Todd's Blog

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Todd’s Journal

Strava Widgets Styling

Get RaceDay Ready

RACELAX

SOMETIMES PRE-RIDING the course can get a little too real. I'm just gonna say right now, the following is not...

... for those in denial.

Of the way things are.

On raceday.

'Cause this morning, YoungScott and I met up to pre-ride the biggest climb on our upcoming 'A' race.

We jump in the PEDALvan and head through town to the mountains.

It's his first time to Leadville and he's excited.

I've been here a bunch and I'm excited for him,
and to show him the secrets.

Then it hits me,
just like on raceday.

Kid, we gotta make a pit stop.

I pull in to CircleK to take care of business...

... the ragged creatures of the night are lined up to use the can.

Now, it's like waiting outside the portapotties on raceday.

We bounce to the next gas station...

... just in time.

Now, I'm not saying we need to practice station hopping on raceday, but I am saying...

... it pays to practice on those early morning rides where the group isn't gonna wait.

Get up early...

to do what we gotta do
before we reallyreally gotta do
and there ain't time or place go git 'er done

... on raceday.

===

164.6ish lbs
7.5ish hours sleep
5500 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
176/207/-31 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TAPERING

WHEN AND HOW TO TAPER can be a mystery for the new and experienced. Over time we can get better at knowing out bodies. But...

... doing it right isn't just a physical thing.

IMHO

I like to look at...

mind
body
soul

... three areas.

What I'm aiming to do when I taper is to bring each of these areas back up to full strength.

Because let's face it...

... two weeks out from the 'A' race we're feeling pretty taxed.

Of course, I'm going to cut back on the volume.

The week before the week before, my volume is usually around two thirds of my biggest week.

And the week of the event, I drop it down another third.

If 18 hours is the biggest week,
then 12ish hours,
and 6ish.

While the volume drops,
it's much more polarized.

Super easy,
or very short spikey efforts.

For the mind,
the goal is to have all of work squared away by Wednesday the week of the event, and major projects off the table the week before the week before.

For the soul,
it's really about resting, getting enough sleep, unplugging from all the nonesense of the world at large.

That's the intention...

... to feel really fast and fresh and confident.

Usually, I'm able to arrange things so most of that happens.

And, if it doesn't, well...

... it's just a bike race.

===

164.6ishlbs
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/185/-13 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

POSITIONING

WE PAY THOUSANDS for just the right equipment, yet often skimp on getting the position perfected. Because...

... it's an extra cost and takes time.

We aren't sure it's worth it.

The thingaboutitis...

... get it right and the results make everything mo' bettah.

Lemme share two stories with ya.

One bike.

One biz.

My recently eversoslightly adjust cleat position quest was worth all the effort and extra travel...

... I haven't seen my legs register 50/50 balance on output.

Ever.

Always slight off.

And, I could tell...

more efficient
more comfort
more confidence

... at the end of a ride.

Businesses spend a lot of time, effort and money to position themselves in the market place.

So, today, when I realized I was basically out of my favorite chain wax from Ceramic Speed...

... I got online to order more.

Out of stock everywhere.

But, I'm in Park City UT and I know...

a legit pro shop
always high end, drool worthy bikes
and super excellent service department

... a Contender Bikes shop here.

Knowing it was a long shot, but not, because of who they are, I called up.

You got Ceramic Speed UFO All Conditions?

Yep, 3 bottles.

See you soon.

That's called brand positioning.

===

164.6 lbs
8ish hours sleep
490ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
173/191/-19 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IF I HAD TO GUESS

FOR ANY NUMBER OF REASONS, all our very specific preparation for the demands of the racecourse might be for naught. The race will go on…

… just not as we’d planned.

Adjusted.

Usually because of…

· Weather

· Social strife

· Permitting issues

… safety concerns.

I’m looking at just that for my ‘A’ race in Leadville.

Part of the course burned down.

They tried an alternate route, more…

· singletrack

· climbing

· rocks

… during the stage race.

Logistically those stages probably won’t piece together cleanly.

They’ll have to come up with something unique for the hundred.

If I had to guess…

…the mileage will be a little less,
and the time a little longer.

No matter how they put the course together…

… we’re all gonna PR.

Which is perfect because PRs are better than podiums.

===

163 lbs 12.5%
6ish hours sleep
490ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/182/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

DOWN 6 LBS + A HACK

RACING AT ALTITUDE has challenges all on it's own. Besides the obvious, the weather can be extremely unpredictable. There really is...

... no substitute for just being up there.

I've tried 'em all.

Altitude tent,
√.

Sauna or smokin' hot baths,
√.

Riding when it's a million degrees,
√.

That last one, I did today.

Laid out a pretty challenging route to simulate the 'A' race...

80 miles
8000' of vert
90º w/high humidity

... and boy, was I suffering in that heat.

Context please.

Okay...

I rolled out weighing 163.6
Drank 6 bottles + a popsicle
Got home, ate a ton of frozen acai + 20 ounces Liquid IV + 16 ounces chocolate milk

... then, got on the scale en route to shower.

157.8!

Was it good altitude training?

Well, it was hot.

More importantly, I was forced to push through when I just wanted to quit.

HR high,
Watts low.

Was it a good readiness test?

Yes, I think so...

100'/mile elevation gain
Blistering heat
13 mph ave.

... exactly the speed I need to turn in two weeks.

Time to recover and taper.

Oh, about that hack.

The pic above is a 3-gallon container...

frozen Sambazon acai
100 servings
$161

... Walmart.com ships it with dry ice.

Couldn't wait to get home and start scooping to my hearts content today and cool my core while getting in carbs.

===

163.6 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
490 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
181/251/-70 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SCREEN MANAGEMENT

STARING AT GLASS all can be a fools errand. We think we're productive only to find out we're just busy. And...

... it can leak over to our training.

We think we're fast,
only to find out we're just fit.

Some context for ya.

While I was killing time waiting two hours to see my bike fitter (look, LA traffic on a Friday is a bear - better to drive up early for a 4pm appt)...

... I popped into a local coffer shop,
busted out my laptop.

The keyboard cowboy quickly slipped into flow and got a whole bunch of endo the week clean up done.

It occurred to me...

... I think I'm more focused with a single, small screen vs the 3 display set up in the office.

And if that's the case...

... how does that transfer to the growing screens on our machines?

Back in the day...

Avocet - time, miles speed
Cateye - same but cooler
Polar - same with HR

... ittybitty screens, which weighed nothing.

Here's the dill.

While increased computer size and weight ain't nothing...

... the cognitive load might weigh us down.

Or, worse...

... keep us focused on all the wrong things.

Thinking we're making headway...

... vs just gettin' after it.

Maybe that's why, as I've shared before, races under an hour...

XC
CX
Crit

... I prefer to just put the little beggar in my jersey pocket.

And rip.

===

164 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
710ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
1681/135/25 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

WE'VE ALL HEARD OF THE OVERNIGHT SUCCESS. In fact, we've probably seen more than a few and wondered...

... how they did that?

Might have even been us people are wondering about.

Well, here's the dill...

... nobody understands the overnight success like the athlete who navigated the dark hours.

The...

predawn workouts
post kids-to-bed gym
back at the desktop because we hit the blacktop during the day

... efforts nobody sees.

I was thinking about that today because we've had some remarkable breakthroughs this month.

From cracking accounts that took years to get to setting up collaborations with brands who previously turned us down.

It's exciting stuff, and a reminder the overnight success...

.. is just an athlete or human or business who persisted.

Even when they didn't want to,
when it looked hopeless,
exhaustion a constant.

Or, as the great Dylan Thomas wrote....

Do not go gentle into that good night...
... Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

===

164 lbs 12.5%
8ish hours sleep
650ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
168/155/9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BREAKING UP THE VISUAL FIELD

AT SOME 'A' RACES the field is comprised of 1000s of competitors, and if we want to make things super easy for our support team it's helpful to have a kit that...

... breaks up the visual field.

Like caution tape.

I learned this design cue way back when I was doing some work with Intense Cycles.

Their found Jeff Steber had a background in graphic design, and shared why he liked to include a caution tape-like look on some of the bikes and jerseys.

It stands out.

Getting ready for Leadville this year, I thought I'd do a twist on the jail break kit from '22 and go with stripes on the sleeves and socks.

It should stand out, and help the crew see me.

To see them, I've designed some fancy flags...

black background
yellow text
12' tall

... which should stand out among the chaos at the feedzones.

I learned the yellow on black trick back when I was running check cashing stores.

What a life!

===

164.6 lbs 12.5%
8ish hours sleep
650ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
168/174/-7 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

DRIVING ME CRAZY

ONE OF THE TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES of an A race is not getting there. We've mastered all forms of travel...

... or have we?

I bring this up because even though the Stravathenian's app said my form was 26, a super high value indicating...

... big rested, look out world I'm gonna uncork one.

My legs were trash this Tuesday morning.

It actually started last Wednesday, on the drive to Show Low.

10 hours behind the wheel, while Surfergirl rode shot gun or slept in the back.

They felt like trash most of the long weekend.

Driving home Sunday,
same result.

Or worse.

But Diesel, just get out and walk around.

I hear you.

And that kinda helps...

... except it was well north of 105º.

Blazing.

All I wanted to do was be hauling gas across the desert.

Which brings up a very salient point...

air
sea
land

... travel can suck the life outtuv us.

Whenever possible, we need to buffer the big day with some big recuvry.

As I look forward to my trek to Colorado, and anticipate the same rotten sensations...

... I'm askin' How soon should I leave?

===

I should also point out...

hitting the bano
food intake
sleep

... travel can mess with all kinds of our "regular" inputs and outputs.

Plan accordingly.

===

165.2 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
650ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/181/-13 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SHIFTING UP UP OR COPING DOWN?

GET CLOSE ENOUGH THE 'A' RACE and sooner or later we've got to make a choice. Whether we've publicly declared our intentions or not doesn't matter as much...

... as what we tell ourselves.

And, others.

Before ...

on the start line
after the finish line
and all points in between

... and after.

I was thinking about this because...

things are not going perfect for my prep
life is extra superduper busy
the race course changes

... and it would be easy to start lining up the excuses.

Cope.

Maybe cancel going altogether.

This pretty much happens to all racers.

But not us.

We stay focused on what we committed to...

... we shift up.

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/135/26 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GRATITUDE

AFTER THE 'A' EVENT, regardless of the outcome, the most important thing we can do is...

... deconstruct what could have gone better.

Or, so we're told.

Heck, I've shared those exact words in the context of selling...

... every great sales professional reviews the process to better prepare for the next sale.

So, yeah, that would be the obvious thing with racing.

As well as reinforcing what did actually work.

After pulling off the family reunion for the last 4 days...

... I def had a list of things I wish we'd done better.

Then I tucked it away.

Because just like at the end of the race,
when we cross the finish...

our health and abilities
the competitors who challenged us
the promoters who risk blood and treasure

... aren't we just darn grateful we were in on the action?

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/148/16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PREAPARING TOGETHER

ONE OF THE MORE FUN THINGS we can participate in is preparing for the A race together. From the cold morning meetups, to the long chats about…

… how it’s all going to go down.

This time.

I was thinking about that today because I’d massively discounted Surfgirl’s insistence that we not only cook all the meals at the big family reunion…

… but, we’d bring all the food for 40ish people for 3 days.

The van groaned whole way.

Our son pointed out…

… Dad you don’t care about food, you eat sardines and beans from a can.

He had a point.

Which is not the point.

The point is what I witnessed the last 3 days…

· slicing
· cutting
· cooking

… preparing anything together is a socially beautiful and bonding thing.

Which is why we love getting into the nitty-gritty of race prep…

· training
· geeking out on equipment
· hashing out all the logistics and travel

… almost as much as racing.

Sometimes, all times?, even more than pinning on the number and towing the line.

