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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
>
GETTING HIGH
TRAINING AT SEA LEVEL is no way to prepare for high elevation activities. Sure we have extra oxygen to go hard, which is always nice. But, it'd be even nicer...
... to be able to rip when high.
Which begs the question...
... why am I working so darn hard, putting out so little power?
Nah, that's obvious.
Kinda.
90 minutes into the ride today,
we'd been ripping up Big Mountain Pass (f'real).
Challenging?
Yes.
Wheezing?
Yes.
Gapped?
Indeed.
Here's the rill dill...
... even though the power is relatively low,
the breathing is labored.
Which presents a realhonesttogoodness truth...
- breathing too hard
- not thinking 100% clearly
- focusing on staying on pace
... it's hard to stay on top of the hydration and nutrition at altitude significantly above our normal.
We, me especially, gotta force it.
Another important consideration at high elevations...
... it's better to pace on HR than PWR.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/71/12 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: Feeling Is The Secret, by Neville Goddard
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SETTLING...
THE IDEA OF SETTLING, for most of us, is repulsive. We'd never do that because our standards are too high...
... or, so we think.
Because we don't know better.
Welp,
today I realized
I've totally been settling.
While we do have trails to ride near home...
- skinny single track with rain ruts
- weeds elbow high
- punch climbs
... it's nothing like Utah..
Today, outside of Kamas was incredible.
My pals, PViddy and TimmyV, had been telling me it was great up here.
But, c'mon...
- smooth, fast and flowy
- adorned with greenery and trees
- berms so perfect the suspension compresses as you no-brake it
... expertly engineered trials.
Waywaywaywayway better than my home trails.
Once we know we're settling the only question is...
... what are we gonna do about it?
===
165ish, no scale
8ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
82/61/21 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A GOOD BREAK
TAKING TIME OFF can be restorative. Sometimes it's on purpose, other times its an unplanned forced situation. Either way...
... we're anxious to get back at it.
Like right now.
Being that I was committed to be all in at the biz conference...
... I skipped the last few days.
Including the typical epic Saturday.
Everything feels really good except my gut, which is feeling quite bloated...
... after lots of good food.
I suppose that's part of the anxiety, not...
- the drop in fitness
- the packed on pounds
- the connecting with the crew
... the sensation of being a caged animal.
Some might caution,
don't over do it.
A fair warning if working back from an injury.
But, this belly is yellin' at me,
get after it,
right now.
Can't wait to start shedding and shredding manana.
(I've got 10 days to turn it around before BWR UT)
===
165ish, no scale
78ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/63/20 per Strava - very rested
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
AI DRIVEN?
AI could be all it's cracked up to be, if we can only learn how to use it to our benefit. But, new things can be...
... a challenge to learn.
Even scary.
One of the take aways on day 3 of I Do Epic was regarding AI,
and it got me thinking about racing...
... because as we say, Racing is life!.
My grand takeaway is AI's ability to deliver what we are looking for has much to do with regarding the prompts.
For example, knowing what you know about me...
... create a training program as if you were Javier Sola
Just like us at a race,
AI needs its head screwed on straight in order to deliver.
And a proper prompt is the starting point.
Making it human...
... what is the main prompt driving our training?
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/73/12 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WE CALL IT SPOOKED
THE UNMISTAKABLE ENERGY of the start line can be overwhelming for the uninitiated. We feel it the moment we arrive at an event, and when we line up the vibe can take us...
... from confident and courageous to literal shaking.
Plans melting.
Rather than the controlled missile launch we'd imagined, we are overcome by the complete chaos of undirected explosions.
And, that's okay,
until we want a different outcome.
On Day 2 of I Do Epic, we spent much the day in a massive barn learning how a master horse trainer teaches and guides the beasts with energy vs force.
Demonstrating the animal's sensitivity to each other in the herd as well as to us humans, as we approached and worked with the horses.
Thankfully, the inanimate endurance tools we depend on...
- bicycles
- helmets
- shoes
... cannot sense our moods or energy.
Can you imagine mounting a spooked bicycle?
I've often wondered how I am able to reach a place of calm and certainty with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of my "closest friends"...
... so close to losing it?
I don't have a good answer other than...
- a safe race
- an unleashing of the training put in
- finishing knowing there was nothing left in the tank
... experience and expectation.
But, the old cowboy did share one nugget that really resonated with me...
... We create what we anticipate.
===
165ish, no scale
8ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/84/3 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
START WHERE YOU ARE
TRAVEL BRINGS IT'S OWN CHALLENGES when it comes to maintaining our fitness. Will we have time, will there be space, do we have the equipment...
