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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
>
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
May 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE WE WERE, blitzing the same course as last week. Really getting after it, I was right behind two world champions, Brian Lopes (MTB DH) and Jeff Ward (Supercross)...
... little ol' me hanging on tight.
Then, I blew 3/4s of the way up the only climb.
Not blowblow, but uncoupled form the dynamic duo.
All I could do was watch them bridge up to the younger group of Experts that started infront of us.
That was my plan!
Well, that didn't work.
What did work was
- taking 50 seconds off last week's time,
- arriving early for a nice leisurely warmup,
- racing with no computer (tracking it on the Apple watch)
- feeling good after Saturday's 100 miles heat stroking adventure
- pounding a bottle of Amp Recovery Mix
- the bike was flawless
- saying hi to so many friends I haven't seen since last season
- delivering the canopy top to my friends at Linked Cycling (gotta do some work out there),
- setting my canopy between La Habra Cyclery (who gives RaceDay Bags™ to their VIP customers)
- and Crank Bros (who's pedals and wheels I love)
What can I do to improve next week?
- My diet was awful over the weekend, I can improve that and come in a bit lighter
- Better sleep Monday night, it was good not great.
- Positioning, I gave up spots too easy and had to close gaps the first half of the first lap... gotta be meaner, LOL
- run the Wahoo mounted, I generally like to race these short races on feel but giving up 3rd place to Robb hurt - kudos to him for brilliantly riding his 2nd lap faster than his first
- The website had a pretty major meltdown today and was stressing me out all afternoon - still is - that'll be fixed by then.
I call this Review and Repeat, which is covered in the 5th chapter of my book.
Will, a race promoter back East, purchased 3 books Sunday and shipped them to 3 different people.
That makes me happy.
Have you read it?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
164.9
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SATISFACTION GAURANTEED.
May 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS SOMETHING ASTONISHINGLY SATISFYING IN MY GARAGE. A nice rack, some decent tools...
... and I bike to work on.
It doesn't matter what level of mechanicry you have reached.
If you can fix, do it yourself.
If you have a hunch, see it through.
If you can kinda handle it, attempt it for sure.
It doesn't take much in terms of tools to be able to do the basics:
- Change a tire
- Add sealant
- Fix a flat
- Adjust your brakes
- Tighten your headset
- etc
Just tonight I noticed a slight wobble in my front disc after giving the wheel a spin. Zing, zing, zing as it spun around.
I used to have a really cool tool for bending a disc back into shape, but I accidentally sold it.
What to do...
What could I use to grab hold of it that didn't have sharp edges or grooves...
... a crescent wrench!
Just like that, I straightened it out.
The level of satisfaction is instantaneous...
... the level of confidence will last a life time.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
2DAY'S MASTERCLASS
May 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TWO OF THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE GIRO showed a level of mastery few attain. There is no hack that we can employ...
... this takes years.
As noted by the great Sun Tzu...
... Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
On Friday and on Sunday, the winner of the stage was distanced. Gapped. The announcers let us know things weren't looking good at all.
How very wrong they were.
Koen and Jai, rode right up to their very limit. Rather than going beyond a sustainable pace chasing the leaders they held strong to what they knew they could do...
... kept clawing their way back.
To victory!
There are 2 ways to acquire this skill:
- Intervals
- Racing
That's it.
Just riding around ain't gonna do it. Your limits won't be exposed.
And, as Uncle Harry says...
... A racer's gotta know their limitations.
Do you know yours?
You must know.
No guessing.
Imperative.
Most people don't, because it hurts reallyreally bad.
Most people race first, then seek to win.
It's Monday, what are you going to win this week?
- Ride
- Race
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Maintenance
- so many ways!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.8
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
OF COURSE WE'LL DO IT AGAIN
May 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE FAILED TODAY. The plan was to ride from the surf in Dana Point to Summit of Big Bear. 135 mile, 16,000 of vert. That wasn't the problem...
... 99 degrees with a slight tailwind was devastating.
No relief.
I've wanted to do this ride for decades but never really figured out a good route, or which bike, or who'd be willing to attempt it.
Then, gravel became a thing and I'll just pause right here...
... the route is epic.
Lots of gravel, a stealth 40ish mile bike trail to skirt you mercifully through urban sprawl, hidden roads through gorgeous neighborhoods...
... and some singletrack to keep it real.
The beautiful bouquet of enthusiasm for adventure began to wilt around mile 70. Convection-style heat, blacktop...
... scorched and dry and dead land.
I made a major blunder in Loma Linda. We should have stopped for cool liquids but I was certain we were only a few miles from our rendezvous. It was infernal...
... so hot, I'd forgotten we rode to the start and added a good 6 miles.
These miles turned out to be all uphill.
Starting with a slick and dusty hiking trail and connecting to a supersmooth tarmac climb though custom custom dreamhomes...
... it should have been a wonderful climb.
We pulled in, ruined, to find the van waiting and willing.
Frozen Oreo icecreams, cokes, chips, got us resuscitated us. After a lengthy stop, we got after it just in time to hit another wonderful climb...
... at 2pm.
Couldn't be hotter.
I could tell we wouldn't all make it. There was no point in one soldering on for hours.
We made the call.
Surfergirl performed a perfect rescue, showering us with icecold treats. We began the long journey back home.
You'd thing we'd be quiet.
Ashamed.
Not our style, and our ladies know us oh so well, as evidenced by this message
Why do it again?
- It's an absolutely incredible route
- Insane Zone 2 training, ave HR 129
- It's on the Calendar..
... therefore, it must be completed.
We're targeting late Fall, to avoid the insane heat that scorches the I.E
Sunrises at 7, and sets at 6.
We'll roll at 5 with lights to assist.
We have all the stops figured out, it will be supported.
Yeah, we've thought it through.
Here's what we were able to accomplish: https://www.strava.com/activities/7143784639
How about you?
Are you gonna make it to the most grand challenge of the year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
You'll need to put it on your calendar.
Did you know we can make these with your team graphics and pre-populate with your team's A events?
Or, just get this one shipped right away.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
164
4.39 hrs (just too dang excited)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
COWBOY STRONG
May 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER SHAKEN A COWBOY'S HAND? I'm not talking about one of them weekend line dancers, I'm talking an honest to gosh working cowboy. Like my cousin...
... it's like shaking hands with a telephone pole.
They are hard, strong and immovable.
It can be intimidating for most of us, because we instantly realize we are so pathetically weak.
But, real cowboys, for the most part, are skinny and lean...
... and they don't go to the gym.
I was reminded of this by my friend Jim, who was originally Don's friend Jim Fromthegym. He was complaining about gaining weight since he started lifting weights.
How do the cowboys do it?
Strong, yet sinewy.
They are constantly lifting and working physically throughout the day, which is what I've been preaching...
... to my apparently deaf choir.
Yes, lift weights...
... but, lift like a cowboy vs a musclebeachboy.
How?
Simple.
Heavy weights.
Low reps.
Daily...
... by daily, I mean throughout the day.
Get up, do a set.
Get some work down, do a set.
Don't drive to the gym.
Don't get sweaty.
Don't pump up.
Just be cowboy strong.
Which reminds me of how to handle your bike like a cowboy, maybe I'll share that some other day.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The point is to be RaceDay Ready™.
Which is what the R stands for.
This PEDALindustries R kit comes with magical properties:
- 20% Savings on everything all the time
- Access to the RaceDay Ready™ Strava Group where you can ask me anything.
- Plus, the beta version of my RaceDay Ready™ 10 Week Program
- and more.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164.2
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps +5 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT GETS MEASURED
May 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER THE RACE TUESDAY EVE, I commented to Bob that I think having a remarkable night of sleep was the magic trick I needed. He whipped out his phone...
... it turns out I've been lying to ya, for years.
Not on purpose, pure ignorance mixed with a little hope that I was doing it right. This convo cleared that up.
I've been measuring my sleep on my watch.
I got one of those.
With this app, AutoSleep.
I'll get it.
Well, I got it.
Measured the last two nights. It's ugly. Truly.
Currently I have 27% of Sleep Debt. That's because I slept terrible Tuesday, 5:10. And, rotten Wednesday, 6:25.
In my head, I was guessing I wound up in bed at 1130 and got up at 6. But, the app is counting sleeping not lying.
That's the bad news.
The good news is we all know what gets measured gets managed.
That's why we upload to Starva, why I weigh myself daily, report in how much reading and writing and recovery.
