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HE'S A GENIUS
WE ALL HAVE, or should have, wish we had, that friend who can fix anything. Even though we've upped our skills over the years there's always that...
... next level repair.
We can't do it.
Like my SID fork, today...
- packing in on descents
- rebound slower than a sloth
- adjustment dials backing out and loose
... I was in a bind.
Turns out the great C Gonzer lives where I'm visiting,
racing pals from a decade ago.
Within about about 20 minutes,
he had it working nearly good as new.
How'd you learn how to do this?
I just really like working on my bikes.
That's it?
Well, I am a mechanical engineer by trade.
That's it...
- love what we do
- study the basics
- achieve mastery
... genius level work.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
80/57/23 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GETTING HIGH
TRAINING AT SEA LEVEL is no way to prepare for high elevation activities. Sure we have extra oxygen to go hard, which is always nice. But, it'd be even nicer...
... to be able to rip when high.
Which begs the question...
... why am I working so darn hard, putting out so little power?
Nah, that's obvious.
Kinda.
90 minutes into the ride today,
we'd been ripping up Big Mountain Pass (f'real).
Challenging?
Yes.
Wheezing?
Yes.
Gapped?
Indeed.
Here's the rill dill...
... even though the power is relatively low,
the breathing is labored.
Which presents a realhonesttogoodness truth...
- breathing too hard
- not thinking 100% clearly
- focusing on staying on pace
... it's hard to stay on top of the hydration and nutrition at altitude significantly above our normal.
We, me especially, gotta force it.
Another important consideration at high elevations...
... it's better to pace on HR than PWR.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/71/12 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SETTLING...
THE IDEA OF SETTLING, for most of us, is repulsive. We'd never do that because our standards are too high...
... or, so we think.
Because we don't know better.
Welp,
today I realized
I've totally been settling.
While we do have trails to ride near home...
- skinny single track with rain ruts
- weeds elbow high
- punch climbs
... it's nothing like Utah..
Today, outside of Kamas was incredible.
My pals, PViddy and TimmyV, had been telling me it was great up here.
But, c'mon...
- smooth, fast and flowy
- adorned with greenery and trees
- berms so perfect the suspension compresses as you no-brake it
... expertly engineered trials.
Waywaywaywayway better than my home trails.
Once we know we're settling the only question is...
... what are we gonna do about it?
===
165ish, no scale
8ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/61/21 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A GOOD BREAK
TAKING TIME OFF can be restorative. Sometimes it's on purpose, other times its an unplanned forced situation. Either way...
... we're anxious to get back at it.
Like right now.
Being that I was committed to be all in at the biz conference...
... I skipped the last few days.
Including the typical epic Saturday.
Everything feels really good except my gut, which is feeling quite bloated...
... after lots of good food.
I suppose that's part of the anxiety, not...
- the drop in fitness
- the packed on pounds
- the connecting with the crew
... the sensation of being a caged animal.
Some might caution,
don't over do it.
A fair warning if working back from an injury.
But, this belly is yellin' at me,
get after it,
right now.
Can't wait to start shedding and shredding manana.
(I've got 10 days to turn it around before BWR UT)
===
165ish, no scale
78ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/63/20 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
AI DRIVEN?
AI could be all it's cracked up to be, if we can only learn how to use it to our benefit. But, new things can be...
... a challenge to learn.
Even scary.
One of the take aways on day 3 of I Do Epic was regarding AI,
and it got me thinking about racing...
... because as we say, Racing is life!.
My grand takeaway is AI's ability to deliver what we are looking for has much to do with regarding the prompts.
For example, knowing what you know about me...
... create a training program as if you were Javier Sola
Just like us at a race,
AI needs its head screwed on straight in order to deliver.
And a proper prompt is the starting point.
Making it human...
... what is the main prompt driving our training?
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/73/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WE CALL IT SPOOKED
THE UNMISTAKABLE ENERGY of the start line can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. We feel it the moment we arrive at an event, and when we line up the vibe can take us...
... from confident and courageous to literal shaking.
Plans melting.
Rather than the controlled missile launch we'd imagined, we are overcome by the complete chaos of undirected explosions.
And, that's okay,
until we want a different outcome.
On Day 2 of I Do Epic, we spent much the day in a massive barn learning how a master horse trainer teaches and guides the beasts with energy vs force.
Demonstrating the animal's sensitivity to each other in the herd as well as to us humans, as we approached and worked with the horses.
Thankfully, the inanimate endurance tools we depend on...
- bicycles
- helmets
- shoes
... cannot sense our moods or energy.
Can you imagine mounting a spooked bicycle?
I've often wondered how I am able to reach a place of calm and certainty with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of my "closest friends"...
... so close to losing it?
I don't have a good answer other than...
- a safe race
- an unleashing of the training put in
- finishing knowing there was nothing left in the tank
... experience and expectation.
But, the old cowboy did share one nugget that really resonated with me...
... We create what we anticipate.
===
165ish, no scale
8ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/84/3 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
START WHERE YOU ARE
TRAVEL BRINGS IT'S OWN CHALLENGES when it comes to maintaining our fitness. Will we have time, will there be space, do we have the equipment...
... will we even want to?
Have the energy?
When I signed up for I Do Epic Live in the hinterlands of Idaho, I figured we'd be starting early and ending late so...
- 27 hours
- 380 miles
- 27000' of vert
... I made sure I'd put in a large training block prior.
Taking a break made sense, but...
... a funny thing happened when I woke up.
I had two and half hours to kill,
while situated on the shore of the Snake river,
with a lovely and lonely gravel road echoing my vibe.
My original plan was out...
- a long walk
- a ton of push ups
- a million air squats
... a quick and glorious spin was in.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
89/97/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANTED TO STOP SO BAD
GETTING AFTER IT for a long period of time can be a beautiful thing, if we are in the right mindset and our bodies are prepared...
... and we're used to it.
Even addicting.
But, if our head's not into it,
our bodies not prepped,
it's been a while...
... quitting looks might tasty.
Like today.
There we were, riding up one of the most beautiful climbs in Utah, the Alpine Loop...
- few cars on the road
- perfect spring weather
- forever views up into the snowpack
... a coupla dudes riding a good fast tempo.
And, about 45 minutes in...
... I wanted to pull over.
Have a smoke, errr bite of my bar,
dip my toes in the stream.
It would have been so easy,
and lovely.
Which is why I didn't do it.
Because I know from experience pushing through these moments is...
... what it takes to finish anything strong.
Well, and the reward of a chocolate chip cookie at Sundance...
... would be that much sweeter.
===
165.8/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
91/107/-17 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE OTHER CROSSTRAINING
IF WE'RE IN A RELATIONSHIP of any kind we're most likely going to be exposed to activities which don't perfectly align with...
... our primary objective.
Got it?
Yeah, we get it.
The thingaboutitis...
... it's usually more than okay.
Surfergirl loves to hike.
Any time we're roadtripping and I'm in a hurry to get to the beddown...
... she's plotting a once in a life time hike.
Like today,
just after 6pm
3 hours from our destination...
... we absolutely had to hike Kolob canyon for no less than 2 hours!
Yes, that's an explanation point because...
... old diesels need their beauty sleep
Her "reward" for this detour is me stretching out while she drives, which I'm pretty sure...
... she purposely fakes like she's tired and unnecessarily jerks the wheel so I'll get behind it.
While I have to admit the hike was outstanding, and served to remind me that I should do some regular hiking to prepare for the potential to be hiking at Leadville...
...it's pretty clear I have not properly trained her on driving in a relaxing and soothing manner nor bowing down to the needs of her old man's sleep.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
no Stretches
88/98/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
BECAUSE I ASKED...
MEMORIAL DAY IS A BUSY ONE around here. All kinds of people out enjoying the day: runnin, bikin, swimmin, surfin, paddlin...
... things were chaotic.
I got a late start.
Preferring to get some work knocked and start prepping the van for our road trip...
... I slipped out just past noon.
There is a steep hill above a picturesque beach that attracts locals, nonlocals and everyone in between.
At the top, I saw an older woman lugging two chairs for her and her ancient father.
Normally, I'd just wiggle around them and the rest and go on about my day...
... but I remembered.
Hi there, can I help you with those chairs?
Oh, yes, please.
Leaned my bike on a palm tree.
Let's go down a little bit more, where it's a little flatter.
C'mon dad, over here.
This looks pretty good.
Thank you.
No problem.
How did you know we needed help, nobody else noticed?
Oh, I prayed I'd be useful today.
With that, I was off on a lovely tour of the southern part of our county...
... pavement, gravel roads and single track.
You're probably thinking Nice virtue signal Todd...
... to which I'll say, thinking of others is not my default or my strong suit.
I have to work at getting my heart to be fully functional.
===
165.8/12.7%
8.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
91/113/-22 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RANDOMNESS OF PROGRESS
NICHING DOWN is a legit way to go about maximizing results. We study the experts, learn all we can, put it into practice. The goal is...
... supreme mastery.
But, is narrow and deep the only way to get it done?
The best way?
Personally, I think I've learned more studying endurance athletes and coaches from other sports than I have focusing on bike racing.
Maybe, probably, there is more literature and research available.
Here are a few of my favorites
- running - Born To Run, Christopher McDougall
- triathlon - anything by Phil Maffetone
- swimming - Total Immersion Method, Terry Laughlin
- natural fitness - Natural Born Heroes, Christopher McDougall
... because they introduced me to new ways of thinking about endurance and fitness.
Bringing in randomness to our experience...
- events
- people
- travel
... can deliver game-changing progress hacks.
If we'll just open our ears, eyes, hearts.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
88/99/-11 per Strava
>
AFTER TAKING SEVERAL READINGS
SIMULATING OUR 'A' EVENTS months in advance can be quite revealing, in bad...
... and good ways.
Once, isn't enough.
Every weekend is too much.
It's not a damned if we do,
damned if we don't situation.
More like a...
- damn?
- damn!
- hot damn!
... outcome.
With that in mind I turned to Grok to help me assess today's simulation because...
- what happens if I cut ballast?
- what workouts would improve my time?
- are there supplements that aid lung function at altitude?
... AI is damn fine when it comes to crunching numbers.
Because I'm a true and proud supernerd...
- 2 previous attempts in last 7 years
- body weight on those days
- power numbers as well
... I have the data, going back years.
I put Grok to work...
- I can improve
- I'm in a pretty good place already
- This is gonna be a heckuva lotta fun
... and came out with what I already sensed.
Grok thinks I can beat my previous PR,
which seems absolutely ludicrous...
... mainly because I have a lot of higher value things I want to accomplish this summer.
This is a typical use of AI for me...
- confirm/test/explore what's possible
- learn how to do things I can't figure out
- assist in leveraging my tiny helmet covered bean's processing power
... are you using AI to evaluate and make moves?
As the great Wille Nelson sings...
... After taking several readings I'm surprised to find my mind's (and body) still fairly sound.
===
167/12.7% oof!
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
90/114/-24 per Strava went kinda deep today
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S A LONE WOLF'S WORLD
NO MATTER HOW MANY friends are planning to do the A event with us, regardless of how many weekends we link up to train together...
... the bulk of our efforts are alone.
Unseen.
By nearly everybody, except that neighbor who we pass by at the same...
... godforbidden time each dark morning.
We're on the hunt...
- miles
- skills
- fortitude
... for more.
And even when we do link up, if we're truly committed...
... we might breakup, or off.
For example, I'm committed to ride a spritely tempo between all the worthy climbs tomorrow...
... where I'll move into the bottom to mid-threshold.
Because that's gonna be my pace at the A race,
and I've really got to train it now,
to maintain it then.
So, yeah, 7 miles up the climb I'll probably be alone...
... just like I'll most likely be on raceday.
Which is why I'm working on this jersey to where in in Leadville.
Personally, I feel like an inspirational, personalized jersey is good for...
... a 1-2% increase in performance.
If you're of the same persuasion...
- super aero jersey
- amazing imported Italian fabrics
- no minimum order required, make just 1
... go here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
===
165.6/12.7% (time to start trimming blubber)
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
85/82/2 per Strava (time to bump these numbers up)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
13 WEEKS SHOULD BE ENOUGH
AT SOME POINT, the training for the A event has gotta get real. Sure we have our base miles just because we are base-ically addicted, but...
... that's not gonna cut it.
Gotta get specific.
As of this moment, I'm 13 weeks out from starting the Leadville Trail 100.
It'll be my 8th time.
While I know the drill, I also know...
... I'm nowhere near ready.
Haven't done an hour long climb...
... since I don't know when.
Haven't ridden over 5 hours since October.
Haven't ridden my MTB more than twice a week in ages...
... haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't.
Equally overwhelming and energizing...
... the challenge is elephant-sized.
And, I'm gonna attack it one mile at a time.
===
164.6/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/89/-4 per Strava
>
STRETCH GOALS
STRETCHING seems to go in and out of popularity. When, how long, which moves are a essential...
... and that's not counting yoga and pilates.
Where to start?
That's a good question.
I'm no expert, which is why I check in with my physical therapy pal, Scott, from time to time.
Mostly when I'm miserable
or injured.
Which got me thinking.
The last couple of days my bike fit felt like it had changed...
... which is impossible, right?
Then, I thought...
... could my body have changed somehow?