... will we even want to?
Have the energy?
When I signed up for I Do Epic Live in the hinterlands of Idaho, I figured we'd be starting early and ending late so...
- 27 hours
- 380 miles
- 27000' of vert
... I made sure I'd put in a large training block prior.
Taking a break made sense, but...
... a funny thing happened when I woke up.
I had two and half hours to kill,
while situated on the shore of the Snake river,
with a lovely and lonely gravel road echoing my vibe.
My original plan was out...
- a long walk
- a ton of push ups
- a million air squats
... a quick and glorious spin was in.
===
165ish, no scale
7.5ish hours sleep
690ish anti-oxidant level, no scanner
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
89/97/-8 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANTED TO STOP SO BAD
GETTING AFTER IT for a long period of time can be a beautiful thing, if we are in the right mindset and our bodies are prepared...
... and we're used to it.
Even addicting.
But, if our head's not into it,
our bodies not prepped,
it's been a while...
... quitting looks might tasty.
Like today.
There we were, riding up one of the most beautiful climbs in Utah, the Alpine Loop...
- few cars on the road
- perfect spring weather
- forever views up into the snowpack
... a coupla dudes riding a good fast tempo.
And, about 45 minutes in...
... I wanted to pull over.
Have a smoke, errr bite of my bar,
dip my toes in the stream.
It would have been so easy,
and lovely.
Which is why I didn't do it.
Because I know from experience pushing through these moments is...
... what it takes to finish anything strong.
Well, and the reward of a chocolate chip cookie at Sundance...
... would be that much sweeter.
===
165.8/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
91/107/-17 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE OTHER CROSSTRAINING
IF WE'RE IN A RELATIONSHIP of any kind we're most likely going to be exposed to activities which don't perfectly align with...
... our primary objective.
Got it?
Yeah, we get it.
The thingaboutitis...
... it's usually more than okay.
Surfergirl loves to hike.
Any time we're roadtripping and I'm in a hurry to get to the beddown...
... she's plotting a once in a life time hike.
Like today,
just after 6pm
3 hours from our destination...
... we absolutely had to hike Kolob canyon for no less than 2 hours!
Yes, that's an explanation point because...
... old diesels need their beauty sleep
Her "reward" for this detour is me stretching out while she drives, which I'm pretty sure...
... she purposely fakes like she's tired and unnecessarily jerks the wheel so I'll get behind it.
While I have to admit the hike was outstanding, and served to remind me that I should do some regular hiking to prepare for the potential to be hiking at Leadville...
...it's pretty clear I have not properly trained her on driving in a relaxing and soothing manner nor bowing down to the needs of her old man's sleep.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
no Stretches
88/98/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, by Scott Adams
>
BECAUSE I ASKED...
MEMORIAL DAY IS A BUSY ONE around here. All kinds of people out enjoying the day: runnin, bikin, swimmin, surfin, paddlin...
... things were chaotic.
I got a late start.
Preferring to get some work knocked and start prepping the van for our road trip...
... I slipped out just past noon.
There is a steep hill above a picturesque beach that attracts locals, nonlocals and everyone in between.
At the top, I saw an older woman lugging two chairs for her and her ancient father.
Normally, I'd just wiggle around them and the rest and go on about my day...
... but I remembered.
Hi there, can I help you with those chairs?
Oh, yes, please.
Leaned my bike on a palm tree.
Let's go down a little bit more, where it's a little flatter.
C'mon dad, over here.
This looks pretty good.
Thank you.
No problem.
How did you know we needed help, nobody else noticed?
Oh, I prayed I'd be useful today.
With that, I was off on a lovely tour of the southern part of our county...
... pavement, gravel roads and single track.
You're probably thinking Nice virtue signal Todd...
... to which I'll say, thinking of others is not my default or my strong suit.
I have to work at getting my heart to be fully functional.
===
165.8/12.7%
8.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
91/113/-22 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RANDOMNESS OF PROGRESS
NICHING DOWN is a legit way to go about maximizing results. We study the experts, learn all we can, put it into practice. The goal is...
... supreme mastery.
But, is narrow and deep the only way to get it done?
The best way?
Personally, I think I've learned more studying endurance athletes and coaches from other sports than I have focusing on bike racing.
Maybe, probably, there is more literature and research available.
Here are a few of my favorites
- running - Born To Run, Christopher McDougall
- triathlon - anything by Phil Maffetone
- swimming - Total Immersion Method, Terry Laughlin
- natural fitness - Natural Born Heroes, Christopher McDougall
... because they introduced me to new ways of thinking about endurance and fitness.