Tracking our stats ultimately leads us to tracking down and stomping our competition, PRs, etc...
... if you're into that.
I am.
There are lots of ways to track sleep. I'm using Apple Watch and app, there's Oura ring, Whoop.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
The app treats sleep like a bank account. I like that.
Do you like this?
It's the perfect size whether you're out for an all day ride, or just want something sleek and light to slip into your pocket.
There are 2 slots for cards and cash, one shows the top of cards, the other is deeper.
Made in USA, from inner tube rubber.
Did I mention it's the perfect size?
Or, that we can make 'em with your team logo?
Such a great gift!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
163.1
6.25 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHIFTY RACES ARE GOOD, TOO
May 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THINGS DIDN'T GO AS EXPECTED AT THE RACE LAST NIGHT. While I arrived plenty early, felt wonderful on the warm up, and ripped off the front on the first lap...
... I made a big booboo on the second lap.
It was my fault.
Let me preface it all with this bit of truth from the allegory of the olive tree. The master of the vineyard, wanting to preserve his trees ordered his workers to dung the ground. In other words...
... without pig shift trees were gonna die.
So it is with racing, if we aren't blundering or worse from time to time...
... there would be no growth.
My blunder?
Trusty Mike came through and told us it was a 3 lap race. The announcer said it was a 2 lap race. For some dumb reason 3 stuck in my head, and I didn't mind turning over the lead as we finished the second lap...
... until the cat I was stalking sprinted for the line.
It was too late for me to do anything.
I burned in that shifty thinking by completing the third lap anyway. Apparently, that wasn't enough because when I related the idiotic episode to Surfergirl she reminded me...
... you've done that before.
Some lessons we get to repeat, until we master.
Which is the point.
Mastery.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
How do you like the red glove, red sock combo to go with the red helmet and red R on the kit?
If you're into to looking sharp, this month's buy the gloves and socks special is awesome.
Just put the gloves and socks in the shopping cart and you automatically receive the socks for free.
Buy Gloves, Get Socks.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.5
5.5 hrs (so hard to sleep after evening races)
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY
May 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SAN DIEGO COUNTY MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST COUNTY ON THE PLANET for getting after it on road bikes. A stunning coast line, a rich field of challenging talent, bike lanes...
... and the best weather on earth.
It's where I received the sage wisdom from a crusty wrench in a small, passionate shop on PCH...
... It takes 3 years to know what you're good at racing bikes.
At the time, I was living in a small studio in Pacific Beach. A hotbed for jazz, kids and fooling around...
... fancying myself a stage racer
The beach town knew I was odd, with my shocking blue Gios and Campy Record.
Didn't care a bit.
Rode at dawn, worked my first job hard, and lived for the SDBC Saturday ride.
Typical younggun, all spice no calories.
I'd spurt ahead, get laughed at.
Spurt ahead, get dropped.
Chase, survive.
Loving it.
Learned I wasn't a stage racer at all, it was crits and circuits for me. Still is on the road.
So, I was thrilled today to see some new designs come through for the famed squad that taught me so much back then.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/sdbc-san-diego-bicycle-club-store
This is the second time we've updated their designs on our gear.
Y'all all know it's my long standing dream to see an entire team in their changing ponchos, post race, yacking it up, dropping their bibs.
It's a great time of year for the changing poncho...
... who wants to wiggle around in their car when you could stand loud, proud, and modest?
If you fancy ponchos for your team, let me know.
If you want a stock design, go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Use promo code: PONCHO by friday.
Yes, the code works on stock designs or your team's custom design.
---
164
8.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RUNNING
May 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
RUNNING HAS A LOT OF CROSSOVER WITH CYCLING. Legs, lungs. Sprinting, enduring. Shoes, shorts. Winners, losers. And, of course...
... all runners eventually come to the bike.
They just don't know it.
But, there's something a lot of cyclists don't know and that is that running books are by and large much better reading than books on racing bikes.
Better stories.
Better insights.
Better performance data.
Maybe it's because more people run?
The latest find is by the U.S.'s half-marathon record holder, who also held the U.S. marathon record. His name is Ryan Hall...
... and his younger brother is a local slayer on mountain bikes.
The book is called, Run The Mile You're In.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Once we cease to be impressed by the size of our challenges, our ability to overcome them grows exponentially.
- If we want to change our results, we've got to change our hearts.
- The way to become mentally tough is to believe you are mentally tough
If you're into the spiritual side of endurance racing you'll enjoy this book.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Running is also great cross training, and the SuperTech T is perfect for that.
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.3
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD YOU RAISE YOUR BARS?
May 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
DEPENDING ON YOUR RIDING STYLE, BIKE AND FLEXIBILITY you might want to change your bar height. Lower can be faster, put in you in a more aero position...
... but, bars too low can be slow.
Are your bars too low?
Maybe.
Not those bars on your bike.
Your performance bars.
Mine have been and I can't get this thought out of my head...
... the hardest bars to raise are our own.
For example, I know to hit my most audacious goal for the summer I've got to shed a few lbs. There's just no way to reach the speeds I want unless I'm lighter.
Basic physics.
But, when I checked the scales last night and saw I was set to have a light weigh in this morning...
...what did I do?
Grabbed an extra bowl of dessert.
So weak.
Rather than get to that next level, I chowed myself right back to where I've always been.
It's one day, I'll recover...
... but it's one day closer to the start line.
Stay strong my friends, and raise those bars.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
The bars I care most about are my PRs, which is what this summer is all about.
And, we've certainly raised the bar with the SuperTech T
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.7
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
TRIBE VIBES
May 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CLUBS, TEAMS, CREWS, POSSES, TRIBES. They draw us in. Call to us. Until it's too late, and we find ourselves high on a brutal climb...
... bonked.
Such was the fate of two young adventurers we came across this morning.
9 miles from the bottom.
3400' climbed.
There they were.
Dismounted...
... not discouraged.
Garage sale bikes.
Handmedown gear.
Decades earlier I'd collapsed on this same climb. On a similar day, Brad and I had foolishly joined Jeff and Eric.
They were Cat 1s out for a good time on a big climb...
... I think we were the entertainment.
We never made it to the top that day. Instead, we pulled over and enjoyed the view, joking about what a dumb idea it was to try and keep up with those cats...
... it would be years before I would try again.
Eventually I found my tribe, or they found me?
Encouraged me. Loved me. Looked out for me. Taught me...
... what it took to be good.
That's the vibe of our tribe.
Being good.
Even great.
Our best us.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The R stands for
- Race
- Ready
- Rewards
Get the kit if you want to represent.
You'll also get 20% on everything we make.
* Note: this is for ambassadors, not to replace your current team.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
NEVER, EVER DO THIS WITH YOUR COMPETITION
May 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
OCCASIONALLY AN ACTUAL COMPETITOR SHOWS UP ON A GROUP RIDE. I'm not talking about somebody that is going to push me, I'm taking about that rare time...
... someone I might actually be battling with in an A race is present.
Generally speaking, most of us have our club or team or posse or crew we train with. With these cats we are giving it our all. Together we go to a big race and we're either working together...
... or taking on all comers.
A year or so back, this cat used to show up from time to time on our group ride. We'd be slogging it out, hurting each other as much as possible...
... but, I neverever showed all my cards.
There is no advantage to proving how strong you on a training ride.
If a direct competitor is there...
... always hold something back.
Always.
And, if you are visiting one of your competitor's rides to scope their fitness they might do the same to you.
Why do you think the pros feign nursing knees, stomach bug, etc leading up to the Tour de France...
... then show up and slay the competition?
They aren't ill.
They are prepping, building their engines in private.
That's pro.
Be pro.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
You know what else is pro?
Having a super slim wallet to carry the essentials when riding or out on the town.
We make these out of MTB innertubes.
The part I love is that it's so grippy inside my jersey, it's never going to fall out.
It's all I use...
... keeps me from carrying around a brick on nonsense in my pocket.
Plus, it's proof I'm committed to fitness...
... people dig that.
No promo code on this one... it's a mere $24, and ships for free.
And yes, we can put your team logo on there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
---
164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO WE WEAR HELMETS?
May 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE FASTEST I'VE EVER GONE ON A BICYCLE WAS 63 MPH. I was helmetless, drafting a loaded diesel down Parley's Canyon on I-80. Aboard my Cannondale touring bike...
... shorts, t-shirt and shades.
Of those who latched on at the top of the steep decline, I was the last to get popped. When I finally pulled off, it occurred to me...