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
168/171/-3 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE CAVE

THE ANALOGIES we come up as endurance athletes can be so disconnected from reality because, if we're being totally honest...

... it's hard to explain to the uninitiated.

Let alone those closest to us.

They're things only we understand, and as soon as we hear it, we're like...

... Yeah, totally!

I thought about this today as we dropped into one our weirder family traditions...

from 5 on up to 78
wiggling into the openilng
crouch crawling the first 30' in pitch black

... slithering down into Harris Cave.

Once we're far enough in, the lava tube opens up into a cavern, then...

... pinches down again for another cramped effort.

Before opening up to yet another cavern where we can stand and feel slightly less threatened by claustrophobia and...

... whatever might be lurking down there to get us, should our lights fail.

Which is analogous to ...

forcing ourselves in
adjusting and relaxing in the darkness
before doing it all again to find out how far we can go

... the pain cave we all love and loathe.

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/171/-11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LIFE IS PRECIOUS

TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…

… would be helping us, whisking us a away.

Within minutes.

I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

Life and death.

About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).

A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.

His leg was gashed.

The others gathered to try and help…

· 50 miles to town
· horrendous dirt roads
· no communications, no helicopters

… but there was nothing they could do.

He was dead in minutes.

Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.

Service is spotty at best out here.

Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.

===

Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE DIFFERENCE

KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...

... it's easy to operate unconsciously.

Asleep.

Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...

no cell service
rustic cabins
tents

... out to the homestead.

Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...

where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
where my dad spend his summers cowboying
where I spent a few days every other year

... over 100 years ago.

Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.

Soft.

Unacquainted with the land.

How it...

feels
smells
sounds

... when we're living unplugged.

You know what I'm getting at right?

The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...

... because plugging in would distract from the experience.

Living.

===

164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL

[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]

IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...

... I increased my volume a lot.

Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...

... It has been transformational.

Who doesn't want to transform their training?

Let me pause right here.

It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...

... because I now have the time.

When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...

... an average week, about 8.

These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...

... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.

That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...

... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

In the end, it's about doing all you can do...

... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.

Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

===

164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BAKING CAKES

HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...

... at some point we gotta put it the oven.

And, wait.

If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...

... winding up burnt.

Crispy.

If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...

... might never rise.

Leaving us flat.

I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.

Barring those options, I lean toward...

feeling exhausted
not wanting to get outside
residual, never-receding muskul pain

... as my top indicators.

I'm officially there.

Couldn't come at a better time.

I'll be spending an extended weekend...

mainly talking
hanging out
relaxing

... at the family reunion.

Oh, that cake analogy...

... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.

===

166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG

THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...

... and broke his clavicle.

Sucks.

Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...

... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.

More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...

... pop back up and keep racing.

My thoughts were self-centered of course.

The effort to do hundreds of...

pushups
pullups
squats

... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?

It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.

At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?

These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.

Then, I heard the unthinkable.

After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...

... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.

No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...

... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.

===

164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHY, IT'S ROUTINE

IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...

... we don't have to think about it.

Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.

Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.

20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...

added air with CO2
noticed a leak
plugged it

... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.

Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.

Doh!

But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...

I pressed on
arrived at Cook's at 9
didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead

... and we blasted the climb together.

Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.

When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...

popcicle
Mexican Coke

... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.

And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.

Carry on.

Oh, and in case your wondering...

a mini tool
2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)

... what's in my mini raceday bag.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

===

166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE

HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...

... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.

We know better.

Starting with pruning the options...

uplifting
challenging
beneficial to others

... leaving only the good stuff.

Then, we focus...

attracting
believing
feeling

... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.

Executing daily...

... continuously improving.

Very nice you say,
but make it practical.

Ok.

Here's an example.

I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.

Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...

... and taken it to the next level.

Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...

removing the Brain
replacing a bunch of parts
and all new lubes and fluids

... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.

When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...

... we are in our comfort zone.

The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...

... demanding the best performance we can aquire.

Got it?

===

165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?

AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...

... can muck it all up.

A lot.

Leading to anything from a niggle to a...

... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.

So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.

They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.

I scrubbed up...

pictures had been taken of the current position
the area around the cleats taped off
tools and lube lay at the ready

... put on my operating apron.

The procedure went as expected,
no complication.

The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.

Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.

Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...

... stopping for many adjustments.

Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.

PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.

===

163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I SCREAM

DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...

... we need a reward.

Beyond kudos.

Something to see us through.

Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.

Building for Leadville.

The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...

... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.

If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.

A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.

The point being...

... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.

I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...

... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.

Today.

What will it be tomorrow?

165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT

MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...

... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.

And, their morphing iterations over the years.

I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...

... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.

Called the A loop.

About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.

We should add on to the ride.

Why?

So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.

It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.

Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...

... and keep rolling full gas.

Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...

... now we had an updated hour goal.

We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...

... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?

===

ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.

Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.

https://strommcycles.com/

===

167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THAT SONG!

WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...

... well, all the time.

Could be a playlist.

Mine, current fave for firing up...

... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version

On repeat.

Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...

... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.

Surfergirl on vacation...

... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System

To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...

... Animals, by Nickleback

When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...

... Low Rider, by War.

What's yours?

===

166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?

WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...

... we can sustain.

Or do we?

Lemme splainit.

Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...

... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.

I could do intervals at a specified power output...

... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.

Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.

Training the effort required...

... is part art and part science.

The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...

getting over a steep, short pitch
hustling to catch a group
tucking a long downhill

... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.

Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.

===

165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THIS IS POLARZING

THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...

... let's look at from other perspectives.

Take marketing.

In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...

... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.

For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...

... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.

In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...

... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.

It's the same with...

religion
sports teams
abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc

... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.

What does this have to do with training and us?

I'm just trying to set the stage....

too much time in tempo
not enough aggregate training
inadequate or non-existent recovery

... polarized training has enemies, too.

I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.

Here's how I set it up...

Monday Z1
Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
Wednesday high Z2
Thursday low Z2
Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above

... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.

If you disagree...

... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.

===

165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI

TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...

... to go the distance.

Battle hardened.

So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...

... It's going to be hideous.

I had to ask myself...

... What the heck are you thinking?!

This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under

5 hrs
8000'
80 miles

... fresh and not torched.

Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.

We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.

Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.

But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)

===

164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT WE ARE

LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...

... a skill that deserves mastery.

It's not easy.

Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...

... stay focused on our goal.

Going as fast as possible,
error free.

Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.

Calming.

Requiring less energy.

Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.

So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...

... we forgive ourselves, and reset.

Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...

... What we are, that only can we see.

===

164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE SLIGHT EDGE

BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...

... more concerned with our own numbers.

But, the gear matters.

If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...

... marginal gains.

They matter.

Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.

So are the marginal losses.

I share this as a cautionary tale.

While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...

... my fork went from finicky to very funked up

My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.

As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.

He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.

Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.

Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.

Hey Todd.

Hi Mike.

We gotta small problem.

Uh-oh.

Sram sent the wrong parts.

Dang.

Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.

Is the suspension torn to pieces?

Yes.

Ok, I understand.

Now, here's the part we all need to understand...

we need to stay on top of the maintenance
allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
and for the mechanic's schedule

... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.

===

165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT

ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...

... anything from fear to fun.

Like The TMWC.

A ride we started 24 years ago...

30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
most wearing the ride's kit
with an annual throwdown

... and is still ripping today.

Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...

the regulars
the outta towners
the first timers hoping to hang on

... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.

4 categories...

Women
U35
U50
U100

... racing for glory.

Bragging rights for a year.

The course has never changed, but...

fullgas from the start
even paced 'till The Wall
saving it all for the Corkscrew finish

... the raceday never plays out the same.

Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.

The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...

... pulling off the first Threepeat.

He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...

... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.

Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.

Insane.

Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.

It's not all about the wins, though.

Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.

These aren't participation trophies ...

... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.

Congrats to these cats....

Overall

Alessandro
Kody
Andrew

Women

Priscilla
Maria
Vi

U35

Andrew
Eric
Scott

U50

Kody
Drew
Alfredo

U100

Alessandro
Rob
Mani

Still reading?
Wondering how we pull it off?

Our 4 rules are key...

Leave on time
Obey the law
Make a friend
Have fun

... plus, always be inviting.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/2024-tmwc

Use Promo Code TMWC2026 To Save 20% On The Gear

===

166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?

THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...

... handing out our homemade takes.

Who's best?

Certainly it's not Velo's...

Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.

... latest retarded hyperbole.

Cycling News' take...

A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.

... wasn't much of an improvement.

Jonas said it better...

It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.

... and more accurately.

But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.

My eyeballs and ears like to take in...

Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
Lance's podcast for the entertainment
GCN's breathy and breasty euroness

... if I have the time.

And then there's NBC's crew...

I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me

... collecting a solid paycheck.

Nothing wrong with that.

For actual, pure analysis...

concise
relatable
insightful

... I think Tom Danielson does it best.

He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.

You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...

... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.

Links to Tom's work:

https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match

===

166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING

MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...

... to see where we're at.

Sometimes years of data points.

When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.

The results are instructive...

PR'd it
on track
woefully wanting

... from elation to devastation.

Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.

But, what about when it isn't?

Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...

1:10 in May
1:14 in June
1:15 in July

... which is honestly, quite discouraging?

The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.

July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.

Big takeaway...

... my fitness is going backwards.

So, find the positives...

I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
the nutrition plan seems to be on point
the bike is nearly complete

... and make adjust ments.

I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...

stop shredding my legs with weight training
get back to throttling Saturdays
stack the Zone 2 miles

... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.

Will it work?

I dunno.

What won't work is quitting.

Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.

===

165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HALF THE FREEDOM

WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...

... finish with good energy.

But, is that enough?

Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.

The first half of 2026 is gone.

For some, it flew right by.

Others...

bored
unengaged
beset by challenges

... had a different experience.

We are free to stay the course, or...

10x goals
Committed mindset work
Severing whatever is holding us back

... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).

God, bless America.

===

Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.

What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

Let's rip!

===

164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GUITY AS CHARGED

THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...

... we've got a problem.

And, we don't care.

It's who we are...

city limit sign? let's race
KOM within reach? let's race
event 700 miles away? let's race

... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.

We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.

We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.

We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.

We aren't normal...

... we're race junkies.

===

If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe

I'll fix the price after the holiday.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe

===

165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BROKE OR BROKEN?

IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...

... we thrive at the endurance game.

We tune it out.

And, here's the dill.

Pretending things aren't the way they are...

... can be demoralizing.

Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.

It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.

Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.

Honestly?

Yeah.

It was making me feel poor.

The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...

... the cost would have been minimal.

Which begs the question...

... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?

===

166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES

THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...

... lotsa people on the train.

I've been surprised.

Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...

trimmer
slimmer
sexier?

... have let me know their results from peptides.

They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.

My response is always the same.

Dang...

... I can't do that because I'm a racer.

I know...

the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
the help they deliver is real

... but, I'll know.

So I push on in the land of...

working hard
eating clean
getting rest

... and I'm quite okay with that.

===

165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...

... we can all relate to.

Try this one.

I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...

a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
people, me included, waiting for the light to change
ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.

... it wasn't my finest moment.

We're all rich.

I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.

Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.

I was ashamed...

... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.

What would it have cost to acknowledge her?

And it hit my heart so hard...

... Love they neighbor as thyself.

Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.

If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...

be a little nicer, kinder more patient
genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love

... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.

Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...

if we were raised differently
made regrettable choices
had terrible experiences

... but for the grace of God go I.

It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.

One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...

... and Todd disappears.

Where'd you go?

Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?

What?

Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.

Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...

... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?

I'll never know that dude's literal problem...

... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.

===

165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IS THIS CODDLING?

WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...

... we've all had to face them.

That's life.

So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...

... I sighed.

Stop the coddling.

They're professionals.

Then Surfergirl chimed in...