Thinking back on my many visits with Scott...
... and how stretches had fixed various aches and debilitating pains.
It hit me like a ton of lycra!
I haven't been stretching regularly,
at all.
Got back at it this morning...
... dang, I'm stiff!
But, guess what...
... the bike fit felt back to awesome.
Stretch goals are the kind that have us reaching to our limits to accomplish what seems nigh impossible...
... I like setting those.
New/old stretch goal...
... stretch every night as part of my shutdown sequence.
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/91/-6 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT MASTERING THE BASICS LOOKS LIKE
THE VERY BEST PROS have mastered the basics. From techniques to tools, from sleeping to sprinting. They have it...
... all down cold.
How do we know?
Because at the very the very best are still practicing the basics...
... only the output is at a much higher level.
Duh!
Yeah, I know.
But, the real question is are we chasing...
- fads
- trends
- shiny objects
... or working diligently on mastering the basics?
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FROM FLOOR TO CEILING
BUILDING FITNESS can appear to be a mystery to the uninitiated. For the reasons, holding onto it is illusive. And losing it...
... downright easy.
It's a shame.
If the unwashed simply established a floor...
- a minimum daily commitment
- built over weeks
- and months
... they'd find their ceiling to be nearly limitless.
Instead, they get the bug or come clean with their naked selves...
... and progress rapidly for a short season.
Get thrown off track,
and start over.
We know different.
Our floor maybe is simple as getting outta bed and kitting up...
... knowing it's easy to get out the front door at that point.
After that, it's just a matter of raising the floor...
... to see how high we can fly.
Things I think about while riding zone two for 2 hours...
... because that was my floor today.
And, I always ride on Mondays.
===
165.6/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/90/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PRISONS WE CHOOSE TO LIVE INSIDE
>
HOW FAR SHOULD WE TAKE OUR BRO-SCIENCE?
ONCE WE FIGURE OUT the gear and products that work for our bodies, it's, honestly, just amazing. It fits. It works. And we stick with it...
... because we rip.
Easy.
We don't want to change.
That can be a problem if what we love goes out of stock or worse...
... out of production all together.
A few years back, when Wahoo acquired Speedplay they dumped my tried and MTB pedals.
The Frogs.
Had I known, I'd have purchased at least 10 pair of pedals and probably 100 sets of cleats.
To my horror, I logged on and learned the sadsad news.
No mas.
When I woke and realized I was out of my favorite carb mix today...
- water
- plain ol' sugar
- and Liquid IV for flavor and electrolytes
... well, yeah, I took a stab a making my own.
You should witnessed the...
- disgust
- concern
- warnings
... from the crew when we stopped to refill our bottles midride.
I shared my mix was 4 tablespoons of sugar...
- you're gonna get diabetes
- go into a coma
- die early
... I could only laugh.
Just what exactly do you think is in your favorite powder or gel?
I got the idea from an ultra-trail runner I follow on YouTube.
He'd wanted to experiment and discovered how sucrose...
- quickly absorbed glucose
- more slowly absorbed fructose
... breaks down in the small intestine.
It's a 1:1 ration,
most high end mixes are 1:.8.
Ever look at the ingredients of what you're drinking?
My 4 very level tablespoons = 50 grams of carbohydrate.
But, isn't that gonna kill ya?
It's about the same as a can of Coke,
or a couple of candy bars.
So, yes, it will absolutely...
- crush our health
- give us that orange with 4 toothpicks look
- and lead to all kinds of degenerative diseases
... unless we are ripping and burning it up.
That 50 grams is about 50% of what I consume per hour...
... when getting after it.
How'd it work over 3 bottles?
Flawlessly.
Gonna test full strength this week.
This is bro-science...
... so take it with a literal and proverbial grain of salt.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
660 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
FIRST (TASTE OF) BLOOD
WE'RE LIKE WILD ANIMALS. Once we get the first taste of adrenalin, charging through the countryside...
... with reckless abandon.
We're hooked.
The thingaboutitis...
... we gotta get that first taste.
16 years ago, my pal Dr. Jeff couldn't keep from...
... slobbering all over me.
About gravel riding.
You would love it.
Seems kinda lame.
Trust me.
Tell me why.
Well, it'a a combination of two things you love: road and mtb.
And it's fun?
Oh yes!
It took me 5 years to finally see a signal...
- steel
- heavy
- leather bags
... a lonely gravel bike on sale at the local bike shop.
I thought it was radical to ride the tires at such low pressure...
- 38mm
- 60 lbs
- with tubes
... now I'm on tubeless carbon hoops, rolling 18 up front 20 in the back.
So much has improved!
For the first year or more I rode gravel alone...
... like a lunatic in the wild.
It took 5 more years till a few of us were getting together...
... and another 3ish to do what we did today.
Ruckus URBN GRVL group rides.
In town for the weekend, Jeff joined us for today's masterpiece...
... I'm not sure he made the connection on the impact he's had on us.
===
165.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
6200 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
88/101/-14 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STOP BEING MEDIUM
THERE'S A REASON so many of us struggle to improve. Especially the newest of us...
... doing all we can to hang on.
Never improving.
I heard it said so well and succinctly today by one of my fave running coaches, the great Fred Duncan.
The question how much work we can survive in one session, it's...
- hard
- easy
- hard, again
... how many high quality outputs can we stack over weeks and months and years?
If we aren't resting, active-recovering we can't go hard enough on our hard days to see any improvement...
... we become really excellent at medium.
And, stay there.
Which is fine, if you're into that sorta thing.
But, I know you're not.
Which brings up today's ride...
- 23 miles
- ave HR 93
- ave PWR 102
... we did the impossible.
I say impossible because it's nearly impossible to get a group of athletes together and not start pushing...
... we pulled it off by setting the tone ahead of time.
The BRO ride is a super easy conversational cruiser...
... because bros need bro time.
Before slaying it on the weekend.
If you want to do a deeper dive on Fred's post it's here: https://x.com/Fred__Duncan/status/2055274916199502322?s=20
===
164.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/75/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ZONE TWO MUCH
ANYBODY CAN RIDE ZONE 2. It's easy. Zone 1 is easy. Coasting is easier. The trick is...
... to stay there.
For a long time.
The past few months I've been doing my Z2 on the mountain bike,
on kinda steep trails.
Not spinning,
a lot of torque...
... then completely off when descending.
Which is somewhat easier than what I did today...
- keeping on the pedals
- with high cadence
- limited coasting
... Zone 2 on mainly flat, with a few rollers.
Turns out 2:80 spend doing...
- 90 minutes Z2
- 31 min Z1
- 9 min z3
... is it's own kinda hard.
1261 calories burned ain't nothing.
The mental game to stay at a given pace and basically never stop pedaling...
... regardless of the terrain.
I know you zwifties are wanting to mock me,
and I'm totally down with how much harder
it can be on a trainer.
I get it.
The real point is this kind of training...
... is extremely effective at building physical and mental endurance.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF MID-WEEK RACING
MID-WEEK RACING has been around for ages and continues to endure because it's great training, fun to bring the community together...
... and get in some ripping intensity.
400 showed up to race Over The Hump last night.
A very healthy number of age group competitors...
... ready to battle.
I've missed the last two seasons,
so it was exciting to finally make it out.
I entered Elite 45+ looking to see how I'd rate.
Warming up,
I saw a lot of friends.
But, I was missing one.
My pal Eric was senselessly killed last year while riding his bike early in the morning, by a druggy.
After a decade of racing together...
- bro hugging each week
- seeing his babies grow up
- and turn into fine little racers
... there was a hole in my heart.
On the start line,
the energy was high,
the confidence eager.
We shot out.
I maneuvered leading into the first single track,
thinking okay this feels right.
There was only one solid climb,
20 minutes of redlining.
From leading,
to wheezing,
to 7th.
Ouch!
The downhill was a couple of miles long,
and it felt good - even PRd it.
Sliding out onto the double track,
I could see 5th and 6th,
and closed the gap.
Two of the three of us were pulling hard back to the finish line.
Just as we're about to hit the final single track before the finish,
we're caught by some of the guys we'd dropped.
At the same time,
we enter the tight turns we merge with the Beginners and Sport racers.
It's not pretty.
Some of us give the slower riders space,
others mob through.
I go from 5th to 8th.
Frustrated.
Upset about getting beat by the dude who wasn't pulling with us.
Finishing,
I stormed off.
Not my finest moment.
After a recovery drink and some spinning...
- reveling in my anger
- knowing it would motivate me
- looking forward to some specific training
... I realized how great it is to be racing.
Once I'd changed into my tshirt and jeans, I had time to reflect...
- we live in a free and prosperous country
- have the time and energy for mid-week racing
- I'm feeling 100% recovered from my TBI, while Eric is riding in the heavens and his family navigates life without him.
... and be extremely grateful.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
590 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CONSISTENCY IS BORING AND...
THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CHATTER on the interwebs regarding what happens by simply being consistent. What is often left out is the biggest battle...
... which must be won.
Boredom.
That's what the naysayers are thinking as we head out into the morning sunrise doing the unfathomable.
Sure, it can be monotonous to do the same workout over and over.
But, we aren't newbs or drones and know how to counter that by mixing it up, and socializing with likeminded beasts.
With unholy motivation we focus...
... on the rewards.
Months and years later,
we're nothing like the person we started out as.
Consistency might look boring to an outsider, but...
... we know it's lethal.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DANGEROUS ENCOUNTERS
THERE'S DANGER just crossing the street. But, people do it and a lot more because it's part of life. We, on the other hand...
... like to raise the stakes.
Ignoring the warnings.
For years, I have casually read the signs regarding mountain lions and rattle snakes on our local trails and all over the western US.
In the process I've...
- a close up encounter with a big cat
- run over many sunbathing snakes
- stared down coyotes
... had one real scare and many thrills.
The cat was the most shocking.
I thought I was seeing a large loping coyote way up the gravel road.
Not uncommon.
Keep going.
Kept seeing as elevation changed.
Rounded a corner only to see a giant cat perpendicular to the road.
Staring at me.
Didn't do what you're supposed to do...
- stand your ground
- make yourself look bigger
... back pedaled and ripped up a single track, braking to make the turn at the top.
Went back to that spot many, many times,
raced up that hill as fast as possible...
... never came close to needing to brake to make the turn at the top.
That my friends is living.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TIMING
TIMING IS EVERYTHING, and there is so much to be timed when it comes to racing. To time anything to perfection necessitates...
... starting very early.
Ultimately, requiring less energy.
We saw this today at the Giro.
The winning sprinter producing fewer watts than 2nd or 3rd place...
- 1480w
- 1870w
- 1580w
... making it look easy(er).
Because he timed his acceleration perfectly.
Not unlike sprinting for the line, the great Scott Adams stated...
... the secret to success is energy management.
Which helped me lean into doing my best and most important work early in the day when I'm most alert and creative.
What else...
- workouts
- relationships
- spiritual exploits
... can we improve with better timing?
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
>
BLAME IT ON THE DONUT
STAYING ON TOP OF THE RECOVERY is super easy to skip. Especially, if we are really on top of it...
... day after day.
We're rested.
When the opportunity presents itself to overdo it...
... we do it.
We think we'll be fine.
We aren't going to do die, but...
... we will be less than fine.
Like today.
After shortchanging myself on sleep two nights in a row,
getting talked into more than easy spinning,
skipping the hyper-ice sessions...
... all variables I couldashoulda controlled,
I suffered today.
The sting of ripping,
felt stale and suffocating.
When looked back on the data...
- on trails I've ridden
- raced up
- stomped
... I actually set some PRs.
The difference when between being fatigued vs fresh is stark...
... longfaced-droopy vs JUBILANT.
Eventually, I succumbed to the efforts,
pulling the plug halfway up a steepytechy...
... and limped to the donut shop.
Where, after a few moments and calories and water I miraculously...
... felt very fauxfresh!
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
6500 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/100/-13 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BRO!
ALL RACING AND TRAINING ain't the way to do it. The ubersuccessful connect with others on a deeper level, it's the glue we need...
... to help us hold it all together.
Not the training and racing.
Life.
Some say getting out and getting after is...
... cheap therapy.
I won't argue with that.
Getting out, and away, for a conversational workout...
... can be life changing.
Lifesaving.
But, we already know that.
Most of our friends don't,
or don't make the time,
or have the friendship.
Which got me out on the road way earlier than I wanted to today,
because I knew my pal had been traveling a ton,
and could squeeze in a ride.
And got me thinking...
- early start
- easy terrain
- all bikes welcome
... why not create a BRO ride?
Details in the image.
(Surfergirl has had this going with the Trail Angels for decades).
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/84/0 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BEST EFFORTS OSCILLATE
DOING OUR BEST. We hear from the time we take our first steps, through our teens, into adulthood. Then we preach it...
... to anyone who will listen.
Because it works.
As the great Tony Horton used to say on the P90X videos...
.. do your best, and forget the rest.
It's a legit way to live, except...
... our best oscillates.
We can get better at our best...
... is there anything more exciting than knowing that?
I found a fun features on Strava today.
The Best Efforts Power Curve has a little box we can check and...
... Show Estimated FTP.
The last 6 weeks I've been pretty dialed.
According to the app I've raced FTP 10 watts.
The feedback is helpful.