... that wasn't too smart.
Had I flatted or hit a wheel-destroying pothole or had a rock been thrown up at my face...
... a helmet wouldn't have saved me.
So why wear one?
Simple answer: there are plenty of lower speed oopsies where a helmet makes all the difference.
Better answer: a sexy helmet looks cool and makes us feel fast.
Best answer: the helmet serves as an unstated reminder that racing is a mental game, as much as it is physical.
At some point...
- it's going to hurt
- things are going to go wrong
- we are going to doubt our abilities
... if we aren't mentally tough, we aren't going to make it.
We must create mental helmets to protect us from the false and weakening beliefs trying to get inside our heads.
Personally, I like a good rapper name. A WWF moniker. Dubbing ourselves with powerful titles...
... to remind of us of who we really are.
Years ago I fell in love with MTB racing, quickly learning I wasn't the best at the shorter more vicious efforts. My talent lie in keeping my speed up, blasting through technical sections, eating and drinking and rolling right by competitors at the end of much longer races...
... bearing down like that heavy diesel I drafted long ago.
I'm The Diesel.
Unstoppable.
Who are you?
Whats's your power?
Where are you strongest?
When will you unleash this strength?
How will you remember when all seems lost?
Why?
Why not?
Nobody else can do this for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Of course we all wear helmets all the time.
Especially on insane rides that are likely to fail, like the inaugural (that' ambitious) Surf-N-Summit.
We aren't driving, we're riding.
On gravel, single track, and pavement.
If you're in, or thinking you're in...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
---
162.7
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
PUT THE LOAD RIGHT ON ME
May 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AFTER A LONG DAY, it ain't always easy to get out and ride. We're tired. Maybe a little beat down...
... carrying the weight of the day.
There in the poorly lit garage is refuge.
Some say everything has a soul.
Science says everything is in motion.
I say there is nothing like the whisper of a bike...
... Put the load, put the load right on me.
We wade through our gear, check the lens is clean, and reluctantly roll off.
Sluggishness slips away.
Our load is lifted.
We are free.
Just wind.
Wheels.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
What a gift.
If you have a friend with a load, maybe they need the ease of the worldfamous RaceDay Bag™.
Send 'em a gift card.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
---
164
7 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THAT'S NOT NORMAL.
May 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT'S YOUR NORMAL TRAINING WEEK? 5 hours, 10, 15, 20? Or do you measure miles? 100, 200, 300, 400? Before I took off to surf in Mexico for a week, I put in 18 hrs, 226 miles, 22,223' of elevation...
... it was my highest fitness of 2022.
By that I mean Strava gave me a fitness score of 134. The highest I've ever seen was last summer's 136.
I used that fitness to snag 3rd at last summer's Leadville Stage Race and qualify for the Silver corral.
In August, I let it drop.
I was tired.
Most of the Fall my fitness was in the 90-100 range.
In December, I started to get into the 110 range with the idea of building for the early season races. But, I got the 'rona on NYE and had to start all over which delayed my peak about a month.
There's normal training, like what I was doing in the fall.
Staying fit.
Having fun.
Squeezing in other activities like hiking and surfing and paddle.
The only way to increase our fitness is to increase our normal.
Up the volume.
Get specific.
Squeezing in more time in the saddle, with faster riders who push us.
Our minds for sure, and possibly our friends and family, will be on to us. They might even say things like...
... That's too hard.
Here we must battle our mind, slough it off, telling it...
... No, this is normal.
Ideally, you've got a good training crew. This means we're all pushing each other to reach our goals. We are also drafting off each other's energy and commitment...
... an upward spiral to a new normal.
There's one more thing.
Specificity.
If our A race is a crit, we better be doing speed work and sprints. An MTB race, we better be on the mtb riding technically challenging courses. We can be good at a lot of things...
... we can be great at one.
It's not normal to be great.
Don't be normal.
Be great.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
You know what's not normal?
A tech t made out of the finest Italian fabric.
Most tech t's are made out of nylon. We use polyester, which is softer than a baby's botton.
Most tech t's are light. Ours are light as a feather... a baby duck feather.
Most tech t's fit good. Ours is designed to fit an athlete's body... and make you look so sexy you'll be afraid to go out alone.
Most tech t's are solid colors. We print ours on demand, so you can have a stunning design in your team colors.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.7
8 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
STONERS RULE THE WORLD
May 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S ONE OF THE TRUTHS OF LIFE, that stoners are by far the best racers. Just look at the results from last weekends competition, and I guarantee you everyone at the top...
... is a big time stoner.
It's day 2 of my 103 day countdown to my big A race of the year, and I realize I've got to up my stoner game, too.
To make my quest extra dynamic, I've chose 4 ridiculous superstretch goals. I believe I can accomplish all 4 of them...
- Physical - Leadville sub-8, you know about it.
- Mental - sales goal (private)
- Social - go out every weekend
- Spiritual - also private
... because I have systems to follow.
Without a system, goals are really hard to accomplish.
We start to focus on the goal instead of focusing on what needs to get done today. When that happens, we are easily sidetracked. But, when we focus on the system, or process, it takes all the pressure off the attaining the goal.
Lots of people have systems, coaches, plans...
... those who write them in stone always come out on top.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
I don't actually write them in stone, I use a Sharpie...
... and write on my giant calendar.
If you want to harness the power of a stoner, click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If you want to supercharge that by getting a calendar with your team graphics, click here; https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
---
166.1
7.5 hrs
3 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
If yo
DAY ZERO, TIME TO HUSTLE.
May 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT RUNNING TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN. Not a long run, just getting up and hustling to get something done. The adrenaline rush...
... it's just like racing.
Everything melts a way.
I was reminded of this while connecting flights in Mexico City. A dapper young man, clearly an employee, dashed by with a smile and determination...
... of one who knows where they're headed and what do to.
It was unmistakable, and it made me happy to see him run with purpose.
I love that feeling and I get it when racing or chasing a PR. There is nothing like ripping with confidence.
Here I am at day zero.
A week off the bike.
Mostly rested.
Refreshed.
Ready.
14 weeks from now I will chase a ridiculous goal: Sub-8 at Leadville.
It's time to implement the C in my book, The Way of the RACER: Commit to a process.
The only way I'm gonna be ready to take that on is to stick with my system, like never before. If all goes according to plan, I'll line up...
... ready to go, knowing exactly what to do.
Happy.
Something that makes me happy is knowing my bottles are clean inside and out.
Here's a clean offer.
Purchase 4 of these bottles with this promo code: BottleBTGT
You'll pay for 2, and the other 2 are free.
This one is limited, and expires on May 3rd.
---
164.7
6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE INTERVIEW
May 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I SAT DOWN WITH THE BEST COACH IN THE WORLD. Maybe the best in the entire Universe. When it comes to assessing talent...
... he is the word.
This wasn't any sit down, it was after the biggest A race of my life, and he was there to review my files.
I was very impressed at his thoroughness.
Behind him, on the wall, was every race I'd ever done along with all the effort I'd put in.
The A's,
B's,
C's.
He was quiet while I took it all in. Frankly, it was incomprehensible that he could pull all this together.
The training rides I'd done,
and the ones I'd skipped or cut short.
All the foods I'd eaten,
the herbalorganic foofoo and the countless apple fritters.
The hours and hours of sleep and resting with my feet up,
and all the nights I'd bingewatched Star Trek and cut my shuteye short.
Everything was there.
All the good and bad cataloged.
The handful of races I'd won, the smattering of podiums I'd climbed, and the manymany times I'd hung my head in defeat.
I trained my eyes on him, waiting for his final judgement.
He looked at me lovingly, then changed the data on the wall.
This was an entirely different life.
Whoever this was demonstrated the discipline of someone destined to develop their maximum potential...
... and the results showed.
It wasn't the outstanding results, it was the lack of defeat. Even in when he came up short the images of this racer were radiant because...
... he knew he'd given his all.
I looked closer, and saw it was me and the life I could have had...
... if I'd followed the greatest coach ever.
The greatest coaches clearly see all our potential, and all the times we neglect to follow their lead.
Maybe that's why I prefer clear bottles, because I can clearly see when they are dirty...
... inside and out.
There's just something about knowing everything is clean.
Here's a clean offer.
Purchase 4 of these bottles with this promo code: BottleBTGT
You'll pay for 2, and the other 2 are free.
This one is limited, and expires on May 3rd.
