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LIFE IS PRECIOUS
TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…
… would be helping us, whisking us a away.
Within minutes.
I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
Life and death.
About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).
A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.
His leg was gashed.
The others gathered to try and help…
- · 50 miles to town
- · horrendous dirt roads
- · no communications, no helicopters
… but there was nothing they could do.
He was dead in minutes.
Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.
Service is spotty at best out here.
Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.
===
Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!
===
165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE DIFFERENCE
KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...
... it's easy to operate unconsciously.
Asleep.
Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...
- no cell service
- rustic cabins
- tents
... out to the homestead.
Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...
- where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
- where my dad spend his summers cowboying
- where I spent a few days every other year
... over 100 years ago.
Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.
Soft.
Unacquainted with the land.
How it...
- feels
- smells
- sounds
... when we're living unplugged.
You know what I'm getting at right?
The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...
... because plugging in would distract from the experience.
Living.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL
[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...
... I increased my volume a lot.
Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...
... It has been transformational.
Who doesn't want to transform their training?
Let me pause right here.
It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...
... because I now have the time.
When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...
... an average week, about 8.
These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...
... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.
That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...
... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
In the end, it's about doing all you can do...
... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.
Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BAKING CAKES
HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...
... at some point we gotta put it the oven.
And, wait.
If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...
... winding up burnt.
Crispy.
If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...
... might never rise.
Leaving us flat.
I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.
Barring those options, I lean toward...
- feeling exhausted
- not wanting to get outside
- residual, never-receding muskul pain
... as my top indicators.
I'm officially there.
Couldn't come at a better time.
I'll be spending an extended weekend...
- mainly talking
- hanging out
- relaxing
... at the family reunion.
Oh, that cake analogy...
... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG
THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...
... and broke his clavicle.
Sucks.
Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...
... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.
More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...
... pop back up and keep racing.
My thoughts were self-centered of course.
The effort to do hundreds of...
- pushups
- pullups
- squats
... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?
It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.
At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?
These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.
Then, I heard the unthinkable.
After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...
... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.
No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...
... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.
===
164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY, IT'S ROUTINE
IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...
... we don't have to think about it.
Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.
Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.
20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...
- added air with CO2
- noticed a leak
- plugged it
... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.
Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.
Doh!
But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...
- I pressed on
- arrived at Cook's at 9
- didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead
... and we blasted the climb together.
Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.
When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...
- popcicle
- Mexican Coke
... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.
And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.
Carry on.
Oh, and in case your wondering...
- a mini tool
- 2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
- Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)
... what's in my mini raceday bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE
HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...
... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.
We know better.
Starting with pruning the options...
- uplifting
- challenging
- beneficial to others
... leaving only the good stuff.
Then, we focus...
- attracting
- believing
- feeling
... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.
Executing daily...
... continuously improving.
Very nice you say,
but make it practical.
Ok.
Here's an example.
I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.
Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...
... and taken it to the next level.
Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...
- removing the Brain
- replacing a bunch of parts
- and all new lubes and fluids
... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.
When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...
... we are in our comfort zone.
The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...
... demanding the best performance we can aquire.
Got it?
===
165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?
AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...
... can muck it all up.
A lot.
Leading to anything from a niggle to a...
... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.
So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.
They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.
I scrubbed up...
- pictures had been taken of the current position
- the area around the cleats taped off
- tools and lube lay at the ready
... put on my operating apron.
The procedure went as expected,
no complication.
The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.
Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.
Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...
... stopping for many adjustments.
Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.
PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.
===
163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I SCREAM
DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...
... we need a reward.
Beyond kudos.
Something to see us through.
Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.
Building for Leadville.
The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...
... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.
If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.
A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.
The point being...
... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.
I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...
... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.
And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.
Today.
What will it be tomorrow?
165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT
MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...
... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.
And, their morphing iterations over the years.
I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...
... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.
Called the A loop.
About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.
We should add on to the ride.
Why?
So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.
It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.
Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...
... and keep rolling full gas.
Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...
... now we had an updated hour goal.
We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...
... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?
===
ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.
Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.
===
167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT SONG!
WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...
... well, all the time.
Could be a playlist.
Mine, current fave for firing up...
... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version
On repeat.
Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...
... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.
Surfergirl on vacation...
... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System
To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...
... Animals, by Nickleback
When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...
... Low Rider, by War.
What's yours?
===
166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?
WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...