Knowing we can improve...
... is a devine gift.
===
165.6/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/91/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GO BIG, PUNK!
THROWING THE GEARS TO THE BIG RING used to be much more of a thing. With the advent of 13-speed, not so much. Lot's of 1x drivetrains...
... making things simpler.
Better...
- lighter
- more aero
- cleaner look
... depends on the use case.
MTB started it all,
can't even buy one with 2x.
Gravel bikes are mostly there,
some 2x systems.
Road and TT have special use for 1x.
Track and BMX have always kept it clean and simple.
Anyway, there I was this morning doing my dawgawn bestest to try and recapture my PR from Jan 2026 on a segment called Pain Cave because...
... who wants to just cruse home after hammerin'?
And it dawned on me...
... back in Jan I forced myself to stay in the big ring all the way up the steeps.
Did it work?
Kinda.
Knocked 2:47 off of last week's tepid attempt...
... still 48 seconds off the PR.
I looked back at my scale logs...
... I'm 2 lbs heavier, .5% higher in body fat.
Then my weight training...
... I'm doing a lot more leg work Sunday and Monday.
Probably not a great way to prep for Wednesday.
Lastly I looked at time spent in Zone 4 or above...
... 48 min in Jan vs 49 min today.
I'll take another cracky at it...
- come in lighter
- more rested
- caffeinated
... attacking with punk blazing style.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-punk-collection
===
165.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/92/-7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SUPER SUCCESSFUL DIET THAT IS POTENTIALLY KILLING OUR POTENTIAL
THERE ARE A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL plans to decrease our extra ballast. Perhaps the most powerful is one that we rarely actually apply to getting lean...
... yet allow to dictate our ultimate potential.
Case in point.
Eat the same meal, day after day...
... we'll get sick of it.
Eat less.
Waste away.
Lose muscle.
It's just a fact.
Yet, we do that same thing...
- same group rides
- same strength work
- same A race targeted
... with so much of our activities.
The inertia against improvement is overwhelming.
We can't do more,
become more.
We stall,
or worse,
we give it all up.
And why not?
It's become boring.
However, who can blame even the most monk-like amongst us who pack on the pounds because...
... there are so many amazing food choices to be had.
These days, living in any kind of a city, even the smallest, there can be found really creative and fun dining experiences.
We can eat more,
yes, become more.
Maybe not the more we are looking for.
If we're really going to reach new heights...
- new groups
- new strength work
- new A races targeted
... we must mix it up.
PS this applies to everything: love, family, business, sprituality.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
720 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY COACHING IS MAGICAL?
REACHING OUT TO THOSE we think are in the know is pretty common practice. We can glean a lot. Getting serious about outcomes and...
... hiring a coach is next level.
#worth-it
I was thinking about this because last week I had two different people reach out to me about training questions.
Asking for my input.
Here's the dill.
For the most part a coach...
... isn't going to wave a wand and fix us.
What we're really paying a coach to do is...
... to tell us what we don't want to hear and hold us accountable.
It's rarely a question of knowing what to do.
Much more a question of willingness to do it.
And, ya know, when you're payin' for it...
... it does magically work.
(and, I heckuvalot faster than wingin' it)
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MASTERY OF THIS LAW = MASTERY ON RACEDAY
THERE IS AN UNDERAPPRECIATED MIRACLE all racers experience, yet often fail to recognize or implement in everyday life. If we did...
... who knows what we could accomplish.
Parkinson's Law.
Regardless of the distance or event...
... given a set of parameters,
a cohort of competitors,
we go faster.
Nobody signs up for a marathon with the idea of finishing...
... When I get around to it.
We laser in on the distance, time required, prep like mad...
... and execute.
Parkinson's Law...
... Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
We know this because on the week of the A race...
... we magically get all our work down days early so we can travel and chill before the big event.
The gun goes off and...
... amazingly, produce heretofore unknown abilities setting PRs and often hitting or exceeding our goal finish times.
Getting our workdays wrapped up within 8-10 hours was burned into our brains through the school system.
It's a tough habit to break.
Accepting a reasonable output during those same hours is mollifying...
... but, uninspiring.
Dramatically shrinking the time to finish the race or project...
Massively expanding the output...
Defying Parkinson's law...
... should be our nature in all we do.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/89/-4 per Strava
>
MISSLE LOCK
BEING IN THE DRAFT is such a wonderful feeling. We slot in and feel ourselves get sucked along at...
... a dramatically reduced effort.
It's slight at first.
Just like when we lose it...
... we slowly come uncoupled until suddenly we're on our own.
So it was on this morning's ride to the ride.
Me and my pals, jamming up the coast.
I bombed down a sizable hill in front,
shot up the other side,
they slingshot on by.
And the gap just starts opening wider and wider.
It was too early to be burning matches.
I made the prudent choice,
flicked my safety cover...
... and acquired missile lock.
It took 5 or so minutes of a measured effort, but then I closed enough to start to feel the draft...
... it's like the radar going from beeping to a solid tone.
Target acquired,
detonation imminent.
The rest of the ride would be much of the same...
... alternating attacks trying to drop each other.
I'd learned my lesson,
stayed locked and loaded the rest of the ride.
As a reward to ourselves,
we honed in on Parlor Donuts.
===
166.2/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
noLower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/103/-16 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EPIC SUMMER TRAINING
WHELP, IT'S THAT TIME A YEAR when most of us have/will have/should have/ better have something to train for this summer. Otherwise...
... what's the point of living?
Going all summer without a goal is just okay.
So, let me just tantalize you with something insane,
dare I say the best gravel ride in SoCal.
Dana Point to Big Bear...
- about 50% gravel
- 50% of the pavement is bike trail
- leaving from the sand, summiting before sunset
... qualifies as epic.
Kinda far,
120 miles.
Kinda climby,
14,409'.
Kinda memorable,
nothing like gittin' 'er done with friends.
This will be our 5th year/6th running (2 attempts in '21).
The basic layout is...
- dinner at my place Friday night
- 5am official start on Saturday
- dinner in Big Bear
... leaving just before sunrise, finishing before sunset.
Click on it to see videos and pics.
I'll be posting more.
Put it on thy calendar: 10.10.26
Check my stats... we weren't killin' ourselves, click to go to ride.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT IS STRONG?
WE HEAR IT said of others. We make the comment ourselves, too. It seams so natural until we think about it, that it's...
... being said of endurance athletes.
_____ is riding/running/swimming strong!
Huh?
We're mainly scrawny.
So what does Strong mean then...
- big fitness?
- big muscles?
... things I think about while zonetwoing out.
If it's just a muscle thing, does it mean because they are actually stronger...
... it's just easier for them to generate X than it is for the rest of us?
If it's a VO2 Max thing, does it mean they aren't any stronger...
... it's just not as taxing for them at X effort as it is for the rest of us?
Truthfully, this conversation with myself when I was doing...
- all out 10 second sprints
- atg weighted squats
- box jumps
... throughout the week.
===
166/12.7%
89ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
84/86/-2 per Strava
>
DAMNED IF...
SOME WORKOUTS are better than others. There are those when we just don't wanna do. And those when we're really feeling it...
... that c'mon LFG feeling.
What to do?
Or not.
Like today.
We'd already hit it pretty hard...
- bursts up in the 600W range
- plenty in the 400s
- rest in 300s
... not sure that qualifies as overunders.
At the end of that hellish 35 minutes,
we head directly to a segment called Pain Cave.
I didn't want to do it,
already feelin' smoked.
Told BBB I was just gonna cruise it.
But, you know how that can go.
I looked down and I was doing 380 watts up the final push and you were disappearing.
Since he said that, I thought maybe it wasn't a bad effort.
Numbers don't lie.
24 min today vs 20 min in January (a PR).
What's the benefit of doing it then?
I'll tell ya...
... to get fired up for next week.
LFG!
===
165/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
yes Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
85/89/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WOULD YOU RATHER...
THE ENDURANCE WORLD is vast and exciting. So many ways to test our mettle, against others and, more importantly...
... against ourselves.
We must choose one.
Focus.
Go for our own greatness.
So, which would it be...
- Tour de France Champion
- Ironman sub-8 hours at Kona
- Boston Marathon sub-2:05
... that would be personally most satisfying?
Or for you...
- Downhill World Champion
- Unbound Champion
- Leadville 100 sub-6 hours
... dirty racers.
Doesn't have to be any of those, but whatever it is...
... why aren't we 100% committed to making it happen?
This trip ain't gonna last forevah.
===
165.4/12.7%
7.ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
83/81/2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY CONSISTENCY COUNTS
IT ALL ADDS UP. Every effort we make contributes to our pot of fitness, and while the ones half-@$$ don't deplete...
... they just don't get us where we want to be.
As quick.
Which is nothing compared to skipping.
Or quitting.
We're reminded of that every day when we're out and about seeing people of our generation.
It's like looking in the mirror and seeing what could have been...
... kind of a George Bailey thing.
This is why we say Every Day Is RaceDay.
===
164.4/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 40 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
85/93/-8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
19 TAKEAWAYS FROM LBL
THERE WAS A BIG SHOWDOWN at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the reigning unbeatable king vs the French teenage sensation vs the previous two-time winner...
... and I have some thoughts on that.
Not just that they swept the podium.
Firstoff, there was/is/will be a lot of chatter about...
... a 19 year old coming for the king of July, this July.
Some say too, young...
... should be holding him back.
To which I can only point to two other 19 year olds,
who didn't wait for their time,
their turn.
The very terrifying Mike Tyson,
knocking out everyone who dared.
Cooper Flagg who the critics claimed to be overrated,
before becoming the first teen to score 50 points in the NBA.
Paul Seixas has something more in common with the Tyson and Flagg,
the same quality Pogacar had when he came outta nowhere...
- which I find lacking in Remco, and so many others
... at 19, they were/are all having a lot of fun,
in love with the sport.
Simple.
Pure.
There's something beautiful and endearing to their approach,
we might lean into a little more.
===
164.4/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
650 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
84/84/-1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
JUST HOW MANY CODES CAN WE CRACK?
THE ENDURANCE ATHLET'S JOURNEY is endlessly fascinating, as continually learn more about what we are capable of. Add to that, the constant flow of new information...
... we are constantly cracking new codes.
That's funstuff!
I tried a new one today.
After years, and I mean decades when I say years, of my tried and true formula....
- 1 bottle per hour
- 3-400 calories per bottle
- under extreme training or racing
... I tried something new.
Yesterday, I was exposed to an old thought via the TrainerRoad podcast...
- drink water, when thirsty
- ingest carbs via gels or food
- increase carbs towards end of the effort
... which seemed very new, to me.
My main impetus for trying it out today was that a week ago at Sea Otter I started to feel very bloated...
... almost nauseous the last 90 minutes.
It was a real struggle,
and it sucked.
So, today I put it to the test on a ripping 4.5 hour ride...
- drank only 2 bottles
- got a little hungry last hour - didn't bring enough
- put out better numbers than I have all year, including racing
... I felt lighter, dare I say spry?
Def worth more testing.
===
165.2/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
86/97/-12 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A WEIRD AND INCREDIBLE OFFSHOOT OF LEG DAY
MAKING LEG DAY a regular thing is something some of us do in the "offseason" and few of us do year round because...
... that's just the way it's done.
What if it's wrong?
Since I've been extra committed to hitting the legs 2-3 times a week...
- with weights
- without weights
- super snappy, max sprints
... I've noticed something marvelous.
It's becoming harder and harder to back it down,
and do the spinny Z1 stuff.
Plus...
... threshold efforts are feeling easier and easier.
Why would that be?
I might just be getting stronger, but I think it's more like...
... it just feels so good to feel the burn.
===
163.4/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
81/72/9 per Strava (feeling mostly recovered from Sea Otter)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ONE THING NOT TO EASE UP ON WHEN TAPERING
THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT CONFLICTING INFORMATION is that it means most competitors are conflicted about any number of approaches to maximum fitness. Whether that be training...
... or on raceday.
Tapering matters.
We know we should rest.
Just what does that mean?
Here's what works for me, and why.
I cut back the volume, but...
... I never cut off the intensity.
Cutting back the volume lets my body recover and repair,
the fatigue melts away.
Putting out short bursts of race pace in the final 7-10 days...
- 10-30 second efforts
- at 80-100% of max
- then super easy
... keeps my muscles, tendons and brain primed for action.
You might find that conflicting,
test it and figure it out,
for you.
===
164.6/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 15 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
82/74/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TOOL KIT
HEADING OUT INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS we often carry tools of some sort. Usually, the basics. Sometimes more. Depends on...
... how crazy things could get.
Risks we are taking.
But, why do we do that?
We aren't planning to have a breakdown.
Yet, we know shift happens.
It's happened before,
gonna happen again.
The point isn't that we are expecting failure,
we are planning for success.
No matter what comes our way...
... we'll git 'er done.
===
163.8
7.5ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
83/77/5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DOES THIS MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG?
ADDING ANY NEW EXERCISE or movement often reacquaints us with muscles we didn't know we had, mainly because we've neglected to...
... engage them in meaningful ways.
We're sore.
My latest has been a pain in my arse.
Literally.
After my PT said I need to thoroughly stretch my legs with ATG (ass to grass) squats...
... I got started.
