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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
>
SHE'S GOT A BAD REPUTATION
Mar 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I GOT A HOT DATE WEDNESDAY WITH AN OLD LOVER. Some of my friends are happy about it, most don't think I'm ready to face her again. I think they might be right...
... but, you know how love is.
We all loved her at one point last summer, she's that hot!
Those warm summer nights...
heartrate jumpy with anticipation
favorite kit looking just so
then the hardbreathing
gasps of pleasure
and pain
... our lover's nickname?
HOT LAPS.
Oh Boy! does she have a bad reputation...
... for ruining riders and racers,
boys and girls,
confidence,
swagger.
Join us if you're local: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
If not, start your own.
- Begin on time
- Do a parade lap so everybody knows the course
- Race laps should be 20ish minutes X 3 laps.
- Bonus, if you can make a loop where others can be seen
- Double bonus, for different loops each week.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Since the summer race/ride season is fast approaching, I'm going to keep this promotion going a few more days.
Use promo code: iSEEu
Saves you 20% on changing ponchos.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.5 (oops)
8 hrs (terrible night)
10 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 25 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
10 AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Mar 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS THE PERFECT RACE? Is it winning? Returning unscathed? An insane adventure? A performance breakthrough?...
... could be all of the above.
Or none.
For me, it's perfect execution of my plan.
Result recognition is a sideshow.
The plan has 3 parts.
Preparation
- Nutrition
- Recovery
- Time in the saddle
- Strength training
- Race Weight
- Bike Set Up
The Race
- Travel
- Accommodations
- Warm Up
- Racing
Review and Repeat
Sure we want the race to go well, but when it comes to reviewing our performance, it's critical to analyze all 10 aspects of what went into hitting the finish line as fast as possible.
We can always do better,
10 times better.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
164
8 hrs (terrible night)
6 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I IDENTIFY AS...
Mar 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS A ROUGH ONE TODAY. While I led my class up the long opening climb and down the riproaring singletrack. It didn't last forever...
... and I was left questioning my identity.
Not because my legs felt dead, not because I was beaten by better men. But, because I just didn't have it.
I didn't have what it takes to ride all out at a legit mountain bike race.
Halfway through I started to day dream, and tire out.
It can happen out here.
The terrain is gorgeous and the views expansive. Due to the very twisty course you never really see anybody unless you're right on their wheel. I found myself digging the vibe of nature...
... rather than blasting every berm.
And, just like that the fellas passed me and disappeared.
Which left me time to consider what kind of a racer I am at this point:
- Roadie
- MTBr
- Graveler
I'm not even sure because I'm spending 1-2 days each week on each bike.
Am I a triathlete then?
Say it ain't so!
After a pleasant rest of the day, talking to friends. Rehashing it all. Hatching plans for the next one I had an interesting conversation with Nic Beeschan.
Nic beat everybody today, by a lot.
He's a pro.
Lives in a small mountain community.
He only rides MTB.
And there it was.
To perform at my very best, to get those last percentages of performance, I'm going to have to specialize, go back to my roots...
... it's pretty clear.
If you don't have "it",
you've got to get "it".
Or, maybe I should stop identifying as a 20y/o punk...
... and go visit my grandson?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
No, I don't have pics of what I'm about to share, you'll have to take my word.
There we were, chatting and eating some lunch and the ladies across the way roll in after their race.
Next thing we all know, much to our disbelief said ladies strip and change.
To each their own, but maybe they need to own a changing poncho?
Use promo code: iSEEu
Saves you 20% on changing ponchos, this weekend only.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
5.5 hrs (terrible night)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IF YOU WERE CHRIS FROOME?
Mar 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING CHRIS FROOME RIGHT NOW? Going years without a result. Continuing to train your lycraclad buns off...
... and getting dropped again and again and again.
Of course you can.
We've all been there, some of us are there right now, and some of us, like Froome, may never get beyond that point of racing.
Racing is hard.
Everybody is at their best,
Everybody wants to win...
... everybody thinks they're a racer until they go months or years without a recognizable result.
And that's the difference between racers and riders.
Racers race.
Riders ride.
At this point, I'm more impressed with Froome than ever. That's a low bar. I was never a Froome fanboy. He was too humblebraggie, too awkward in his style, too robotic, and he fell off his bike too damn much...
... but, I love racers.
Especially those that keep lining up, regardless the odds.
When the world doesn't notice our struggles,
and battles and trials,
when the shyte hits the fan
and nothing is going right..
... racers keep racing.
No recognition needed.
Race on.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
Got this from one of the racers using the RaceDay Ready™ training protocol.
Have you checked it out?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
162.9
7.5 hrs
2 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU RIDING OR DRIVEN?
Mar 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF US ARE HAPPY TO BE RIDING, others are driven. Today, I ran into two of my pals. Each has huge, demanding events coming up this spring and summer. One is supremely confident...
... the other has a long way to go.
The one who is confident is doing BWR San Diego, a hellacious test of endurance and bike handling skill.
He's been training all winter.
When I saw him today he was on his race bike, a gravel rig. High up on the single tracks above our little town...
... ripping.
You ready?
Oh, yeah. All the dudes are scared. They know I'm coming for them.
We should all feel this sure of our selves before such a race.
But, it takes a lot work.
Hard work.
Prepration.
The less confident of my pals called me up.
I got into Leadville.
Are you training?
No, I just got over Covid - again.
Dang.
Yeah, but I'm ready to go.
Ok.
You've done it a bunch, I want you to train me and get me ready.
You're sure you're healed and ready for this.
For sure, I'm in.
Is he really ready for this?
I dunno, but we're gonna find out real quick if he's just riding it.
To be honest, I'm not sure there's a right way to do it. Both have their merits.
I only know my way, set an impossible goal and do everything possible...
... to make it happen.
If you're driven like us, check this out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
162.4
7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RIDE LIKE THE WIND
Mar 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE A LOT OF SAILING, you really have a limited understanding of the wind. Sailors learn to see it, feel it, hear it, taste it...
... and have a distinct advantage when road racing.
At one time, I was consumed with sailing.
The family catamaran turned into an obsession with Hobie Cats, which morphed into windsurfing...
... to eventually teaching windsurfing to pay for school.
Knowing the wind is everything in sailing.
Here's what you need to know when it comes to riding bikes:
- The wind direction changes based on how fast you are moving.
- A breakaway with a tailwind is more likely to succeed than one with a headwind because the draft is effectively neutralized with a strong enough wind.
- With speed, a side wind becomes a headwind.
- When drafting, move around behind the rider in front and find the sweet spot, where the wind is marginalized.
- A proper pace line will have the fast side leeward (protected by the wind) and the pulling off side windward (taking the wind).
- The larger the group, the shorter the time spent on the front.
- It's usually easier to be in the rotation than trying to hang onto the back of the group.
The biggest of those is the first.
In a group, or alone, the faster you are moving the more the wind will hit you in the face.
It's not so much that the wind is changing directions as much as the pace of the riding has changed significantly.
Second, be aware of attacks with a tailwind.
They are hardashell to bring back.
Crafty racers will look at the predicted wind on a weather app the day before a race.
What part of the course will the group provide shelter?
Where might an attack happen?
And check it again pre-race.
Devilish racers looking to win, will "put the race in the gutter".
This means if the wind is coming from the left they will race as far right as possible so there is little to no draft to be had behind them.
Racers who know what their doing...
... ride like the wind.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/ride-like-the-wind/527320131?i=527320136
Some months are windier than others.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Sea Otter is coming up for me.
I've had some hellawindy days on the circuit race there. Gonna do it again, and then hit the endurance MTB the next day.
All prepping for the ridiculous sub-8 Leadville quest.
You do have your RaceDay Calendar™, right?
Ships free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
161.9
8 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LIKE IT LIVE
Mar 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
LIVE PERFORMANCES ARE THE BEST. They are risky. There's no faking, either you've got the talent of you don't...
... just like racing.
Sure you can crush the Zwiftoton,
destroy the groupie ride,
steal KOMmies...
... but, do you have it on RaceDay?
It's risky.
- Cash
- Time
- Travel
- Equipment
- Training
- Nutrition
- Fitness
So many things to coordinate.
And when all goes right, when you know you're ready, when you give every last bit of your body, mind and soul to delivering the performance of your lifetime...
... that's just dawgawn beautiful.
I'll watch that all day long.
Like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voH11xV4AKI
skip to 1:30
If you're looking for an edge or just to get started.
Here's where'd I'd start: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
163.4
7.4 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO TO THE BEAUTY PARLOR?
Mar 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T HIT THE BEAUTY PARLOR TOO OFTEN. It's definitely, without a doubt, my very favorite indulgence in this wonderful quest to be faster. Sitting and talking with my stylist...
... the time just flies by.
Today's beauty appoint was a bit of an emergency.
Like a total rookie, I swapped my cleats before the big AZ races. That wasn't the rookie part, not marking them perfectly before the swap...
... was so unpro.
I made do, but it wasn't great.
In fact it got to the point of knowing if I went much longer I'd be risking long-term damage. Not a good place to be when I have a big races two of the next three weekends.
The amazing Ashley may not have been...
trimming,
adding color,
waxing my ears,
plucking my brows,
or giving me a mani and pedi...
... but, I just love sitting there and talking to him while he works...
... swapping saddles,
adjusting heights,
aligning cleats.