... we can sustain.
Or do we?
Lemme splainit.
Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...
... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.
I could do intervals at a specified power output...
... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.
Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.
Training the effort required...
... is part art and part science.
The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...
- getting over a steep, short pitch
- hustling to catch a group
- tucking a long downhill
... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.
Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.
===
165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS POLARZING
THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...
... let's look at from other perspectives.
Take marketing.
In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...
... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.
For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...
... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.
In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...
... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.
It's the same with...
- religion
- sports teams
- abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc
... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.
What does this have to do with training and us?
I'm just trying to set the stage....
- too much time in tempo
- not enough aggregate training
- inadequate or non-existent recovery
... polarized training has enemies, too.
I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.
Here's how I set it up...
- Monday Z1
- Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
- Wednesday high Z2
- Thursday low Z2
- Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
- Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above
... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.
If you disagree...
... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.
===
165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI
TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...
... to go the distance.
Battle hardened.
So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...
... It's going to be hideous.
I had to ask myself...
... What the heck are you thinking?!
This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under
- 5 hrs
- 8000'
- 80 miles
... fresh and not torched.
Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.
We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.
Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.
But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT WE ARE
LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...
... a skill that deserves mastery.
It's not easy.
Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...
... stay focused on our goal.
Going as fast as possible,
error free.
Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.
Calming.
Requiring less energy.
Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.
So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...
... we forgive ourselves, and reset.
Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...
... What we are, that only can we see.
===
164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
>
THE SLIGHT EDGE
BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...
... more concerned with our own numbers.
But, the gear matters.
If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...
... marginal gains.
They matter.
Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.
So are the marginal losses.
I share this as a cautionary tale.
While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...
... my fork went from finicky to very funked up
My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.
As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.
He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.
Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.
Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.
Hey Todd.
Hi Mike.
We gotta small problem.
Uh-oh.
Sram sent the wrong parts.
Dang.
Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.
Is the suspension torn to pieces?
Yes.
Ok, I understand.
Now, here's the part we all need to understand...
- we need to stay on top of the maintenance
- allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
- and for the mechanic's schedule
... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.
===
165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT
ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...
... anything from fear to fun.
Like The TMWC.
A ride we started 24 years ago...
- 30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
- most wearing the ride's kit
- with an annual throwdown
... and is still ripping today.
Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...
- the regulars
- the outta towners
- the first timers hoping to hang on
... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.
4 categories...
- Women
- U35
- U50
- U100
... racing for glory.
Bragging rights for a year.
The course has never changed, but...
- fullgas from the start
- even paced 'till The Wall
- saving it all for the Corkscrew finish
... the raceday never plays out the same.
Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.
The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...
... pulling off the first Threepeat.
He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...
... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.
Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.
Insane.
Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.
It's not all about the wins, though.
Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.
These aren't participation trophies ...
... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.
Congrats to these cats....
Overall
Alessandro
Kody
Andrew
Women
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Still reading?
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===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?
THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...
... handing out our homemade takes.
Who's best?
Certainly it's not Velo's...
Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.
... latest retarded hyperbole.
Cycling News' take...
A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.
... wasn't much of an improvement.
Jonas said it better...
It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.
... and more accurately.
But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.
My eyeballs and ears like to take in...
- Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
- Lance's podcast for the entertainment
- GCN's breathy and breasty euroness
... if I have the time.
And then there's NBC's crew...
- I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
- No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
- Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
-
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me
... collecting a solid paycheck.
Nothing wrong with that.
For actual, pure analysis...
- concise
- relatable
- insightful
... I think Tom Danielson does it best.
He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.
You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...
... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.
Links to Tom's work:
https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match
===
166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING
MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...
... to see where we're at.
Sometimes years of data points.
When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.
The results are instructive...
- PR'd it
- on track
- woefully wanting
... from elation to devastation.
Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.
But, what about when it isn't?
Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...
- 1:10 in May
- 1:14 in June
- 1:15 in July
... which is honestly, quite discouraging?
The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.
July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.
Big takeaway...
... my fitness is going backwards.
So, find the positives...
- I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
- the nutrition plan seems to be on point
- the bike is nearly complete
... and make adjust ments.
I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...
- stop shredding my legs with weight training
- get back to throttling Saturdays
- stack the Zone 2 miles
... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.
Will it work?
I dunno.
What won't work is quitting.
Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.
===
165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HALF THE FREEDOM
WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...