Bringing in randomness to our experience...
- events
- people
- travel
... can deliver game-changing progress hacks.
If we'll just open our ears, eyes, hearts.
===
165.8/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
88/99/-11 per Strava
>
AFTER TAKING SEVERAL READINGS
SIMULATING OUR 'A' EVENTS months in advance can be quite revealing, in bad...
... and good ways.
Once, isn't enough.
Every weekend is too much.
It's not a damned if we do,
damned if we don't situation.
More like a...
- damn?
- damn!
- hot damn!
... outcome.
With that in mind I turned to Grok to help me assess today's simulation because...
- what happens if I cut ballast?
- what workouts would improve my time?
- are there supplements that aid lung function at altitude?
... AI is damn fine when it comes to crunching numbers.
Because I'm a true and proud supernerd...
- 2 previous attempts in last 7 years
- body weight on those days
- power numbers as well
... I have the data, going back years.
I put Grok to work...
- I can improve
- I'm in a pretty good place already
- This is gonna be a heckuva lotta fun
... and came out with what I already sensed.
Grok thinks I can beat my previous PR,
which seems absolutely ludicrous...
... mainly because I have a lot of higher value things I want to accomplish this summer.
This is a typical use of AI for me...
- confirm/test/explore what's possible
- learn how to do things I can't figure out
- assist in leveraging my tiny helmet covered bean's processing power
... are you using AI to evaluate and make moves?
As the great Wille Nelson sings...
... After taking several readings I'm surprised to find my mind's (and body) still fairly sound.
===
167/12.7% oof!
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
90/114/-24 per Strava went kinda deep today
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S A LONE WOLF'S WORLD
NO MATTER HOW MANY friends are planning to do the A event with us, regardless of how many weekends we link up to train together...
... the bulk of our efforts are alone.
Unseen.
By nearly everybody, except that neighbor who we pass by at the same...
... godforbidden time each dark morning.
We're on the hunt...
- miles
- skills
- fortitude
... for more.
And even when we do link up, if we're truly committed...
... we might breakup, or off.
For example, I'm committed to ride a spritely tempo between all the worthy climbs tomorrow...
... where I'll move into the bottom to mid-threshold.
Because that's gonna be my pace at the A race,
and I've really got to train it now,
to maintain it then.
So, yeah, 7 miles up the climb I'll probably be alone...
... just like I'll most likely be on raceday.
Which is why I'm working on this jersey to where in in Leadville.
Personally, I feel like an inspirational, personalized jersey is good for...
... a 1-2% increase in performance.
If you're of the same persuasion...
- super aero jersey
- amazing imported Italian fabrics
- no minimum order required, make just 1
... go here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
===
165.6/12.7% (time to start trimming blubber)
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
85/82/2 per Strava (time to bump these numbers up)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
13 WEEKS SHOULD BE ENOUGH
AT SOME POINT, the training for the A event has gotta get real. Sure we have our base miles just because we are base-ically addicted, but...
... that's not gonna cut it.
Gotta get specific.
As of this moment, I'm 13 weeks out from starting the Leadville Trail 100.
It'll be my 8th time.
While I know the drill, I also know...
... I'm nowhere near ready.
Haven't done an hour long climb...
... since I don't know when.
Haven't ridden over 5 hours since October.
Haven't ridden my MTB more than twice a week in ages...
... haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't
haven't.
Equally overwhelming and energizing...
... the challenge is elephant-sized.
And, I'm gonna attack it one mile at a time.
===
164.6/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/89/-4 per Strava
>
STRETCH GOALS
STRETCHING seems to go in and out of popularity. When, how long, which moves are a essential...
... and that's not counting yoga and pilates.
Where to start?
That's a good question.
I'm no expert, which is why I check in with my physical therapy pal, Scott, from time to time.
Mostly when I'm miserable
or injured.
Which got me thinking.
The last couple of days my bike fit felt like it had changed...
... which is impossible, right?
Then, I thought...
... could my body have changed somehow?
Thinking back on my many visits with Scott...
... and how stretches had fixed various aches and debilitating pains.
It hit me like a ton of lycra!
I haven't been stretching regularly,
at all.
Got back at it this morning...
... dang, I'm stiff!
But, guess what...
... the bike fit felt back to awesome.
Stretch goals are the kind that have us reaching to our limits to accomplish what seems nigh impossible...
... I like setting those.
New/old stretch goal...
... stretch every night as part of my shutdown sequence.