He's a wealth of insight and knowledge. I always learn something, often a lot...
... he intently listens to all the drama in my life.
Before you ask what it costs, not you, but you the new racer just winging and eyeballing things...
... what is the cost of discomfort, untapped power and potential permanent sportending damage?
You don't know do you?
Exactly my point.
If you haven't, and most of you have, go find the best bike fitter in town. Ask for referrals. Eventually you'll find the hidden treasure you've been looking for...
... and you will feel just as fast and sexy as hell I do right now.
If you're local to me, I got just the guy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Part of feeling fast and sexy is having a great helmet.
Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.
Protone
1 Red Medium
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.4
7.7 hrs
12 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T WAIT FOR YOUR TURN TO COME
Mar 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY WE ALL WITNESSED A MASTERPIECE OF TURNING. It was brilliant. Carving perfect lines, tires gasping for grip...
... captured on video.
Matej Mohoric's triumphant plummet off the Poggio was brilliant.
Did you notice how early he set up each turn?
You couldn't see it on the video.
You could see a lot...
... including the crazy two wheel drift he miraculously corrected, twice.
But, not the set up.
Not until the post victory interview.
I heard it, but it didn't register at first. He simply said, We worked really hard on the set up.
I tried to figure out what he was trying to explain...
... then it all came to light.
Already known as a death defying descender, he and his team mounted a dropper post on his road bike...
... which lowered his center of gravity and made him even more aerodynamic.
They set the bike up months before and then dialed in how the changes would improve his outstanding ability to get down the mountain...
... faster than anybody else.
This incremental increase gave him just enough additional speed to open up a gap of 8ish seconds...
... all he needed.
Racing the final kilometers the road was smooth and safe, a place where normally a fast descender would be caught.
Not this time.
It was over.
Months ago Matej decided it was his turn to win Milan-San Remo.
As I quoted yesterday...
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
Set your turns up early:
- Inspect the course if you can
- Choose you tires, and pressure
- Set up your bike position
- and suspension
Cross the apex, and exit in a better position than you ever have before...
... stun you competitors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
And, for heaven's sake...
... wear a bitchin' helmet.
Blowing out the remaining inventory, save 40%.
Protone
1 Red Medium
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.4
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
IF YOU AIN'T CHEATIN' YA AIN'T TRYIN'
Mar 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I THOUGHT IT WAS THE GREAT BOBBY KNIGHT WHO SAID If ya ain't cheating you ain't trying, maybe because March Madness is on or maybe just because he said so many funny and profound things...
... and I did a little cheating recently.
I use to cheat a lot.
Every Sunday, and a lot of days in between.
Chips n salsa.
Sleeves of Thin Mints.
Dozens of doughnuts.
I think it was His Excellence, Tim Ferriss, who drove the concept home in The Four Hour Body.
While there is some good info in there...
... cheat days, as I've learned relearned and learned again, ain't one of 'em.
Even once a week.
Not if you're really committed to peak performance...
... and the reason is simple.
- If you've laid back in your own personal dental chair
- with a pair of greasy vice grips in hand
- yanked hard on that sweet tooth
- and tossed it down in trash
- you know what I mean.
Once it's out...
... it's like casting out the devil.
The shackles are broken, the cords loosened...
... you are free to roam about the house with zero temptation.
But, if you're anything like me, give that devil an inch and it's over.
Just this week, Surfergirl brought home a giant, fresh, delicious sourdough bread.
Golden crust.
Thick.
Want a bite?
Nah.
Sure?
Well, okay, just a bite.
Next thing I know I'm up in the middle of the night like a feverish, drug addicted rat searching all corners for that bread I asked to be hid.
Morning came.
Uh, Handsome did you find the bread?
Mmmmmaybe.
Did you leave any?
Uhhhhhh, you know I love you and how I begged you to hide it.
I did hide it!
Not good enough.
Uh-oh
By the way, we're out of butter.
This quote of Bobby's is a little more apropos:
The key is not the will to win.
Everybody has that.
It is the will to prepare to win,
that is important.
- Bobby Knight.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Quote's like the above are thoughtful,
thoughtful people are smart,
smart people wear helmets,
this is a helmet blowout.
Protone
1 Red Medium
1 Black Small
Valegro
1 Light Blue Medium
Rapido
1 Large Red
1 Large Black
1 Large White
1 Medium Black
1 Medium Anthricite
Use promo code: NOGGIN to save 40% (up to $120) before 3/23
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
163.7
6.7 hrs
6 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 8 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIGHT WAY TO DO ZONE 2 TRAINING
Mar 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ZONE 2 TRAINING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL TO ME. There is nothing better to build a huge cardio engine...
... but that is only the half of it.
Nearly all of my zone 2 training is alone.
Like most, my schedule can get hectic, and it is a challenge to meet others for a session more than once or twice a week...
... so, it's just me.
Not only am I riding in solitude, but the majority of the rides are off-road, in nature. Or, off the highway on a bike path.
Here is where I tap into the superpower of zone 2...
... and maybe you do the same.
I noticed it long ago, when a certain infamous champion dominated cycling's collective consciousness. As I rode along, I imagined I was him. My posture changed, my cadence changed, my thoughts were elevated to those of a champion.
Years later, I realize zone 2 can be a meditative workout.
Far from the distractions of life, I am with my thoughts. Sometimes, for sure, I am envisioning a great outcome on the bike. Reviewing what I'll do in preparation, and how I will perform at a given time...
..., but, that's not all.
I take this time to imagine all areas of life having the outcomes I desire. My marriage, our kids and grandkids. Our long-term physical and spiritual health. The people I serve. And, most definitely, where PEDALindustries is headed.
That is how I do zone 2 training...
... how about you?
When I'm out for a really, really, really long zone 2 sesh, I like to have a little lotion for my bits and pieces...
... and this is my favorite.
Lasts longer and requires less than other brands.
Use promo code: ZTWO
---
163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
FIGHTING EFFECTIVELY
Mar 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
RACING IS ENDLESS BATTLE AND CONFLICT, and you cannot race effectively unless you can identify your enemies. That's my twist on a great Robert Greene post...
... but who are your enemies?
It matters.
Because, choosing worthy adversaries and worthy races will bring about worthy training.
Which is exactly why I'm so excited to race the famous and awesome Sagebrush Safari next weekend.
Last year it kicked my butt.
This year it should have more tough competitors.
Do I have a chance at winning? To be honest, I don't think so.
And, I love that.
To race against the best guys around these parts on a classic, long loop course that is technically challenging...
... that is a worthy endeavor.
When you think about it, having enemies is kind of an immature way to look at it. Adversaries sounds a little better...
... I prefer bringoutmybesties.
And what about the enemy of my enemy is my friend?
That actually turns out to be very true in road racing. Figuring out who is likely to win and who is anxious to prove that wrong can work to the benefit of a calculating competitor.
It doesn't work so well in the dirt. The speeds aren't high enough, the terrain too challenging.
Let's not leave out this maxim: a common enemy brings us all together.
The place I have seen this be most true is in regards to a beastly course like Leadville. A bunch of us from around these parts are going this year and we'll definitely all be training together and sharing ideas about how best to go about slaying the monster.
A final note I feel compelled to share:
Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace.
On a lighter note, we made some really fun custom gloves for the promote of the Sagebrush Safari, Quick N Dirty. They wanted a mustache on the forefinger.
So, if you've to an idea for a custom glove for your team or event or shop or company, etc.
Click here and we'll get a design going for you, the minimum is only 50 pair:
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/start-a-project
---
163.5
7.6 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
AS EASY AS 3-2-1
Mar 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ON THE START LINE IT’S INEVITABLE TO ASK, What the heck am I doing here? We know the pain ahead, the unknown treachery of the elements and competitors. There is only one way to remain calm and feel serene…
… as the announcer counts down.
Close your eyes, say a little prayer if you like, and envision your RaceDay Calendar™.
You knew back then what it would take to get you to the line, ready to slay the day. Like a general at war, you marshalled your most valuable commodity, time, and made this happen.
You...
Registered and did
All you could do.
Committed to the process.
Expect good things happen.
Reviewed every training ride and low-level race to get here.
You’re a RACER.
Some of you, knowing things would get hairy, tapped into our training and accountability…
… the dynamic daily check in.
- For 10 minutes, you jumped on a call with 9 other racers.
- Reported your stats from the day before
- Your plans for the day ahead.
- As you listened to the 9 others, your motivation grew.
- You made new friends and allies.
- You became bulletproof.
You’re ready my fine, inspiring friend…
… RaceDay Ready!™
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
There are 3 tools I use to achieve maximum success.
- The strategies in my book, The Way of The RACER.
- The RaceDay Calendar™
- The RaceDay Ready™ training and dynamic Accountability call.
Check it out here: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
---
163.5
7.2 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 24 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
2 VERY NASTY HABITS
Mar 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'M WELL ACQUAINTED WITH TWO NASTY HABITS. You might have your own demons, too. But, these aren't drinkin' er smoking' er foolin' around...
... there just plain nasty.
You might not have developed these habits, but you might want to.
I work on 'em all the dern time.
The first I was reminded of when one of my padwans checked in after the weekend's race. He hadn't raced in a few years, and certainly not a crit. Since I'm helping him get ready for Gran Fondo Nationals, I want him to race as much as possible...