... finish with good energy.
But, is that enough?
Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.
The first half of 2026 is gone.
For some, it flew right by.
Others...
- bored
- unengaged
- beset by challenges
... had a different experience.
We are free to stay the course, or...
- 10x goals
- Committed mindset work
- Severing whatever is holding us back
... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).
God, bless America.
===
Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
Let's rip!
===
164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GUITY AS CHARGED
THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...
... we've got a problem.
And, we don't care.
It's who we are...
- city limit sign? let's race
- KOM within reach? let's race
- event 700 miles away? let's race
... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.
We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.
We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.
We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.
We aren't normal...
... we're race junkies.
===
If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
I'll fix the price after the holiday.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe
===
165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BROKE OR BROKEN?
IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...
... we thrive at the endurance game.
We tune it out.
And, here's the dill.
Pretending things aren't the way they are...
... can be demoralizing.
Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.
It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.
Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.
Honestly?
Yeah.
It was making me feel poor.
The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...
... the cost would have been minimal.
Which begs the question...
... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?
===
166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES
THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...
... lotsa people on the train.
I've been surprised.
Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...
- trimmer
- slimmer
- sexier?
... have let me know their results from peptides.
They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.
My response is always the same.
Dang...
... I can't do that because I'm a racer.
I know...
- the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
- the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
- the help they deliver is real
... but, I'll know.
So I push on in the land of...
- working hard
- eating clean
- getting rest
... and I'm quite okay with that.
===
165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...
... we can all relate to.
Try this one.
I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...
- a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
- people, me included, waiting for the light to change
- ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.
... it wasn't my finest moment.
We're all rich.
I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.
Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.
I was ashamed...
... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.
What would it have cost to acknowledge her?
And it hit my heart so hard...
... Love they neighbor as thyself.
Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.
If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...
- be a little nicer, kinder more patient
- genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
- we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love
... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.
Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...
- if we were raised differently
- made regrettable choices
- had terrible experiences
... but for the grace of God go I.
It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.
One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...
... and Todd disappears.
Where'd you go?
Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?
What?
Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.
Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...
... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?
I'll never know that dude's literal problem...
... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.
===
165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS THIS CODDLING?
WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...
... we've all had to face them.
That's life.
So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...
... I sighed.
Stop the coddling.
They're professionals.
Then Surfergirl chimed in...
- 2013 Tour of California
- 4pm finish
- 114º
... But, remember Palms Springs.
We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.
Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.
Oppressive and awful.
My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...
... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.
The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.
She had a point.
It was horrific.
After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.
You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...
... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.
I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.
===
163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE
IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...
... because it's scary.
Like ripping downhill.
I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.
There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.
None of it...
- steep double-track
- wide open hardpack
- a bit of chunky rocky stuff
... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.
Unless we're racing,
really going for it.
Even then, most will be fine...
... but, they could be so much better.
And here's the headscratcher...
... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.
They protest,
avoid,
skip.
Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...
- steeper
- chunkier
- twistier and slicker
... will move the comfort zone.
Moving the comfort zone means we are...
- more efficient
- relaxed
- calm
... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.
While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...
- recovery
- relaxation
- moments of bliss
... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.
If we're into that.
I am.
You?
(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?
ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...
... they're all coming together.
We need to rip.
But, when it's all said and done...
... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?
Take a dude I heard about...
- inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
- single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
- operator of a massively popular podcast
- successful investor and businessman
- father of five children
... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?
For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.
For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...
- family
- race wins
- inspiring and helping others
... what would you prefer?
===
164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE
IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...
... is just plain mean spirited.
Ain't gonna make ya friends.
Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...
- never heard of
- never thought of
- never been exposed to
... we were completely ignorant to.
Here are a few of mine...
- swimming to control breathing
- lift heavy, low reps
- sprints for power
... that have helped improve over the years.
The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.
The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.
Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.
Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.
The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.
I could go on...
- crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
- lessons learned through experience
- defeats whose sting was wicked
... but that's not the point.
The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...
... keep innovating and growing.
Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.
===
1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE VISION BORED
VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...
... to move forward.
I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.
If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...
... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.
When I'm focused far ahead...
... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.
The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.
Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.
The vision board seems to work the same way...
... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.
Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.
Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...
... Where there is no vision, the people perish.
===
166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TUCK AND ROLL!
AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...
... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.
Can we escape the creepiness?