2013 Tour of California
4pm finish
114º

... But, remember Palms Springs.

We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.

Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.

Oppressive and awful.

My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...

... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.

The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.

She had a point.

It was horrific.

After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.

You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...

... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.

I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.

===

163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE

IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...

... because it's scary.

Like ripping downhill.

I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.

There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.

None of it...

steep double-track
wide open hardpack
a bit of chunky rocky stuff

... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.

Unless we're racing,
really going for it.

Even then, most will be fine...

... but, they could be so much better.

And here's the headscratcher...

... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.

They protest,
avoid,
skip.

Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...

steeper
chunkier
twistier and slicker

... will move the comfort zone.

Moving the comfort zone means we are...

more efficient
relaxed
calm

... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.

While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...

recovery
relaxation
moments of bliss

... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.

If we're into that.

I am.

You?

(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)

===

163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?

ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...

... they're all coming together.

We need to rip.

But, when it's all said and done...

... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?

Take a dude I heard about...

inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
operator of a massively popular podcast
successful investor and businessman
father of five children

... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?

For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.

For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...

family
race wins
inspiring and helping others

... what would you prefer?

===

164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE

IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...

... is just plain mean spirited.

Ain't gonna make ya friends.

Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...

never heard of
never thought of
never been exposed to

... we were completely ignorant to.

Here are a few of mine...

swimming to control breathing
lift heavy, low reps
sprints for power

... that have helped improve over the years.

The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.

The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.

Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.

Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.

The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.

I could go on...

crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
lessons learned through experience
defeats whose sting was wicked

... but that's not the point.

The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...

... keep innovating and growing.

Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.

===

1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE VISION BORED

VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...

... to move forward.

I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.

If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...

... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.

When I'm focused far ahead...

... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.

The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.

Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.

The vision board seems to work the same way...

... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.

Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.

Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...

... Where there is no vision, the people perish.

===

166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TUCK AND ROLL!

AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...

... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.

Can we escape the creepiness?

The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...

positioning
equipment
apparel

... it's almost impossible to stop.

That list falls short of the whackiness...

hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
dropper seat post for bombing road descents

... which actually works.

I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.

Pedaling till I was spun out...

butt hooked on end of saddle
hands next to the stem
chin on the Wahoo
elbows in
knees in

... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).

Would I, could I catch before the bottom?

Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...

spun out with gravel gears
rolling shallow depth road wheels
rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet

... I needed every aero advantage I could get.

After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...

... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.

It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.

I'm already thinking about next week...

actual aero helmet
clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit

... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.

On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...

... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.

Tuesday can't some soon enough.

===

168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

CUI BONO?

THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...

... for money, glory and pride.

The worst deal of all?

Well, that depends on Cui bono?...

... Who benefits?

Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...

hang on for camera glory
work to stay in break
straight cash

... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.

No, the most insidious deals...

staying up late
backing off the finishing sprint
starting the new diet "tomorrow"

... are the ones we cut with ourselves.

Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.

===

167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MY INSANE CULT

FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...

... I'm an endurance junkie.

Hi Todd.

When we come clean with the general population, Today I...

swam 10,000 yards
rode for 5 hours
ran 20 miles

... they think we're crazy.

We're not.

The adrenaline rush of ...

60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
the swimmers blue mind
the runner's high

... we need that hit.

Regularly.

This risks we take...

sending it down the mountain
running along into the cold, dark night
impossibly holding our breath one more length

... would freakout any life insurance company.

These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...

... are often all that's keeping us stable.

In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...

... stay dangerous my friends.

The sane kind.

===

164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE

SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...

... it's up to us to figure it out.

Like today.

I knew it was going to be a big day...

7 hrs
87 miles
10,500' of vert

... on Monday.

There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.

For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.

Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...

... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.

It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...

... in desperate need of lube and love.

Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.

I've narrowed it down to a few things...

going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday

... and I should know better.

I'm gonna add to that...

probs too much tire pressure
def hotter today than our last attempt
carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration

... some I can control, some I can't.

In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.

On a positive note, given the fatigue level...

... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.

Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.

Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.

Time for...

In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
some good sleep
and a day off

... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.

===

164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THAT TOPSECRET SECRET

THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...

... because it works.

There is a hitch.

The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.

There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...

... sometimes by knockout.

Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.

I'm onboard with that.

There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.

Wherein lies another hitch.

If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.

Which begs the question...

... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?

Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...

... on my vision board.

===

164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IMAGINE THAT!

WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...

... our lives were boundless.

What happened?

Did reality set in?

Did we set conditions on our dreams?

Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?

The thingaboutitis...

... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.

We've already imagined...

the trainging
the equipement
the travel and accomodations

... to start.

More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...

... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.

Which isn't child's play.

It's actually...

life
business
relationships

... how doers get it done!

As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...

and the shirt I'm wearing right now

This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...

... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!

Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.

Use this code: LET'SRIP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free

===

162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN

WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...

... the burn is coming for us.

Is it minimizable?

Maybe.

If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.

For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.

From reps of 10 to reps of 30.

If you haven't done them lately, or ever...

standing
to full "ass to grass"
to standing

... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.

When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...

... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.

Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...

... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.

Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.

Best I've felt in weeks/months.

Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.

But, even if that's the case...

... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.

Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.

(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)

===

165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK

IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...

... is real, and tantalizing.

The known vs the unknown.

Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...

forget about us
reject our return
change and move on

... it's risky.

No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.

But!...

... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.

The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.

The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.

Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...

significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
much higher average and normalized power
and, the best, all my pals were there

... to smack me in the face!

For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.

And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.

The fellas were all welcoming...

... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.

Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.

===

165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TOP 2 HIDDEN BENEFITS OF ZONE 2

May 30, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE IS A HUGE BUZZ ON POLARIZED TRAINING, as there should because it's backed up by science. What isn't backed up by science...

... is hidden.

We need to be intentional about the obvious hidden benefits.

First, do your Zone 2 with your friends. Because it's a conversational pace, having a friend(s) a long will allow you to connect in ways we used to before the invasion of our digital gods.

Second, because we spend (should spend!) so much time in Zone 2 it can get monotonous unless we spice it up with efficiency challenges like:

cornering
braking
jumping
drafting
eating
drinking
form
pedal stroke
aerodynamics
etc

These are cornerstones of superior athletic accomplishments...

... camaraderie and efficiency.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets0

That's where the money is.

Speaking of money, there is nothing better to being on a ride or simply remember who cool this sport is than this nifty wallet made from innertube.

Check it out: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets

---

162.2
6.2 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

WHAT ABOUT JAI?

May 29, 2022

TODD BROWN

JAI HINDLEY WON THE GIRO TODAY. Nobody was watching him the first week, some watched him the second week...

... what a scene this week!

How could a race 3 weeks long
come down to the last 3 miles
with 3 seconds between
the top contenders?

If you missed the whole thing, go back and watch the final big climb on Saturday. There is no better drama than months of prep and weeks of racing come down to this...

... one man was significantly better than the rest.

Man?

Honestly, looks like a boy.

Better than rest?

You'd never know it looking at him, there's sense of ego or I'm better than you, he looks like a kid who's just having a good time.

It's been a long, long time since I've seen such amateur joy at the pro level...

... maybe the first time.

Maybe that's what happens when nobody believes you've got it in you?
Maybe it's a result of enjoying the experience vs stressing to perform?
Maybe Jai knew what no one else did...

... he was ready to have the ride of his life?

Are you?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

Well, be sure to change in style before and after your grand day.

These changing ponchos are awesome for changing before and after, and wiping down your body and bike after.

Use promo code: PONCHO

to save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

---

162.9
8.25 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

IF IT AIN'T FIXED, BREAK IT

May 28, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE ENDLESS FASCINATION THAT IS PERSONAL PERFORMANCE has led me in a new direction. Today was evidence it's working. I've previously dabbled and tinkered, but...

... I had to break the molds to get the results.

Yes, plural.

Molds I've broken this year.

Suspension. I've pretty much shied from messing with suspension over the years. This year, I had the suspension refreshed and revalaved for my specific weight. Then I took the time to test it and dial it in the past few weeks, adjusting sag and rebound well outside of the recommended factory settings...

... I've never had a more dialed in rig.

Weight training. Like most sheeple, I commenced lifting weights each "offseason", quickly blowing it off. This year I committed to lifting every single day...

... I've never felt stronger.

Polarized training. About a year ago, I started experitmenting with polarized training. I had good success, accomplishing last summer's major objective: Silver Corral at Leadville for '22. This year, fulling embracing the concept...

... I've never felt fresher.

There are more broken molds laying around here, stay tuned.

In the meantime, what was so successful about today's ride?

A darn respectable time on our local big climb, all in low zone 3 and after just over 2 hours and 3000' of climbing getting over there. Then I spun around and ripped the downhill which was majorly socked in and difficult to see, getting a PR on the entire up/down segment... look at that fork for reference.

I also stuck to my nutrition plan and consumed: 6 bottles of doubleserving Skratch, 3 Paleo bars, 1 Clif bar, 1 Mexican Coke, a portion of Zack's Stinger waffle. And I felt great all day.

Oh, and a slewful of PRs on a number of DH sections. That is really good news, because it's taken me a while to get comfortable on the MTB after so much gravel riding.

Doing the math: I climbed as much today, 12,000' as the looming upcoming race. I did it on a 20 mile shorter course, in 6:48. That leaves me 1:12 to cover that 20 flat miles, which would be about 17mph...

... it's gonna be really, really close to my 8 hr goal.

Might have to find a few more molds to break.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday™-calendar

If y'all are looking to break some molds of yer own, there's nothun bettah than a giant RaceDay Calendar to motivate ya.

It takes gigongous cajones to take a Sharpie and write yer goals so everyone can see.

One place to see the entire year's events.

Weeks are set up Monday- Sunday, because the weekends matter to us.
Large area on top for top annual objectives
Weekends and Holidays are highlighted as well as the time changes
Plenty of space at the to bottom for detailing your vision for the year.

How HUGE?

27.5" Wide X 48" Tall.

What's it made out of?

We are using the same durable fabric we use in our RaceDay Bags™. This will create an enduring record of what you planned and accomplished each year.

Best racing investment you'll make all year.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday™-calendar

---

162
6 hrs
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

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TRUING OUR WHEELS

May 27, 2022

TODD BROWN

STRAIGHT AND NARROW IS THE WAY which leads to life. That line is preceded by Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction. And is followed by...

... few there be that find it.

What does that have to do with racing, Diesel?

What doesn't have to do with racing?

I ain't here to be preached at.

I ain't here to preach.

Why the scripture, then?

Racing isn't the end, it's part of being a well-rounded superstar.

The race is to be a well-rounded. social, mental, physical, and spiritual. Physical is just one thing we are after. By focusing equally on all four of these components...

... we will be true.

True wheels are faster, stronger, essential to ripping.

Be a ripper.

Be true.

---

Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the goodness in our community. Those of you who take time to say hi and give an encouraging word to me and to the rest of us really do make a difference...

... that's the social side of well-rounded.

Here's some more goodness from friend Amber, Olympian and 2X World Champion...

https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/

I just finished it, and gotta say I gotta little tearyeyed when it was over. We are all facing hidden battles all the time, this is a story of perseverance and patience. Truly inspiring.

Get the book here: https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/

She'll wearing our superlight race gloves and socks at Unbound next weekend... along with a gorgeous kit we made for her.

They come in a rainbow of colors...

... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.

And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

161
7 hrs - 78%
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

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ON THE WEIGH

May 26, 2022

TODD BROWN

SINCE IT'S ALL A NUMBERS GAME, it make sense to figure out what the numbers are. There are power to weight numbers, hours, miles, laps...

... and then there's water.

Not just how much we're drinking per hour, but how much is in our body.

I was reminded of this by Dr. V, our local health wizard.

You should post your water numbers on the blog.

What are those?