---
165ish
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
ONLY THE HIGHLY (OVER)TRAINED KNOW THIS PAIN
Apr 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE INEVITABLE ACHE SET IN. I was expecting it and right on cue here it is, a dull leg pain. Mainly in my thighs at this point...
... there's not much I can do.
Have you had it?
Probably.
Have your friends and loved ones?
No, and don't bother.
They'll never understand because they've never put the demands you and I do on their bodies.
This occurred to me today when I caught myself thinking in Spanish, something I haven't done for years. At that time, I was living in Mexico. One day, I woke up and realized I was no longer thinking in my native tongue...
... I'd used Spanish so much it had taken over.
As timing would have it, when my legs started feeling that dull ache I realized it was because...
... I'd not used the leg muscles for days.
Well, not like I normally do.
Instead of long rides I've been traveling, catching long waves.
Next week, legs...
... next week, just you wait!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/supertech-ts
As well as cross training my tongue I've been crosspurposing my SuperTech T.
Did you know our fabrics are...
so hydrophobic they make excellent surf shirts?
so stylish they make great out to dinner wear?
I don't always travel, but when I do...
... I travel lite.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
165ish
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU ARE SUSCEPTIBLE
Apr 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE CHALLENGE WITH ADVENTURE TRAVEL isn't the traveling, the time differences, the unfamiliar domicile, new foods, fast friendships...
... it's our susceptibility.
Because it's our nature to be influenced by the moods, emotions and ways of thinking of those with whom we ride...
... unnoticed.
We return.
Changed.
When, Where, What and How we ride are nothing...
... compared to with Whom.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Who are you riding with...
... are they RaceDay Ready™?
That's what that R signifies.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
165ish?
8 hrs needed that
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE
Apr 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SURE, WE ALL SHARE THE COMMON BOND OF THE BIKE. But, what else? Eating incredible hamburgers in a remote, sandy Mexican surf town we discussed the many benefits of riding bikes...
... the chief being social.
We wouldn't be in this paradise of perfect waves if it weren't for bike racing.
It was racing that I met Dan, a renowned surfboard shaper and genuine slayer on a bike.
Next thing I know he's shaping me a custom board and giving me the lowdown on this remote hideaway...
... which just happens to be a place Surfergirl has been longing to charge.
To get me off the bike ain't easy,
but it must be done.
We need breaks.
Variation.
Time off.
Rest.
We need to love other things...
... and take care of the people we love.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
Apparently a few people love my book, because lately people have been purchasing multiple copies.
I love that, for them.
Have you checked it out?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165ish?
9 hrs needed that
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
2 THINGS I HATE TO DO
Apr 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO THINGS I HATE TO DO, but should do. Hate might be a little strong here, let's just say it's reallyreally hard...
... to be motivated.
The weird thing is as soon as I'm doing them...
... I really like it.
There's more to it than that because skipping these two things is reallyreally bad...
... but not right away.
Over time.
Over time, with neglect...
things breakdown sooner
longevity is significantly shortened
peak performance becomes unattainable
... we don't want that do we?
What are they?
- Stretching/Recovery
- Cleaning my bike
How much of difference do they make?
Honestly, I'm not sure.
I can only tell ya things go a lot better when my bike and body...
... are well-maintained.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
If you're really into caring for your body, there is nothing better for your hands than our SuperLight Race Gloves.
They come in all kinds of colors.
This month, they are BuyOneGetOne...
... all you have to do is have 2 items in your cart and you'll be credited automatically at check out.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.8
5 hrs (travel day)
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN COMPARING YOURSELF IS ACTUALLY A GOOD THING
Apr 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE GREAT MAX EHRMANN WROTE DESIDERATA. The word is latin and means things desired. I memorized the original text because of a certain warning...
... which I don't always agree with.
At the time, I was a teen, and it was impossible to adhere to.
Now, as a racer, it can be cancerous to ignore such sage wisdom...
... except in one place.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Where should we ignore it?
On Starva, of course.
Why just today I was researching the MTB Nationals course and I thought to myself...
... let's see who has the fastest time in my age group.
The usual suspects.
But, don't stop there.
Pull those cats up and Starva gives you this nice little data point called...
... Side By Side Comparison.
Right there, front and center, in plain sight is exactly what your competitors are doing...
... what a gift!
Don't get all freaked out, anal, and compary.
Just check it out.
See what they're doing.
It's a powerful point of reference.
And remember what ya learnt in my book...
... always do all you can do.
Sometimes by studying others we learn there's more that we can do.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
MASTERY MYSTERY
Apr 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YOU BORROWED A BIKE, got the bug, now what? Remember those days? Sheepishly approaching the bike shop hands with questions...
... and feeling like such a newb.
So much to learn...
- simple maintenance
- nutrition
- bike fit
- clothes
- training plans
- tactics and strategies
You should have one goal, only...
... mastery.
You must always be improving you skills, increasing your knowledge, honing your craft...
... then you're in control, depending on no one.
Perhaps my favorite tool is the giant RaceDay Calendar™.
It's huge...
... and hung in plain sight.
Nothing is more powerful than writing down want you want and...
... conspicuously placing it for ALL to see.
Use promo code: GETITDONE!
to save 15%
---
164.5
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
LET'S FACE IT, YOU'VE GOT TO BE REALLY COORDINATED
Apr 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE SO MANY MOVING PARTS TO SUCCESSFUL RACING. Wheels, chains, cassettes, rings, legs...
... the bike.
But, those aren't always the most important parts.
I was reminding of that this morning, and all I was trying to do was coordinate a training ride.
As I pull up to the trail head, the texts started pouring in...
From Where are you?.
I'm where you are supposed to be.
To, I'm riding towards you don't wait.
I never do.
To, I'm leaving later.
I hope you'll catch us.
We're all training for one of the longest and most grueling endurance races in the USA.
Leadville.
Most participants are happy to finish at all. The rest of us are trying earn belt buckles, big and small depending on your time.
Year after year people miss the 9hr cutoff for the big buckle by seconds, and 12hr cut off for the small buckle...
... which are cooler than any buckle, ever.
There is no mercy, as there shouldn't be.
In 2012, my moving time was 8:35:42 and my elapsed time was 8:38:51.
In 2019, my moving time was 8:06:36 and my elapsed time was 8:16:07.
That is according to Strava, and I'm not sure it's entirely accurate. But, you get the picture, if you're aren't well coordinated with your support...
... you can lose big and small time,
and buckles.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
One thing you can do to help out your crew is have an easy to spot jersey.
Surfergirl really likes this one.
I do, too.
It reminds me to break free of any shackles holding me back.
I made this one for the 2019 race. At the time, I was developing our Winged Wolf logo. It wasn't perfect yet. The image repeats on the bibs...
... on the back of the jersey, across the pockets it reads: No one of consequence. That is my favorite line from The Princess Bride, spoken by The Dread Pirate Roberts.
What's the take away for you?
- Take time to plan ALL of your next adventure.
- Design a jersey that inspires you and stands out.
Yeah, you should absolutely take advantage of the fact we will make as few as 1 (one) jersey...
... just for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
---
165.1 (still carrying Sea Otter weight)
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
IMAGINE THAT!
Apr 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND ANDY FINALLY DID IT! Something I myself have threatened to do, but never had the courage...
... I'm jealous.
Hopelessly.
Leaving San Diego, he rode north.
Dropped by to see me, invite me...
... give up on me.
He kept going on up to LA, to sleep on a friend's couch.
He rode on to Santa Barbara, planning on a luxury AirBnB for a few days.
Then further north to eventually catch the train back home.
All on his bike.
Who hasn't felt the urge to suit up and ride, never to be seen again...
... at least for a helluva long time?
Bike
T-shirt
Shorts
Flipflops
Credit card
I imagined I could ride 50 miles, then 100, then 200.
I imagined I could start a family, have some kids.
I imagined I could start a business I'd love.
Imagine that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Most of what I have imagined into life...
... was created and nurtured while riding alone.
For example the SuperTech Ts.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.2
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 14 PushUps + 7 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
LACKING A REASONABLE MOTIVE...
Apr 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE THREE THINGS WE JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO LACK, and I'm not talking about a roof over our heads, a chicken in the pot...
... or a Ford in the driveway.
That's only enough to get you thinking you could be a winner.
I learned this from the great Ed Latimore:
If you lack discipline, you won't survive the training.
If you lack talent, you won't survive the race.
If you lack heart, you're useless.
To which I add:
If you have heart,
You'll crave discipline and training,
And develop all the talent God gave you.