The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...
- positioning
- equipment
- apparel
... it's almost impossible to stop.
That list falls short of the whackiness...
- hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
- hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
- dropper seat post for bombing road descents
... which actually works.
I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.
Pedaling till I was spun out...
- butt hooked on end of saddle
- hands next to the stem
- chin on the Wahoo
- elbows in
- knees in
... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).
Would I, could I catch before the bottom?
Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...
- spun out with gravel gears
- rolling shallow depth road wheels
- rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet
... I needed every aero advantage I could get.
After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...
... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.
It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.
I'm already thinking about next week...
- actual aero helmet
- clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
- and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit
... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.
On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...
... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.
Tuesday can't some soon enough.
===
168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CUI BONO?
THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...
... for money, glory and pride.
The worst deal of all?
Well, that depends on Cui bono?...
... Who benefits?
Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...
- hang on for camera glory
- work to stay in break
- straight cash
... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.
No, the most insidious deals...
- staying up late
- backing off the finishing sprint
- starting the new diet "tomorrow"
... are the ones we cut with ourselves.
Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.
===
167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY INSANE CULT
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE
SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...
... it's up to us to figure it out.
Like today.
I knew it was going to be a big day...
- 7 hrs
- 87 miles
- 10,500' of vert
... on Monday.
There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.
For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.
Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...
... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.
It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...
... in desperate need of lube and love.
Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.
I've narrowed it down to a few things...
- going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
- rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
- hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday
... and I should know better.
I'm gonna add to that...
- probs too much tire pressure
- def hotter today than our last attempt
- carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration
... some I can control, some I can't.
In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.
On a positive note, given the fatigue level...
... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.
Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.
Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.
Time for...
- In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
- some good sleep
- and a day off
... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.
===
164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT TOPSECRET SECRET
THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...
... because it works.
There is a hitch.
The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.
There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...
... sometimes by knockout.
Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.
I'm onboard with that.
There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.
Wherein lies another hitch.
If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.
Which begs the question...
... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?
Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...
... on my vision board.
===
164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IMAGINE THAT!
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...
... our lives were boundless.
What happened?
Did reality set in?
Did we set conditions on our dreams?
Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?
The thingaboutitis...
... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.
We've already imagined...
- the trainging
- the equipement
- the travel and accomodations
... to start.
More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...
... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.
Which isn't child's play.
It's actually...
- life
- business
- relationships
... how doers get it done!
As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...
and the shirt I'm wearing right now
This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...
... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!
Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.
Use this code: LET'SRIP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free
===
162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN
WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...
... the burn is coming for us.
Is it minimizable?
Maybe.
If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.
For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.
From reps of 10 to reps of 30.
If you haven't done them lately, or ever...
- standing
- to full "ass to grass"
- to standing
... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.
When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...
... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.
Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...
... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.
Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.
Best I've felt in weeks/months.
Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.
But, even if that's the case...
... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.
Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.
(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)
===
165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK
IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...
... is real, and tantalizing.
The known vs the unknown.
Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...
- forget about us
- reject our return
- change and move on
... it's risky.
No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.
But!...
... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.
The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.
The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.
Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...
- significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
- much higher average and normalized power
- and, the best, all my pals were there
... to smack me in the face!
For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.
And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.
The fellas were all welcoming...
... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.
Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.
===
165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVE ME 10 WEEKS
HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE to get into top shape for an A race is a question we'd all like answered. For an Olympian, it might be years. For us...
... we might have a few months.
Or less.
Depending on when we sign up, and the vagaries of life.
But, let's just say we are fitter than most,
not as fit as some.
Then our focus will be...
- long climbs or power climbs
- slogs into the wind or a million turns
- finishing in ones and two or a ripping bunch sprint
... more on race specific training.
Given a good baseline of fitness, my general rule is...
- our bodies
- our equipment
- our travel and logistics
... it takes 10 weeks to really sharpen the saw.
For me, aiming for Leadville on 8.15.26, I've got time...
... but, no time to waste.
And, so it begins.
===
164.6
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
81/72/9 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: The Search, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PREPARATION/EXPECTATION EQUATION
DECONSTRUCTING OUR RECENT PERFORMANCE is critical for improvement. The longer we wait, the foggier our recollection. Details we were sure of...
... become memories full of bias.
It's natural.
Who wants to remember what went wrong, when we can glory in all that went right?
