation I over heard at the table Friday morning, our recovery day.
I don't know if I could give up sugar.
It's not that hard.
Really?
Really, just takes a few days to not miss it... and a week or so to wonder why I ever loved it. Now so much sugar seems weird.
Isn't it interesting?
Discipline looks weird and hard to outsiders and...
... normal and good to insiders?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Since we are disciplined in constantly improving our gear, you might want to scoop up a few of these closeout.
Save at least 50%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
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160.1ish
10 hrs
17ish% b.f.
60.2% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
SURF N SUMMIT DAY 3 - BACK TO THE SURF
Nov 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
TODAY CAPPED OFF ONE OF THE BEST ADVENTURES I've ever had on a bike. It wasn't just the epicness of riding back to the coast in perfect fall weather...
... that's the side show.
Lots of rides have epic terrain, and challenges.
What made this stand were two things:
- The fact that for the majority of the riders, these 3 days were by far the greatest distance they had ever ridden, ever.
- The geography.
I've come to the conclusion that it's one thing to ride a 100+ miles or do the (insert name) ride...
... to make the ride outstanding requires context.
And, when you realize you just rode from a far away mountain resort to the coast...
... it blows your mind.
Trust me, I just did it and I can't stop thinking about it.
From frigid, freezing snow covered grounds...
... to a beautiful sunny afternoon at the beach.
Rides like these, for me, only happen because I use the magic of a giant calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The calendar is GIANT...
... and MAGICAL
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
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159ish
6 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
SURF N SUMMIT DAY 2
Nov 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER YESTERDAYS FORCED TURNAROUND 2000' from the summit, we were still pretty pumped. We'd covered 113 miles and 13000' of climbing...
... for half the group that was farther than they'd ridden, ever.
We all slept great,
and slept late.
We had big recovery plans.
Ivette was on her way with her
- massage table
- Bemer PMF pad
- Infrared light device
- and the most gifted hands on the planet
Plus, a recovery ride...
... that turned into a 2 1/2 hour adventure.
The idea was to spin over to where we had planned to descent last night in the dark and see how much snow remained after melting all day.
A lot.
3-5".
Enough to make riding up very challenging, and require multiple dismounts.
It was comforting to confirm we'd made a wise choice in pulling the plug the day before...
... and blast to ride back down through the snow.
This could be the best recovery day of all times.
Since even after today's warm temps there is no way we can ride over the summit we will start where we left off, at Angelus Oaks and ride back with a goal to get to the ocean before sunset.
Gonna be a fun one.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
One of the very best parts about being RaceDay Ready™ is being able to easily do adventures like these.
My cousin Rich is proof... at close to 60 y/o, purchased his first "real" bike 8 months ago.
Todd, I want to do these long rides you do.
Ok, you've got 6 month, start with my challenge.
What's that?
He's lost 20 lbs, improved his tennis game, and just rode 100+ miles with over 10000' of elevation...
... and we're gonna do it again tomorrow, in reverse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
159ish
8.5 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD FAILURE
Nov 03, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE FAILED AGAIN. We started early, we were making good time. Six riders, trained and committed to ride from the coast to the Big Bear...
... there was just one problem.
Clearly we were high on adventure.
Who wouldn't be?
It was a Thursday morning and we were riding gravel bikes on dirt, pavement and some rippable singletrack.
Briefly passing through the busyness of the city, students at their desks, commuters hustling to get in to work, it's the kind of feeling...
... where you feel like your cheating at life just a little.
But, as I said, we were clearly in denial because 70 miles away the towering mountains were covered in white...
... it was obvious there was too much snow, but we were in denial.
We'd trained too much,
prepped too much,
worked too clear schedules too much.
We rode on, determined to conquer this ride, even through the snow depth would be unridable and we were prepared for 40 degrees, not 20.
Just 6 months prior, we'd melted during a major 120° heatwave and quit at mile 100.
Today, we were frozen.
A little closer, 113 miles and 13000' of vert, but the danger was even worse than the oppressive heat. The possibility of dying was chilling.
With 7 miles and 2000' to climb, on a good day we'd make sunset. On this day there was no way, it was too slippery and we were already suffering frozen...
... we failed.
While we didn't make it to Big Bear...
... we did see a brown bear.
Worth it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
For much of the ride I wore my favorite KOM jacket...
... it is very wind and water resistant, and packs up super small.
We are closing out the remaining inventory because we are redesigning the back pocket.
Trust me, this will be your favorite jacket... and we might have on in your size at 50% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
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159ish
5.5 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
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