The percent of your body that's water.

How would I know that?

Get a proper scale.

Ok.

I'm usually X% and always jealous of you know who, he consistently checks in at 66%.

Ordered it.

So, what have I learned in the past week or so of weighing?

I have a lot of improvements to be made. My hydration could be better by 8-10%. My body fat registers at the highest end for athletes.

Seeing the actual numbers takes the guesswork out and gives us something we can measure...

... what gets measured gets managed.

Saturday I'll be doing an epic training ride. Can't wait to compare the morning weigh in to the post ride weigh in. I'm going to be super diligent on my 1 bottle/hour rule, more if the heat is excessive.

I can manage some improvement.

Can you?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light

Measuring sheds light on our situation, so might as well blow out these lights.

There are a few Medium Front lights and a few more Small Rear lights. They provide nearly 360• of visibility, and they're super light weight.

This promo code will expire on Saturday, or when we run out of the lights.

Code is MEASURE

https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light

---

160
7.27 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 59.7%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

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DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

May 25, 2022

TODD BROWN

ONE OF THE SECRETS TO GOING FAST DOWNHILL is not thinking about it. Huh? Turning my focus to MTB racing...

... I've had to think about this.

The fastest among us aren't thinking,
analyzing,
fretting.

But, how do we get in the zone?

We have to think about it, for a bit.

In my case, after months and miles of graveling on the gravel bike I retarded my Road and MTB descending skills.

For example, on gravel bike I ride a lot of difficult trails en route to gravel, everything is slower.

No suspension + skinny tires + high pressure = slow.

Slow because it's so much rougher. Every rock and root is magnified...

... the largest effect has been on my vision.

I'm not looking far enough ahead when on the fast and fierce MTB bike which smoothes everything out. Consequently, I'm having way to many Oh $#!2! moments.

That thought solidified - look as far ahead as possible - takes effort. It's breaking a bad habit.

Once a bad habit is broken, we no longer think about it.
We are in the zone.
Going fast(er).
Confidently.

There are a slew of other things to think about when ripping off road. This is a great place to start: https://youtu.be/8y6ocZHpLoE.

Think about it.
Work on it.
Rip it...

... without even thinking about it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Ever heard the term...

... Grip it and rip it!

If I wasn't constantly being stopped by the locals wearing these gloves and socks, I wouldn't be so passionate about them.

They come in a rainbow of colors...

... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.

And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

161.2
6.39 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups +3 0 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

May 24, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE'S JUST NOTHING QUITE AS SATISFYING AS WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. Probably because it's so rare...

... it's Pavlovian.

Consequently, we keep coming back to the races.

Like tonight.

It all clicked for me.

I remembered the race was only 2 laps, lots of good sleep prior (contrary to what the app is saying), bike set up was spot on, work was extremely smooth and productive, arrived plenty early...

.... had a really good race.

It's kind of a numbers game:

7-8 hrs of sleep
161.3 lbs - down 3 from last week
Tire pressure lower - 19 rear, 17 front
Suspension, maxed out my sag to 30% and slowed the rebound way down
lots of sales always energizes me
arrived 2 hours early
1 application of PR Lotion
1 water bottle, 2 scoops of Skratch
leisurely 40 minutes recon of lap
3 trips to the bathroom
1 honey stinger gel 10 minutes before start
start line with 4 minutes to spare
1st into the very early off camber 170˚ loose and dusty turn
1st onto the hill
1st onto long single track descent
1st into the melee merge with the beginners/intermediates
Est Power Ave 231, Max 1035
Ave Speed 14, Max 33.5
Ave HR 171, Max 179
11 miles
2 laps
1st

The good news is no one racer has yet to dominate. It's been a jumble every week...

... which means lots of fun ahead.

The bad news...

... I'm not sure where I can improve.

Thank Dog for Pavlov.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

Speaking of Pavlov, a good marketer (like me) knows it's good when things sell out, and we're gonna sell out of the special offer...

... free personalization.

The bags are never on sale, but how about this...

... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.

** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***

This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

---

161.3
7.23 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE RACE

May 23, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE SHORTEST RACE POSSIBLE turns out to be the best race possible. While all the money is behind the Tour de France, Unbound, Leadville, nobody starts there...

... they start small.

A Strava segment, a city limit sign, a group ride, a local weekday race. This is wherewe are born...

... and grow from there.

Social bonds are formed, knowledge is gained, skills improve, talents are discovered...

... focus leads to fascination.

George reminded me of this on Saturday's group ride.

Todd, I feel faster than ever.

You do?

Yes, I'm not, of course, because I'm way past my prime.

Tell me more.

I feel more confident, closer than ever to my potential.

That's wonderful George!

The race to be great is a long one, a personal one, the best one...

... it starts with the shortest race possible.

It's up to us to continually encourage our friends, and Yes! our competitors, to join the endless fascination to be our best. They might be hesitant, that's where we remind them...

... if you want to know something, you have to do something.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

Just like if you want to know the joy of giving the best gift ever, with the recipients name printed on the bag...

The bags are never on sale, but how about this...

... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.

** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***

This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

---

163.8
6.8 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
65 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

LET THIS SINK IN

May 22, 2022

TODD BROWN

EVERYTHING MATTERS WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. Every little thing. It all adds up...

... to combine for a great day.

Here's one you might never have considered.

For years, I would head out to the garage the night before the ride and make sure everything was ready to go. That's a good practice...

... but, it could have been a little bit better.

How?

Well, the garage at night is perpetually cold. Which means the chain is cold, as well as the chain lube. Which means, when you apply the lube to the chain it doesn't penetrate as well as it could if it was warmed up a bit.

But, who wants to take a blow dryer to their chain and risk damaging any carbon parts?

The solution:

Let the lube and the chain warm up in the afternoon sun.
Clean the chain and the pulleys
Lube it with the good stuff.
Work it in.
Let sit.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

These are the little secrets we come up with prepping for race day...

... you're not keeping this secret are you?

The fact that you can get one of these in stock designs personalized, for free.

The bags are never on sale, but how about this...

... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.

** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (18 left) bags only ***

This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

---

163.8
7.7 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

DAY RIPPER

May 21, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE LOW CLOUDS EVENTUALLY BROKE FORTH. Not rain, but not fog. Somewhere in between. Enough to dirty the lens, not enough to soak the socks...

... no better weather for ripping!

Woke up groggy, took forever to get out the door, and really didn't have much of a plan other than trying to find the local speedsters on the CV ride. Of course, right about the time I wanted to catch them I really had to pee, tucked in behind some bushes...

... I could hear the gaggle of geese freewheeling by.

Perfect.

Chasing, which is what I was hoping for.

I wanted to be pushed hard today. It's the last week of a 3-week build, and I wanted to go really deep.

Mission accomplished, highest fitness I've ever seen on Strava.

Things are percolating right along for a summer of racing.

Part of seeing that peak fitness has been my commitment to polarized training. A lot of zone 2, plus 2 hard days a week. The 2 hard days can be back to back or bookend the zone 2 work, it doesn't seem to matter. All that matters is that I don't go hard more than 2x a week. I'm hiding this in a long paragraph so the skimmers don't see it. It's just for you.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

This might be for you, too...

... or someone you know.

The bags are never on sale, but how about this...

... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.

** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (25 left) bags only ***

This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

---

163.8
6.37 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

SMALL DISCIPLINE

May 20, 2022

TODD BROWN

DINNER AT 8 they yelled as they drove by. These weren't strangers, they know me well and they know i'm really focused on 1 goal this summer...

... I could feel a hangriness comin' on.

It's just a small thing, pushing back the dinner hour by an hour.

But, I'd been doing small things all day.

Small chainring for 90 minutes
Small weight sessions for breaks.
Small portions for breakfast and lunch.

I could feel a greatbighuge step backwards coming on.

At 6pm, they looked at me and said Dad, you look like you need a few Brookside DarkChocolate Acai and Blueberry flavors...

... not even the berries, just the favors!

Ok, just a few.

They're good aren't they?

Kinda.

Want a few more?

Sure.

Feeling better?

No, hand me the bag!

Okay, small lie there.

But, you get the idea small things can give us big results when applied consistently...

... on the scale, too, if we don't demonstrate some small restraint.

Small note on my personal life: The daughter and soninlaw are visiting for a month and want to make sure y'all know how strong and smart and fit they are.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

Which is a nice lead in to Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?

The bags are never on sale, but how about this...

... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.

** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***

This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

---

162.4
6.36 hrs (I don't know about this app, pretty sure it was closer to 7.5)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER

May 19, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE A LOT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER ON RACEDAY. Some of them are obvious...

... these aren't.

Clear your calendar. You gotta work, we all do. If it's an afternoon midweeker, clear the afternoon - start earlier, work longer the next day, etc. If it's on a weekend, clear out Friday afternoon. The emotional energy of work needs to be saved for the race.
Sleep dope. Get an exceptional night of sleep the night before the night before and a really good night of sleep the night before.
Eat hearty. Afternoon midweekers need a big late lunch. Epic weekenders require a ton of food the day before. You aren't a wrestler or boxer, you don't need to cut weight the day before. Load up.
Bonus... this ties in with #1, get there early. Real early. Cut the stress out of rushing, waiting at registration, hustling to warm up etc... this should be a zenlike moment, a warrior slowly preparing for battle.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

Of course, it all starts with the RaceDay Bag™...

... because you can't race proper if you aren't geared proper.

With Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?

The bags are never on sale, but how about this...

... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.

** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***

This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags

---

161.8
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD?

May 18, 2022

TODD BROWN

IN MY CULTURE we talk about having high standards all the time. Even judging each other based on our choice to keep the standards high...

... or let 'em drift low.

The benefit of high standards, of course, is everything is much easier.

I was reminded of this on my ride today when I saw the above sign.

No horses
No rollerblades
No e-bikes
No kooks
Enjoy

The builders of this brandnewsupersecret singletrack definitely have some standards they expect to be honored.

In this light, standards are a lot like commandments. They can be used as guideposts and ways to measure our commitment and progress.

For example, if our standard is to satisfy hunger a Big Mac and fries will do. If our standard is to eat like world-class athletes we would look down on that choice and...

... opt for something inline with our standards.

Eating like an Olympian makes going fast on a bicycle a lot easier than eating like Michael Moore.

During the final miles of the ride, the sun was setting and a father and son sped by on their e-bikes. The dad yelled...

... Sorry, I know we're cheating.

I smiled, gave him a thumbs up.

We have different standards, that's all.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos

Some people have modesty as a standard, and you know what they say...

... modest is hottest!

The changing poncho promo code is active again, it's PONCHO.

It'll expire Friday at midnight, save you 20%.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos

---

162.9
5.8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

May 17, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE WE WERE, blitzing the same course as last week. Really getting after it, I was right behind two world champions, Brian Lopes (MTB DH) and Jeff Ward (Supercross)...

... little ol' me hanging on tight.

Then, I blew 3/4s of the way up the only climb.

Not blowblow, but uncoupled form the dynamic duo.

All I could do was watch them bridge up to the younger group of Experts that started infront of us.

That was my plan!

Well, that didn't work.

What did work was

taking 50 seconds off last week's time,
arriving early for a nice leisurely warmup,
racing with no computer (tracking it on the Apple watch)
feeling good after Saturday's 100 miles heat stroking adventure
pounding a bottle of Amp Recovery Mix
the bike was flawless
saying hi to so many friends I haven't seen since last season
delivering the canopy top to my friends at Linked Cycling (gotta do some work out there),
setting my canopy between La Habra Cyclery (who gives RaceDay Bags™ to their VIP customers)
and Crank Bros (who's pedals and wheels I love)

What can I do to improve next week?