Be.
Your.
Best self.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Most of the time, I'm chasing PRs...
... self-made podiums.
Every now and then I get on a real one, which is exactly what inspired our gorgeous new technical t.
Use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.4
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
BE. DO. HAVE.
Apr 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S JUST NOT THAT COMPLICATED. The formula is simple, but because it's simple people disregard it...
... check it out.
The last time I was this svelte was after I put on all the weight following my wife's three pregnancies. Apparently, I was very sympathetic...
... weighing 30 lbs heavier than today.
I cut out a picture of my favorite racer at that time from a magazine. He was shirtless. Then, I cut out my head from a photo on hand and pasted right on top of that body...
... and put it on the inside of my medicine cabinet.
Every day, I'd get out of the shower. Towel around my torso. Swing that door open and brush my teeth looking at my idyllic body while my own body jiggled with the brushing.
Here's the tried and true formula:
- Be.
- Do.
- Have.
I didn't over complicate it.
I set a goal to PR a wellknown local climb. To crack an hour. I never did crack that hour, but I took 10 minutes off my PR simply by asking myself...
... what would he do?
Any and all fitness choices went through that filter.
Food?
Training?
Sleep?
Bike set up?
etc...
... what would he do?
Do that.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
The thing I'm crazy about with our new tech t, is the cut. The way it fits an athlete's body.
We are athletes, not donutpoundingcremepuffs...
... our forms flow like life and merit the same in our apparel.
Not some lame, cut like a box, heinousness.
This tech t is grace in motion...
... made with an extremely elegant mesh with 4 way stretch.
And, we can make them to match all your race gear.
Just added some more designs tonight.
Stay tuned...
... and use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%...
... this code won't last forever.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.9
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 10- Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU DON'T KNOW SQUAT
Apr 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
TO LIFT OR NOT TO LIFT THAT IS THE QUESTION. And, if it's good to lift weights in the off-season why should it be bad to do so in the on-season...
... don't we need power when it's on?
A young gentleman rode side by side with me tonight.
I haven't been riding much
No?
No, I only ride a couple of days a week in the winter.
Why's that?
The cold, the dark.
Ah yes.
But, come June and July... you'll see.
A tour fan you are.
Yes, indeed.
Are you still lifting weights regularly?
Of for sure, even though I know it makes me slower.
But, does it?
Is that really true?
I think not.
After squatting almost daily for many, many months, I think it's just not true...
... a myth, a fallacy, an illusion.
Let me give you just 2 reasons to squat daily:
- Your posture will be improved.
- You will feel more confident.
- You will squat often.
- You'll be faster.
I can only vouch for the squats I'm doing with heavy dumbbells in each hand.
The posture thing is legit, and nobody talks about it. You'll just naturally stand taller and feel a helluvalot better.
Which naturally leads to feeling more confident about everything.
Soon you will notice you bend over less to pick something up. Instead, you squat down. All the way down. Easily.
And yeah...
... you'll definitely have more power on the bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
I do my squats throughout the day. 5 after breakfast, 5 on my way out the door, 5 at lunch... and so on.
Sometimes in my work clothes.
Sometimes in workout clothes.
Speaking of which, I've been working on our new Podium Tech T for quite a while.
I wanted to get the fit just right.
Then, I want to sew it up and test it using the oh-so fine imported Italian fabric we use on the front of our jersey.
It is an extremely elegant mesh with 4 way stretch.
And, we can make them to match all your race gear...
... so you look sharp off the bike,
... working out at the gym,
... or on the podium.
I'll uploading a number of striking designs in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned...
... and use this code: TODDSFAVET
to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/podium-tech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.5
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T BE A DINOSAUR
Apr 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CYCLISTS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. In fact, for sheer pleasure on the bike, there is no one size fits all. However, when it comes to endurance racing, there is one particular shape...
... that seems to rule them all.
Depending on level of commitment and which discipline one chooses to specialize in, the shape of the T-Rex seems most dominant...
... with climbers being the most typical.
Upper body power isn't their thing.
The hierarchy goes something like this:
Climbers
Roadies
Gravelers
Mountain Bikers
Sprinters.
How much you wrestle with the bike is the determining factor...
... in body type and ability to compete.
Personally, I'll gladly carry a few extra pounds to shed that t-rex look.
It ain't about racing.
Just mostly.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
If you're training has lost it's meaning, check this out.
Going into my third round of printing, and seeing all the orders of friends ordering for their friends...
... it's rewarding to know I've made a difference in a few lives.
The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
166
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
GIVE YOUR TRAINING MEANING
Apr 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M A LIFER. Around age 10, I started meeting the fellas for bike rides. After school, and every single Saturday. Then, it was just riding. Fun, transportation, freedom...
... all on two wheels.
Later, as an adult, the idea of staying in shape to keep up with the kids took root.
Thank heavens it did.
Can't imagine what their teen years woulda been like if I couldn't show 'em how it's done.
Maybe it wasn't max-fitness, but for sure I was in much better shape than most of my peers...
... and that meant bigger and better adventures for the family.
Training has more meaning when there is a finish line involved...
... all of life does.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
If you're training has lost it's meaning, check this out.
Going into my third round of printing, and seeing all the orders of friends ordering for their friends...
... it's rewarding to know I've made a difference in a few lives.
The book is free, just cover shipping and handling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165.6
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
SWEET AND SOUR TRAINING
Apr 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SWEET SPOT TRAINING. It sounds so innocuous, inviting, even delicious. Oh, that it were true. It is kind of, but not when you start...
... it's quite sour.
At least that is how it felt today.
Even though I'd been looking forward to finally doing some solid sweet spot training, as I prep for my crazyquest at Leadville this summer, when I rolled out the door and pegged my heartrate to zone 3...
... it hurt.
Fortunately, the weather was pleasant and I discovered a string of fresh, new single track.
Is there a better way to start a 5-hour training ride?
Sweet spot training leads to sweet spot racing, which is exactly how I'll be approaching my outlandish goal this summer.
Actually, I did the math.
It's not as crazy as it sounds.
I averaged 12.7 mph 3 years ago. I need to average 13.1 this summer. .4 miles further per hour sounds doable as allgetout right now. Especially after today's effort.
63 miles, 9338', 12.2 mph... by myself, today.
105 miles, 10,608', 12.9 mph... with a fair amount of pacelining, 3 years ago.
Those are moving times... the race is elapsed time, which is 12.7, with the stops.
Sweet spot racing will go sour in two scenarios.
One is completely unavoidable, the other must be avoided AT ALL COSTS.
Committing to racing sweet spot means you're going to feel absolutely amazing on the first climb or the first effort of your race...
... fools lose their shift in this moment.
They throw it all out the window, and pin in it with everybody else, first chance they get. They go right to zone 4, and even zone 5. So dumb...
... so, so dumb.
The second scenario where sweet spot racing can go sour is not eating enough. Caught up in the moment of racing, feeling fantastic. It is extremely easy to think we don't need to eat and drink...
... this is suicide.
Racing sweet spot requires a tremendous amount of calories.
2 Rules.
- Stay in Zone 3, or below.
- Eat, drink, and be racy.
That's it.
You're welcome.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Someone recently referred to our gloves as crit gloves.
Makes sense.
Crits are right up there with DH and Enduro when it comes to risk.
Whatever your flavor, you need a superior feel on your bars.
Yes, the buy one get one is still going...
,,, no promo coded needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.9 (gotta dump all 4.9 of these)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 00 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
SAVED BY MY BIBS
Apr 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT HAD BEEN A LONG DAY, at the end of the long week. It could just have well been a cold morning in the dead of winter. Either way...
... sometimes it's hard to train.
But, we do it.
I learned a little trick, and it's neverever let me down. In fact, it's lead me to plenty a wonder glide around town.
When ya just aren't feeling it, all ya gotta do is...
... pull on your bibs.
Then, your
- Jersey
- Socks
- Shoes
- Helmet
- Glasses
- Gloves
By then, you've built up so much inertia it's easy to throw a leg over the saddle and pedal away...
... locking in a workout many skip.
Not us.
We do the work.
We are the industries...
... in PEDAL.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
Speaking of putting in the work...
... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?
In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.
What does this mean to you?
- We can make you custom gear with photos
- You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
---
164.7
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE GOOD STUFF?
Apr 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PODCASTS, AUDIO BOOKS, ETC. I get a lot of recommendations, nearly all I'll check out the intro, some I dive into...