... because there are some really nasty racers out there.
How'd it go Satterdee?
Oh, not too good.
Wha' happened.
They started real hard and I got dropped.
Nasty habit numero uno: start fast, make it hard, eject the unprepared.
The second nasty habit I was reminded of riding tonight. I'd run into the great Hoffy. I've never trained with or witnessed up close a racer more capable of this...
... lowdown, no-good, sunnuvagun maneuver.
If you ever managed to get in a break with him, heck if you just did training rides with him, he'd subject you to the worst experience of your life by blasting so hard over the top you'd swear he just might lift off and keep going to the moon.
Nasty habit numero dos: always, always, always crush it over the top.
There you have it, two nasty habits that if perfected can crush the spirits of any racer.
How do I practice them?
Sometimes I leave the house (not always on purpose) with no option but to go full gas from the very first pedal stroke because if I don't I know I won't make it to the meet up with the posse.
And, when training alone I love to really push hard over ever climb simply because
... it hurts a lot.
Remember...
... If they ain't gonna lead, make 'em bleed.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/get-raceday-ready-now
Do you have my to 3 tools for success on RaceDay?
You should.
Shouldn't ya?
---
162.5
7 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 32 Power PushUps + 32 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WANT TO KNOW HOW I REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE ARIZONA RACES?
Mar 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
OK, I'VE BEEN A FUNK ALL DAY. Could just be getting back in the swing of work things after a week of racing, but I think it's more. To be perfectly honest...
... I'm ticked!
It started with the 2 second places at the road stage race.
I know what you're thinking.
You should be happy with second.
I'm not.
I have collected an otherworldly amount of 2nd place finishes. It's to the point Surfergirl hesitates to ask...
... yes, it's that freakin' bad.
Of course, I would be thrilled if I didn't think I had a chanceinhell of winning.
But, I won both of those stages 3 years ago. It was pretty much the same guys except for Dougie... and I know his M.O. is to attack and get away. I really screwed it up when I let him get away and gambled on the others chasing him down...
... I mean really screwed that up on the road race.
The subsequent circuit race had a $#!|show ending.
There was nothing I could do about the race official's terrible decision to stop us 2 miles before the sprint vs a lap earlier. I don't think I could have handled it any better than I did. Going from a near standstill, with a target on my back, was difficult...
... it just stung to get pipped at the line.
The icing on the cake, of course, was not listening to my spidersense and rolling with only 20lbs in my rear tire at The Cactus Cup MTB race Saturday. I'm just too much of a charger to pussyfoot it across the rocks.
Instead of a hardearned podium on a tough course against some real MTB ninjas...
... I did a 3 mile walk of shame.
Pushing my bike while my competitors mockingly (in my mind) rushed by, along with every other man, woman and child...
... really. really, really, really stunk.
To add to my pain, I have learned that Mavic, the makers of this fine rear wheel which I have absolutely loved...
... apparently isn't even operating in the US at the moment.
Am I screwed regarding their advertised lifetime warranty????
So, there you have it...
... I'm an angry old man today.
It has nothing to do with disrespecting my competitors and everything to do with...
... my high expectations for myself!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Good thing we received a new shipment of gloves today...
... retail therapy is real, even for me the maker.
Sometimes I wonder if you realize how much I put into every product we develop and sell.
Take these gloves
- 5 iterations until I was satisfied with the fit
- Real leather palm, perforated for breathing
- Heat sensitive thread on the fingertips for operating phone screens
- Stretchy, breathable mesh on the top.
- Fit so good, you'll forget you're wearing them.
And, yes, we can make them for your team... check out the bottom pic
The last pair we made for our friends at Quick N Dirty, promoters of some of my favorite MTB races.
So, yeah, I kept a pair for myself.
Remember, all gloves are buy one get one... just add them to your cart and the discount is automatic at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.7
8 hrs
18 Pull Ups + 16 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
6 RACES, 10 DAYS
Mar 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THE LAST 10 DAYS FOR ABOUT A YEAR. Racing two 3-day stages races on back to back weekends in AZ...
... what could be better?!
The rolling terrain means fast, fast racing.
Nothing slow.
No grinding.
That's the way I like it.
Home now, I'm feeling super blessed to have been able to pull it off.
- To realize my latest training tweaks are real breakthroughs
- To hang with friends I only see when traveling
- To do some fun riding between the races
- To camp out in the middle of nowhere
- To get some pretty good results
I'll miss the quiet mornings and evenings, the expansive vistas and the clear, clean air...
... yep, feeling very fortunate.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready
Are you on track for the upcoming season?
If not, I highly recommend our Accountability program. You can demo it for free, starting Tuesday 3/15.
Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo
---
163ish (no scale)
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
0 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
PRIDE AND GREED, THEY'LL KILL YA EVER TIME
Mar 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I WAS SO SMUGLY CONFIDENT IT WOULD BE A GOOD DAY. I'd held back in the TT, legs felt great, bike was perfect...
... but I ignored my spider sense.
And, it cost me.
Before I get there, here's a quick run down of the race.
As our group advanced towards the start line for our wave, an official stopped us.
We're gonna call up the top 10 first, the next 20 fastest can fill in behind, and the rest of ya's after that.
Gotta be honest, it's pretty cool getting called up to the start line.
1 minute!
30 seconds!
5-4-3-2-1...
... the local AZ stud pins on Go!
The first mile or so, it's one long charging centipede.
After the first, and only, stinging climb, it's pretty much over. Six of us are out of site...
... I feel great.
Historically, I'm shelled at this point. Not today.
Rider 5 blows.
Rider 4 blows.
I close gaps, but the pressure is just to much.
FluorescentGreenJerseyGuy rolls by and I jump on, and we're off. Nobody else is even close...
... the lead 3 are pulling away, the two of us are rocking.
In review, I see a lot of PRs.
I still feel really good, and I'm very happy to not have the Wahoo...
... racing on feel and an occasional glance at my Apple Watch.
Here's where the pride brings me down...
First,
The Mini RaceDay Bag™ 2.0 turned out really great. It's just super clean the way it mounts. I love the way it holds everything silently. I'm real proud of the way it looks on my bike. Racy.
One problem.
I had it all set up for road, meaning all the dynaplugs were road ready. Sure I had the fat heads for MTB, but they weren't locked and loaded.
Second,
FluorescentGreenJerseyGuy sits on my wheel for a long, long time. To be fair, I'd done the same. But, when I gallantly pulled through I was sure to do it at a pace he could latch on.
When he passed me, after 40 minutes of following, he went hard. Gapped me. It happens, you rest and rest and rest and ya just can't resist making a strong move.
I know that.
So, I watched him ease ahead...
... then stop gaining...
... with the top of a 1 mile, rocky climb in sight, I closed the gap and jumped him for the equally rocky down hill.
Went as fast as I could.
He is a really good bike handler and stayed glued.
There was only one more really rocky descent and I was still in front. I purposely went as fast as I could hoping he would flat.
Oops.
Not a good idea.
I flatted.
Are you keep track of my pride? Didn't check my equipment set up and figured I could force him to flat because I have had such good luck with my tires.
That's just stupid.
I got busy fixing the flat. It took 6 or 7 minutes, 1.5 air cartridges, 4 dynaplugs.
After about 3 minutes 5th and 6th place went by.
3ish minutes later I finally got the tire to hold air.
And here comes the greed.
I was concerned the tire might not seal, so I didn't use that last 1/2 of the canister.
I should have.
While I was back up to speed, going as hard or harder than I did on the TT yesterday, I passed 6th place then I passed AZ stud who'd also flatted.
Back up to 4th.
If only I hadn't been so greedy and anxious to make up lost time. I would have heeded that rear wheel's screams for more air.
Instead, I nailed another rock with such excellent precision that a shattered the rim.
Lessons learned:
- Check, doublecheck, triplecheck all equipment.
- Slow the heck down and repair the bike properly before hauling off.
- Always listen to the Spidersense which was yelling You need more than 20lbs for this course!!!
In the shouldacouldawoulda world, there was a podium spot waiting for me. 3rd for sure, but I'm pretty sure I'da won a sprint up the long straightaway.
Oh, one more lesson...
... I do better ignoring the data and just racing my dern bike.
The Wahoo (which I found in the wrong pocket of my RaceDay Bag™) is great for training rides, but I am confident I'm faster without it during really intense racing.
That's just me.
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You might be asking why I don't have a Mini RaceDay Bag™ 2.0 for each bike. The answer to that is, I'm running the prototype and the first batch is in sewing right now.
Doesn't that look sharp!
That black strap is printed, and yes, absolutely yes, we can print it in your team colors.
Order here:
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163ish (no scale)
7.75 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
AREN'T WE A SUPERSTITIOUS LOT
Mar 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE ALL HAVE OUR SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS. Some are rituals we Have to do, others drinks or foods or warm ups. Even if we think we are rational...
... we aren't, as much as we think.
I'm okay with that.
Conceiving is believing is achieving.
It's a well worn trail to enlightment and confidence.
But, when one of our Gotta haves is missing it can throw us off our game...
... really mess with our heads.
Then we have a choice.
Believe all is lost or potentially breakthrough to a new way of doing things.
I have found breaking the superstitions to generally be a good way to develop what was once a potential skill into something I know and can depend on.
Case in point:
During my travels to these races I've managed to misplace my Wahoo. How you ask? By not putting it back in the proper pocket of my RaceDay Bag™. Oops.