My diet was awful over the weekend, I can improve that and come in a bit lighter
Better sleep Monday night, it was good not great.
Positioning, I gave up spots too easy and had to close gaps the first half of the first lap... gotta be meaner, LOL
run the Wahoo mounted, I generally like to race these short races on feel but giving up 3rd place to Robb hurt - kudos to him for brilliantly riding his 2nd lap faster than his first
The website had a pretty major meltdown today and was stressing me out all afternoon - still is - that'll be fixed by then.

I call this Review and Repeat, which is covered in the 5th chapter of my book.

Will, a race promoter back East, purchased 3 books Sunday and shipped them to 3 different people.

That makes me happy.

Have you read it?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

164.9
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

View Details

SATISFACTION GAURANTEED.

May 16, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE IS SOMETHING ASTONISHINGLY SATISFYING IN MY GARAGE. A nice rack, some decent tools...

... and I bike to work on.

It doesn't matter what level of mechanicry you have reached.

If you can fix, do it yourself.
If you have a hunch, see it through.
If you can kinda handle it, attempt it for sure.

It doesn't take much in terms of tools to be able to do the basics:

Change a tire
Add sealant
Fix a flat
Adjust your brakes
Tighten your headset
etc

Just tonight I noticed a slight wobble in my front disc after giving the wheel a spin. Zing, zing, zing as it spun around.

I used to have a really cool tool for bending a disc back into shape, but I accidentally sold it.

What to do...
What could I use to grab hold of it that didn't have sharp edges or grooves...

... a crescent wrench!

Just like that, I straightened it out.

The level of satisfaction is instantaneous...

... the level of confidence will last a life time.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.

Use some gloves if it helps.

I like these.

Lots of colors to chose from, and...

This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.

No code needed!

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

166
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

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2DAY'S MASTERCLASS

May 15, 2022

TODD BROWN

TWO OF THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE GIRO showed a level of mastery few attain. There is no hack that we can employ...

... this takes years.

As noted by the great Sun Tzu...

... Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

On Friday and on Sunday, the winner of the stage was distanced. Gapped. The announcers let us know things weren't looking good at all.

How very wrong they were.

Koen and Jai, rode right up to their very limit. Rather than going beyond a sustainable pace chasing the leaders they held strong to what they knew they could do...

... kept clawing their way back.

To victory!

There are 2 ways to acquire this skill:

Intervals
Racing

That's it.

Just riding around ain't gonna do it. Your limits won't be exposed.

And, as Uncle Harry says...

... A racer's gotta know their limitations.

Do you know yours?
You must know.
No guessing.
Imperative.

Most people don't, because it hurts reallyreally bad.
Most people race first, then seek to win.

It's Monday, what are you going to win this week?

Ride
Race
Sleep
Nutrition
Hydration
Maintenance
so many ways!

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.

Use some gloves if it helps.

I like these.

Lots of colors to chose from, and...

This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.

No code needed!

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

163.8

8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling

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OF COURSE WE'LL DO IT AGAIN

May 14, 2022

TODD BROWN

WE FAILED TODAY. The plan was to ride from the surf in Dana Point to Summit of Big Bear. 135 mile, 16,000 of vert. That wasn't the problem...

... 99 degrees with a slight tailwind was devastating.

No relief.

I've wanted to do this ride for decades but never really figured out a good route, or which bike, or who'd be willing to attempt it.

Then, gravel became a thing and I'll just pause right here...

... the route is epic.

Lots of gravel, a stealth 40ish mile bike trail to skirt you mercifully through urban sprawl, hidden roads through gorgeous neighborhoods...

... and some singletrack to keep it real.

The beautiful bouquet of enthusiasm for adventure began to wilt around mile 70. Convection-style heat, blacktop...

... scorched and dry and dead land.

I made a major blunder in Loma Linda. We should have stopped for cool liquids but I was certain we were only a few miles from our rendezvous. It was infernal...

... so hot, I'd forgotten we rode to the start and added a good 6 miles.

These miles turned out to be all uphill.

Starting with a slick and dusty hiking trail and connecting to a supersmooth tarmac climb though custom custom dreamhomes...

... it should have been a wonderful climb.

We pulled in, ruined, to find the van waiting and willing.

Frozen Oreo icecreams, cokes, chips, got us resuscitated us. After a lengthy stop, we got after it just in time to hit another wonderful climb...

... at 2pm.

Couldn't be hotter.

I could tell we wouldn't all make it. There was no point in one soldering on for hours.

We made the call.

Surfergirl performed a perfect rescue, showering us with icecold treats. We began the long journey back home.

You'd thing we'd be quiet.

Ashamed.

Not our style, and our ladies know us oh so well, as evidenced by this message

Why do it again?

It's an absolutely incredible route
Insane Zone 2 training, ave HR 129
It's on the Calendar..

... therefore, it must be completed.

We're targeting late Fall, to avoid the insane heat that scorches the I.E

Sunrises at 7, and sets at 6.
We'll roll at 5 with lights to assist.
We have all the stops figured out, it will be supported.

Yeah, we've thought it through.

Here's what we were able to accomplish: https://www.strava.com/activities/7143784639

How about you?

Are you gonna make it to the most grand challenge of the year?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

You'll need to put it on your calendar.

Did you know we can make these with your team graphics and pre-populate with your team's A events?

Or, just get this one shipped right away.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

164

4.39 hrs (just too dang excited)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling

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COWBOY STRONG

May 13, 2022

TODD BROWN

HAVE YOU EVER SHAKEN A COWBOY'S HAND? I'm not talking about one of them weekend line dancers, I'm talking an honest to gosh working cowboy. Like my cousin...

... it's like shaking hands with a telephone pole.

They are hard, strong and immovable.

It can be intimidating for most of us, because we instantly realize we are so pathetically weak.

But, real cowboys, for the most part, are skinny and lean...

... and they don't go to the gym.

I was reminded of this by my friend Jim, who was originally Don's friend Jim Fromthegym. He was complaining about gaining weight since he started lifting weights.

How do the cowboys do it?

Strong, yet sinewy.

They are constantly lifting and working physically throughout the day, which is what I've been preaching...

... to my apparently deaf choir.

Yes, lift weights...

... but, lift like a cowboy vs a musclebeachboy.

How?

Simple.

Heavy weights.
Low reps.
Daily...

... by daily, I mean throughout the day.

Get up, do a set.
Get some work down, do a set.

Don't drive to the gym.
Don't get sweaty.
Don't pump up.

Just be cowboy strong.

Which reminds me of how to handle your bike like a cowboy, maybe I'll share that some other day.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022

The point is to be RaceDay Ready™.

Which is what the R stands for.

This PEDALindustries R kit comes with magical properties:

20% Savings on everything all the time
Access to the RaceDay Ready™ Strava Group where you can ask me anything.
Plus, the beta version of my RaceDay Ready™ 10 Week Program
and more.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022

---

164.2
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps +5 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

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WHAT GETS MEASURED

May 12, 2022

TODD BROWN

AFTER THE RACE TUESDAY EVE, I commented to Bob that I think having a remarkable night of sleep was the magic trick I needed. He whipped out his phone...

... it turns out I've been lying to ya, for years.

Not on purpose, pure ignorance mixed with a little hope that I was doing it right. This convo cleared that up.

I've been measuring my sleep on my watch.

I got one of those.

With this app, AutoSleep.

I'll get it.

Well, I got it.

Measured the last two nights. It's ugly. Truly.

Currently I have 27% of Sleep Debt. That's because I slept terrible Tuesday, 5:10. And, rotten Wednesday, 6:25.

In my head, I was guessing I wound up in bed at 1130 and got up at 6. But, the app is counting sleeping not lying.

That's the bad news.

The good news is we all know what gets measured gets managed.

That's why we upload to Starva, why I weigh myself daily, report in how much reading and writing and recovery.

Tracking our stats ultimately leads us to tracking down and stomping our competition, PRs, etc...

... if you're into that.

I am.

There are lots of ways to track sleep. I'm using Apple Watch and app, there's Oura ring, Whoop.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets

The app treats sleep like a bank account. I like that.

Do you like this?

It's the perfect size whether you're out for an all day ride, or just want something sleek and light to slip into your pocket.

There are 2 slots for cards and cash, one shows the top of cards, the other is deeper.

Made in USA, from inner tube rubber.

Did I mention it's the perfect size?

Or, that we can make 'em with your team logo?

Such a great gift!

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets

---

163.1
6.25 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling

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SHIFTY RACES ARE GOOD, TOO

May 11, 2022

TODD BROWN

THINGS DIDN'T GO AS EXPECTED AT THE RACE LAST NIGHT. While I arrived plenty early, felt wonderful on the warm up, and ripped off the front on the first lap...

... I made a big booboo on the second lap.

It was my fault.

Let me preface it all with this bit of truth from the allegory of the olive tree. The master of the vineyard, wanting to preserve his trees ordered his workers to dung the ground. In other words...

... without pig shift trees were gonna die.

So it is with racing, if we aren't blundering or worse from time to time...

... there would be no growth.

My blunder?

Trusty Mike came through and told us it was a 3 lap race. The announcer said it was a 2 lap race. For some dumb reason 3 stuck in my head, and I didn't mind turning over the lead as we finished the second lap...

... until the cat I was stalking sprinted for the line.

It was too late for me to do anything.

I burned in that shifty thinking by completing the third lap anyway. Apparently, that wasn't enough because when I related the idiotic episode to Surfergirl she reminded me...

... you've done that before.

Some lessons we get to repeat, until we master.

Which is the point.

Mastery.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

How do you like the red glove, red sock combo to go with the red helmet and red R on the kit?

If you're into to looking sharp, this month's buy the gloves and socks special is awesome.

Just put the gloves and socks in the shopping cart and you automatically receive the socks for free.

Buy Gloves, Get Socks.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

163.5
5.5 hrs (so hard to sleep after evening races)
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

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WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY

May 10, 2022

TODD BROWN

SAN DIEGO COUNTY MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST COUNTY ON THE PLANET for getting after it on road bikes. A stunning coast line, a rich field of challenging talent, bike lanes...

... and the best weather on earth.

It's where I received the sage wisdom from a crusty wrench in a small, passionate shop on PCH...

... It takes 3 years to know what you're good at racing bikes.

At the time, I was living in a small studio in Pacific Beach. A hotbed for jazz, kids and fooling around...

... fancying myself a stage racer

The beach town knew I was odd, with my shocking blue Gios and Campy Record.

Didn't care a bit.

Rode at dawn, worked my first job hard, and lived for the SDBC Saturday ride.

Typical younggun, all spice no calories.

I'd spurt ahead, get laughed at.
Spurt ahead, get dropped.
Chase, survive.
Loving it.

Learned I wasn't a stage racer at all, it was crits and circuits for me. Still is on the road.

So, I was thrilled today to see some new designs come through for the famed squad that taught me so much back then.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/sdbc-san-diego-bicycle-club-store

This is the second time we've updated their designs on our gear.

Y'all all know it's my long standing dream to see an entire team in their changing ponchos, post race, yacking it up, dropping their bibs.

It's a great time of year for the changing poncho...

... who wants to wiggle around in their car when you could stand loud, proud, and modest?

If you fancy ponchos for your team, let me know.

If you want a stock design, go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

Use promo code: PONCHO by friday.

Yes, the code works on stock designs or your team's custom design.

---

164
8.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

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THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RUNNING

May 09, 2022

TODD BROWN

RUNNING HAS A LOT OF CROSSOVER WITH CYCLING. Legs, lungs. Sprinting, enduring. Shoes, shorts. Winners, losers. And, of course...

... all runners eventually come to the bike.

They just don't know it.

But, there's something a lot of cyclists don't know and that is that running books are by and large much better reading than books on racing bikes.

Better stories.
Better insights.
Better performance data.

Maybe it's because more people run?

The latest find is by the U.S.'s half-marathon record holder, who also held the U.S. marathon record. His name is Ryan Hall...