'cause I'm obedient as heck when it comes to my body's performance.
I used to do 'em.
In fact, back then...
- they don't bend over
- they lower down with legs
- to a full squat and make it look easy and natural
... I remembered seeing the little kids pick stuff up.
Anyway,
I'm back at it.
Started doing...
- a few ATG air squats
- to sets of 20 after 20 pushups
- to doing them with a 35 lb kettle bell
... and guess where I feel it most?
Los glutes.
Guess what is one of our biggest muscles,
and if engaged with a proper bike fit,
can develop all kindsa power?
Los glutes.
It's bringing me back to high school when the girl I was crushing on came up from behind in the hallway outside English class and pinched my butt...
... whispering Nice @$$.
Ah, the glory days!
Maybe I'll get it back, lol...
... at least a touch of the onthebike power?
===
165.6
9ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 40 push ups, 10 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PROJECT AND THE SYSTEM
THE IDEA THAT WE CAN HAVE a system to help us achieve a goal is a mighty fine way to approach any objective. Then, it's just a matter of...
... figuring out the inputs.
After we define the project.
It's looking like this summer is going to be...
- executing our biz plan
- planning a giant family reunion
- and being around for our latest grandchild's arrival
... while hacking Project Leadville.
Without training like a maniac.
By putting a system place,
I can take reasonable action each day...
... knowing I'll arrive according to plan.
Since my bike is already set...
- continue to build strength with sprints and weights
- get back to 2022's svelteness
- fix the everplaguing bike fit
... it's a matter of getting my body ready.
That should allow me to achieve Project Leadville:
- have fun and great energy daily
- put down a sub-9 time at Leadville this year
- stay on track for my very long-term goal of sub-9 at 70
... while keeping the main things - family and business - the main things.
There is a caveat to this kind of systems based action...
- Podiums are nearly impossible to predict
- PRs much easier manage and way more fun to chase after
... it works better for achieving PRs than podiums.
(I'm starting to wonder if I'll every write a complete sentence or an actual paragraph ever again. What is happening to my grammar?)
===
168 (gotta drop 10lbs)
9ish hours sleep
650 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 body weight squats and split squats
82/71/11 per Strava (there's no way this is accurate, I'm still wrecked from Sea Otter)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HUNGOVER AND LOVING IT
AFTER THE 'A' EVENT, nearly always comes some sort of hangover. Whether it's mission failure, mission meh...
... or mission accomplished.
Excess is inevitable.
For me that means doing whatever Surfergirl wants to do.
Rather than collapsing on the couch...
... like most Saturdays.
Instead, we drove the opposite direction of home...
- walked the length of the beautiful cove
- picked up insanely good pizza
- 16" not 9", cuz hungry
... to beautiful Carmel.
Followed by 3.5 hours of driving so we could wake when literallyworldfamous
Old West Cinnamon Rolls opened.
Then, 4 more hours on the road...
... cuz the lady likes to detour at the beach stops.
Arrive home,
unload.
Enjoy surprise visit and dinner with daughter and grandson...
... and, finally, collapse on the couch.
(normally, I love Monday morning... not sure about this one.)
===
167ish
6.5ish hours sleep
550 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
83/76/7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SEA OTTER 2026: THE PLAN WAS...
THERE ARE FIGHTERS and there are wannabe fighters. We all identify with every type because at some point we've been there...
... battling our competitors and our minds.
Executing the plan,
get into Leadville.
But, as the great Mike Tyson sagely said...
... Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.
Which is what the start of every race always feels like.
Today, was no different.
5-4-3-2-1 and we're all redlined hitting the opening climb...
... aiming to enter the single track at the top leading, or right there.
Because after that, the next 5 miles are very difficult to pass.
Too narrow.
And, there's lots of passing to be done as we generally roll up on the group that started ahead pretty quickly.
During the first 5 miles...
- Me
- Dean
- and Greg
... our podium was pretty much set.
We traded pulls that first lap,
and entered the second and final lap on the same time.
Here is where I had to make a decision...
- Greg was distanced just a bit
- Dean seemed to be slightly struggling
- The Ol' Diesel was feeling pretty good
... race for the podium or for a good time?
They are different things.
I decided to just ride my pace.
A gap slowly opened,
then, a lot.
I couldn't see them.
Just settled in.
Stayed on top of my nutrition,
kept the pace at tempo or above...
... as much as I could.
20 minutes later,
Dean, that crafty sunnavagun,
was closing on a longish climb.
Race for the podium or stay on pace?
I stayed on pace,
the gap opened back up...
... and I kept my helmet on a swivel the rest of the way in.
Let me just pause for a moment and reflect on how good it felt to be out on my bike and riding well. It had been a rough last couple of days on several fronts, and this morning...
... I just wasn't feelin' it.
Surfergirl sensed it.
You okay?
I dunno.
You're gunna do great.
Not sure I care.
Some days are like that,
sometimes it's on raceday
sometimes it's on workday
sometimes on familyday.
We always have a choice...
... to buckle up and fight
or not.
I'm glad I did.
All went according to plan, except like a newb I neglected to look at the time I should be shooting for: sub 5:10.
5:11
FTW.
I'll gladly take that and the gold coin allowing me entry in Leadville.
===
165ish
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
ANDALE PUES
WE MADE IT TO LAGUNA SECA raceway. Checked in, got the race plate, twisties, and free t-shirt...
... then, the pass.
Big bucks, for Surfergirl's pass to walk into expo area,
which she was determined to do.
As the best support crew ever...
... she wanted to see the start/finish and feedzone area.
Proper.
I got in fir free because, I'm a racer.
My mission was to see...
- Andrew, director of marketing at Cervelo
- Ard, owner/founder of Kogel bearings
... a few new customers.
That was fun,
so was running into a bunch of friends...
... which is one of the best parts of being part of a community for a long time.
Once we got to the start/finish area...
- who is your main competition?
- I dunno who's coming.
- when will you come through for second lap?
- around 11-11:15 (2.5ish hours after start)
- which kit are you going to wear?
- something bright to match those crazy shoes
... she peppered with me with the usual questions.
We're ready.
Andale pues!
===
165ish
8ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
81/62/19 per Strava (someone's tapered)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAVELIN' TO RACES HAS IT'S BENI'S AND CHALLY'S
GETTING OUT THE DOOR for local meet up is raceday in miniature. It's still easy to forget the bottles/gloves/shoes or arrive late...
... even for the practiced.
The horror!
A lot of infoolencers will post and vlog...
- terrain
- protocols
- equipment set up
... about the event itself.
Which got me thinking...
- where to stay
- restaurants
- travel mode
... a race travel channel would be cool.
For Sea Otter, I always look forward to breaking up the six hour drive.
It's about 3 hours to Buelton, a little more if you take the scenic route outside of Santa Barabara used by Tour of California...
... and stop in Solvang because your trophy wife wants to.
Why?
Because it's Solvang.
What are we going to do?
It's Solvang.
The Flying Flags RV park has been my layover for like eight years...
- resor-style pools
- Industrials shepherd's pie is insane
- Ellen's Danish Pancake House fueling Saturday's race.
... since Zone2 turned me on to it.
After years of overselling it, I finally got Surfergirl to join me.
Laguna Seca or bust!
===
165/12.6% (wanted to be a lot lighter - oh well)
7.5ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
83/68/14 per Strava (someone's tapered)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE HARDEST THING YOU MIGHT DO NEXT YEAR
Dec 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ABOVE IS A PICTURE OF A CUSTOMER'S WALL OF FAME. It's hard to miss the Giant RaceDay Calendar, and while I'm thrilled to see it in action it's living proof...
... how hard it is to commit.
There's a HUGE miss on it.
Do you see it?
It's easy to fill in the dates of races, maybe start with pencil or a fine ball point pen. As things gel, take out a Sharpie and mark up the events we really care about.
But, even as impressive as this calendar is...
... and results garnered over the year were incredible...
... it's missing the most powerful component.
Here's a hint.
Do you see it now?
It's not the red vs black, though I will say there is a certain amount of badassery with red.
It's the top.
THIS YEAR I WILL...
His is blank!
This is not the first time I have seen the most powerful portion neglected, and I think I know why...
... it's scary has heck to make a commitment like that.
- Big
- For all to see
- The absolute glory or complete failure
In Sharpie!
What can we do about that?
Well...
- Realize there is tremendous power performing this written ritual.
- Meet with a group who are equally engaged in their own mythic quest.
- Master the calendar of our life.
... and, Get. It. Done!
How?
May I suggest a tiny investment with massive potential.
For a mere $11.53 a week you can...
- Jump on a quick, WEEKLY call with us and a few other amazing athletes to check in and be held accountable to your goals throughout all 2023
- Be part of a group where you can ask the coaches anything
PLUS...
- Get a Giant RaceDay Calendar ($30)
- A reminder wallet with YOUR major race goal ($38)
- RaceDay Ready SuperTech T ($75)
- A RaceDay Journal to document your progress ($20)
- I'M READY socks ($20)
- READY retro trucker hat ($30)
AND...
- Meal plans
- Strength and stretching videos
YES, THIS TOO...
- 25% saving code for ALL PEDAL Industries products - stock or custom
- Early Access and 25% savings to our events like SurfNSummit
DON'T FORGET...
The PR-SMASHING Guarantee:
If you aren't smashing PRs and blowing yourself away...
If you aren't learning things you never even considered...
If you aren't stoked out of your gourd about life in general...
... I don't want your money, none of it.
I'll give it back at the end of the year as long as you've done the work...
... and you can keep the RaceDay Ready 2023 gear.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life
I can't believe I'm doing this on top of all of the above...
... use this promo code to save 20% on RaceDay Ready For Life:
RDR20
Code will expire 12/31/22
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-2023-for-life
----
160.9
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, SO WHAT!
Dec 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF US HAD GREAT SPORTING YEARS, some of us fell short of our goals, and some didn't even come close. Wherever you fall, be sure of this...
... it ain't about where we've been.
It never was.
Never will be.
Nevever.
There are only two things that matter.
- Where we're headed
- How badly we want to get there
That's it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
If you ain't getting there,
want to try something different,
take the 10-week challenge.
----
161.2
6.5 hrs (thought it was 630, it was 5... got going anyway)
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE MEANS FORTIFY THE ENDS
Dec 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I STRUGGLED TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS FOR DECADES. As a kid, bouncing back and forth between parents' homes, the excess trying to make up for the suckiness...
... I dreaded the holiday season.
Fortunately, there were bikes from time to time and I could ride away from it all...
... ride and ride and ride.
Thank God for liberation via the Schwinn Stingray.
One year, a mermaid tricked me into visiting her home in the islands for the holidays. It was there that I finally found Christmas music that healed my wounded soul...
I'm listening to this amazing music as we prepare for a white Christmas in the mountains with our children, their spouses and the grands.
What does this have to do with training and racing?
Often it's the bad race, the disappointing result, the ugly moments...
... which lead us to be great.
Hang in there.
I don't know who you are, but hang in there, and know that I'd love to go for a ride with you...
... on Stingrays if we can find 'em.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
This is my gift to you.
----
160.1
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS AIN'T THE LOTTERY, YOU GOTTA EARN IT
Dec 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BEST PARTS ABOUT RACING FOR YEARS is watching people progress. From that first race, getting the helmet straps blown off...
... to sticking with it and getting on the podium.
If you're reading this, you've been to that first race when you are confronted with cold hard facts...
... there's a lot more to racing than riding your bike.
- Arriving early
- Bike prep
- Training
- Course pre-riding
- What to wear
- How to eat before, during, after
- How much to drink
- Whether to join a team
It really is endless, and it all starts...
... with the end of the first race.
Commit, or quit.
I was thinking about that today when the 55+ podium was announced.
At the top was the sly fox Ken W (for winning). He's been around forever, and we've had some good battles. In 3rd and 5th were two guys I've been watching. Reggie and Jiri...
... they are committed and improving.
I don't know if they really care about the podium as much as they care about figuring out racing, battling the best guys around...
... and the high we get when we master something new.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.4ish
7 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHYI DON'T CARE HOW MUCH I WEIGH ON RACEDAY
Dec 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M RACING TOMORROW and I don't care how much I weigh when I wake up. Do you? Should I? I mean, I'll be racing...
... and it's all about power to weight ratio.
Yeah, but.
Let's take a step back.
First, most people confuse hunger with thirst. They should actually be drinking vs eating.
Second, most people are so addicted to food they can't handle the feeling of hungry...
... especially the sugar addicts.
Third, we aren't most people.
- we drink plenty
- aren't addicted to sugar
- can handle the feeling of hunger
Which has a lot to do with being lean and strong.
Okay, the table is set.
Here's what I mean.
Because the day before I'm focused on fueling all systems, instead of being lighter than the day before, or the same weight...
... we might be a pound or 3 heavier.
I don't care about that.
The previous months were already spent getting down to my race weight...
... on RaceDay I'm topped off on calories and liquids.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.4
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE STEEL
Dec 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY VIDEOGRAPHER CAME OVER TODAY TO SHOOT the RaceDay Ready work out. We shot it start to finish...
... it takes about 15 minutes.
Unlike what every other gooroo is telling you to do...
- get to the gym
- 2x per week
- 6-10 reps
- 3 sets
... we spend 15 minutes a day.