If there was ever a time to use a computer to track our efforts, it's Saturday's 40 miles MTB race. From experience, I know there will be hours when I'm alone. That would be an ideal time to lean on the HR monitor for pacing.
I do have my Apple Watch. I can glance at it occasionally, but not as easily or safely at speed, off road..
TBH, I wish I had the Wahoo. It's useful. I trust it.
There are two choices:
- cry, Wo is me, all is lost
- or, F' that... it probably kept me from going fast enough anyway.
By now, you know me well enough to know how I'll play...
... and how I recommend you play it.
As I state in my book, Expect good things to happen.
---
I wrote the above earlier today, before the TT in the afternoon.
Riding purely on feel, I started out slower than last year but managed to PR the course. I'm pretty happy with that, and encouraged to ride on feel tomorrow.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
Dominic, from New Jersey, introduced himself to me at the Cactus Cup venue this morning. He had one of my book flyers in his hand, wrinkled.
Do you have any books?
Oh man, no I don't.
Shame on you.
I'm sorry, and thanks for the reminder. You can always order it and pay the shipping.
I know, just wanted a signed copy.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/the-way-of-the-racer
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
1- minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
PRE-RIDING LIKE A PRO
Mar 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PROS ARE SO GOOD AND TRAVEL SO MUCH, they often don't pre-ride a course. They don't need to. We do, and here's how to do it...
... in a pro way.
Nearly all of us have had the exhilarating and nerve-racking opportunity to be in a school/community play.
We get the line(s) and memorize at home.
It's all great until the dress rehearsal.
That's where we find out just how nervous we are, how hard it is to remain focused...
... and deliver that dang part!
We go home, practice some more.
The next dress rehearsal goes better.
Repeat they cycle a few more times...
... and a star is born!
Think of your intervals, your bike prep, loading your RaceDay Bag™, etc as memorizing your lines...
... perfect all of it.
Get out to the course as early as possible and pre-ride it as close as possible to your raceday set up...
... this is your dress rehearsal.
Take note of everything:
- Weather
- Angle of sun
- Terrain surface
- Exit and entrance angles on turns
- Final miles
- Duration
- etc
And, if possible, repeat the cycle a few more times.
Can't get out there early? Read up on it. Look for videos. Search out others who have raced the course. There is a lot that can be done remote.
Too many of us forget our lines on raceday...
... lose our minds and blow it.
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I was happy to see a lot of PEDALindustries gloves and socks on the warm up today.
Lots of colors to choose from, in Men's and Women's sizes.
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https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LIFE OF A BIKE WIDOW(ER)
Mar 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A THICK LINE BETWEEN TRAINING and Whattheheck are you doing to our relationship? If it was a fine line, we'd be fine. But, it's thick...
... and easy to ride on.
Which can be a problem because riding that line sends all the wrong signals to those we love.
If it were skinny, like a parking lot line, we'd fall one way or the other. It is a lot more like the road paved to hell...
... wide and welcoming.
I was reminded of that today when the above pic came in. Surfergirl and EasyE's lover shot us a picture of them suffering through another day without us...
... just look at those smiles.
They are beyond missing us and our goofy diets, obsessive resting, and wandering in and out during the day from bike to work to gym to work, and so on...
... a break is good from time to time.
I was careful to schedule a surf trip with her before I left, and have time set aside to surf with her in preparation for the adventure...
... she's never been more supportive.
Of course, it's planned right in between a giant racing block and the start of my insane Leadville quest...
... just don't tell her that.
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The giant RaceDay Calendar™ isn't just for plotting out world domination...
... it's great making sure all the important stuff happens all year long.
Have you ordered yours yet...
... or are you the type that wings?
Plan your work, work your plan.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD EX-PROS RACE IN THE AMATEUR AGE GROUPS.
Mar 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SHOULD EX-PROS BE RACING AMATEUR AGE GROUPS? This came up twice over the weekend. And, I have a definite opinion which I'm guessing...
... 50% of you are going to hate.
In the 40+ men's race, an ex-pro crushed the time trial, soloed most of the road race, and did the same thing in the circuit race.
It wasn't close, at all.
That's an ex-pro road racer.
We also have many ex-pros from other sports who pick up bike racing and start ripping it up and blowing everyone away.
My opinion?
First, I think it's weird that anybody regularly signs up for any kind of competition and handily destroys all comers.
Where is the fun in that?
Battling is fun. Being pushed to your limits is fun. Winning is fun...
... but, not when it's a lock...
... unless it's your livelihood.
To me, that's just weird.
I think that's why you see many "older" lifelong bicycle racers, Ned and Tinker come to mind, who still race pro.
Second, I flipping love seeing these "seasoned" racers still killing it. Whether it's as an age-grouper or racing pro...
... it freakin' inspires the helloutta me, and gives me hope to maintain what the good lord gave me to work with.
Third, there aren't a million of these cats anyway.
Which means, we all have a very good chance of sharing the podium with a legend...
... and that is about as cool as it gets in my book.
I searched and searched for the podiums with me and Tinker, no luck, you'll have to trust me.
That's Jeff Ward above, Supercross World champ and Indy car racer sharing the podium with me last year at CritCross...
... and I'm dang happy to rub shoulders and become friends with this caliber of athlete.
Who knows, maybe I'll outlast them,
or they'll have a really bad day,
or a mechanical breakdown,
and I'll get the V.
Which brings it all back to this...
... stop comparing yourself.
Winning is nice, PRs are better...
... only you know if you gave your best.
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163ish (no scale)
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
HATE THE WHEELSUCKING, NOT THE WHEELSUCKER
Mar 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I COULD ONLY LAUGH. After chasing down multiple attacks, and doing my galdarn bestest to keep things together and fast...
... I was called a wheelsucker.
Oh, the horror!
A sprinter, with no teammates, and limited timetrialing ability accused of being a wheelsucker...
... no shyte Shylock.
But, really, what is a wheelsucker?
Sure, it's someone who is trying to spend the least amount of energy possible and get a good result...
... which everybody does to differing degrees.
If someone is sucking your wheel, it sucks. Totally.
You're working, they aren't (as much).
You're strong, they're cautious...
... or trying to wear you down
or get in your head
or intimidated by your reputation of dispatching mere mortals
or they're just hanging on as best they can.
How do you get rid of a wheelsucker?
- Just like Dougie did on Saturday, attack attack attack until you get away.
- Sit up, let them by and suck their wheel.
- Send teammates on the attack to wear the suckers out.
Whatever you do, don't get mad.
They're racing their race, you race yours. Make you're own luck...
... and heavens sakes, realize it's a compliment to your obvious superior power.
Which reminds me, I have a brutal XC race on Saturday. 3ish hours. There's no wheelsuckery in mountain biking...
- Strongest rider
- With best handling skills
- Who's bike stays together
- And has a superior nutrition strategy
... always wins.
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---
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
3 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE THE KING OF USA CYCLING
Mar 06, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WELLLLLLL, AFTER A HOT SHOWER AND SOME TIME TO REFLECT, I've driven back to the circuit race to soak in the vibe. We had an interesting finale, leaving many heads shaking...
... and me asking, how could we fix it?
It's not just the issue we had, it's bigger.
But, here's a specific example.
On the final lap, after 90 minutes of racing, after covering moves and fighting for position the pro field came by us...
... with 2 miles to go.
I'm a sprinter, and as any sprinter can tell you, the final 2 miles have a lot of drama. Everybody with a shot wants to be in the perfect position, and we're all counting on the speeds to remain high...
... instead the race official reined us to a near stand still.
When all the pros and their caravan of cars were final through, we had about a mile to go. Frankly, I didn't care to much because we were still all in about the same position...
... but, that's not how a lot of guys felt.
There was much yelling for a protest finish. Their big idea was to slowly roll in together.
And, I'm thinking What the hell? Protest what? We invested a lot of money and time to be here: entry fees, travel, lodging, training, gear and bikes. All told, it's an embarrassing amount...
... to let go to waste.
Meanwhile, the 60 guys behind the boisterous, whiney lead 20 have no clue what's going on up front, and when we make the final turn and the road opens up they come galloping through like an unruly herd of buffalo.
Not ideal.
So, what would I do if I was king of USA Cycling?
I would expand my kingdom and take care of my people.
Here's how:
Bring in professional staff
In most cases, races are put on by a local promoter who knows the community and the ins and outs of getting things done. Bonus points for those promoters able to obtain significant sponsorship cash.
The execution of the event on race day can be overwhelming, this I know from personal promoting experience. Having professional staff come in and take care of logistics would be an incredible help. More importantly, it could standardize the product being offered.
Most promoters are part-time at best. They are awesome in every way. However, it's an awful lot to ask volunteers with little to no knowledge of racing to take care of hundreds of wound up competitors on raceday.
How to do this? Charge more.
As pointed out above, the entry fees are minuscule compared to everything else we put in to it as competitors.
What about promoters who have enough races to have staff? Listen to the input and ideas they have to bring everybody's offering to a new, higher level.
Most of us have been to an event like Leadville or BWR or QuickNDirty or OverTheHump or CBR and know what a quality experience it can be. Those events, and many others are thriving. They aren't cheap and it shows in the product delivered.