Other than screwing up yet another sprint for the line, nothing really went sideways for me at BWR UT.
And, if I'm being honest, Billy tested my legs on the overpass coming into to town. Whether or not he knew it, and I stayed glued through the the pain...
... I was hurting.
There are a few things that went really right...
- The chef's pasta the night before at Chef Alfredo's, with Danny and Lisa, was delish and just what I needed.
- The AirBNB I found at the last minute - a 3-bedroom house was perfect and the beds wonderful.
- The 8:30 start was a little too late to skip breakfast, so I went with my gut and mowed down a couple of chocolate Entenmann's donuts, half an apple, and a couple of cups of my trusty mushroom hot chocolate.
- I picked up Skratch Super High Carb and ran 6 scoops in my 2-liter pack and another 3 in one bottle.
- To stay ahead of cramps, I ate a Salt Stick chews.
- For the bike set up,
- Ceramic Speed chain held up really well to all the dust, even after getting doused with cold water by Smitty at the final aid station.
- The tire pressure was pretty low, 22lbs in back 20lbs up front. I rimmed out a few times over the random chunky stuff while in a paceline. That's always risky. But, I also felt like I was much more comfortable than other competitors who dropped off the group over time.
... the last was mindset.
Preparation vs Expectation.
I came in pretty rested having spend the previous 2 weeks on my MTB in Park City.
Because of the altitude, it was difficult to put in hard efforts of any meaningful time. Hours in the saddle were solid, but even a lot of that was spent ripping down hill.
I'd give me preparation a B, which was fine for a B race.
Knowing that, my expectations were quite low.
Here's the point...
... poor preparation with high expectations is a formula for frustration and a crummy day on course.
Whereas...
... awesome preparation with low expectations always makes for a fun race and often surprising outcomes.
===
163.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level,
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 70 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
82/74/7 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
IF THINGS AREN'T ENDING UP as we'd like them to, the obvious thing to do would be dong something different. But, that can be a hard pill to swallow because...
... we're comfy and don't wanna change.
Hope isn't a strategy.
Or, a tactic.
So, even though I was hoping I'd be able to fend off the change with a few hundred meters to go at BWR UT, the mofo I'd been working with for the last 30 miles...
... stuck a shiv in my back.
There was nothing I could do.
Had no answer.
Surfergirl, bless her little beating heart, could see I was frustrated with myself and...
... accidentally twisted the buried blade.
What are you going to do about it?
I think it was an innocent, honest, loving, caring question due to the fact that she's seen me frustrated with something...
... then, draw up a solution and make it happen.
Truthfully, does it really matter if close out a racing effort by taking some cat on the line who I may never see again?
Not even.
What matters, to me, is that I execute the plan.
In this case...
... having something left at the end, to rip a fast finish.
The kool kids call that durability.
I call it having your shift together when it counts, which means I'll be needing to...
... wrap up long rides with sprints that sting.
===
164ish no scale
7.5 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
83/86/-3 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR THE RACE TOMORROW?
THE NIGHT BEFORE any race is not a normal night. No matter how practiced we are there's always something different to our routine. Sometimes...
... we just make it up.
Why not?
It might work,
or not.
Surfergirl keeps asking me are you excited?
I wanna say yes,
and I know I will be tomorrow...
... about a millisecond after we start.
Until then,
my energy tends to be low.
Not depressed low.
Hybernation low.
Lethargic.
Slothy.
Trying to amp me up, she asks...
... have you looked at reg to see who's going to be there?
That's the kind of thing that...
- if I glanced at it now
- the night before the race
- when I'm trying to chill and sleep early
... would def keep me up and tossing and turning.
No, that's not my agenda.
I prefer to...
- lose all hope
- ditch all desire
- punt all pretense
... and shut 'er down with my favorite pint.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 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
81/70/11 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOSTALGIA
WE ALL STARTED this endurance journey somewhere, likely not where we are today. Introduced by a friend, sometimes on purpose, others inadvertently. While we may change locales, and the friends become distanced…
… we’re still here.
In the game.
We may have the opportunity to go back to where it all started.
For me, it was…
- my roommate’s bike
- a finagled purchase of my own
- secrets of sprinting revealed by Bret, who raced track nationally for San Jose Bicycle Club
… in Provo, UT.