I followed the gurus.
When I followed the gooroos, my legs were smoked so I couldn't to an effective riding...
... and by the time I started to see results the gooroos said to back it way down or stop.
Cameraguy isn't a rider or runner, so he didn't totally understand when I explained the benefit of each exercise in regards to developing power on the bike.
When we were done, 14ish minutes later I asked him...
Whadaya think?
I wanna do it.
Mission accomplished.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.4
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT DO YOU HATE MORE?
Nov 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE REASON I RACE IS SIMPLE. I lose. Often. Sanctioned or underground or racing friends to the city limits...
... I almost always lose.
And, it ticks me off!
A lot.
So, when...
It's way too ffffffreezing and wet
I'm too tired for big miles
I want the damn donut
I loathe pull up bar
... I revel in how much I hate losing, being dropped, failing a personal quest.
Embracing the hate is one way...
... to start winning the battle of the mind.
It's all mental.
Or, as the Sultan says, we create it all spiritually first.
The Sultan's Seven Secrets is one of the excellent books I recommend in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
159.8
7.75 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
GET YOUR @$$ IN GEAR
Nov 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
GOT A BUNCH OF PROVOCATIVE EMAIL TODAY. First, the incredible Hugh. Anybody who completes the Everest Challenge is amazing in my book. One problem, in his own words...
... he's covered his studliness in blubber.
I thought about sending a kind and gentle email, relating to how hard it is to keep fit and juggle life.
But, he's a stud.
So, I wrote him back...
... Get off your @$$!
Thanks for the motivation, Todd! Not having scheduled races/events over the past two years is exactly why I gained the weight and retained it: No goals, no competition, with just nominal effort, has kept me from the ‘eyes on the prize’ focus, thus yielding its own outcome. Time to get my @$$ in gear.
There is so much magic in signing up for an event, even one of our own making like Everesting.
What this stud really needs is to commit for 10 weeks. My brother did that 4 weeks ago and according to dear ol' mom over turkey dinner...
... Matt looks great. I asked him what he's doing and he said your program.
---
Then Brian has the juevos to send this contrary opinion:
Hey there: my opinion?
PR’s are worthless or at best, not worth much at all.
Why?
Way too many variables that significantly influence any given performance. They include, equipment, weather, riding conditions (solo, in a group? etc), sleep, diet, physical health, and on and on and on.
Without isolating and controlling for any particular variable, a PR doesn’t meaningfully inform me of much at all.
Just my two cents….
Which I think actually proves my point.
What we are after is our PERSONAL RECORD, regardless of what the Strava Lords say...
... only you know if it was your best effort.
---
On a related note, when we set about going for a PR often we find the universe conspires to make it happen...
... it's almost scary how often that has happened to me.
We can, and do, bend reality.
---
Frank's email of the custom shirt we made him (pic above) really say it best...
PRs - you gotta risk it, to get the biscuit.
---
Where was I...
... some will wait until Jan 1 to start
others have already started and will be 5 weeks ahead...
... what are you going to do?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
160.7
8.25 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY PRs ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN KOMs
Nov 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
Have you got the hang of being RaceDay Ready™ yet?
Have you found a rhythm?
If not, you will soon.
I promise.
It gets a lot easier and the faster you can go all in the better.
That picture up there represents my results for the Leadville 100 MTB race in 2022.
Notice, I finished in 2nd place.
What are the odds?
My finishing time of 7:57 was the 2nd fastest time ever posted by someone in my age group. The previous best was set by an ex-pro who won the race overall the first time I did it. That day he beat me by over an hour. His best at 60, 7:54. And that was 3 years prior.
The next best time for our age group was 8:40ish.
I should have won my age group, and there is the important lesson I want you to consider as you transform your body, mind and soul...
... there is always someone better, always.
There is great power in chasing our PRs, and potentially great poison in chasing a victory or a KOM.
Was I disappointed?
Nope.
I crushed my previous PR, destroyed it.
And, that was my goal.
Do I like to win?
Hellyeah!
It's super cool, and fun.
But, there is nothing better than a PR...
... knowing I couldn't have gone any faster, done any better is the best feeling in the world.
There are going to be days when you will want to quit or skip.
I know.
I face 'em.
You'll face 'em, too.
The only question is...
... how badly do you want to perform your best?
When you're feeling weak, disappointed, there is only one thing to remember and that is everybody feels that...
... people who want it push through, day by day.
Keep Challenging Yourself!
----
161.4
8.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU CHALLENGING ME?
Nov 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOMEONE HAD THE GALL TO CHALLENGE ME. Can you believe that? It wasn't a direct challenge, but a challenge to one of my readers...
... How can you believe what that guy says?
It's a legit question:
How can some dude (me) possibly have any good advice when he's not a doctor and has never gone to school for what he's telling you to do?
Well, other than the fact that I have read countless books, listened to hours of podcasts, studied the fastest and toughest athletes, and put it into practice to bust my PRs...
... you've got a good point.
Except,
I'm not telling you what to do, and I'm warning you that I'm not a doctor, all I'm saying is...
... this is working miracles for me
you should try it out for 10 weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
----
161
9 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
DETUNING MY FITNESS
Nov 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR, but there is still plenty of time to detune my body. Gaining physical fitness is a lot like taking a car to a tuner and...
... removing the factory settings for increased performance.
There are two ways to undo that:
- Reduce training
- Stop training
But, why should we detune our fitness?
For me, there are two outcomes I'm looking for and they both revolve around feeling fresh:
- Physically
- Mentally
I can't say one is more important than the other, because they go hand in hand. Fortunately, they respond together in detuning...
... as well as fine-tuning fitness.
Nowhere was this brought home more clearly than in April of this year. I wouldn't normally take a big break midseason, but I really wanted to take Surfgirl to a secret surf spot in Mexico.
To be honest, I'd already raced a lot by then and wasn't completely looking forward to the big ramp up for Leadville.
Still, I was concerned it would throw my fitness off.
Quite the opposite.
After nearly a week off the bike, doing nothing but surfing a few hours and sleeping in and a little work as a keyboard cowboy...
... I felt amazing.
So, since I'm just a passionate dude and not a doctor let me give you this link to the science.
Along with this summation:
The athletes who took time off at the end of the season - reduced or completely off - started the season slower than those who trained year round but...
... had much higher output and results during the meat of the season.
Personally, I like the reduced approach.
Fewer days on the bike.
More days on the board.
And...
... no structure whatsoever,
for about a month.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
It is kind of like tapering for a big race, the same effect but in a much bigger way.
Tapering is definitely part of being RaceDay Ready.
----
161.6
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
GRAVELICIOUS
Nov 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I GET A LOT OF JOY CREATING COURSES. Some, like TMWC, have been in use for 20 years. Others, like HUNKR, were rad but too costly promote...
... today, I nailed a classic.
It's not solely gravel.
There's road.
Single track.
I took a previously very challenging course and lopped off the rocky, steep stuff.
Now, it's flowy and fast.
The real joy isn't so much in the creation as it is in the...
... sharing and riding with good friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
On the ride we were talking about what we could have done better this year.
I need to lose a few pounds and get back in the gym.
Bro, just gimme 10 weeks...
----
161.9
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SURVIVING THE FOOD AVALANCHE
Nov 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S COMING, HECK IT'S HERE! Started today, and it's just gonna keep coming until it sweeps even the most dedicated...
... off their fitness mountain.
But, I have the antidote.
Arm yourself with this excerpt from RaceDay Ready:
There are two important concepts I want to share with you:
- Eat like an athlete
- Eat what you can identify
The biggest shift I had regarding what I put into my body came through a conversation with my son, Shane.
Want to grab a donut?
Nope.
Why not?
Because I'm an athlete.
It's a simple shift in our thinking, to think of ourselves as athletes first.
What would an athlete eat?
That's a loaded question, but let me give you a simple rule of thumb for eating.
If you can identify it, eat it.
There are all kinds of strategies you can employ around that:
- Intermittent fasting
- Low carb, high fat
- More protein
- Fruit until noon
- Carnivore diet
- Atkins.
It takes some experimenting to figure out what works best for your body...
... just eat whole foods!
Nuts, eat 'em.
Fruits, eat 'em.
Veggies, eat 'em.
Meats of a kinds, eat 'em.
Do you see what I mean?
No factory food.
No packaged goods.
No traditional desserts.
It's hard at first. It took me a long time to get on the rythym of it all...
... and then the surprising happened.
My cravings went away.
Poof.
Well, not totally because now I crave whole foods...
... whose ingredients I can see.
You know what else went away?...
... a lot of blubber.
Easily.
Over time.
A word about cheat days.
They are popular, and I believe they are stupid. All they do is restart the cravings.
Do I cheat?
No, sometimes I'll say Ice cream sounds good today. But, instead of pounding a pint I have a few bites. It just doesn't taste as good.
In it's place, I currently crave greek yogurt with frozen fruit mixed in.
Which brings us to the 4 Don'ts of RaceDay Ready
- No Alcohol
- No bread
- No soda
- No sugar
For some of you this is easy peasy, for others you might really struggle...
... are you an athlete?
Do you want to be your best?
Should you go cold turkey or ease off? That's your call.
Don't stress about it.
It is a lifestyle change, and once you start seeing your food through this athlete's filter...
... you'll notice you have a lot of places where you can improve.
It's a process.
Start now.
For those of you in need of accountability, we have RaceDay Ready For Life...
... use this promo code to save 20% RDR20.
The code will expire.
----
161
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
15 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
STOP AND SMELL THE GRATITUDE
Nov 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ON MY HOME LAST NIGHT I HAD TO LAY MY BIKE DOWN. There were things to do, places to be. Instead, I stopped. Or, I was stopped...
... it was too beautiful to keep riding.
Who created all of this?
Why am I so lucky to witness it?
How did I wind up with the health to get up here?
When will the the sun and sky ever be like this again?
Moments like these are common, but I tend to ride right on through them...
... in a hurry to get on to the next thing.
At dawn, I rose and began my morning writing. Reflecting on the previous sunset a steady stream started to flow...
... line upon line of gratitude.
Calling out each person who has made a tremendous impact in my life this year by name, and their specific contribution.
Detailing the changes I've made for the better in my mental, physical, social and spiritual life.
It's been a great year...
Demanding.
Rough.
... the kind that makes me better.
Do you know why I'm so passionate about RaceDay Ready 2023?
Why it's free?
Because I feel called to share everything I've learned this year.
There is no other reason.
I'm simply grateful and looking for a way to give it forward.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-2023-ala-todd
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161.3
7.2 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
10 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
MAKING INTERVALS FUN AGAIN + Black Friday All Year Long
Nov 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WERE INTERVALS EVER FUN? I am sure there are many of you who just love to do intervals. Indoor, outdoor. 1 minute. 5 minute. 20 minute...
... I'm envious of you.
We all know that intervals are they way to go to get battle hardened and prepped to rip on raceday, or any day.
I'm probably in the minority, there are just a handful of who refuse to do them. Not out of religious protest or fear of hurling...
... simply because we don't like 'em.
What's an enduramaniac to do?
I was thinking about that today on a most glorious ride...
The fall weather, perfect.
Shadows, lengthening.
Energy, high.
... because it was one of those days where I'd see a climb, or a straightaway or a g-pressing berm and just uncork it for a bit.
These are my kinda intervals.
They hurt plenty.
But, it's fun.
The moment passes, and I get back to smelling the dead leaves and setting sun.
Is it as good as real intervals?
Maybe.
I did quite a few of them.
Had a ton of fun.
But, more importantly, these types of intervals tend to be the same places a galloping peloton would do the same thing...
... and isn't the point to be raceday ready?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-pedal-posse/products/pedal-posse-2023-membership
I get asked a lot, Will there by any Black Friday deals?...
... yes, when you join the PEDAL Posse you save 25% all year long.
Check it out.https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-pedal-posse/products/pedal-posse-2023-membership
----
160.1
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU AS BUFF AS MY DAUGHTER?
Nov 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY SASSY DAUGHTER IS VISITING US for a few days. I couldn't resist having her mock my workout and at the same time...
... seeing how tough the little fitness queen is.
First up was the sled, which she shot video of me getting set up to share in the family text where the brothers could pile on the mockery. This video does look a little dorky, but I'm telling ya...
... the workout is legit.
I drag my body weight, and when I was through we lightened up for her to do the same. She did just fine, which I expected.
She was good on the squat, 40lbs in each hand. And the shoulder press with 15lbs in each hand.
Knowing she hits the gym regularly, I wasn't too surprised at how well she was doing.
But, that was the end of normal for her...
... it was time to do the exercises that have vastly improved my pedal stroke.
Starting with the nordic for hamstrings.
It was fun to take her through the RaceDay Ready routine.
By the end, she was no longer selling me on joining a gym.
She got it.
Dad, you can do this and not get sweaty.
Yep, just strong.
Do you do it more than once a day?
Sometimes, only takes 15 minutes.
I like that.
And just like that, my sassy daughter had some respect for the old guy for a brief few moments.
I'm working on a new video of the basic RaceDay Ready strength routine for the 2023 version...
... so you'll be able to get a dash of respect from your detractors, too.
Click on the logo to check it out...
... get signed up and you'll start receiving the new material as I have it ready to go.