In addition to staff, I'd bestow the local promoters with sponsorship dollars from our national parters and let them keep any local sponsorship money for themselves. In other words, I'd do everything possible to make sure a reasonable profit was turned vs. a stinging loss of cash.
Own Community and The Data
Part of this equation would be to have ALL races in one database. Easy to find events, with a standard format for navigating everything from Registration to arrival at the Start line.
Further, all racers would listed there. We could easily see who our competitors are and this wouldn't be just for seeing what they are up to. It would be the place for racers to connect. So many times I've met a really cool cat at a far away race and never been able to easily stay in touch.
How to do this? Offer this for technology free to the promoters and racers.
Use an ad driven model to boost the hundred or so we already kick in. It doesn't have to be spammy, carefully curated ads from companies who love what we do and make things we would love to have could be wonderful.
Race Numbers
Can't we all have a permanent race number?
3 characters - numbers and letters.
Then, we can have a standardized race number size and print it right on our jerseys.
No more pins.
No more giant numbers covering our pockets.
No more ruined jerseys with a million pin holes and tears.
No more race officials yelling at the poor racer who failed to follow their particular race's peculiar number placement.
Racer check in would be much smoother, too.
A Final Word
We all love our sport. All our lives have been changed and generally improved. We are healthier than most of the population and have made terrific friends.
We all want it to grow.
Everybody.
Promoters.
Racers.
Fans.
You.
Me.
Oh, and for those of you still reading, with all the chaos of the final mile I managed another 2nd place...
... and I'm pretty happy about that.
Got a different opinion? Something to add? I'm down to collect all ideas and consolidate before sending to the real king.
---
Pulled off the dark desert highway. My head heavy, and my sight dim.
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This changing poncho always reminds me of my times racing in the desert.
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---
163ish (no scale)
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RACING ON THROUGH
Mar 05, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO THINGS I LOVE ABOUT RACING IN TUCSON, things we don't have in my parts. There are also things we do have, and I was reminded of them as I pulled into Waffle House...
... at 5am.
A shadowy figure had crossed road and headed towards the same door I was pointing for.
He got there first.
Opened the door, but didn't go in.
As I squeezed past, I could see he was young. The dark circles under his eyes needed rest. Tattoos encircled his neck.
I ordered my usual, which is only my usual here because no Waffle House in CA.
He stood looking in, his dark skin and hair barely visible.
I opened the door.
Are you hungry.
A nod.
Come in.
Order whatever you want.
He was silent. Was it the fatigue, the cold? I don't know.
Miss, please double my order.
This early, they only prepare orders to go.
I sat back and listened to the sweet, soft spoken voice of this young man.
Do you have a phone?
In the car.
He turned to the server.
Do you know how to get to the halfway house? A church, for rehab.
Eventually, the cook pipped up with directions.
My food was ready. I hesitated, should I give him a ride? What kind of delay would that be for my race? Shamefully, I drove away...
... thinking of my own kids.
Would they have ended up on this troubled path if they'd had a different upbringing? I thought about him, would he have a degree and an enjoyable career? A stable, loving relationship?
I'll never know because I'm just racing through life right now, feeling like I've done my part...
... but, maybe there is more to do?
The race went well.
My pal Doug did his thing and eventually broke away, putting 2 1/2 minutes on us. I did my thing and snagged 2nd place and moved up to 6th on GC...
... which only served to remind me, everybody needs a second chance.
The desire to reach out to the less fortunate when I return is strong right now. The pressures of running a business are sequestered, and I'm an emotional guy. I know for a fact my own church has just the place for me to plug in and do what I can in my own town...
... just gotta commit.
Oh, and that other thing I love about Tucson...
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---
163ish (no scale)
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
40 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
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WHAT I LEARNT IN THE PROLOGUE TODAY
Mar 04, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THE LAST TIME I RACED TUCSON, the opening stage was a short time trial. Today it was even shorter. A real prologue...
... 8ish minutes, all out.
Who ever practices that?
Not me, but apparently some do...
... and they were really fast.
Unless you are a true specialist, or at least practice it a bit, doing any kind of prologue or time trial is a total mind screw.
- You know you're not great, why try?
- You know it's short, why not go for it?
- You know stages races are usually one by ripping the timed event, why not save it for the other days?
I don't think you get the picture. You think you do. But, you might not. Because those thoughts aren't just entertained during breakfast.
They start as whispers the moment you sign up. Very quiet. Easy to ignore, but they come back. And, if you're a not a specialist you dissuade yourself of believing you have a chance.
Unfortunately, with an hour to go the thoughts return. Not quiet. Yelling. Commanding you to make up your mind.
You warm up, trying to avoid engaging your thoughts.
Do it.
Don't do it.
Go for it.
Take it easy.
You have a chance!
Save it for tomorrow.
When you roll up to the line and the official clock is counting down, it's deafening. Which devil is going to take control...
... the charger or the lackey?
You hear the beep, stop on the pedals and say to yourself...
... F this, I'm going for it!
A few minutes in, it really starts to hurt. The lackey tries to come up for air, but the charge in you throttles him with every racing thud of your beautifully beating heart...
... gawd, I feel fantastic!
So, here's what I learnt:
- I am ok at this
- I should practice it a bit
- I'm in pretty good shape considering the last few months
- And... 15 seconds out of first with a very, very slim chance of still making the podium in the overall.
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---
163ish (no scale)
8
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
40 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
THE LAST RACE
Mar 03, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PULLING INTO TUCSON THIS EVENING, I WONDERED IF THIS WOULD BE MY LAST ROAD RACE? I mean, I just drove 7 hours to do a road race...
... there just aren't any options in SoCal.
Kinda makes ya wonder, what if tomorrow was your last race...
... and you knew it?
In fact, what if you'd known for a few months...
... tomorrow is the very last one, ever?
Would you be kinder to the volunteers or more dismissive?
How early would you get to the start?
How intensely would you train?
Would you embrace your long-time competitors or be aloof?
Would you attack from the gun or patiently wait for things to unfold?
Would you focus on the wheel in front of you or drown in the sounds of hubs, chains and rims?
If there was a mishap would you stop or hammer on?
Would you leave nothing to chance or be nonchalant in your prep?
Would you bike be pristine or worn out?
How important would it be to win?
What if you lost?
And that's the problem with the last race...
... it could always be tomorrow.
---
162.9
7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
US AND THEM
Mar 02, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE REALLY IS A CULTURAL DIVIDE. You notice when talking with others, particularly if they haven't see you for a while...
... and don't know what you've been up to.
Happened to me just the other day.
You're really skinny.
I'm lean.
I mean you've lost a lot of weight.
It was mostly fat.
I bet it was hard to do.
Not really.
I hate working out.
I can tell.
Did you have to give up a bunch of food?
Yeah, all the crap that was killing me.
(silence)
Any other questions?
Isn't it great to be weird...
... totally different from them!
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---
163
7.25
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
RACE PREDICTOR, HMMMM
Mar 01, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHO CAN PREDICT A RACE? Sure there are journos who get way deep into the lives of racers, but rarely do they pick a Tadej...
... before he slaughters everybody.
It's easy to pick him to win now.
When I signed up for the race this weekend and saw the Race Predictor tab I was curious...
... what predictions could it possibly make accurately.
- Most of us haven't raced regularly for 2 year.
- It's earlier season, few have raced this year.
- How could it factor in my having the 'rona in January
- What about work stress
- Family
I scanned the list.
My friend Doug is on there, 6 predicted places below me. He's been whacking me every weekend this year. Leaving me for dead on the group rides. Plus, he's raced already this year, and 11 times last year...
... compared to my zero.
Wait..
... hold on.
Race Predictor somehow has me winning 2 fat bike time trials in 2021...
... in Iowa!
Never been there, never ridden a fat bike.
All I can say is...
... don't believe the hype.
Nobody really knows how ready you are but you.
Sure, I can and will, look at the Race Predictor but only for the purpose of looking up the most recent results. Like this year.
Even then.
It's a race.
The unknown is what makes it so dadgum fun!
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https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo
---
162.5
7.25
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THINGS GONNA BREAK, ARE YOU?
Feb 28, 2022
by TODD BROWN
UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, not only did the steel rod go through my tire and through my rim tape, but right on through the side of the sexy deep dish...
... perfect time.
Because nothing says Yipee like a trashed race wheel a few days before what will likely be the only road race I do this year.
Who doesn't wanna be scrambling for parts when they could calmly be sipping a cool drink on the coach?
I called Enve.
Ya think I could ride it? (the hope in my voice was pathetic).
No sir.
You're sure?
Yessir.
How long to get a replacement?
Oh, 2 days to process your claim and get you an RA number, then 2 days to ship it here, 4-5 days to lace up a new wheel for ya, couple a days to get it back to ya.
Hmmmm.
When do you need it?
In two days.
Sorry man.
Yeah, me too. I'll get it up to you as quick as possible. Thanks for taking care of it.
You bet.
I've put the feelers out for a loaner, and I'm actually hopeful my gravel wheel isn't too wide. The hubs are the same, so is the disc. I'll figure that out tomorrow.
Is there a lesson in there?
Yeah, I think so. Purchasing product from a serious company will always lead to a good warranty solution. It may not be as quick as we'd like, but to think Enve is going to get me a new rim at no cost is flipping unbelievable.
Will it matter at the race?
I hope not.
Can't imagine anything coming down a half a second...