... some are really good.
This week I received two good ones from readers Leif and Randy.
The podcast was a deep, deep dive into Zone 2 training. Maybe a bit two deep for me. Part of it covered the amazing talent of Tadej Pogacar, and how he incorporates Zone 2 training. It was fascinating, timely, and useful.
The book reminded me a bit of Goggins Can't Hurt Me. It had two rules:
- It's gotta be hard
- Come back alive
But, there was a third dimension which I thought glued it altogether.
These recommendations came from readers, just like you, and I found valuable nuggets in each of them I'll be incorporating in my own training.
Other times, I'll get turned onto a book like Waterlogged or Breathe or Natural Born Heroes on a ride or from a friend who's athletic or see a topic trending on Twitter.
Who we surround ourselves with, the information we consume, matters.
Riding with fast riders is great...
... sharing what they know is more great.
Look for a review of the book in an upcoming post.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
Speaking of looking...
... are you looking forward to the upcoming Giro in May?
In collaboration with the world-famous Horton Collection™, we created these beautiful bags using Brett's stunning vintage fotos of the Giro.
What does this mean to you?
- We can make you custom gear with photos
- You can score for yourself or another Giro lover something truly unique.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/giro
---
165.1
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
NOT ACCORDING TO PLAN CAN BE PART OF THE PLAN
Apr 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WEDNESDAY AND TIME FOR HOT LAPS. Hot laps is our MTB race simulation we start up each Spring. We have 3 courses, laps take about 20 minutes...
... well, the hot ones do.
The plan was to do the usual. A parade lap, followed by an hour of getting after it.
Tonight's course was slightly altered from last year's in this area. At the top of an already longish climb, we turned right...
... for an extra 50 yards at 17%.
Then, into a ribbon of new single track tracing the mountain ridge before diving down and boomeranging off the canyon sides.
Fun stuff, for sure.
But, the plan was to get after it for 3 laps...
... tired from the weekend's racing, we made a weak effort.
When you're weak,
sometimes you need a week...
... to recover.
We are there.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™
You know what else isn't according to plan, this bag I made for my grandson's parents.
It's a Classic size RaceDay Bag™ with backpack straps and the extra pockets of the PRO bag...
... marked up to be the raddest diaper bag ever!
Right now I have samples going out to be tested.
In the meantime...
... Whadaya think?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gobabybag™
---
164.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, IT'S NOT CHEATING
Apr 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVER SINCE I READ ABOUT THE HUMMER and it's ability to inflate and deflate it's tires on run, I've dreamt of the day we could do that on our bikes. Now it's here https://www.scopecycling.com/product/atmoz/...
... and I don't like it.
I can't put my finger on it.
There's just something wrong.
Like all the edge, hardness, chance is removed and we are left with...
... oh, look at the softy now.
Can you imagine a Greek god riding this tech?
We already rarely get flats, snap chains or pop spokes. Gone are the days of trailside repairs being a racing skill.
We have computers telling us how hard to pedal and how fast to spin....
... even monitors testing our blood while racing so we know when to eat.
How will we ever develop backs strong enough to carry the load of life if we keep slicing away the hard with tech?
You know what the problem is though, right?
If/when this gets wide adoption, you and I won't be competitive without it. Plus, we'll snag even more PRs with it.
Technically speaking it's not cheating...
... but, it feel like we are cheating ourselves of a better, harder experience.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started
If you're looking to harden up, get RaceDay Ready™ in 10 weeks.
Here's the answer: https://pedalindustries.com/products/program-to-get-you-started
---
165.1 guessing, no scale
7.5 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS THING CAN QUICKLY GO DOWNHILL
Apr 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT'S RARE THAT SOMEONE IS FASTER THAN ME DOWNHILL. I've just done it a lot, and I've always had a good feel for going fast. So, when someone jams hard to get ahead of The Old Diesel before the downhill...
... I just shrug.
Like in Saturday's race, the young buck sprints and slams the door on me at the entrance to a long, downhill singletrack.
He's trying really, really hard.
I'm right on him, barely working.
It's a valiant effort...
... until he loses his front wheel in a sandy turn.
Poor rookie.
You'd think at that point, he'd pull over.
Not this guy.
He scrambles, while I am stopped.
Blocks the trail, while I am politely asking to go by.
Jumps on his bike...
... and goes even slower, he's shook up.
Eventually, with some notsosubtle coaxing he pulled over.
Once there is a crack in our confidence,
things can quickly go downhill.
We hesitate, overthink...
... reacting instead
of relaxing.
So much of going fast is a confidence game.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
If you're looking for increased confidence on and off the bike, check this out.
But, only if you're up for being pushed...
... hard.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
165.5 guessing, no scale
9 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
THE BEST TIME TO COMMIT TO YOUR NEXT BIG RACE
Apr 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, no matter how good or awful our results, the best time to plan the next big goal...
... is right after the most recent race.
There's just something about.
If we got whacked,
we are motivated by redemption and revenge.
If we dominate,
we're looking for the challenge to conquer is easy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I keep meaning to take pics of all our gloves I see at the races, but I'm not carrying my phone much these days.
You'll just have to trust me, these are rad.
There are lots of color options.
And it's Buy1Get1 this month.
No code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
170? I dunno, no scale,
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
00 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
OTTER POPS
Apr 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
MY BUTT WAS SPASMING,. It was a bit embarrassing. But, there was no stopping it. At 8am on the start line, sub0-50, I was in my stretchy underwear, no warmers, no jacket…
… shivering, dressed to race!
It turned out to be my worst result of the year.
And, I was thrilled.
On the second of two 25-mile loops all I could hear was the opening to Eminems Without Me…
… Guess who’s back, back again
Diesel’s back, tell a friend.
Why?
Because for the first time in too long, I put together a good race.
- Good start
- Good nutition
- Good power
- Good finish.
It started last evening when the great Cody helped me dial in my shifting. Turns out it’s quite simple, ya just gotta know what to do.
Now I do.
I lined up early. It was mass start, and I slotted early cutting my warmup short.
Totally worth it.
We sprinted right from the start, uphill, gunning for the chicane that led to the singletrack…
… it was a clownshow.
But not for us.
The crew said just a few spots after Eric, Steven, Chris and I got through it stacked up so bad people we walking.
At the last moment, I went with two bottles per lap. About 300 calories per bottle, and one waffle.
There was one small hiccup.
When I grabbed my salt stick tablets, I popped open an empty bottle.
Ruh-roh!
Fortunately, I was relying on the Apple Watch to track my ride…
… quick texts to the crew and they had mustard and tablets when I came through for second lap.
I was 6ish minutes slower the second time around. I’d prefer to snug that up, normally I’m faster the second lap or second half of something this long. However, I haven’t done any sweet spot training this year…
… saving it for Leadville build this summer.
I finished 7th in the 50+, first finisher in the 60s. The days of racing my age group on winding down…
… I’ll be self-identifying as a yute going forward.
My biggest takeaway is big distance mountain bike racing is really fun and demanding. I’m looking forward to the very specific training this summer.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I keep meaning to take pics of all our gloves I see at the races, but I'm not carrying my phone much these days.
You'll just have to trust me, these are rad.
There are lots of color options.
And it's Buy1Get1 this month.
No code needed.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
170? I dunno, no scale, but I've been eating all day... ending at Chris' parents for a massive barbeque.
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
00 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. RYDE
Apr 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE RACEDAY and all through the van,
one creature was stirring, an anxious fit man
the race plate was hung on the bars with care
in the hopes that the start line would soon be there...
... that's how it feels the night before.
We shine things up, pick out our favorite clothes.
Then, for me at least, it is time to go to my laboratory where the mild mannered Dr. Jekyll in me will prepare the final recipe for ripping.
Being on point with the nutrition is critical to being able to start strong...
... and finish strong.
I pre-rode the course today in 2 1/2 hours. I was really softpedaling. I expect tomorrow to be significantly faster.
But, how much faster?
Will I need 1 bottle per lap or 2?
It will be 50 degrees at the start, warming up to mid-60s by the finish.
What is the best way to consume 300 calories per hour?
The start is gonna be nuts. Full sprint for 5 minutes to try and get to the single track in front. The first 3 miles of singletrack are pretty much impossible to pass on. 10 miles in it opens up quite a bit and it should be easy to eat and drink from there on.
Don't tell anybody, ok?
I'm going to start with 1 bottle of 400 calories of Skratch Superfuel, plus 4 Honey Stinger waffles.