----
160.3
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
15 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
SWEET NEWS
Nov 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DELIVERED A SPEECH TODAY. The group comprised all ages. Some, I knew were in tremendous shape, others battling age and illness, the rest indifferent or not concerned...
... about maximum health.
Part of my text covered my PR crushing time at Leadville last summer.
There was no time to go into the details, so I want to share with you some sweet news.
- what's happened to my vision since ditching sugar
- why it's not enough to ditch sugar
Since I really clamped down on my sugar intake one of the many benefits has been improved vision. This is not scientific, I haven't had my vision checked to confirm. I can only tell you this, it's better.
Recently I read an article confirming the damage too much sugar can do to vision. Then, found a YouTube video discussing the benefits of berries to our vision...
... which is why it's not enough to ditch sugar.
It needs to be replaced.
Anybody who has tried to quit anything knows quitting is nearly impossible, replacing is much easier and more likely to be permanent.
For example, I use to enjoy ice cream at night. I've replaced that with Fage Greek Yogut (brand of choice), with frozen berries mixed in. The berries freeze the yogurt. I think it's amazing.
That afternoon snack I used to grab during the week, which was typically sugar/carb based, has been replaced with nuts. Currently, it's mainly Macadamia nuts. I love them chilled, in the freezer. Their benefits are many. Look 'em up.
Part of my prep for RaceDay Ready 2023 will be more details on what I'm actually doing with diet. Remember, I'm not a dietician or a doctor...
... I'm just your biggest fan, sharing what is working for me.
Take it with a grain of salt.
Stay tuned for the 2023 version of RaceDay Ready, it's on the way.
----
157.8 (probably dehydrated)
7.5 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Strenght Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
NEITHER DR FRENCH OR MR BULL COULD HELP THIS TIME
Nov 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
A BUNCH OF US ROLLED OUT to the Temecula 8 hours of endurance today. Most were racing 2, 3, and 4 person teams...
... it's always a lot of fun.
Unless you're racing solo.
Then, it's 5 hours of a lot of fun, followed by a lot of questioning...
... What was I thinking? How stupid is this?
There is a reason for this questioning, because unlike a race of an epic distance this is a timed race. In a distance race you can just speed up and get it over with. In a timed race, you speed up and you still have lots of time to go.
Personally, I was thinking it'd be fun to see everybody, ride some new single track, get miles in with Easy E and Speedy Steve...
... I even planned to pull the plug at 5 hours.
What I didn't plan on was cramping up with an hour to go, plus I was just plain tired...
... I had to bring in the heavy equipment.
French's Mustard for the cramps, and Red Bull for the energy.
Didn't help much, and when I rolled up and saw Steve chillin at the 5 hour mark, I knew it would be wise to stick with the plan...
... then I remember how sick I was 72 houra prior.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
The campground seems to have unlimited hot water, and it felt great to wash all the dirt and salt of my body.
The Travel bag had my toiletries, towel, clothes, shoes, etc...
... because I followed the checklist on the pockets.
And yes, of course we can make these in your team colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-travel-bags
----
160ish
7.5 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
I THOUGHT THE RACING SEASON WAS OVER?
Nov 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT TOMORROW’S RACE. Not because the venue has cut an entirely new network of single track, not to see all my pals, and certainly not because I decided to race the 8 hours solo division…
… because it’s going to be so darn cold tonight.
Previously, I’d be okay with that. I’d sleep great in my Costco down mummy. Everything would be great until I got out of that protective barrier because come morning…
… the van morphs into a giant icebox.
No longer, I hope.
The great Steve, master of all things mechanical, installed a tiny diesel heater for me. In true Steve fashion, he performed all kinds of upgrades and customization, vastly improving the out of the box set up. He also installed the seat swivels that I’ve had waiting for way too long.
Just now, I noted the thermometer inside was reading 60 degrees. That’s normal. I had my big parka on and my feet were cold. Also normal. Then I thought, let’s test that heater out.
15 minutes later, we at 68.
That’s the lowest setting.
It’s a pretty low-tech unit, pulling diesel from the van's tank. No thermostat.
With much colder temps coming through the night, it should be just right inside my little cave on wheels.
You know what they say...
... warm hands, ready to rip heart.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready
Speaking of ready to rip...
... I'm rolling out the 2023 program.
It's in a bit of a test mode, but you can get started on it and the pieces will be all together by month's end.
Just click the READY logo.
----
160.1 (weight is back to normal)
7 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I FEEL LIKE I COULD FIGHT A LION
Nov 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY WAS ROUGH, had me crawling on my knees and praying to a porcelain god. Add in the sweating and chills and you've got a recipe...
... for weight loss.
Not the good kind, but a kind never the less.
By the end of the day, I was on the mend.
I weighed myself just to get a smile.
Yep, a lot lighter.
Maybe 24 hour flu should be called 24 HR FAST + (the plus being purging.)
But, here is the really good news, my appreciation for a healthy body is dramatically renewed as well as my empathy for those who aren't feeling 100%...
... plus, I feel like I could fight a lion!
__________________________________________
Started the day with a solid round of the RaceDay Ready Strength circuit...
... stay tuned for the 2023 version, it's on the way.
----
158.3
12 hrs (felt so good to sleep so much)
1 Strength Circuits
15 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
A DUMB THING CAN BE A GOOD THING
Nov 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I STUPIDLY HELD OFF PUTTING ON THE NEW TIRE until late last night. It looked good, seemed to have sealed and be holding air...
... flat as can be at 5:15am.
Not a good thing to discover 20 minutes before I needed to roll, so I grabbed the gravel bike and figured why not...
... it'll be harder.
Harder is better.
Harder it was.
Permanently ejected on the penultimate climb, I had 2 choices:
- Chase and hope they wait
- Take the dirty way back
Being well-trained in not waiting, the idea of chasing only to be gassed and gapped again wasn't a top choice...
... dirt it is.
Gotta be honest here, this was the best Tuesday morning ride I've had all year.
- Warming up with the posse
- Pummeled by the posse
- Ditching the posse
The dirty way was free of cars, and nearly all people.
Too cold, too early.
Dumb to wait until late the night before to replace tire...
... good to get out anyway.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
159.4
7 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TRY NOT TO OVERTHINK IT
Nov 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HERE'S THE DEALIO, we are humans and humans love new stuff. We are always looking far into the horizon...
... because there might be danger out there.
Or food. Or friends. Or, in modern terms, a new and better way to do things.
Consequently, it is extremely easy to overthink our training.
Consider this, from an old book called Bike Racing 101, which a friend showed me today...
In February 1998 American Fred Rodriguez scored a stunning three stage wins and top 10 overall place in the grueling Le Tour de Langkawi, beating out many top European road pros.
This performance got him noticed and picked up by the strongest squad in the world at the time, the Mapei team.
How did he prepare for this astonishing feat?
Freddie had already been riding for many years with his coach, René Wenzel. Wenzel knew Freddie could handle a tough program. He started out with one hour per day of endurance-paced riding in early October and continued to add 20 minutes per day each week until he was doing six hours per day, all at an endurance pace. By the time he left for the Malaysia event, he had only very briefly been above 80 percent of his maximum heart rate on one occasion during team training camp.
At 80 percent of his MHR, Fred was averaging approximately 25 MPH (40 KPH)
on flat sections of his training rides. The rest is history.
To be honest, none of us has 6 hours a day to ride in zone 2. Even if we wanted to our bodies probably couldn't handle it.
There's a lesson in there somewhere...
... use it.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
160.6
8 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW SOON IS TOO SOON FOR THE FIRST GROUP RIDE?
Nov 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DRAGGED A NEWISH RIDER TO HIS FIRST GROUP RIDE. Not just any group ride, one with serious talent which...
... has destroyed many an ego.
It's November, and I was thinkinghoping it would be somewhat tame.
The 30 mile ride to the start might have been a tall ask but...
... I look at it as an extra thorough warmup.
The ride itself is about 30 miles with countless rollers and turns. I wondered how long he would last.
- Mile 1, flat and casual.
- Mile 2, a number of stop lights to catch up.
- Mile 3, he was through the roundabout onto the first riser...
... and out the back.
Which turned about to be a great thing.
- Mile 4, I had a catastrophic gash in the front tire 3 darts wouldn't seal.
- Mile 4, he had a tube I definitely needed.
Back riding, it was fun the rehash the start of the ride.
How'd you like that?
Is it always that fast?
Yep.
The whole ride?
That was the start, it just gets faster and harder from there.
I'll never be able to keep up.
You will, just keep coming.
Where was he keeping his 2 canisters, nozzle, tire irons and spare tube?
Same place I should have had a tube.
The amazing MiniRace Day bag, made of innertube so everything is tight and quiet.
Use promo code TOOSOON and save 20%
----
159.6
7 hrs
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO DOESN'T LIKE A BIG BUMP?
Nov 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PROMISED THE GUYS WHO WENT ON OUR 230 MILE ADVENTURE last weekend that things were gonna change. That this week would be amazing...
... because of the big fitness bump.
I could make that promise for 2 reasons:
- Nearly all of them had never ridden that far in 3 days
- We kept a steady zone 2 to zone 3 pace.
Specifically I promised them that not only wouldn't they be sore, but they would gain a massive fitness bump.
Heard from the first one today...
You were right?
About what?
The fitness bump.
Howso?
Well, I'm cruising effortlessly at 24 mph.
... how could I make such a promise?
Been there, done that...
... it's the secret sauce few tap into.
But, why does it work?
Why does zone 2 work?
Well, I think gravel bikes are particularly wellsuited to fooling around and adventure. By their very nature gravelbikes aren't meant to go fast on the road, nor are they much good over rough terrain.
What happens is I wind up riding slower, taking in more of the beautiful scenery and serenity.
It's refreshing.
All the hurrying and hustling that race bikes for road and mountain inspire ends up producing, for some, a lot of stress vs stress free riding...
... when what most of us need is a simple endurance adventure.
The fitness bump is the cherry on top.
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
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161.2
7 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE ARE JUST 2 TYPES OF ATHLETES
Nov 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I USED TO BE THAT GUY, and you might have been too. It all changed for me when I had a conversation with my superfit son who said...
... I'm not on a diet, I'm athlete.
Which got me thinking there are just two types of athletes in the world:
- Those who view food as a reward
- Those who view food as fuel
The first one is almost always battling weight gain, shifting moods, and gravity. For me, that was a fact. But, I didn't realize what the problem was until that conversation with my son...
... then everything started to shift.
It was a process, and it took time...
... mainly because I didn't know what I was doing and kept dragging it out.
I'm looking forward to all the holiday hoopla, and eating with friends and fmaily. It's such a wonderful way to spend time together.
I just ask myself, is this fuel or fun...
... and will it be fun tomorrow?
__________________________________________
It's coming, updated for 2023, with all kinds of new information and tools.
Stay tuned.
----
159.5
8 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS THE POINT OF AN FKT?
Nov 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE, pros posting a blistering time on a Strava segment and calling it the FKT...
... aka the Fastest Known Time.
And, it's got me thinking.
Why is it called FKT and not KOM?
To avoid Strava conflicts?
But, if not on Strava then where...
... I think that's the only place for people to care because it's public and everybody sees it.
In reality it's a great marketing ploy by these pros and their sponsors
- FKT sounds cool and is intriguing
- Somehow it shines brighter than KOM
- Anything that starts with F these days will get looked at
I could be wrong, but I bet Strava wishes they'd thought up that name...
... it's F'ing brilliant.
Who doesn't want to say I've got the FKT on ______?
Me...
... PR > FKT > KOM.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Check these LKPs...
... $10 for pair of $35 gloves?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
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159.2
7.5 hrs
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T FALL FOR THIS!
Nov 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A REASON I AM CONSTANTLY REPEATING Keep Challenging Yourself and it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that...
... you're not being challenged every day.
We all are.
Life is truly hard.
What I'm really saying is Don't fall for the I'll be happy when I...
- win the big A race
- beat my friends
- snag a PR
- a KOM
... you'll never be happy with those accomplishments, because there is always someone faster, something harder, just out of reach.
Just be happy now,
with the things that really matter.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
I go into greaert detail in the chapter called All You Can Do of my book, The Way of The RACER...
... the book is free, just cover the shipping.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
----
159
7.5 hrs
17.3% b.f.
60.4% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD WE BE RUNNING IN THE OFF-SEASON?
Nov 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN WE REALLY GET INTO CYCLING we tend to get really out of everything else, because time in the saddle always equals...
... time saved on raceday.
I often wonder if it's worth it.
While my watch alerts me nightly that my h.r. has fallen below 40 bpm...
... should we pursue more than a superefficient cardiovascular system?
There are sacrifices.
Have you tried...
- running
- tennis
- volleyball
- basketball
- jogging
- rucking
... lately?
Sure, we can go all day doing almost anything...
... but, we often find ourselves pounding Advil the next day.
Over the weekend, Singing Andy started selling me hard on an Xterra Triathlon. I once again thought this over.
- We should be able to easily run a couple of miles, and not be in traction the next day.
- Same goes for a basic 1/2 hour swim.
C'mon do it.
I dunno.
It'll be fun!
Ugh.
Surfergirl, do you wanna do it?
Sure, why not?
Todd?
Alright, alright. I'm in.