... and his younger brother is a local slayer on mountain bikes.

The book is called, Run The Mile You're In.

Here are a few takeaways:

Once we cease to be impressed by the size of our challenges, our ability to overcome them grows exponentially.
If we want to change our results, we've got to change our hearts.
The way to become mentally tough is to believe you are mentally tough

If you're into the spiritual side of endurance racing you'll enjoy this book.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

Running is also great cross training, and the SuperTech T is perfect for that.

Use promo code: ToddsFaveT

... and you'll save 20%

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

164.3
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling

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SHOULD YOU RAISE YOUR BARS?

May 08, 2022

TODD BROWN

DEPENDING ON YOUR RIDING STYLE, BIKE AND FLEXIBILITY you might want to change your bar height. Lower can be faster, put in you in a more aero position...

... but, bars too low can be slow.

Are your bars too low?

Maybe.

Not those bars on your bike.

Your performance bars.

Mine have been and I can't get this thought out of my head...

... the hardest bars to raise are our own.

For example, I know to hit my most audacious goal for the summer I've got to shed a few lbs. There's just no way to reach the speeds I want unless I'm lighter.

Basic physics.

But, when I checked the scales last night and saw I was set to have a light weigh in this morning...

...what did I do?

Grabbed an extra bowl of dessert.

So weak.

Rather than get to that next level, I chowed myself right back to where I've always been.

It's one day, I'll recover...

... but it's one day closer to the start line.

Stay strong my friends, and raise those bars.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

The bars I care most about are my PRs, which is what this summer is all about.

And, we've certainly raised the bar with the SuperTech T

Use promo code: ToddsFaveT

... and you'll save 20%

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

163.7
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling

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TRIBE VIBES

May 07, 2022

TODD BROWN

CLUBS, TEAMS, CREWS, POSSES, TRIBES. They draw us in. Call to us. Until it's too late, and we find ourselves high on a brutal climb...

... bonked.

Such was the fate of two young adventurers we came across this morning.

9 miles from the bottom.

3400' climbed.

There they were.

Dismounted...

... not discouraged.

Garage sale bikes.

Handmedown gear.

Decades earlier I'd collapsed on this same climb. On a similar day, Brad and I had foolishly joined Jeff and Eric.

They were Cat 1s out for a good time on a big climb...

... I think we were the entertainment.

We never made it to the top that day. Instead, we pulled over and enjoyed the view, joking about what a dumb idea it was to try and keep up with those cats...

... it would be years before I would try again.

Eventually I found my tribe, or they found me?

Encouraged me. Loved me. Looked out for me. Taught me...

... what it took to be good.

That's the vibe of our tribe.

Being good.

Even great.

Our best us.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022

The R stands for

Race
Ready
Rewards

Get the kit if you want to represent.

You'll also get 20% on everything we make.

* Note: this is for ambassadors, not to replace your current team.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022

---

164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling

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NEVER, EVER DO THIS WITH YOUR COMPETITION

May 06, 2022

TODD BROWN

OCCASIONALLY AN ACTUAL COMPETITOR SHOWS UP ON A GROUP RIDE. I'm not talking about somebody that is going to push me, I'm taking about that rare time...

... someone I might actually be battling with in an A race is present.

Generally speaking, most of us have our club or team or posse or crew we train with. With these cats we are giving it our all. Together we go to a big race and we're either working together...

... or taking on all comers.

A year or so back, this cat used to show up from time to time on our group ride. We'd be slogging it out, hurting each other as much as possible...

... but, I neverever showed all my cards.

There is no advantage to proving how strong you on a training ride.

If a direct competitor is there...

... always hold something back.

Always.

And, if you are visiting one of your competitor's rides to scope their fitness they might do the same to you.

Why do you think the pros feign nursing knees, stomach bug, etc leading up to the Tour de France...

... then show up and slay the competition?

They aren't ill.

They are prepping, building their engines in private.

That's pro.

Be pro.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0

You know what else is pro?

Having a super slim wallet to carry the essentials when riding or out on the town.

We make these out of MTB innertubes.

The part I love is that it's so grippy inside my jersey, it's never going to fall out.

It's all I use...

... keeps me from carrying around a brick on nonsense in my pocket.

Plus, it's proof I'm committed to fitness...

... people dig that.

No promo code on this one... it's a mere $24, and ships for free.

And yes, we can put your team logo on there.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0

---

164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling

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WHY DO WE WEAR HELMETS?

May 05, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE FASTEST I'VE EVER GONE ON A BICYCLE WAS 63 MPH. I was helmetless, drafting a loaded diesel down Parley's Canyon on I-80. Aboard my Cannondale touring bike...

... shorts, t-shirt and shades.

Of those who latched on at the top of the steep decline, I was the last to get popped. When I finally pulled off, it occurred to me...

... that wasn't too smart.

Had I flatted or hit a wheel-destroying pothole or had a rock been thrown up at my face...

... a helmet wouldn't have saved me.

So why wear one?

Simple answer: there are plenty of lower speed oopsies where a helmet makes all the difference.

Better answer: a sexy helmet looks cool and makes us feel fast.

Best answer: the helmet serves as an unstated reminder that racing is a mental game, as much as it is physical.

At some point...

it's going to hurt
things are going to go wrong
we are going to doubt our abilities

... if we aren't mentally tough, we aren't going to make it.

We must create mental helmets to protect us from the false and weakening beliefs trying to get inside our heads.

Personally, I like a good rapper name. A WWF moniker. Dubbing ourselves with powerful titles...

... to remind of us of who we really are.

Years ago I fell in love with MTB racing, quickly learning I wasn't the best at the shorter more vicious efforts. My talent lie in keeping my speed up, blasting through technical sections, eating and drinking and rolling right by competitors at the end of much longer races...

... bearing down like that heavy diesel I drafted long ago.

I'm The Diesel.

Unstoppable.

Who are you?
Whats's your power?
Where are you strongest?
When will you unleash this strength?
How will you remember when all seems lost?

Why?

Why not?

Nobody else can do this for you.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

Of course we all wear helmets all the time.

Especially on insane rides that are likely to fail, like the inaugural (that' ambitious) Surf-N-Summit.

We aren't driving, we're riding.

On gravel, single track, and pavement.

If you're in, or thinking you're in...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit

---

162.7
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

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PUT THE LOAD RIGHT ON ME

May 04, 2022

TODD BROWN

AFTER A LONG DAY, it ain't always easy to get out and ride. We're tired. Maybe a little beat down...

... carrying the weight of the day.

There in the poorly lit garage is refuge.

Some say everything has a soul.

Science says everything is in motion.

I say there is nothing like the whisper of a bike...

... Put the load, put the load right on me.

We wade through our gear, check the lens is clean, and reluctantly roll off.

Sluggishness slips away.

Our load is lifted.

We are free.

Just wind.

Wheels.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card

What a gift.

If you have a friend with a load, maybe they need the ease of the worldfamous RaceDay Bag™.

Send 'em a gift card.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card

---

164
7 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

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THAT'S NOT NORMAL.

May 03, 2022

TODD BROWN

WHAT'S YOUR NORMAL TRAINING WEEK? 5 hours, 10, 15, 20? Or do you measure miles? 100, 200, 300, 400? Before I took off to surf in Mexico for a week, I put in 18 hrs, 226 miles, 22,223' of elevation...

... it was my highest fitness of 2022.

By that I mean Strava gave me a fitness score of 134. The highest I've ever seen was last summer's 136.

I used that fitness to snag 3rd at last summer's Leadville Stage Race and qualify for the Silver corral.

In August, I let it drop.

I was tired.

Most of the Fall my fitness was in the 90-100 range.

In December, I started to get into the 110 range with the idea of building for the early season races. But, I got the 'rona on NYE and had to start all over which delayed my peak about a month.

There's normal training, like what I was doing in the fall.
Staying fit.
Having fun.
Squeezing in other activities like hiking and surfing and paddle.

The only way to increase our fitness is to increase our normal.
Up the volume.
Get specific.
Squeezing in more time in the saddle, with faster riders who push us.

Our minds for sure, and possibly our friends and family, will be on to us. They might even say things like...

... That's too hard.

Here we must battle our mind, slough it off, telling it...

... No, this is normal.

Ideally, you've got a good training crew. This means we're all pushing each other to reach our goals. We are also drafting off each other's energy and commitment...

... an upward spiral to a new normal.

There's one more thing.

Specificity.

If our A race is a crit, we better be doing speed work and sprints. An MTB race, we better be on the mtb riding technically challenging courses. We can be good at a lot of things...

... we can be great at one.

It's not normal to be great.

Don't be normal.

Be great.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

You know what's not normal?

A tech t made out of the finest Italian fabric.

Most tech t's are made out of nylon. We use polyester, which is softer than a baby's botton.

Most tech t's are light. Ours are light as a feather... a baby duck feather.

Most tech t's fit good. Ours is designed to fit an athlete's body... and make you look so sexy you'll be afraid to go out alone.

Most tech t's are solid colors. We print ours on demand, so you can have a stunning design in your team colors.

Use this code: TODDSFAVET

to save 20%...

... this code won't last forever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

164.7
8 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

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STONERS RULE THE WORLD

May 02, 2022

TODD BROWN

IT'S ONE OF THE TRUTHS OF LIFE, that stoners are by far the best racers. Just look at the results from last weekends competition, and I guarantee you everyone at the top...

... is a big time stoner.

It's day 2 of my 103 day countdown to my big A race of the year, and I realize I've got to up my stoner game, too.

To make my quest extra dynamic, I've chose 4 ridiculous superstretch goals. I believe I can accomplish all 4 of them...

Physical - Leadville sub-8, you know about it.
Mental - sales goal (private)
Social - go out every weekend
Spiritual - also private

... because I have systems to follow.

Without a system, goals are really hard to accomplish.

We start to focus on the goal instead of focusing on what needs to get done today. When that happens, we are easily sidetracked. But, when we focus on the system, or process, it takes all the pressure off the attaining the goal.

Lots of people have systems, coaches, plans...

... those who write them in stone always come out on top.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

I don't actually write them in stone, I use a Sharpie...

... and write on my giant calendar.

If you want to harness the power of a stoner, click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

If you want to supercharge that by getting a calendar with your team graphics, click here; https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

---

166.1
7.5 hrs
3 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

If yo

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DAY ZERO, TIME TO HUSTLE.

May 01, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT RUNNING TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN. Not a long run, just getting up and hustling to get something done. The adrenaline rush...

... it's just like racing.

Everything melts a way.

I was reminded of this while connecting flights in Mexico City. A dapper young man, clearly an employee, dashed by with a smile and determination...

... of one who knows where they're headed and what do to.

It was unmistakable, and it made me happy to see him run with purpose.

I love that feeling and I get it when racing or chasing a PR. There is nothing like ripping with confidence.

Here I am at day zero.

A week off the bike.

Mostly rested.

Refreshed.

Ready.

14 weeks from now I will chase a ridiculous goal: Sub-8 at Leadville.

It's time to implement the C in my book, The Way of the RACER: Commit to a process.

The only way I'm gonna be ready to take that on is to stick with my system, like never before. If all goes according to plan, I'll line up...

... ready to go, knowing exactly what to do.

Happy.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/2022-clear-pedalindustries-water-bottle

Something that makes me happy is knowing my bottles are clean inside and out.

Here's a clean offer.

Purchase 4 of these bottles with this promo code: BottleBTGT

You'll pay for 2, and the other 2 are free.

This one is limited, and expires on May 3rd.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/2022-clear-pedalindustries-water-bottle

---

164.7
6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

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THE INTERVIEW

May 01, 2022

TODD BROWN

I SAT DOWN WITH THE BEST COACH IN THE WORLD. Maybe the best in the entire Universe. When it comes to assessing talent...