I rearranged my classes…
- to start as early as possible
- so I could ride every afternoon
- before cruising the library to cruise the cubicles in search of a “study” partner.
… because I had priorities to attend to.
Today I hit a climb I’d always wanted to check out, Cascade Springs, but it was a battered gravel road back in the day.
Now, it’s pristine pavement all the way up over 8000’
Followed by a plummeting descent that is as magical now as it was 40 years ago.
I’ve moved,
but, I never really moved on…
… and, I’m quite okay with that.
===
164ish no scale
8.5 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
81/68/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TRUE PRICE OF FREE ADVICE
A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...
... advice on what we're doing over here.
Today, we met for lunch.
Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.
No different than...
- capabilities
- weaknesses
- peak seasonal events
... planning the race season with a coach.
After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...
... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.
Like any great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...
... and gave me the confidence to go for it.
I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.
In the end it could be way more expensive than that...
... if I don't take action.
It could cost me 100s of 1000s.
===
164ish no scale
8 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
82/77/5 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE SUFFERING AND EPICCING TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
WE ALL KNOW that group workouts are torturous by nature. It's not a secret. Yet, we continue to show up beating after beating because...
... suffering loves company.
Alone, for most of us, is no good.
We won't see it through,
we'll ease up when we should be hardening up.
The bonds we end up forming are often unbreakable...
... we're in agony together.
Suddenly people who barely knew each other are fist bumping and ready for the next one.
What's the opposite bondforming experience?...
... when we're pushing geographic boundaries together.
Like today.
It wasn't the 90 minute climb topping out at 9160'.
Nope.
It was the 60 minutes of downhill...
- ripping through the trees
- sliding around gorgeous berms
- jumping rocks and roots and stumps
... feeling like we were cheating life.
Epiccing, like suffering, loves company.
We set off in search of adventures that will push beyond the comforts or riding around the block...
... the unknown and undiscovered beckoning to be shared.
===
164ish no scale
8 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
82/71/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COOCOO FOR CLIMBING
IF WEIGHTED SQUATS are a lot better than air squats, is climbing a lot better than riding on the flats? And, if climbing is better...
... is climbing with a weighted vest mo' bettah?
Things one wonders.
And takes to extremes.
I remember backintheday, rolling out with 100oz hydration pack on my back and 2 large waterbottles filled with sand.
It seems so silly now,
almost as all the ruckers.
On a bike we can measure power.
So, we know.
We know we don't need to stress our backs with extra weight or stupid add ons...
... we can just pedal faster.
Velocity X Force - Power
Which taken a step further...
... climbing aint gonna train us any better than flats.
We gotta put out the power.
There is a caveat, if we like...
- climbing big mountains
- ripping punchy stuff
- pounding the flats
... our bodies will adapt and become more efficient at the one we love and gravitate towards.
Me personally?
I'm coocoo for climbing,
and bananas for bombing.
===
164ish no scale
8 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
80/63/17 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HEAR ME OUT
SOMETIMES IT'S JUST PLAIN FUN to make fun of Velo, "powered by Outisde". Whether it's their clickbaity titles, AI drivel, or soulselling advertorials...
... there's at least one good laugh a day.
Here's my current favorite.
Stop Complaining About Sound, These Are The Best Headphones for Cycling
Roight!
Because decreasing our ability to engage with our surroundings when traveling 20+ miles per hour in our underwear on...
- trails
- gravel
- pavement
... is a great idea.
Genius.
Next up...
... Stop Complaining About Night Vision, These Are The Best Sunglasses After Sunset.
There is no best.
At best, assuming it's not clickbait or advertorial would be...
... These Headphones Least Worsen Your Ability To React To Danger When Riding.
Or, for the trailrunners...
... These Earbuds Reduce Getting The Shift Scared Out of You When A Bike Rider Has Been Saying 'Hey There' For 5 Minutes and Finally Gives Up and Passes You.
Now for you in the back jumping up and down ready to tell me to not be so closeminded...
... I hear you.
===
164ish no scale
8 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
82/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
>
POP TART POWERED, BEE STUNG... ATHLETE unINTELLIGENCE
SOMETIMES, we just gotta change it up. Do something different just fer fun. Go against...
... conventional wisdom.
I thought it had been a good week...
- 177 miles
- 17:26 hours
- 20951' of vert
... given I'd been knocked down by a 24 hour bug.
Mostly in the dirt,
mostly with friends.