Today was my first run.
15 minutes for the first mile of halfwalking and halfrunning...
... lots of room for improvement.
Funny thing is I don't really hurt, yet.
Maybe tomorrow or maybe there's more to RaceDay Ready™...
... than meets the Oakleycovered eye.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
I did go all Rocky on the first run, singing Take It Back, with the beanie on.
$20, free shipping, available in 4 different colors
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
----
159
7 hrs
17.2% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER?
Nov 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T LIKE THE EASY WAY, as much as I love the way that makes everything easier. Does that mean it's harder?...
... you tell me.
The easy way generally...
- gives immediate satisfaction
- provides a quick pleasure
- requires little effort
The way that makes everything easier...
- is an everflowing fountain of fulfillment
- supplying long lasting happiness
- requires discipline
Of course, the most interesting part of the above is that discipline becomes very easy...
... with time and commitment.
Just look at what we accomplished over the last 3 days and how few would be willing to attempt such a feat, let alone be able finish it.
Not only did we finish it, we were all smiles.
Maybe it is best summed up in a conversation I over heard at the table Friday morning, our recovery day.
I don't know if I could give up sugar.
It's not that hard.
Really?
Really, just takes a few days to not miss it... and a week or so to wonder why I ever loved it. Now so much sugar seems weird.
Isn't it interesting?
Discipline looks weird and hard to outsiders and...
... normal and good to insiders?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Since we are disciplined in constantly improving our gear, you might want to scoop up a few of these closeout.
Save at least 50%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
----
160.1ish
10 hrs
17ish% b.f.
60.2% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
SURF N SUMMIT DAY 3 - BACK TO THE SURF
Nov 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TODAY CAPPED OFF ONE OF THE BEST ADVENTURES I've ever had on a bike. It wasn't just the epicness of riding back to the coast in perfect fall weather...
... that's the side show.
Lots of rides have epic terrain, and challenges.
What made this stand were two things:
- The fact that for the majority of the riders, these 3 days were by far the greatest distance they had ever ridden, ever.
- The geography.
I've come to the conclusion that it's one thing to ride a 100+ miles or do the (insert name) ride...
... to make the ride outstanding requires context.
And, when you realize you just rode from a far away mountain resort to the coast...
... it blows your mind.
Trust me, I just did it and I can't stop thinking about it.
From frigid, freezing snow covered grounds...
... to a beautiful sunny afternoon at the beach.
Rides like these, for me, only happen because I use the magic of a giant calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
The calendar is GIANT...
... and MAGICAL
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
----
159ish
6 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
SURF N SUMMIT DAY 2
Nov 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER YESTERDAYS FORCED TURNAROUND 2000' from the summit, we were still pretty pumped. We'd covered 113 miles and 13000' of climbing...
... for half the group that was farther than they'd ridden, ever.
We all slept great,
and slept late.
We had big recovery plans.
Ivette was on her way with her
- massage table
- Bemer PMF pad
- Infrared light device
- and the most gifted hands on the planet
Plus, a recovery ride...
... that turned into a 2 1/2 hour adventure.
The idea was to spin over to where we had planned to descent last night in the dark and see how much snow remained after melting all day.
A lot.
3-5".
Enough to make riding up very challenging, and require multiple dismounts.
It was comforting to confirm we'd made a wise choice in pulling the plug the day before...
... and blast to ride back down through the snow.
This could be the best recovery day of all times.
Since even after today's warm temps there is no way we can ride over the summit we will start where we left off, at Angelus Oaks and ride back with a goal to get to the ocean before sunset.
Gonna be a fun one.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
One of the very best parts about being RaceDay Ready™ is being able to easily do adventures like these.
My cousin Rich is proof... at close to 60 y/o, purchased his first "real" bike 8 months ago.
Todd, I want to do these long rides you do.
Ok, you've got 6 month, start with my challenge.
What's that?
He's lost 20 lbs, improved his tennis game, and just rode 100+ miles with over 10000' of elevation...
... and we're gonna do it again tomorrow, in reverse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
159ish
8.5 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD FAILURE
Nov 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE FAILED AGAIN. We started early, we were making good time. Six riders, trained and committed to ride from the coast to the Big Bear...
... there was just one problem.
Clearly we were high on adventure.
Who wouldn't be?
It was a Thursday morning and we were riding gravel bikes on dirt, pavement and some rippable singletrack.
Briefly passing through the busyness of the city, students at their desks, commuters hustling to get in to work, it's the kind of feeling...
... where you feel like your cheating at life just a little.
But, as I said, we were clearly in denial because 70 miles away the towering mountains were covered in white...
... it was obvious there was too much snow, but we were in denial.
We'd trained too much,
prepped too much,
worked too clear schedules too much.
We rode on, determined to conquer this ride, even through the snow depth would be unridable and we were prepared for 40 degrees, not 20.
Just 6 months prior, we'd melted during a major 120° heatwave and quit at mile 100.
Today, we were frozen.
A little closer, 113 miles and 13000' of vert, but the danger was even worse than the oppressive heat. The possibility of dying was chilling.
With 7 miles and 2000' to climb, on a good day we'd make sunset. On this day there was no way, it was too slippery and we were already suffering frozen...
... we failed.
While we didn't make it to Big Bear...
... we did see a brown bear.
Worth it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
For much of the ride I wore my favorite KOM jacket...
... it is very wind and water resistant, and packs up super small.
We are closing out the remaining inventory because we are redesigning the back pocket.
Trust me, this will be your favorite jacket... and we might have on in your size at 50% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
159ish
5.5 hrs
17.5ish% b.f.
60ish% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
HOTTER 'N HELL, COLDER 'N HELL... WE'RE STILL DOING IT!
Nov 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SIX MONTHS AGO WE ATTEMPTED A MASSIVE RIDE, from the coast to the faraway mountains of Big Bear. We'd planned it well in advance, with out of towners joining, and couldn't change the date...
... we rode in 120° heat wave, and failed at mile 100.
We're going for it again tomorrow, predicted low is 14°.
It won't be bad at the start, and during the day should be wonderful. But, again around mile 100...
... weather is going to be a factor.
If all is on track, we should hit the final climb about 1pm. That leaves us 4-5 hours to cover 30ish miles and 5000ish feet of climbing. We should be warm climbing up the steep gravel road...
... that summit is gonna be very cold.
It's a quickish drop to town from the top, and a short ride to a killer AirBnB with a spa and hot food waiting.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
I'll for sure be using layers for warmth, and wearing my all time favorite KOM jacket...
... it is very wind and water resistant, and packs up super small.
We are closing out the remaining inventory because we are redesigning the back pocket.
Trust me, this will be your favorite jacket... and we might have on in your size at 50% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
159.3
9 hrs
17.9% b.f.
60% h2o
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE DELICATE ART OF NOT SUCKING
Nov 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MOUNTAIN BIKERS, TRIATHLETES you have mastered this fine art. Because MTB racing is basically a mass start time trial, and triathlon is a time trial...
... you don't suck.
But, I fear for my road and gravel peoples.
So many you have not yet mastered...
... the art of not sucking.
I must let you in on a little secret.
If you'll just get your lycracovered posterior to the front and roll through you'll be insanely rewarded with
- respect
- better fitness
- ... and less effort
Just use this little trick for those overwhelming benefits.
- Be smooth
- Do a short pull
When you find yourself up front, and you nose is in the wind...
... don't be a hero and bury yourself.
- Pull through
- Pull over
- Recover
Rather than yoyoing off the back with the gaggle of geese, chasing after every corner, wasting all kinds of energy...
... you'll smoothly pull through like the majestic eagle were born to be.
Get out of the gaggle,
you're not a goose.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
It's always a good time for flashy lights...
... alone, in the group, or off the front.
Check out these gems
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
160.2
6.5 hrs
17.3% b.f.
60.4% h2o
1 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING
Oct 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, it's been struggle and worry every day. I work so hard and I put in all my hours...
... just to gain a few watts every day.
But then one night you came along.
And every little thing is gonna be all right.
The great Tom Jones mostly sang those words about girls and lonely nights...
... it's just as true with my longing for a food strategy.
Low-carb is a strategy I just might be falling in love with, as I've really commited to it.
- Not no carb
- Not low-cal
Tried those.
No bueno for me.
The result of low-carb?
Way, way, way better energy throughout the day.
Shocking really.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Not as shocking as some of these deals...
... save at least 50%.
No promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
160.7
8 hrs
17.5% b.f.
60.2% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DID THE TORTOISE REALLY WIN THE RACE?
Oct 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PROGRESS IS A WEIRD THING, especially in endurance sports. I grew up surfing, if I took a month off and paddled out I could still catch waves and have a blast...
... endurance sports are different.
Time is a key ingredient for any endeavor, but there is something even more important.
The rabbit lost to the tortoise because he was all over the freakin' map.
Starting,
stopping,
changing direction,
going way off course.
The tortoise had a superpower beyond the simple goal of reaching a set destination...
... and that is the key to success in endurance sports.
Consistency.
The workouts don't have to be magnificent, just consistent.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
Because we are consistently improving our product and adding new designs it's time to clear out some gear...
... save at least 50%.
No promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/close-outs
---
161.2
8.5 hrs
16.8% b.f.
60.9% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LOVE IT, BUT I HATE THE TASTE
Oct 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
XC MTB RACES ALWAYS START OUT HARD, but the Filthy 50 is ridiculous. 500 yards after the start on a wide service road, there is a narrow gate leading to a narrower path...
... you must go 100% for the first 5 miles or be gapped out the back.
Then climb Raptor Ridge, all out.
Make it down the other side with a lead group and you're set up for the first 20 miles of racing...
... flying across long sections of double track and techytwisty stuff.
I love it.
The challenge is immense.
But, we must choose the wheels to follow carefully in the rotation or bad things can happen.
I had an early good spot until the guy two ahead missed a turn and cut hard jumping off a ledge, he was going to land on me, forcing me to a dead stop...
... took me 3 minutes of ripping to catch back up only to have him look back and say Pull through, I can't do all the work..
I could only laugh....
... oh, and blow by after I recovered.
Not a trustworthy wheel.
Next up was a 2' slab, edged by boulders, that would normally be easy to ride up, but not in a fast moving paceline...
... first guy makes it
second guy slows and makes it
third dude slower, makes it
fourth just slammed into the slab and unclipped
I was fifth in line and I hustled by...
... never seeing that lead 3 again, even after chasing hard for 5 minutes.
That fourth guy had no chance.
Took him 20ish minutes to catch me, he promptly apologized and introduced himself as Ty... I told him no big deal because in these long races allies are key.
Ty then sat on my wheel to recover, which was totally cool until we hit some very steep terrain and he came around and rode on by...
... I couldn't close the gap to him.
I was gapped out.
It was mile 26, nearly half way (it's actually 53 miles).
At this point I made a strategic decision, choosing to switch from Threshold on the climbs to Tempo the rest of the way back to the finish...
... and see if all those cats in front of me could sustain their pace.
I'd opted to race the Expert Open vs my age group, because my main objective for the day was a PR, it really wasn't a tough decision to switch to Tempo.
I was alone anyway.
Then, as often happens, I started to see jerseys ahead of me get closer.
Each rider I caught I encouraged to jump on and recover and help...
... but, they were done.
With 16 miles to go Ty comes back by me. He'd taken a wrong turn. This was a good thing. We could work together...
... see how allies can help?
We rotated along the flats 'till the Raptor Ridge return. I thought he'd drop me, but he was cooked, and allowed me to wiggle by...
... and snag a PR.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
Of course, I packed PR Lotion in the Lotions pocket of my RaceDay Bag.
As most of you know, the bags rarely go on sale.
But, since this is a new color and we have zero inventory at the moment you can use this promo code through the end of the month to save 15%.
The code is PREPARED
The bags can be personalized and will ship in about 3 weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
---
161.8
6.5 hrs
16.8% b.f.
60.8% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
THERE ARE ONLY 2 KINDS OF RACERS IN THE WORLD
Oct 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF RACERS WORLD, and I've had conversations with both types today. Phone calls...
... can you spot the difference?
You ready for tomorrow?
Oh hellyeah, are you ready to see the back of my jersey?
... and...
I'm not sure what to do next week before the race. Should I ride hard a couple of more time? How much should I rest? Do I ned a few days off? What would you do?
Well, here's what I'd do...
I've had similar conversations, many times, with all kinds of racers. New and seasoned. Doesn't seem to matter...
... the closer that start line gets the more they settle in.
Fiercely Confident vs. Haltingly Tentative
Really it all comes down to one question...
... Am I prepared?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
That's the main benefit of the RaceDay Bag...
... feeling prepared gives confidence and save energy.
Check out these new colors.
As most of you know, the bags rarely go on sale.
But, since this is a new color and we have zero inventory at the moment you can use this promo code through the end of the month to save 15%.
The code is PREPARED
The bags can be personalized and will ship in about 3 weeks.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/chroma-cycling-raceday-bag™
---
159.4
7.5 hrs
17.8% b.f.
60.4% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
0 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
BIG AND SMALL RIDERS
Oct 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE BIG AND SMALL RIDERS, and all kinds in between. Where we fit on that scale largely determines how we will fare in competition...
... but, it's not all about the physics.