... he is the word.

This wasn't any sit down, it was after the biggest A race of my life, and he was there to review my files.

I was very impressed at his thoroughness.

Behind him, on the wall, was every race I'd ever done along with all the effort I'd put in.

The A's,
B's,
C's.

He was quiet while I took it all in. Frankly, it was incomprehensible that he could pull all this together.

The training rides I'd done,
and the ones I'd skipped or cut short.

All the foods I'd eaten,
the herbalorganic foofoo and the countless apple fritters.

The hours and hours of sleep and resting with my feet up,
and all the nights I'd bingewatched Star Trek and cut my shuteye short.

Everything was there.

All the good and bad cataloged.

The handful of races I'd won, the smattering of podiums I'd climbed, and the manymany times I'd hung my head in defeat.

I trained my eyes on him, waiting for his final judgement.

He looked at me lovingly, then changed the data on the wall.

This was an entirely different life.

Whoever this was demonstrated the discipline of someone destined to develop their maximum potential...

... and the results showed.

It wasn't the outstanding results, it was the lack of defeat. Even in when he came up short the images of this racer were radiant because...

... he knew he'd given his all.

I looked closer, and saw it was me and the life I could have had...

... if I'd followed the greatest coach ever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/2022-clear-pedalindustries-water-bottle

The greatest coaches clearly see all our potential, and all the times we neglect to follow their lead.

Maybe that's why I prefer clear bottles, because I can clearly see when they are dirty...

... inside and out.

There's just something about knowing everything is clean.

Here's a clean offer.

Purchase 4 of these bottles with this promo code: BottleBTGT

You'll pay for 2, and the other 2 are free.

This one is limited, and expires on May 3rd.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/2022-clear-pedalindustries-water-bottle

---

165ish
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

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ONLY THE HIGHLY (OVER)TRAINED KNOW THIS PAIN

Apr 29, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE INEVITABLE ACHE SET IN. I was expecting it and right on cue here it is, a dull leg pain. Mainly in my thighs at this point...

... there's not much I can do.

Have you had it?

Probably.

Have your friends and loved ones?

No, and don't bother.

They'll never understand because they've never put the demands you and I do on their bodies.

This occurred to me today when I caught myself thinking in Spanish, something I haven't done for years. At that time, I was living in Mexico. One day, I woke up and realized I was no longer thinking in my native tongue...

... I'd used Spanish so much it had taken over.

As timing would have it, when my legs started feeling that dull ache I realized it was because...

... I'd not used the leg muscles for days.

Well, not like I normally do.

Instead of long rides I've been traveling, catching long waves.

Next week, legs...

... next week, just you wait!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts

As well as cross training my tongue I've been crosspurposing my SuperTech T.

Did you know our fabrics are...
so hydrophobic they make excellent surf shirts?
so stylish they make great out to dinner wear?

I don't always travel, but when I do...

... I travel lite.

Use this code: TODDSFAVET

to save 20%...

... this code won't last forever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

165ish
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

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YOU ARE SUSCEPTIBLE

Apr 28, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE CHALLENGE WITH ADVENTURE TRAVEL isn't the traveling, the time differences, the unfamiliar domicile, new foods, fast friendships...

... it's our susceptibility.

Because it's our nature to be influenced by the moods, emotions and ways of thinking of those with whom we ride...

... unnoticed.

We return.

Changed.

When, Where, What and How we ride are nothing...

... compared to with Whom.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022

Who are you riding with...

... are they RaceDay Ready™?

That's what that R signifies.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022

---

165ish?
8 hrs needed that
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

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THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE

Apr 27, 2022

TODD BROWN

SURE, WE ALL SHARE THE COMMON BOND OF THE BIKE. But, what else? Eating incredible hamburgers in a remote, sandy Mexican surf town we discussed the many benefits of riding bikes...

... the chief being social.

We wouldn't be in this paradise of perfect waves if it weren't for bike racing.

It was racing that I met Dan, a renowned surfboard shaper and genuine slayer on a bike.

Next thing I know he's shaping me a custom board and giving me the lowdown on this remote hideaway...

... which just happens to be a place Surfergirl has been longing to charge.

To get me off the bike ain't easy,
but it must be done.

We need breaks.
Variation.
Time off.
Rest.

We need to love other things...

... and take care of the people we love.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

Apparently a few people love my book, because lately people have been purchasing multiple copies.

I love that, for them.

Have you checked it out?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

165ish?
9 hrs needed that
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

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2 THINGS I HATE TO DO

Apr 26, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE TWO THINGS I HATE TO DO, but should do. Hate might be a little strong here, let's just say it's reallyreally hard...

... to be motivated.

The weird thing is as soon as I'm doing them...

... I really like it.

There's more to it than that because skipping these two things is reallyreally bad...

... but not right away.

Over time.

Over time, with neglect...

things breakdown sooner
longevity is significantly shortened
peak performance becomes unattainable

... we don't want that do we?

What are they?

Stretching/Recovery
Cleaning my bike

How much of difference do they make?

Honestly, I'm not sure.

I can only tell ya things go a lot better when my bike and body...

... are well-maintained.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

If you're really into caring for your body, there is nothing better for your hands than our SuperLight Race Gloves.

They come in all kinds of colors.

This month, they are BuyOneGetOne...

... all you have to do is have 2 items in your cart and you'll be credited automatically at check out.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

164.8
5 hrs (travel day)
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

WHEN COMPARING YOURSELF IS ACTUALLY A GOOD THING

Apr 25, 2022

TODD BROWN

THE GREAT MAX EHRMANN WROTE DESIDERATA. The word is latin and means things desired. I memorized the original text because of a certain warning...

... which I don't always agree with.

At the time, I was a teen, and it was impossible to adhere to.

Now, as a racer, it can be cancerous to ignore such sage wisdom...

... except in one place.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Where should we ignore it?

On Starva, of course.

Why just today I was researching the MTB Nationals course and I thought to myself...

... let's see who has the fastest time in my age group.

The usual suspects.

But, don't stop there.

Pull those cats up and Starva gives you this nice little data point called...

... Side By Side Comparison.

Right there, front and center, in plain sight is exactly what your competitors are doing...

... what a gift!

Don't get all freaked out, anal, and compary.

Just check it out.

See what they're doing.

It's a powerful point of reference.

And remember what ya learnt in my book...

... always do all you can do.

Sometimes by studying others we learn there's more that we can do.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

165
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

MASTERY MYSTERY

Apr 24, 2022

TODD BROWN

YOU BORROWED A BIKE, got the bug, now what? Remember those days? Sheepishly approaching the bike shop hands with questions...

... and feeling like such a newb.

So much to learn...

simple maintenance
nutrition
bike fit
clothes
training plans
tactics and strategies

You should have one goal, only...

... mastery.

You must always be improving you skills, increasing your knowledge, honing your craft...

... then you're in control, depending on no one.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday™-calendar

Perhaps my favorite tool is the giant RaceDay Calendar™.

It's huge...

... and hung in plain sight.

Nothing is more powerful than writing down want you want and...

... conspicuously placing it for ALL to see.

Use promo code: GETITDONE!

to save 15%

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday™-calendar

---

164.5
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

LET'S FACE IT, YOU'VE GOT TO BE REALLY COORDINATED

Apr 23, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE SO MANY MOVING PARTS TO SUCCESSFUL RACING. Wheels, chains, cassettes, rings, legs...

... the bike.

But, those aren't always the most important parts.

I was reminding of that this morning, and all I was trying to do was coordinate a training ride.

As I pull up to the trail head, the texts started pouring in...

From Where are you?.
I'm where you are supposed to be.

To, I'm riding towards you don't wait.
I never do.

To, I'm leaving later.
I hope you'll catch us.

We're all training for one of the longest and most grueling endurance races in the USA.

Leadville.

Most participants are happy to finish at all. The rest of us are trying earn belt buckles, big and small depending on your time.

Year after year people miss the 9hr cutoff for the big buckle by seconds, and 12hr cut off for the small buckle...

... which are cooler than any buckle, ever.

There is no mercy, as there shouldn't be.

In 2012, my moving time was 8:35:42 and my elapsed time was 8:38:51.
In 2019, my moving time was 8:06:36 and my elapsed time was 8:16:07.

That is according to Strava, and I'm not sure it's entirely accurate. But, you get the picture, if you're aren't well coordinated with your support...

... you can lose big and small time,
and buckles.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

One thing you can do to help out your crew is have an easy to spot jersey.

Surfergirl really likes this one.

I do, too.

It reminds me to break free of any shackles holding me back.

I made this one for the 2019 race. At the time, I was developing our Winged Wolf logo. It wasn't perfect yet. The image repeats on the bibs...

... on the back of the jersey, across the pockets it reads: No one of consequence. That is my favorite line from The Princess Bride, spoken by The Dread Pirate Roberts.

What's the take away for you?

Take time to plan ALL of your next adventure.
Design a jersey that inspires you and stands out.

Yeah, you should absolutely take advantage of the fact we will make as few as 1 (one) jersey...

... just for you.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

---

165.1 (still carrying Sea Otter weight)
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

IMAGINE THAT!

Apr 22, 2022

TODD BROWN

MY FRIEND ANDY FINALLY DID IT! Something I myself have threatened to do, but never had the courage...

... I'm jealous.

Hopelessly.

Leaving San Diego, he rode north.

Dropped by to see me, invite me...

... give up on me.

He kept going on up to LA, to sleep on a friend's couch.

He rode on to Santa Barbara, planning on a luxury AirBnB for a few days.

Then further north to eventually catch the train back home.

All on his bike.

Who hasn't felt the urge to suit up and ride, never to be seen again...

... at least for a helluva long time?

Bike
T-shirt
Shorts
Flipflops
Credit card

I imagined I could ride 50 miles, then 100, then 200.
I imagined I could start a family, have some kids.
I imagined I could start a business I'd love.

Imagine that.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

Most of what I have imagined into life...

... was created and nurtured while riding alone.

For example the SuperTech Ts.

Use this code: TODDSFAVET

to save 20%...

... this code won't last forever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

164.2
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 14 PushUps + 7 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

LACKING A REASONABLE MOTIVE...

Apr 21, 2022

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE THREE THINGS WE JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO LACK, and I'm not talking about a roof over our heads, a chicken in the pot...

... or a Ford in the driveway.

That's only enough to get you thinking you could be a winner.

I learned this from the great Ed Latimore:

If you lack discipline, you won't survive the training.
If you lack talent, you won't survive the race.
If you lack heart, you're useless.

To which I add:

If you have heart,
You'll crave discipline and training,
And develop all the talent God gave you.

Be.
Your.
Best self.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

Most of the time, I'm chasing PRs...

... self-made podiums.

Every now and then I get on a real one, which is exactly what inspired our gorgeous new technical t.

Use this code: TODDSFAVET

to save 20%...

... this code won't last forever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

163.4
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

BE. DO. HAVE.

Apr 20, 2022

TODD BROWN

IT'S JUST NOT THAT COMPLICATED. The formula is simple, but because it's simple people disregard it...

... check it out.

The last time I was this svelte was after I put on all the weight following my wife's three pregnancies. Apparently, I was very sympathetic...

... weighing 30 lbs heavier than today.

I cut out a picture of my favorite racer at that time from a magazine. He was shirtless. Then, I cut out my head from a photo on hand and pasted right on top of that body...

... and put it on the inside of my medicine cabinet.

Every day, I'd get out of the shower. Towel around my torso. Swing that door open and brush my teeth looking at my idyllic body while my own body jiggled with the brushing.

Here's the tried and true formula:

Be.
Do.
Have.

I didn't over complicate it.

I set a goal to PR a wellknown local climb. To crack an hour. I never did crack that hour, but I took 10 minutes off my PR simply by asking myself...

... what would he do?