... only one way to find out.
Now, some folks might use this as a reason not to race. Or, perhaps, dog it. Not me. I'm holding myself accountable.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo
Accountability is one of the keys to getting results.
That's why I've created this new Accountability Call. If you are looking for a way to stay on track, keep progressing, and not backslide...
... you ought to take me up on this offer.
Try the Accountability Call for free.
Yep, a free 2 week demo.
You have to do the following:
- Be willing to give something up if you fail to show up each day.
- Have a big Why
- Have a clearly defined result you want to achieve
If that's you, click the link below.
I'd love to have you join us.
We start on 3/15.
Do it!
Use this promo code: ACCOUNTABILITYDEMO
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-silver-20-mo
---
164
7.25
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU GOING FOR THE MINIMUM TODAY?
Feb 27, 2022
by TODD BROWN
YOU HAVE A CHOICE TODAY, and it's not do nothing. Do nothing is for donothings and that's not who we are...
... we are doers.
Which means we can pick one of three, but we gotta pick one:
- The minimum
- A good amount
- World class.
There are times when we just can't put in the miles we want to put in.
Don't fret.
The minimum will suffice.
Things will change, open up...
... and we'll get to those good amount and world class days.
Figure out your minimum and make it happen, no matter what.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Speaking of minimum, the KOM jacket is very minimalist.
Perfect for those days when you just want to keep the wind off of ya...
... it's my goto this time of year.
Saturday, I had it tucked in my pocket going up the climb. It was chilly, and gusty, but I was working hard.
Didn't need it...
... until I headed back down.
Best part, it's very aero for a jacket.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Looking for a discount?
Become and affiliate: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/share-our-mission-earn-a-commission
---
162.4
8
12 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats (minimumish day)
20 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
REPEAT AFTER ME
Feb 26, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I PULLED OVER TO LET A TRAIN OF RIDERS COMING DOWN PASS. The etiquette is to allow the uphill rider to continue, but the trail was skinny with a good drop to the side...
... the riders were struggling.
Pressing upward would be pressing my luck and theirs.
They were gripping for their lives.
Who hasn't been there?
Who hasn't enjoyed showing off their new MTB skills while their friends panic...
... cheap entertainment at it's best.
Some never return.
The rest repeat until perfected.
Which brings me to my adjusted workout plan. Original plan was a vicious road group ride, nixed by a small steel rod I discovered buried in my rim. Too late to fix that, I quickly altered a backup plan...
... repeats on said 1 hour 2500' climb.
Here's what happens when you do repeats:
- You learn the trail better each time
- Which allows you to clean the technical sections
- Resulting in being able to look further up the trail
- Looking further ahead always smooths out our riding
Repeats = Speed
One objective I had was to go as fast the second time up and back as I did the first time...
... no, I wasn't doggin' it.
1:35:28 the first time
1:36:59 the second time.
Not bad.
I considered a third attempt, at a more moderate pace, then elected to keep it to a 4 hour ride...
... mainly because I'm racing the next two weekends.
And, yes, I plan to get out there early and ride some or all of the courses because...
... repeats = speed.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready
If you need some help staying on track, or want to take it all up to the next level check out the new RaceDay Ready™
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready
---
161.4
7.7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
A GIANT MOVES INTO PEDALindustries
Feb 25, 2022
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF CROSS-POLLINATION, you're missing out big time. Every sport has it's freak who is obsessed to push the boundaries far beyond what was thought possible...
... Bannister get's the most credit.
But, I love what Eliud Kipchoge is doing today with the sub-2hr marathon. He's a really cool cat and super inspirational...
... can you even imagine running that fast for 2 hours?!!!
Or Alex Honnold free climbing the most challenging routes in the world, dangling thousands of feet in the air by his finger tips...
... what if you were nothing but pure muscle, what could you do?!
A few I've incorporated:
- God-like Herschel Walker got me to do pushups.
- Christopher McDougall's Natural Born Heroes, pull ups.
- Knees Over Toes Guy's 40" vertical leap, squats.
- Phil Maffeton, doing all three every day.
Sometimes I get a product idea, like the Giant RaceDay Bag™ I'm working on. It started as a project for football players. Yeah, and they have even more gear than we do...
... it's gonna be big!
I know some of you are going to want this new Giant size. Stay tuned for the release.
In the meantime, remember to do those 3 exercises every day.
Every, day!
Your bones will be strong, you core stable, and your sprint devastating.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready
If you need some help staying on track, or want to take it all up to the next level check out the new RaceDay Ready™
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready
---
161.7
7.5
12 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
RACING GAVE ME THE BEST PRESENT
Feb 24, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHEN RACING, REALLY RACING AND GOING FOR IT. Not trying hard, not along for the ride, but all in racing...
... time does not exit.
There is no past.
There is future.
Only racing.
That intensity is magic...
... a great present.
---
Looking to improve your results? Want to save a few bucks?
Check this out: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-raceday-ready
---
162.5
7
18 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 12 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
COMES A TIME
Feb 23, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WE ALL HAVE OUR LIMITS TO JUST HOW MUCH TRAINING WE CAN REALLY DO. Focused, committed, nose to the bar grinding. Then, comes a time...
... and we're drifting.
Don't wanna do it no more.
We're done.
I'm there now.
10 weeks is 'bout all I can handle.
I'm 9 weeks in.
This is always the week when I'm most tiredest, when the joy of a quick rip around town...
... turns to work.
And, it's right where I want to be.
10 days out from back to back 3-day stage races.
After this week, there's nothing left to do but recover and prep the bikes and gear.
But, there is still this week.
It was freezing this morning. A chilling wind blowing in off the ocean. Scattered squalls punching, pummeling and pouring.
I wanted to stay inside, instead I met up with a few other crazies, and pushed it hard. With a mile to go, we were trading pulls and working out the sprint.
I needed this test of speed...
... not the flat tire on a lonely road.
Bonus points for not brining my phone.
That's when you know it's coming to an end, When you go out regardless of desire and deal with a shifty hand...
... and then go out at sunset to make up the lost riding time.
Can't wait to go racing.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0
This is one of the bags I'll be prepping.
The Mini-RaceDay Bag™ 2.0
The first batch is in production and will be able to ship in about 3 weeks.
That strap can be customized with your team colors and logo.
Holds all I need for racing:
- 2 20 oz canisters
- 1 nozzle
- 1 multitool
- 1 Dynaplug system and some extra plugs
- plus, I always have a $20 in there just in case.
Use this promo code to save 20%: RACERSDO
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
162
7.4
30 Pull Ups + 42 Power PushUps + 42 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
WHO ELECTED THIS CAT ANYHOW?!
Feb 22, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ARE YOU A RIDER OR A RACER? A lot of people ride, many of them race. But, they aren't all racers. Racers are different...
... it's an internal thing.
Not their astonishing heart rates, but their heart. They are singleminded. Reading, studying, watching, practicing, training..
... a totally different level of commitment.
They elected to be their absolute best, racing is a byproduct and a place to find out how good they really are.
Some of the best racers I ever rode with have rarely, if ever, pinned on a number. But, ask them...
... their PR up to local hill and they'll give it to the second along with the backstory.
... their tire recommendation and they'll ask you the terrain, your weight, etc.
... their food strategy and it'll depend on weather, distance, time and intensity.
Being a racer is who they are, and it shows in everything they do.
Sometimes our past needs to step down, like the previous mayor,
and let the new us run the show.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0
That's the kind of thinking that keeps me constantly creating and improving our products.
Like the Mini-RaceDay Bag™ 2.0
The first batch is in production and will be able to ship in about 3 weeks.
That strap can be customized with your team colors and logo.
Holds all I need for racing:
- 2 20 oz canisters
- 1 nozzle
- 1 multitool
- 1 Dynaplug system and some extra plugs
- plus, I always have a $20 in there just in case.
Use this promo code to save 20%: RACERSDO
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/mini-raceday-bag-2-0
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
162.9
7.7
36 Pull Ups + 36 Power PushUps + 36 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IT HAPPENED TO ROGLIC, HAS IT HAPPENED TO YOU?
Feb 21, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THEY'RE LEAN, POWERFUL AND FLY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. You can smell the confidence steaming from their kit. Watching them jump the large hill at the Olympics...
... is breathtaking.
That was Primoz Roglic's dream. To fly farther and more gracefully than any other jumper, but it didn't work out that way...
... he was injured.
Like so many of us, he found a passion for the bike via rehab...
... then, something switched and he became a cycling champion.
Which brings me to a conversation with MH today.
How was last week?
It went great.
I see you hit your hours target.
Yes.
How do you feel?
Really good.
Anything else?
Yes. Something shifted.
What do you mean?
Something shifted in my mind. I went from trying to qualify for World's to I'm definitely going to World's.
What changed?
Well, I realized I'm really committed.
Darn right you are, let's get there!
As the great Bruce Lee said, The possession of anything begins in the mind.
So...
... what are you going to own this year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
Here are a few products that might help you... stay tuned for a new product coming online soon.
Let me know if I can help.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
164.5
7.7
42 Pull Ups + 42 Power PushUps + 42 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
READY OR NOT
Feb 20, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHY DOES EVERYBODY WANT A GUARANTEE? I received two messages today that I appreciate...
... but, can't relate to.
One cat is bailing out on the stage race in AZ next month. Says he's not ready and is holding off for a race later in the month.