On lap two, I'll have 2 more bottles with 300 calories each. One with caffeine.
Also on board will be my Salt Stick tabs.
The catalyst for all that will be my TFNB playlist
If that don't turn me into Mr Ryde, nothing will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
It's never too late to make your year great.
Ain't nothing like have a GIANT CALENDAR to confront you with the reality that life goes fast and you are wasting it if you're not planning it.
No excuses to not have something challenging planned, and well-executed.
Any Dr. can tell you the benefits of an Evil plan to kickarse.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
162.9 (? traveling, no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
15 minutes reading + Journaling
SOMETHING NEW AT SEA OTTER
Apr 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SEA OTTER IS THE LARGEST BIKE FESTIVAL IN US, A few years back, this beast killed Interbike, the industry's largest tradeshow. Oh, there were other things in play...
... but, Sea Otter remains king.
- There's the giant expo, where the latest product is revealed.
- Downtown biz meetings where the real deals are made.
- And racing
- MTB
- DH
- Dual Slalom
- Crits
- Circuits
- Road
- ... and Gravel
- Plus a host of product demos
My first visit, in the 90's, was to race the circuit race on the racecar course. There is nothing like it. A punchy climb, a 50-60mph plummet down the corkscrew...
... what's not to love?
Some how I'm never raced MTB here.
That changes Saturday.
I pre-rode some of the course. It's beautiful. Ribbons of singletrack lace through green spring grass. I'm doing the 80K, long version.
But, I might do more.
For some reason they have the gravel race on the same exact course the following day. I love ripping singletrack on my gravel bike...
... it's so very tempting.
A bunch of us are here, some racing road and some mtb and some circuit and some gravel.
There really isn't anything like Sea Otter... there are fondos and tours, too?
What I am curious to see is how many racers show up now that USACycling is not part of the event. When LifeTime purchased the event they decided to exclude USACycling.
It seems to me that effect the roadies more, because roadies are more into the category upgrades. The dirt side of the sport has always been more laissez-faire.
Oh, and I'm kinda curious to race on the famous trails of Fort Ord...
... actually, super curious...
... I love racing unknown trails.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags/products/bike-rack-banners
Another thing I love is seeing the bike rack full of bikes.
If have one of these racks, let's make you some banners.
$99, for a set of two.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags/products/bike-rack-banners
---
162.9 (? traveling, no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
25 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE A COACH?
Apr 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A GREAT COACH? The best have 1 thing in common, whether it be sports or business or relationships. Of course, they are masters of advanced techniques and the basics...
... but, this is the most basic.
On our journey towards personal greatness, there is one thing a great coach provides that makes everything better...
... and I screwed that up this week.
A young tadpole signed up for some specific coaching for a specific event. He was, and thankfully still is, very energetic in his quest...
... this ain't no I wanna be better journey.
He's after something big, and I failed to recognize where he was starting from. I threw him into the fire. Most people would have quit, and never come back. But...
... this youngin isn't most people.
This is my kind, our kind, of athlete. A fearless, freakin' charger who's only goal on the bike is to achieve his PR.
What do all great coaches impart?
Why to their athletes love them?
Confidence.
We love the feeling of confidence on RaceDay.
This, above all else, is what you want from your coach.
You know what a lot of good coaches order from PEDALindustries?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
RaceDay Bags™, because these bags give you confidence.
Do you have a friend who struggles on raceday?
Or, one who is always showing up unprepared for the big ride?
Well, I'd sure love to help you help them out.
So, check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission
---
162.9
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
DO NEW SHOES REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Apr 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PUT SOME NEW SHOES ON MY MOUNTAINBIKE. Had to. After shattering my rear wheel racing last month, I'd kinda been resigned to racing on a loaner this weekend...
... but, all that changed today.
Before I tell ya how it happened, let me tell ya my first impression.
Because I wasn't shopping for new wheels, I wasn't scouring all the reviews and scheming of just the right set. I had no preconceived notions...
... ie: marketing bs clouding my judgement.
When I picked up a new set of Crank Brothers wheels I was just excited to have something this weekend...
... that's as far as my stoke went.
I threw on some new rubber as well, the Conti RaceKings. I've had a lot of luck with them as a rear tire and chose to put one on the front as well since it's time to start experimenting with fast treads for Leadville.
- New wheels
- New rubber, less tread up front.
I snagged this without really trying. At the time, I knew I was ripping along so I was kinda curious to see the results when I uploaded...
... and not surprised.
I wasn't surprised with the result, but I was.
How could these wheels be so fast?
Could the front really track better than any wheel I've ever had...
... even with a less aggressive tread?
Well, yeah, obviously.
Was it really possible that the rear tire put down the power better?
These were the thoughts I was having because the sensations were so palpable.
Part of me wanted to hustle back and read the reviews, especially what the lying sunsaguns in the marketing department were saying. I wanted to read what their biased wordsmithing had produced...
... exactly what I was experiencing.
A helluva wheelset.
Now, you might be wondering how I was able to get these when they have a four month backlog.
To be clear, I warmed up the Amex and paid... this ain't no fluff piece from some sellout.
My inside track was through one of my pals who was kind enough to pull a string...
... making me even more indebted to him.
And, it didn't hurt that Crankbrothers R&D just moved to San Clemente...
... I really do live in the ActionSports version of Silicon Valley.
Everybody here is vibing off each other.
Pretty cool to be part of it.
You're part of it, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
Do you know why I love clear bottles?
Because you can see all the grime on the outside, and all the mold and crap that collects on the inside...
... oh, and you can see how much liquid is left.
This offer will end either Thursday or when we sell out... whichever comes first.
Promo code is NOBS
And it saves you 50% on these awesome bottles.
But, only while supplies last or Thursday.
Act Now!...
... you know you want at least 2 new bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles
---
163.8
7.2 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
BUT, THEY WERE ON SALE
Apr 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LONGER WE'RE INTO THIS SPORT, the more we are able to assess value. Sure, we still drink the kool-aid our favorite brand is pouring...
... and that's cool.
What's not cool is how much this ability to assess value costs us, but I really don't have a good answer...
... I mean I do, but it might hurt.
Take this convo with my newest padawan.
How's your bike fit?
Oh, it's great!
Then, why did you get that rando cramp last night?
Uhhhh
Who did your bike fit?
Steve.
Oh, he's awesome.
How long ago?
3 years.
And there it was.
3 years.
3 years?
3 years!
No wonder he was miserable first night out with us. Poor little feller didn't have a clue...
... I set him off to a pro.
Fastforward to today.
How was the fit sesh?
Oh, man amazing.
Really?
Yeah, he changed everything.
Everything?
Well not my shoes, but I have new ones ordered.
What's wrong with your shoes?
Too tight.
You didn't know they were too tight?
No, I got 'em on sale. 40% off of $400 shoes.
We've got a ways to go, as you can see.
Want to save some money?
- Hire a coach.
- Take the veterans to lunch.
You could do some research on your own...
... just be careful with the koolaid.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
If you were racing Leadville, or any of their races, you could save yourself a ton of money reading this.
Use promo code: BUYSMART
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
---
165.6 (yikes)
8 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
5 WAYS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Apr 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS I'M PRETTY GOOD AT ON A BIKE. One of them is momentum. I have to be...
... because I'm not very good at a lot of other things.
Momentum is free and can make the difference between victory and defeat...
... after we put in the work.
Momentum through a turn,
tucking a long descent,
the final sprint.
Those are the obvious areas, but what about the unseen momentum?
- Registering well in advance for a big race.
- Always doing all I can do everyday.
- Committing to a successful system and plan.
- Expecting good things to happen.
- Reviewing each milestone along the way.
Those are the keys to lifelong momentum.
Just yesterday the Stravaverse confirmed I have some momentum.
Up one particularly punchy hill, I knew I was going good.
We started from a dead stop at a light. I tucked in behind the younger, spicer rippers. It hurt. It hurt so good. The kinda hurt where you're dawgawn sure it's a special effort. As the gradient backed off, we could see the light ahead was turning red. They eased up, I pedaled on...
... the momentum too good to waste.
Where's the unseen momentum?
Nobody could see the squats I've been doing, the pound or two I've shed...
... I'm the only one who knows if I'm doing all I can do.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
On the ride yesterday, I was smiling...
... so many of the posse were donning my Superlight Race Gloves
Maybe it's because the fit is so amazing,
or because there are so many color options,
or is it the heat sensitive thread to operate devices,
or could it be the insane buy one get one offer that's going on?