Any and all fitness choices went through that filter.

Food?
Training?
Sleep?
Bike set up?
etc...

... what would he do?

Do that.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

The thing I'm crazy about with our new tech t, is the cut. The way it fits an athlete's body.

We are athletes, not donutpoundingcremepuffs...

... our forms flow like life and merit the same in our apparel.

Not some lame, cut like a box, heinousness.

This tech t is grace in motion...

... made with an extremely elegant mesh with 4 way stretch.

And, we can make them to match all your race gear.

Just added some more designs tonight.

Stay tuned...

... and use this code: TODDSFAVET

to save 20%...

... this code won't last forever.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

163.9
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 10- Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

YOU DON'T KNOW SQUAT

Apr 19, 2022

TODD BROWN

TO LIFT OR NOT TO LIFT THAT IS THE QUESTION. And, if it's good to lift weights in the off-season why should it be bad to do so in the on-season...

... don't we need power when it's on?

A young gentleman rode side by side with me tonight.

I haven't been riding much

No?

No, I only ride a couple of days a week in the winter.

Why's that?

The cold, the dark.

Ah yes.

But, come June and July... you'll see.

A tour fan you are.

Yes, indeed.

Are you still lifting weights regularly?

Of for sure, even though I know it makes me slower.

But, does it?

Is that really true?

I think not.

After squatting almost daily for many, many months, I think it's just not true...

... a myth, a fallacy, an illusion.

Let me give you just 2 reasons to squat daily:

Your posture will be improved.
You will feel more confident.
You will squat often.
You'll be faster.

I can only vouch for the squats I'm doing with heavy dumbbells in each hand.

The posture thing is legit, and nobody talks about it. You'll just naturally stand taller and feel a helluvalot better.

Which naturally leads to feeling more confident about everything.

Soon you will notice you bend over less to pick something up. Instead, you squat down. All the way down. Easily.

And yeah...

... you'll definitely have more power on the bike.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

I do my squats throughout the day. 5 after breakfast, 5 on my way out the door, 5 at lunch... and so on.

Sometimes in my work clothes.

Sometimes in workout clothes.

Speaking of which, I've been working on our new Podium Tech T for quite a while.

I wanted to get the fit just right.

Then, I want to sew it up and test it using the oh-so fine imported Italian fabric we use on the front of our jersey.

It is an extremely elegant mesh with 4 way stretch.

And, we can make them to match all your race gear...

... so you look sharp off the bike,
... working out at the gym,
... or on the podium.

I'll uploading a number of striking designs in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned...

... and use this code: TODDSFAVET

to save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t

---

164.5
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

DON'T BE A DINOSAUR

Apr 18, 2022

TODD BROWN

CYCLISTS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. In fact, for sheer pleasure on the bike, there is no one size fits all. However, when it comes to endurance racing, there is one particular shape...

... that seems to rule them all.

Depending on level of commitment and which discipline one chooses to specialize in, the shape of the T-Rex seems most dominant...

... with climbers being the most typical.

Upper body power isn't their thing.

The hierarchy goes something like this:

Climbers
Roadies
Gravelers
Mountain Bikers
Sprinters.

How much you wrestle with the bike is the determining factor...

... in body type and ability to compete.

Personally, I'll gladly carry a few extra pounds to shed that t-rex look.

It ain't about racing.

Just mostly.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

If you're training has lost it's meaning, check this out.

Going into my third round of printing, and seeing all the orders of friends ordering for their friends...

... it's rewarding to know I've made a difference in a few lives.

The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

166
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

GIVE YOUR TRAINING MEANING

Apr 17, 2022

TODD BROWN

I'M A LIFER. Around age 10, I started meeting the fellas for bike rides. After school, and every single Saturday. Then, it was just riding. Fun, transportation, freedom...

... all on two wheels.

Later, as an adult, the idea of staying in shape to keep up with the kids took root.

Thank heavens it did.

Can't imagine what their teen years woulda been like if I couldn't show 'em how it's done.

Maybe it wasn't max-fitness, but for sure I was in much better shape than most of my peers...

... and that meant bigger and better adventures for the family.

Training has more meaning when there is a finish line involved...

... all of life does.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

If you're training has lost it's meaning, check this out.

Going into my third round of printing, and seeing all the orders of friends ordering for their friends...

... it's rewarding to know I've made a difference in a few lives.

The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

---

165.6
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/

View Details

SWEET AND SOUR TRAINING

Apr 16, 2022

TODD BROWN

SWEET SPOT TRAINING. It sounds so innocuous, inviting, even delicious. Oh, that it were true. It is kind of, but not when you start...

... it's quite sour.

At least that is how it felt today.

Even though I'd been looking forward to finally doing some solid sweet spot training, as I prep for my crazyquest at Leadville this summer, when I rolled out the door and pegged my heartrate to zone 3...

... it hurt.

Fortunately, the weather was pleasant and I discovered a string of fresh, new single track.

Is there a better way to start a 5-hour training ride?

Sweet spot training leads to sweet spot racing, which is exactly how I'll be approaching my outlandish goal this summer.

Actually, I did the math.

It's not as crazy as it sounds.

I averaged 12.7 mph 3 years ago. I need to average 13.1 this summer. .4 miles further per hour sounds doable as allgetout right now. Especially after today's effort.

63 miles, 9338', 12.2 mph... by myself, today.
105 miles, 10,608', 12.9 mph... with a fair amount of pacelining, 3 years ago.

Those are moving times... the race is elapsed time, which is 12.7, with the stops.

Sweet spot racing will go sour in two scenarios.

One is completely unavoidable, the other must be avoided AT ALL COSTS.

Committing to racing sweet spot means you're going to feel absolutely amazing on the first climb or the first effort of your race...

... fools lose their shift in this moment.

They throw it all out the window, and pin in it with everybody else, first chance they get. They go right to zone 4, and even zone 5. So dumb...

... so, so dumb.

The second scenario where sweet spot racing can go sour is not eating enough. Caught up in the moment of racing, feeling fantastic. It is extremely easy to think we don't need to eat and drink...

... this is suicide.

Racing sweet spot requires a tremendous amount of calories.

2 Rules.

Stay in Zone 3, or below.
Eat, drink, and be racy.

That's it.

You're welcome.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Someone recently referred to our gloves as crit gloves.

Makes sense.

Crits are right up there with DH and Enduro when it comes to risk.

Whatever your flavor, you need a superior feel on your bars.

Yes, the buy one get one is still going...

,,, no promo coded needed.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

164.9 (gotta dump all 4.9 of these)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 00 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

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SAVED BY MY BIBS

Apr 15, 2022

TODD BROWN

IT HAD BEEN A LONG DAY, at the end of the long week. It could just have well been a cold morning in the dead of winter. Either way...

... sometimes it's hard to train.

But, we do it.

I learned a little trick, and it's neverever let me down. In fact, it's lead me to plenty a wonder glide around town.

When ya just aren't feeling it, all ya gotta do is...

... pull on your bibs.

Then, your

Jersey
Socks
Shoes
Helmet
Glasses
Gloves

By then, you've built up so much inertia it's easy to throw a leg over the saddle and pedal away...

... locking in a workout many skip.

Not us.

We do the work.

We are the industries...

... in PEDAL.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro

Speaking of putting in the work...

... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?

In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.

What does this mean to you?

We can make you custom gear with photos
You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro

---

164.7
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

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WHERE DO YOU FIND THE GOOD STUFF?

Apr 14, 2022

TODD BROWN

PODCASTS, AUDIO BOOKS, ETC. I get a lot of recommendations, nearly all I'll check out the intro, some I dive into...

... some are really good.

This week I received two good ones from readers Leif and Randy.

The podcast was a deep, deep dive into Zone 2 training. Maybe a bit two deep for me. Part of it covered the amazing talent of Tadej Pogacar, and how he incorporates Zone 2 training. It was fascinating, timely, and useful.

The book reminded me a bit of Goggins Can't Hurt Me. It had two rules:

It's gotta be hard
Come back alive

But, there was a third dimension which I thought glued it altogether.

These recommendations came from readers, just like you, and I found valuable nuggets in each of them I'll be incorporating in my own training.

Other times, I'll get turned onto a book like Waterlogged or Breathe or Natural Born Heroes on a ride or from a friend who's athletic or see a topic trending on Twitter.

Who we surround ourselves with, the information we consume, matters.

Riding with fast riders is great...
... sharing what they know is more great.

Look for a review of the book in an upcoming post.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro

Speaking of looking...

... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?

In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.

What does this mean to you?

We can make you custom gear with photos
You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro

---

165.1
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

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https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

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NOT ACCORDING TO PLAN CAN BE PART OF THE PLAN

Apr 13, 2022

TODD BROWN

IT'S WEDNESDAY AND TIME FOR HOT LAPS. Hot laps is our MTB race simulation we start up each Spring. We have 3 courses, laps take about 20 minutes...

... well, the hot ones do.

The plan was to do the usual. A parade lap, followed by an hour of getting after it.

Tonight's course was slightly altered from last year's in this area. At the top of an already longish climb, we turned right...

... for an extra 50 yards at 17%.

Then, into a ribbon of new single track tracing the mountain ridge before diving down and boomeranging off the canyon sides.

Fun stuff, for sure.

But, the plan was to get after it for 3 laps...

... tired from the weekend's racing, we made a weak effort.

When you're weak,
sometimes you need a week...

... to recover.

We are there.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™

You know what else isn't according to plan, this bag I made for my grandson's parents.

It's a Classic size RaceDay Bag™ with backpack straps and the extra pockets of the PRO bag...

... marked up to be the raddest diaper bag ever!

Right now I have samples going out to be tested.

In the meantime...

... Whadaya think?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™

---

164.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

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TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, IT'S NOT CHEATING

Apr 12, 2022

TODD BROWN

EVER SINCE I READ ABOUT THE HUMMER and it's ability to inflate and deflate it's tires on run, I've dreamt of the day we could do that on our bikes. Now it's here https://www.scopecycling.com/product/atmoz/...

... and I don't like it.

I can't put my finger on it.

There's just something wrong.

Like all the edge, hardness, chance is removed and we are left with...

... oh, look at the softy now.

Can you imagine a Greek god riding this tech?

We already rarely get flats, snap chains or pop spokes. Gone are the days of trailside repairs being a racing skill.

We have computers telling us how hard to pedal and how fast to spin....

... even monitors testing our blood while racing so we know when to eat.

How will we ever develop backs strong enough to carry the load of life if we keep slicing away the hard with tech?

You know what the problem is though, right?

If/when this gets wide adoption, you and I won't be competitive without it. Plus, we'll snag even more PRs with it.

Technically speaking it's not cheating...

... but, it feel like we are cheating ourselves of a better, harder experience.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started

If you're looking to harden up, get RaceDay Ready™ in 10 weeks.

Here's the answer: https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started

---

165.1 guessing, no scale
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling

Get RaceDay Ready™

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https://twitter.com/pedalindustries

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THIS THING CAN QUICKLY GO DOWNHILL

Apr 11, 2022

TODD BROWN

IT'S RARE THAT SOMEONE IS FASTER THAN ME DOWNHILL. I've just done it a lot, and I've always had a good feel for going fast. So, when someone jams hard to get ahead of The Old Diesel before the downhill...

... I just shrug.

Like in Saturday's race, the young buck sprints and slams the door on me at the entrance to a long, downhill singletrack.

He's trying really, really hard.

I'm right on him, barely working.

It's a valiant effort...

... until he loses his front wheel in a sandy turn.

Poor rookie.

You'd think at that point, he'd pull over.

Not this guy.

He scrambles, while I am stopped.
Blocks the trail, while I am politely asking to go by.
Jumps on his bike...

... and goes even slower, he's shook up.

Eventually, with some notsosubtle coaxing he pulled over.