The other messaged me about the awesome Surf N Summit in May, concerned he doesn't have the skills to clear the final climb.
For AZ, I get it it. Really, I do. Had the 'rona in January and am just now starting to feel good again. I'm at least a month behind in my prep.
Here's the even sillier part, one that really has me questioning how well I'll do. The first AZ road stage race mixes 3 age groups...
... I won't even know who I'm racing against.
Then, the second AZ MTB stage race, I really thought I had a chance since I'm aging up this year. One problem. The promoter, bless her heart, bases the ages on the age you are on raceday vs the more traditional age you are on 12/31. Instead of being the youngest guy in my class...
... I'll be the oldest.
As for the doubts about completing the Surf N Summit, I don't even know if I can finish it. This will be an amazing adventure, one never to be forgotten, quite likely the longest day I've ever had on a bike.
Of course we want to win,
and hit our goals,
and finish stuff
It's the unknown outcome that makes it so exciting...
... because it demands our best.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Our best doesn't happen by accident. It takes planning and commitment, which is why so many love this calendar.
If you don't have one, what are you thinking?
They ship for free.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163.5
8.25
12 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps + 18 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S THE TERRAIN, NOT THE MAP
Feb 19, 2022
by TODD BROWN
AS I POSITED YESTERDAY, you have to know the terrain to be able to make the map. And, I think that's part of the problem with all our digital conveniences...
... they don't show us the terrain.
Yes, we see the turns and the elevation changes and that's certainly helpful. But...
... it's not enough.
Today was case in point.
I had the map, but there were a million potholes that could ruin your day and not all were pointed out. I didn't know the cat in the gray jersey was gonna be the fastest and snag the sprint. Nor did I know my backed up bladder would get relief right before I was ready to detach and take care of business.
On a vicious ride or race, there is so much more to know:
- who are the hitters?
- who are the fakers?
- how is the traction?
- which tires mean the difference between winning and losering?
- is there shade?
- is the road smooth or decaying?
- is dust an issue?
- is there a prevailing wind?
- how much speed can we carry without tapping the breaks
- in other words...
- ... what do the locals know that we may never figure out?
That is knowing the terrain.
Just because you have the map, doesn't mean you understand - at all - how it's gonna go down?
Sometimes it matters.
Other times it doesn't because we are out for and adventure.
When it matters here are some obvious things you can do:
- talk to anyone and everyone who's been there before: friends, coaches, write ups, local shops and teams... most people will be helpful
- look at the start list
- look up their results
- figure out their team colors and mark 'em when racing
- look at historical weather patterns and for sure start looking at the weather as the race gets closer
- get there early and pre-drive or pre-ride the course - as much as you can
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
The adventure of the year is about 10 weeks away...
... The Surf N Summit.
And guess what... I don't even have all of the map yet.
I can promise you this:
120ish miles over gravel and paved roads, plus some single track.
12,000ish feet of vert.
All at a moderate tempo until we get to the base of the rugged San Bernardino mountains which we will summit and descend to Snow Summit.
More details are here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
162.5
7
6 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU CAN'T MAKE A MAP?
Feb 18, 2022
by TODD BROWN
FRIDAY AFTERNOONS THE THUGFATHER SENDS OUT THE MAP. It's different every week. The only thing that matters is...
... everyone knows to be at the corner at 815.
He uses MapMyRide.
Sometimes I look at it.
Most times I don't.
I don't know the roads well enough for it to matter.
He does.
That's why he can make the map...
... you can't make a map if you don't know the territory.
I was thinking about that today while coaching LL through my 10 week program. For him, the territory is all new and he's having these amazing breakthroughs. For me, I know it like the back of my gloved hand...
... that's why I can provide an excellent map for him to get ready.
If you're looking to jump start things, check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/program-to-get-you-started
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163
7
18 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE SINGLE SPEED?
Feb 17, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SINGLESPEEDING IS A LOT OF FUN. I rode religiously for a while. It's simple, quiet...
... and a heck of a work out.
Your entire body is involved, it takes a lot to keep moving in the same gear. Plus, you develop all kinds of pedal cadences...
... slow grinding to completely spun out.
It's fun, but it's not efficient.
It's not faster.
I was thinking about that today, because today we took a big leap forward in the business.
It wasn't easy.
I resisted it.
A shift.
We'd long outgrown our little warehouse and capacity to ship. It didn't happen in a flash. Over time, we went from our first few online orders per week to per day to per hour...
... to the point of overwhelm.
Now, we've outsourced all shipping to a larger facility. On the one hand, it's a little scary. On the other, it's extremely liberating.
Why do we stay stuck in the same gear sometimes,
when we could easily shift and be much more efficient?
Because in life there is no guarantee that change will be successful. So, we stay stuck...
... slowly grinding, completely spun out.
Is it time to shift gears?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
I get so many compliments on the KOM Jacket. Just tonight the coach of the local High School MTB team was over.
That KOM jacket.
You like it?
I love it, it's awesome.
Have you checked it out?
This is one of my very favorite creations:
- Aero
- Packable
- Breathability
- Wind and water proof
Use promo code: KOMjacket
And save 20%.
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
164.7 (late dinner with trophy wife)
7
5 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 20 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THIS
Feb 16, 2022
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES WE FORGET HOW FAR WE'VE COME, until we casually mention what we did over the weekend...
... not bragging, just saying.
Oh, I rode my bike.
How far?
I dunno, 50-60 miles.
What?!
It's not weird that we can easily ride 50 miles,
no weirder than a runner can click off 10,
or a swimmer 3.
What's weird is that most people can't.
That ain't right.
Everybody should be RaceDay Ready™.
Always.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Even if it's cold, we gotta get out and move.
This morning was chilly, low 40s and high humidity, the kinda thing that goes right into your bones.
Which is why I wore the KOM jacket to the start...
... then stuffed it in my back pocket before we got rockin'.
This is one of my very favorite creations:
- Aero
- Packable
- Breathability
- Wind and water proof
Use promo code: KOMjacket
And save 20%.
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
162.5
7.5
15 Pull Ups + 18 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 25 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
THE WONDERS OF A PAIN CAVE
Feb 15, 2022
by TODD BROWN
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN I'm legit jealous of my snowed in comrades. I reminisce back to the earliest of times when I lived in cold country, trainer set up by the TV...
... roommates occasionally mocking me.
There's just something about being inside,
spinning the legs,
spinning the stories,
spinning the reasons,
and knowing one day Spring will arrive and these beautiful, sinewy muscles shall unleash the glorious power that was fashioned over the winter.
Those are the wondrous results of a physical pain cave, which translate to the ability to endure suffering and inflict anguish on others.
Repeatedly.
We can all train and race year round now,
the only question...
... is are you ready for the pain cave?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Maybe you'll be ready for the very first Surf N Summit.
Riding from the sand, across gravel, through a concrete jungle, with some single track thrown in, to the slopes of our local ski resort.
120ish miles, 15,000'ish vert.
And, some of us might even ride back the next day.
Are you in?
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163.5
8.2
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 35 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE 9 MOST TERRIFYING WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Feb 14, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE 9 WORDS YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR A FRIEND SAY, and they aren't what uncle Ronnie uttered way 30+ gears ago...
... because these will come from a friend.
Just last week I heard them.
The horror.
I had to bust out all my Cialdini persuasion techniques. Time was of the essence. Could I save this soul before it was to late?
I think I'm going to buy a hybrid bike.
No.
No?
NO!
Why?
Look at any suburban garage. What do you see?
A bunch of...
Not that, you see 2 hybrid bikes. Looking like they've never been ridden.
Should I buy used then?
No, no, no, no, no.
Well...
Well, schmell... wash your mouth out with soap, and try again... I want to get a bike, what should I get?
I want to get a bike, what should I get?
A gravel bike.
What's that?
It's like a hybrid bike but faster, funner, more capable... just the most goto bike you'll ever own, and it will never, ever be collecting dust in the garage.
Which gravel bike should I get?
At that point I knew I could rest. My mission on Earth was complete. I'd saved another soul from the hybrid wasteland.
Do I really believe that? Yeah, I do. My gravel bike gets the most time.
Even though I don't race gravel? That's the point, gravel bikes are for adventure and meandering and just riding where the wind blows...
... they are made for base miles, the zone 2 stuff.
Nothing better.
Which one should you get? Doesn't really matter. I wouldn't spend a ton. An old cross bike would do, or an entry level gravel bike.
Tomorrow it's supposed to rain.
Do you think I'm taking my race bikes out in that? Hellno. But, the gravel bike...
... loves that kinda stuff.
Plus, if you have one then you can do crazy stuff with me.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Like the first of it's kind, Surf N Summit.
Riding from the sand, across gravel, through a concrete jungle, with some single track thrown in, to the slopes of our local ski resort.
120ish miles, 15,000'ish vert.
And, some of us might even ride back the next day.
Are you in?
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
---
163.5
7.7
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 50 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
TO FACE THE HORRIC FACT...
Feb 13, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I FOUND AN AMAZING DOCUMENT THIS MORNING. The rare, pure autobiographical journey of how Van Der Poel broke 2 World Records and earned 2 Olympic Gold Medals...
... not Mathieu, Nils.
His approach seems novel, logical, doable...
... healthy.