Whatever it is,
it makes me happy.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.5 (not good)
8 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
60 YRS OLD AND STILL MAKING POOP JOKES
Apr 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AHHH, THE BIRTHDAY RIDE. Happens once a year for all of us, sometimes even on a Saturday. We have this old guy...
... and today was his day.
The Gentleman (not the old guy) politely stated, I'd like to find a bathroom before we meet up with the group.
Censoring laws prohibit a direct quote, but the old guy went on about some Play-doh reference...
... some people never group up!
We're all guilty of that by my reckoning.
Long beyond using bikes for transportation, we meet up at the corner for the weekly rip around town. And, it's a dern fine thing...
... ain't it?
We rode 90ish miles today, 6000' of vert, over 19mph.
Who does that?
Do you want to go for a 90 mile drive around town?
Heckno!
Do you want to ride for 5 hours, max your heartrate, come home and collapse on the couch?
Hellyeah!
We do that.
Every year for as long as we can...
... which is why I probably still crack poop jokes.
---
After a few frustrating finishes in March, I was feeling burned out and unsure of Sea Otter next weekend. But, Hot Laps Wednesday felt great...
... and today felt even better.
I took it very easy M, T, Th, F and got after it W and S. That is polarized training, and just what I needed this week.
Stephen Seiler posted this link on Twitter, and I highly recommend it...
... it's long, but worth it.
https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-022-00438-7
I also highly recommend DZ Nutz for long rides like today.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
If I was 60 I'd crack a joke on where to apply this wonder ointment...
... but, the name is pretty good as it it.
If you're part of RaceDay Ready, use your 25% off code.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go
---
165.1 (oops)
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN ON THE WAY TO A RACE
Apr 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'D SPENT THE SUMMER PREPARING TO REDEAM MYSELF. A year earlier, I'd raced the Leadville 100. I'd finished, got the big belt buckle...
... but it was a miserable day on the bike.
This year would be different.
I knew what lay ahead. I trained specifically on the biggest climbs around. Watched my weight. Got a new bike...
... there was only one problem.
As we bombed across the vast Utah desert, I grabbed my bag to find my sunglasses. It was a big dome bag and it carried everything in its giant blackhole.
I found the glasses...
... my shoes were nowhere in site.
Diving further back in the car, while the guys chatted, I started to sweat. I clawed through my other bag...
... maybe they were there?
Then, I saw them. Clean. Shiny. In my mind I could see them, in reality they were hundreds of miles behind on the back porch...
... where's I'd left them.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
This was when you paid dollars per minute to roam on your cell phone...
and boy did I pay!
- A shop in Grand Junction had shoes, no cleats.
- A shop in Rifle had cleats, but would be closed when we passed through. I begged and pleaded to pay over the phone and have them left outside.
- Meanwhile, Surfergirl was hustling to FEDEX to Next Day Air shoes to Leadville... a city, so remote at the time, Next Day Air wasn't guaranteed.
Now you know where I got the inspiration for the RaceDay Bag™ˆ.
Every one of the products we make and sell has an origin story like that.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
For example, The Changing Poncho.
My hometown is a big surfing community, world-class breaks abound. I grew up surfing, and still surf often with my lady. Most of us towel change, but it's not as easy or convenient as a giant poncho.
Not only is the poncho awesome for changing, but while I'm changing, I use it to wipe off any grime from the ride...
... not only on my body, but my bike as well.
The microfibre is durable enough for all your gear,
but soft and comfy our bodies.
Use promo code: changeINstyle
To save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.9 (oops)
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LONG, EPIC RACE
Mar 31, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LOCALLY, WE HAVE CREATED SOME REALLY FUN RACE FORMATS. From the Belgian Waffle Ride's unRoadRace to CritCross's go cart track with added dirt berms and jumps to the unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships...
... I love the creativity and freshness.
But, the true test, for me, is an epic.
A long, long challenging route.
Unforgiving elements.
A time cut.
There are myriad long, challenging routes.
Countless courses to curse.
But, without a time cut...
... it's just a race.
And, I don't mean a Hey, if you're slow we're gonna pull ya kind of cut...
... I mean, you miss the cut you miss
the badge of honor,
the coveted prize.
With these types of races, the challenge is not to crush the competition it is to finish. What happens is unlike all other races.
Everyone starts spunky, bouncy, full of cocky confidence and transitions into business mode. The paces are set, the nutrition consumed at precisely timed intervals. The miles roll by...
... and the racers roll on.
Friendships, no...
... alliances are struck.
The battle of wills is real, and some start to falter...
a wobble
missed turn
cramping thigh
... and then quit, retire early.
The time cut, once ticking far off, barely toc, starts to pound for those who persist...
... before becoming blaring bells of hell.
I live for that...
... to rage against the final miles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
Building the resolve to press on starts months, even years prior to the big day. For there is a lot of training, but there is also a hardening of the mind that is necessary.
This was so powerful for me 3 years ago in my quest to break my PR.
Got a Big Insane Goal?
Make yourself a reminder wallet, all you have to do is type in your goal... we'll take care of getting you a badass reminder tool...
... oh, and you'll have to train, too... can't do that for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/custom-name-raceday-wallet
---
162.9
7 hrs
5 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE
Mar 30, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THEY SAY YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG, I'm a strong maybe on that premise. A few of us are aging up this year and there is one thing for sure...
... racers love getting older.
There is this sense of things getting easier, racing oldsters, etc.
So, why don't you sit down for a moment and let The Old Diesel settle this once and for all.
First, there is a grain of truth of it getting easier. It's true for about one race, maybe a few, definitely not an entire season.
Why?
Well, you've aged up. You're no longer the oldish racer being pushed by kids, you're now the kid. Being challenged by the kids keeps you on your A game. When you age up, you're the kid and the challenge will still be there...
... but, it's somehow less.
Second, the older we get the more we run into the professional amateurs. These are the blessed who have figure out their finances. These are the emptynesters who have sent their birdies off into the world to live their own lives.
They have money and time, possible more money and time than they ever dreamed of...
... this is their new outlet.
Third, and this might be the most evil of all the hope dashing spears coming your way, these are the survivors.
Their bodies are still in great shape and they are well acquainted with what is physically possible. Plus, their wiley coyotes...
... with more ways than you can imagine to do you in.
That's the bad news.
Here's the good news...
... you can be the crafty master of your domain, too!
Lots of people do it...
... getting better each year, performing at the highest levels.
How do they do it?
Two have 2 things:
- Friends who are younger than they are
- A mission to accomplish
I'm much more inspired by people who are great at what they do and continue to contribute to society well beyond the norm...
... their legacy eclipses those who pull the plug early.
That's why I'm so passionate about RaceDay Ready™...
... my legacy.
The details are here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
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163.6
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyyoaWjVXYM
SPRINTING BY EVERYBODY ELSE
Mar 29, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I KNEW I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE UP CRIT RACING. I loved it, was good at it, but there was something about leaning shouldertoshoulder into a tight turn at 30 mph...
... that brought out the worst in me.
I'm not proud of that.
Fortunately, I found mountain biking and was able to keep some fitness as well as get out into nature...
... a perfect marriage of my BMXy youth with the road's power and endurance.
This marriage would eventually give birth to 2 National Championships on the MTB, which was a lot of fun and very gratifying at the time.
But, there is another combination I'm even more stoke about.
After I designed the RaceDay Bag™, I began production in China. It was cheaper. Duh!...
... but, cheaper isn't always better.
And rarely, best.
So, I figured out how to make the bags ourselves in the proverbial backyard. They were better. Better materials and better workmanship...
... then we had the really cool breakthrough, which is powering us right by all our competition.
I figured out how to make everything on demand, which meant we could make custom bags one at a time.
Teams as small as 1 (one), could order customdesigned product.
From bags it was easy to go to ponchos to socks to gloves...
... right on up to amazing jerseys and bibs and jackets etc.
Now, we import all these incredible fabrics from Italy to make super high quality apparel...
... one at a time, just for you.
So, I'm going to make you this insane offer. I'll design for you a custom ________ (your choice) for Free. We normally charge $50 just for the designs.
All you have to do is email me personally, and we'll get started. My address is todd@pedalindustries.com.
Can be for anything we make: bags, jerseys, bibs, gloves, socks, 10x10 pop up canopies, etc.
Remember, email me within 48 hours.
XOXO,
todd (@pedalindustries.com)
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163.6
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
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