Sure,
- the large and powerful dominate MTB Downhill racing, and road time trialing
- the lithe and diminutive scoot upwards leaving all others in their jetstream
But it is always
- the big stars. visionaries and personalities at the top
- while small thinkers, dreamers and characters are at the bottom
Big,
Small,
or in between...
... something to think about as the year winds down.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Which is why I love having a monstrous cycling goal each year on my Giant RaceDay Calendar.
I prefer the biggest version to keep my vision front and center.
They ship free.
Happy to make one with your team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
159.6
7.5 hrs
18.2% b.f.
59.7% h2o
0 Strength Circuits
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
THE B RACE BLUES
Oct 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE A RACE THIS WEEKEND. Not an A race, a B race. Quite honestly, it might be a C race. Why go then? I dunno...
... except for the obvious.
- I'll see my pals
- Get out of town
- Ride trails I rarely ride
- Dress up in a costume for Halloween
- ... and the ol', it's already paid for.
The problem with B and C races is I never respect them.
Don't taper.
Don't prep too well.
Don't take it seriously at all.
Which leads to the other problem...
... everything potentially becomes a lot more difficult.
No prep.
No prosper.
Which leads to a lasting benefit as I wrap up the year...
... there's nothing like a good beat down to motivate through the winter.
We'll C what happens.
It's a 50-miler...
... gonna be needing these to products for sure.
Use yesterday's code PRme30%
Works on the Butt'r and the PR Lotion, you need to purchase at least 2 bottles to save 30%.
And definitely expires on Thursday, 10/27
---
160.1
6.5ish hrs
18% b.f.
59.9% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW I'M IMPROVING MY PEDAL STROKE
Oct 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE IN RACEDAY READY, you know about the 6 exercises I do for leg strength. They're all good, but the four weird ones...
... are rapidly improving my pedal stroke.
I didn't notice it at first, it took a few months to really feel the effects.
Why?
Frankly, I think I was so pathetically weak it took a while to get strong enough to notice a difference.
Here are the six exercises:
- Squat
- Box or Stair Jumps
- Nordic
- Reverse Nordic
- Heel Raise
- Toe Raise
The first two, I'm sure you know about and might have even tried. I'm sure they are helping...
... well, after months, I'm squatting a lot more.
Another weird thing is stair jumps are more explosive after the squats.
Anyway, I'm sure you know what a heel raise and a toe raise are. If you're like me, I completely neglected my lower leg. After steady practice my ankles are much more flexible and the top and bottom of my pedal stroke are fire better.
The Nordics are the strangest of all in terms of something I'd never done before. I'd done leg curls, but this is a whole other level...
... my hamstrings are firing.
It feels amazing.
The reverse Nordics are odd as well. I can't put my finger on exactly where they help with pedal stroke yet, but there is no doubt they are greatly improving my core strength.
I sent this video out to the RaceDay Ready crew, if you haven't seen it it's a quick tour of what I'm doing.
Click pic to check it out.
Still with me?
Good...
... because you might want to take advantage of this.
I like Chamois Butt'r... so does the area around my special purpose.
Use yesterday's code PRme30%
Works on the Butt'r and the PR Lotion
And definitely expires on Thursday, 10/27
---
159.4
8ish hrs
18.2% b.f.
59.7% h2o
2 Strength Rotation
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS IS HUMILIATING
Oct 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE VERY BEST MOTIVATORS is probably the one we all hate the most. It strikes right to the core of our egos, but can be...
... by far the key to our greatest success.
I'm not talking about a loss,
or a good whipping,
or goof we made.
This much more devastating...
... a complete humiliation.
The kind of thing that destroys our ego to the point we either quit or are...
... humbled enough to become teachable.
Then, we can build something new, and potentially much better than anything we had ever built before.
Until we reach that point, and I'm ohsoguilty of this...
... we stubbornly cling to old thinking.
We aren't ready to receive new information and help,
incorporate new methods of operation,
rise like a phoenix from defeated ash,
to soar like never before.
As the great David Goggins says, Embrace the suck!
Something else to embrace is this crazy offer on this insane product...
... which I will not race or train hard without applying.
This offer is only good through end of day 10/25.
No promo code needed, all you have to do is add 2 or more bottles to your order and you will save 33%.
---
161
8ish hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
TODD'S LAW
Oct 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 60 YEARS AGO, the great Gordon Moore predicted silicon chips would decrease in size and price by 50% every 24 months. The critics said, No way!...
... the critics are still wrong..
If they same were true of my of my childhood fancy...
... today a new fleet of Schwinn Sting-rays would cost less than a penny.
It won't go on forever, but will TODD's Law.
Todd's Law states that much of what we "know" about aging is total bullony because most of what we "know" assumes...
... we won't keep pushing our limits.
That we'll give up.
Believe that bs,
that were old,
and useless
We may not go on forever, but we sure as helk...
... aren't gonna give a chainlink to the critics.
Ride on!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
When I'm pushing it hard I prefer the firm connection of these real leather, superlight race gloves...
... which come in a ton of colors.
And, it's Buy One Get One... no promo code need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163
8.2 hrs
16.9% b.f.
60.6% h2o
0 Strength Rotation
0 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
FACING MONSTERS
Oct 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT THAT CALLS US TO DO THE THINGS WE DO? I could have slept in today. Gone for an easy spin along the coast. Instead, we met up...
... with the monsters from down south.
I'd coaxed TViddy and a friend to join me. They bailed as soon as the group turned towards the hills.
90 minutes and a million PRs later...
... I was shot out the back of a 2hr horror show.
That's what monsters do.
Crush us.
And, we like it.
But why?
- The distraction they provide to other real world monsters
- The satisfaction on the days we slay the beasts
- The illumination of our weakness
- The fascination with what's possible
I like to think it's a mix of the above that drives me, but the real fear...
... is it's a the distraction, I crave and need.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Which is why I love having a monstrous cycling goal each year on my Giant RaceDay Calendar.
I prefer the biggest version to keep my vision front and center.
They ship free.
Happy to make one with your team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
160.3
7.7 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHERE DO I FIND MY CYCLING SECRETS?
Oct 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I LOVE DRAFTING OFF OF GIANTS. The broad shoulders, punishing power on the flats and rollers, pedaling is effortless when they're leading....
... is there anything better?
As the great Sir Isaac Newton said, If I've smashed a PR it's by drafting off of giants.
So who are some of the giants I follow?
Only one of the 7 is an actual cycling coach! because I have personally studied most of the latest and greatest already.
More importantly is how do I find time to digest their teachings?...
... every night, that 30 minutes of recovery I do.
All of them are alive and generous with their specific expertise and practices, except the last one. I came across Terry Laughlin when training for a few triathlons a while back.
His techniques revolutionized my swimming, and more applicably...
... improved my breathing under stress.
More than once I used swimming as a way to improve my breathing for high-altitude racing.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-co-2022-plush-towel-35-60-blue-splash
Which reminds me, not only do we make RaceDay Bags™ that are triathlon specific, we also super plush towels to match.
Yes, of course we can make them custom for your team.
Use promo code SPLASH
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-co-2022-plush-towel-35-60-blue-splash
---
162ish
7.5ish hrs
17% b.f.
60.3% h2o
1 lite RaceDay Ready™ Circuits
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
MY NORMAL KICKS ARSE
Oct 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I FIRST GOT ON A REAL ROAD BIKE, as an adult, I rode 6 miles. The next day, I borrowed it again, and rode 12. Within a week...
... I raced my first crit.
That's not normal.
What seemed insane to my college roommates quickly became...
... completely normal for me.
30 miles a day.
no prob.
125 on a Saturday.
ho hum.
2 hours on a trainer,
yawn.
But, my new normal is a completely different thing. It's taken my riding to a whole new level...
... and it's not the saddle time.
The biggest gains are doing the things my riding pals think are nuts.
Sound familiar?
They are only nuts, I think, because they are not normal.
But, check it out.
It is now normal for me to squat my body weight every day. Multiple times, multiple sets.
It's normal, it's not a strain.
I'm just a helluvalot stronger...
... like when 30 miles a day became normal.
Not a big deal.
But, a big deal when it comes to laying down the power.
What else that seemed insane is now normal?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
There are no secrets...
... unless you don't take the challenge.
I'm always adding to this body of knowledge.
It's free.
It's not normal.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
161.8
6ish hrs (heatwave, no a/c)
16.8% b.f.
60.7% h2o
2 RaceDay Ready™ Circuits
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW I GOT 10X BETTER
Oct 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO, my oldest got the racing bug. It rekindled my desire to rip again. A lot has happened since then...
... but not all at once.
That's the funny thing, of course, because to an outsider it can look like overnight success.
That's not the way it really works.
Think about this, if you could buy one thing for yourself this year to make sure you were faster what would it be?
Doesn't have to require cash,
could be time
or discipline
or sacrifice
or time.
Yes, time is in there twice because I generally waste shift loads of time and that is certainly something I'm still working on.
Now, to that every year for 10 years and watch the improvements compound like interest.
As the great Ed Latimore says...
... Be so good they think you are cheating.
Side note: latest data says average American wastes 11.1 hours per day looking at screens.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
For me, that means gaining control of my calendar and having at least 1 event that is going to push me to a new level.
I prefer the biggest version to keep my vision front and center.
They ship free.
Happy to make one with your team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
160.3
7.7 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 Strength Circuits
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
OUR unOFFICIAL WORLD CHAMPION
Oct 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE YEAR we had a repeat winner at The unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships. Not only didn't we have a repeat winner...
... the winner careened off course more than once.
Put that in your tubeless tires and smoke it.
It's the kind of thing that could bug a lesser racer. A newb, neverseenit laying waste to all comers, after losing chunks of road and time...
... while the rest of us are latched like chihuahuas on a charging bull.
It's actually worse.
Sir Luke is a Brit...
... barely rides on the right side of the road.
Though we all finished within a few seconds or minutes of the lead pack, few of us were in contention.
There's a big difference between race speed and ride speed.
Our ride speed was ho-hum as far as overall finishing time.
The race was won by
- The punishing pace Nick set up the first climb
- The daring stab David took on the bike path
- The constant attacks of Jorge and Michael
- The launch on The Wall by Eric
- The ferocious finish by Luke
All told, around 8 minutes of the 59 minutes required to cover 20 mi and 1800' of vert determined the winner...
... or 9ish minutes for Luke.
Yeah, that bugs me enough get fired up for next year...
... we're all coming for yer Red Coat!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
I sported next year's 20th Anniversary kit this morning.
I'll be making a special Winner's version for Luke.
You can use this code to save 20% on next year's kit: TMWC20TH
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
---
160.7
7 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
2 lite Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
CONFRONTING MY FEARS
Oct 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN IT COMES TO RACING, there are all kinds of fear to face. Which is why I recommend all aspiring racers to race as often as possible...
... because it's easy to waste our limited energy.
As the great Luke Skywalker said, Confronting fear is the destiny of a Jedi.
Ever feel this?
- Don't fit in
- Don't know anybody
- Don't know course
- Don't want to lose
- Don't want to stand out
- Don't want to mess up
- Aren't fast enough
- No teammates
- No leadout
- Not cool enough gear
- Never raced that far
- Treacherous terrain
- Too high of altitude
No need to give you ideas you don't have, so I'll stop...
... that's just a few of mine.
There are some of us who claim to never be afraid. As the great Yoda said...
... You will be.
Fear always brings to life what it is we are afraid of.
To have Jedi-like racing skills, we must confront our fears and slay them...
... by racing hard and often.
---
162.2
8.5 hrs
17.0% b.f.
60.6% h2o
1 Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I'M NOT THAT FAST
Oct 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE FASTEST NONPRO I EVER RODE WITH, isn't fast anymore. He's slow now. I miss him pushing me...
... but, it doesn't bum me out.
What bums me out is when I hear someone say I'm not that fast.
Whatever that means.
Or, I can't ride that far,
be that lite,
sleep that much,
lift that often,
take time to journal and read...
... most of us can do all of the above.
And, still have a balanced life.
The correct answer is...
... I don't care enough.
All that might be true...
... but, you're almost certainly fast enough.
Normally, I'd call that a complete post, but I'm going to add a few applicable thoughts inspired by yesterday's most excellent ride.
LoveWatts and I had planned to meet up at 7am and hit the trails at a good pace. At 9pm, the night before I was about to text him...
Bro, I'm gonna sleep in.
But, he beat me to it.
I'm going to sleep in with my beautiful wife.
Haha!
Perfect.
Each of us slept in. Later, we lazily poached some hero dirt.
Thinking about it, I realized how much of a grind training had become.
It shouldn't be like that.
Everybody needs an offseason, traditionally that is now for me.
It doesn't mean off the bike
off the intensity
off the diet
off plan...
... it does mean it's
okay to not care,
be slower,
freer.
Oh, and offseason I've found should happen throughout the year. I had my best summer ever after heading to Mexico for a week of surf, sand and tacos in April.
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5. SHOES ON THE RIGHT SIDE
6. DIRTY CLOTHES ON THE LEFT SIDE
7. BOOKS/LAPTOP/DEVICES ON THE BOTTOM
8. SLEEVE FOR WATERBOTTLES
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161.5
8.5 hrs
17.2% b.f.
60.5% h2o
1 lite Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
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