This statement drew me in to this champion's fantastic campaign:
I believe that it was the value I created outside of the sport,
and not the success within it,
that made it worthwhile to live in this manner;
to face the horrific fact that only one of us will win the competition and all the others will lose;
that injury or sickness can sabotage four years of work.
It was not my success that justified my sacrifices,
it was my friends,
and I owed it to them to try to live up to my full potential.
Is it relevant to bike racing? Hellyeah, he's just smashed the Olympic speed skating world.
From his 5 days on, 2 days off method to his thoughts on race specific training, stretching, weights, food, rest, sleep, heart rate, power meters, travel.
It's very applicable to what we are up to over here...
... and so much more, read it for yourself.
https://www.howtoskate.se/_files/ugd/e11bfe_b783631375f543248e271f440bcd45c5.pdf
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
The hood Nils wears in his skin suit reminded me of the hood on our changing poncho...
We have a bunch of new designs, this like this Ride Fast or Die design.
And yes, we can make them in your team colors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
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163.5
7
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 0 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
TWO DAMNITS DO MAKE A RIDE
Feb 12, 2022
by TODD BROWN
I GOT DONE WITH THE RIDE. Stopped the timer. Hit upload. Grabbed the recovery mix from the fridge...
... and waited.
Soon I'd have feedback on just how fast we'd gone, and more importantly...
... if I'd flown as quick as it felt.
Of course, there would be a million badges. It was only my second time on the route.
Would they be 1s or 2s?
Kicking the doors of routine down ain't easy.
Easy is waking up and doing the same thing. Same ride. Same cats. Driving a bit and joining some unknown quantities on their route, that they know...
... more challenging, more fun.
It pays to be a bit cautious.
Not knowing all the players, the turns, or the kick in the bibs climbs, can find ya shot out the back quicker than an e-tap.
I clung like an insecure lover up the first climb. It's longish, 20 mins. I wasn't too surprised to make it with the leaders because there was a solid headwind taming the front...
... it felt good to be there.
Later was where I was focused.
The wall that had thrown me out the back three weeks prior loomed ahead.
It isn't straight up. It curves. It's not insanely steep. Nor too long. The problem is...
... it comes late, and hard.
When we hit it today, and the eagles flew on and up...
... a minute from the top, they were over.
I wasn't.
There was only one way back, and I had to make it back, because...
... where the hell was I?
That's the motivation that comes from doing new rides.
I pressed hard over the top and charged down, carving every single turn.
Which brings me to the one thing I can bank on, and which often works out, I'm pretty damn aero, and the goodLord blessed me with great vision.
I expected to go faster, having previously done the descent once before.
I didn't expect this, though... a big boy cup, right behind my pal Brett.
I sent him a screen shot and a teasing Damnit.
While reveling over the silly Strava trinket, he fired back his own screenshot and Damnit.
Which is why I always say, two damnits do make a ride.
So, what are you doing this week to mix it up, slaughter the routine?
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162.5
7.8
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THREE ANALOGIES FOR YOUR TRAINING
Feb 11, 2022
by TODD BROWN
ONE REASON PEOPLE QUIT, OR FAIL TO PREPARE BEFORE A BIG EVENT, is they don't truly understand how training works. I have three analogies...
... maybe they'll help someone you know.
- Training is like baking a cake. You heat the oven, mix the ingredients, put in a pan, insert into oven... and wait for the heat to do its thing.
- Training is like archery. You insert the arrow into the bow, pull back, aim... and let tension to its thing
- Training is like a bridle. While we want to do all sorts of random acts of fitness... let the bridle do its thing.
You know I can't leave you without a bonus analogy.
- Training is like a bridge. We leave where we are to get where we want to go... and let the bridge do it's thing.
None of that might make a lycra of sense to you, but this might...
... trust your training.
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And, trust me when I tell ya...
... it's mighty powerful to have a reminder on your wallet.
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---
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162.5
7.8
10 Pull Ups + 12 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 5 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHICH LINE ARE YOU HOLDING?
Feb 10, 2022
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE AS FOREIGN TO THE NEW RACER than a grizzled old cat yelling Hold your line!...
... usually spit forth in the heat of sprint or carve of turn.
The bewildered wouldbe ripper eases up, often swerving, to decipher...
... whatthehell is that cat yelling?
Which spurns yet a more tempestuous snarl...
... Hold your friggin' line!
Here's the problem. Exactly what is the line?
In this case, it means to keep riding straight and not veer all over the place.
But, there is another line I'm more interested in today.
The finish line.
Last year, or somewhere in the past, there was a clear point where a goal was achieved.
Maybe your own,
maybe someone else's.
Let go yesterday's finish line,
make it today's starting line.
Keep challenging yourself!
Break out your calendar,
hopefully it's a giant RaceDay Calendar™,
and make a bold statement to accomplish the unthinkable this year.
I'm looking for 10 people that want to accomplish something extraordinary.
If that's you, let me know.
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I highly, highly recommend you engage this powerful tool.
Still a few in stock, still shipping free.
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Got a question, ask it here where all the racers hang out: https://www.strava.com/clubs/RaceDayReady
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163.3
7.2
25 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 30 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Hi Todd,
I am planning on flying to AZ next week. My everyday RaceDay (xl) bag, is in the trunk of my car. Well, my wife doesn’t use hers(reg size). So I’m going to transfer the necessary stuff for my bike trip. To hers (Pink one😀)and leave mine behind. It’ll be easier to unpack this way. Just an idea you can use to sell more RACEDAY BAGS! One for everyday , one for traveling to bike camp😀
Peace
David
TAKE NO PITY ON ME
Feb 09, 2022
by TODD BROWN
PULLING ON MY CHEST STRAP THIS MORNING I WAS STABBED BY A SHARP THORN, remnants of yesterday's digger. I'd gone down on a slippery piece of single track...
... early in the ride, there was now way I was stopping.
I took stock, straightened my bars, and rode on.
Thorns covered my left side and the right wrist hurt pretty good...
... blood oozed into my sock for bonus points.
That was a nice follow up to Saturday's unsealable flat, where I could only keep just enough PSI to soft pedal the last 5 or so miles. Airing up, then borrowing pumps along the way.
It was also a solid hint of today's complete shattering.
We'd managed to ride south to the bottom of the first hill before the boys from down that way hit it...
... that was the plan.
Also in the plan, was to hit that hill hard.
But, when 2 kids from LEGION and a handful of champs snuck off the front...
... well, they were gone.
So much for that.
3 days, 3 unexpected detours.
One could weep, Wo is me...
... but, that ain't what we do here.
We recover and plan for more exceptional days.
Before you go, let me point out the not so obvious...
... these are the kinds of things that happen at the end of a big training block.
Rest up, buttercup!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Got a cool pic of our gloves for Origin Cycling today...
... let's be honest, with VMO's like that you really do need a firm grip on the bars.
It's good to see our SuperLight gloves are up to the test.
... and yes, you can still get the buy 2 get 1 offer.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
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163.7
7.5
15 Pull Ups + 6 Power PushUps (one set, too sore) + 30 Heavy Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT'S WITH SADDLES
Feb 08, 2022
by TODD BROWN
WHILE PLAYING AROUND WITH DIFFERENT SADDLES, I got to wondering why we call 'em saddles to begin with...
... we aren't riding horses.
But, it kinda makes sense.
Because there is a whole lotta taming going on.
Our...
terrain
appetites
schedules
competitors
... to name a few.
I've come to really like the stubby saddles.
There's just something about them that I can't really put my finger on.
I think they look pretty cool on the bike...
... and it definitely looks cool when I look down see nothing buy lycra and legs.
Sometimes I scoot a little to far forward and my power drops, and I've come to like that because it keeps me in the proper position.
If you're looking for a Fizik saddle let me know...
... giddy up!
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163.9
7
20 Pull Ups + 24 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY JOIN A CLUB?
Feb 07, 2022
by TODD BROWN
READER MH POINTED OUT WHAT HE LIKES ABOUT STRAVA CLUBS. It wasn't the chance to communicate, or join the posted rides...
... it was for the inspiration.
Specifically, he likes to see the others' weekly accomplishments.
The leader board totals.
Some of these guys ride a lot.
Like who?
Mark C, he rides up to 300 miles a week.
Oh yeah, he's a beast!
I bet.
Of course, off the bike he's a mild-mannered scientist.
So, maybe it's more than inspiration. Because when you dig a little, and find out who these cats are before they don their lycra alter egos, you learn they're regular peeps...
... who happen to get extraordinary results.
And, yeah, that is pretty dern inspiring.
Make every day count.
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164.9
7.7
30 Pull Ups + 36 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Hello,
Not sure if these come to you but I have a story I thought you'd like so sending it your way. We've met on Pendleton a couple times BTW.
I live in San Diego and was racing in Carson City with a buddy on Sunday. I went to bed thinking we were meeting at 5:45 am to carpool. Went to be early so I woke up without at 4:55 only to see a text saying "your house was dark so we left." It was supposed to be 4:45!! But no problem. My bike was ready and my RaceDay bag was packed so I jumped into my car and called my teammate. They were only 5 minutes down the road so they pulled over and we still were able to carpool together and have plenty of time for a warm up. Oh and, we raced twice and each got on the podium for one of the races (trading places as the leadout)!! All thanks to being ready with my RaceDay bag!!
Thanks, see you on pendleton again sometime.
Shane
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