Yet, every single ride Strava's Athlete Intelligence...
... scored it as recovery or recovery and endurance.
Apparently, the AI couldn't account for the fact this sea leveler was suffering at 7000-10,000 elevation.
Rolling out this morning...
- a few scoops of Envy
- 4 pop tarts
- 1 Carbs gel
... I grabbed what I had + 100 ounces of water.
While I hoped to put down some power, since all I'd done was "recovery and endurance" rides...
... I knew the truth.
Leaving with a simple plan,
ride until I ran out of food and water.
It was an epic day in the mountains...
... topped off with a bee sting in the gut a few miles from home base.
Memorable.
===
164
9 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
84/80/0 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ADVENTURE
SOMETIMES, the road really is better than the inn. We realize that whatever we are aiming for may not be all that great, but...
... putting in the work gives outsized returns.
Gratitude blooms.
Like today.
My pal Charles charts out this loop...
- 32 miles
- 4700' of vert
- topping out at 10,000'
... which seems really cool.
Until we hit our first massive fallen tree and bushwhack around it.
Then, patches of snow,
too long to ride.
Followed Puke Hill.
The view...
- The Great Salt Lake to the west
- Park City to the East
- Not a soul around
... stunning.
Somehow the goals seem weak, lacking...
... when beauty abounds.
If we'll just stop to look.
===
165ish, no scale
7ish 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
83/72/10 per Strava
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN TRAINING ISN'T ACCORDING TO PLAN
THE BEST LAID PLANS can go sideways for a variety of reasons. I'm not gonna list 'em since I don't want to poison your mind and have you...
... manifesting awfulness.
'Cause I'm questioning just that about myself.
Did I manifest...
- 3 days off at I Do Epic
- riding with friends short on time
- puking my guts out last night after a miserable 70 minute ride
... or, is it just life?
Doesn't matter too much,
except part of my GrandMasterRipOnRaceDay plan...
... was a massive training week this week to make up for last week
and leave me slightly buried for BWR next week.
I consulted AI all night...
- possibly caused by using pure table sugar on my rides
- hydration via room temp peppermint tea
- a few Tums
... while Surfergirl laughed at me and secured the remedy.
Arose after 10 hours, feeling a lot better.
Energy seems good enough to day...
... to meet up with the local slayers.
The prudent thing would be to skip the meet up,
spin at most, or sleep...
... a proper adjustment.
But, screw it...
... I've got plans, too.
===
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
80/57/22 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Cry Havoc, Jack Carr
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
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
>
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
----
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.
----
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
----
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!
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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™
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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
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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
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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.
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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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For offseason, anyseason travel we have a brand new bag...
... the Travel Bag.
With handy pockets set up for organization and ease when traveling.
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2. TOPS
3. BOTTOMS
4. UNDERWEAR/SLEEP AIDS/HEADWEAR
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
DRESSING FOR SHREDDING
Oct 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WINTER IS A COMING. Even here, along the coast it gets cold. The humidity gets right into your bones...
... it's so tempting to overbundle up.
But, I don't do that any more and sometimes it gets a reaction.
Aren't you going to freeze?
(I love it that she still worries.)
No, not gonna freeze. I dress for the riiiiide...
... not the rollout.
I've seen many a rookie kitted up for a polar express only to wonder where to stash the parka and mittens 20 minutes into the ride.
Been there done that?
Hopefully not lately.
I get it.
It's so tempting.
First, we have to escape the grips of our covers.
Then strip and put on cold lycra.
Stumble to the garage.
Cold helmet.
Cold shoes.
Cold gloves.
Wo. Wo. Wo. WO!
You don't do that last part do ya? Hellmet no!... the lid, shoes and gloves are in the house... and even if you're as chincy as me with the thermostat set low, it's still a lot warmer than the gair-auge.
Sometimes, when she's not looking, the bike is even in the house.
Yep.
Anyway, it takes practice and guts to dress for the ride vs the rollout.
Part of my practice is the Weather Channel app, the hourly updates for the coldest parts of the ride I plan to hit...
... the guts is just toughing out the first 5-10 minutes.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
Off the bike, I like to keep warm with this stylish beanie.
We have these available in 4 colors,
and they ship free.
$20, delivered to you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
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161.1
7.5 hrs
17.1% b.f.
60.5% h2o
1 lite Strength Rotation
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
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