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
√ Stretches
86/91/-6 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT MASTERING THE BASICS LOOKS LIKE
THE VERY BEST PROS have mastered the basics. From techniques to tools, from sleeping to sprinting. They have it...
... all down cold.
How do we know?
Because at the very the very best are still practicing the basics...
... only the output is at a much higher level.
Duh!
Yeah, I know.
But, the real question is are we chasing...
- fads
- trends
- shiny objects
... or working diligently on mastering the basics?
===
163.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FROM FLOOR TO CEILING
BUILDING FITNESS can appear to be a mystery to the uninitiated. For the reasons, holding onto it is illusive. And losing it...
... downright easy.
It's a shame.
If the unwashed simply established a floor...
- a minimum daily commitment
- built over weeks
- and months
... they'd find their ceiling to be nearly limitless.
Instead, they get the bug or come clean with their naked selves...
... and progress rapidly for a short season.
Get thrown off track,
and start over.
We know different.
Our floor maybe is simple as getting outta bed and kitting up...
... knowing it's easy to get out the front door at that point.
After that, it's just a matter of raising the floor...
... to see how high we can fly.
Things I think about while riding zone two for 2 hours...
... because that was my floor today.
And, I always ride on Mondays.
===
165.6/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/90/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PRISONS WE CHOOSE TO LIVE INSIDE
>
HOW FAR SHOULD WE TAKE OUR BRO-SCIENCE?
ONCE WE FIGURE OUT the gear and products that work for our bodies, it's, honestly, just amazing. It fits. It works. And we stick with it...
... because we rip.
Easy.
We don't want to change.
That can be a problem if what we love goes out of stock or worse...
... out of production all together.
A few years back, when Wahoo acquired Speedplay they dumped my tried and MTB pedals.
The Frogs.
Had I known, I'd have purchased at least 10 pair of pedals and probably 100 sets of cleats.
To my horror, I logged on and learned the sadsad news.
No mas.
When I woke and realized I was out of my favorite carb mix today...
- water
- plain ol' sugar
- and Liquid IV for flavor and electrolytes
... well, yeah, I took a stab a making my own.
You should witnessed the...
- disgust
- concern
- warnings
... from the crew when we stopped to refill our bottles midride.
I shared my mix was 4 tablespoons of sugar...
- you're gonna get diabetes
- go into a coma
- die early
... I could only laugh.
Just what exactly do you think is in your favorite powder or gel?
I got the idea from an ultra-trail runner I follow on YouTube.
He'd wanted to experiment and discovered how sucrose...
- quickly absorbed glucose
- more slowly absorbed fructose
... breaks down in the small intestine.
It's a 1:1 ration,
most high end mixes are 1:.8.
Ever look at the ingredients of what you're drinking?
My 4 very level tablespoons = 50 grams of carbohydrate.
But, isn't that gonna kill ya?
It's about the same as a can of Coke,
or a couple of candy bars.
So, yes, it will absolutely...
- crush our health
- give us that orange with 4 toothpicks look
- and lead to all kinds of degenerative diseases
... unless we are ripping and burning it up.
That 50 grams is about 50% of what I consume per hour...
... when getting after it.
How'd it work over 3 bottles?
Flawlessly.
Gonna test full strength this week.
This is bro-science...
... so take it with a literal and proverbial grain of salt.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
660 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
FIRST (TASTE OF) BLOOD
WE'RE LIKE WILD ANIMALS. Once we get the first taste of adrenalin, charging through the countryside...
... with reckless abandon.
We're hooked.
The thingaboutitis...
... we gotta get that first taste.
16 years ago, my pal Dr. Jeff couldn't keep from...
... slobbering all over me.
About gravel riding.
You would love it.
Seems kinda lame.
Trust me.
Tell me why.
Well, it'a a combination of two things you love: road and mtb.
And it's fun?
Oh yes!
It took me 5 years to finally see a signal...
- steel
- heavy
- leather bags
... a lonely gravel bike on sale at the local bike shop.
I thought it was radical to ride the tires at such low pressure...
- 38mm
- 60 lbs
- with tubes
... now I'm on tubeless carbon hoops, rolling 18 up front 20 in the back.
So much has improved!
For the first year or more I rode gravel alone...
... like a lunatic in the wild.
It took 5 more years till a few of us were getting together...
... and another 3ish to do what we did today.
Ruckus URBN GRVL group rides.
In town for the weekend, Jeff joined us for today's masterpiece...
... I'm not sure he made the connection on the impact he's had on us.
===
165.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
6200 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
88/101/-14 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STOP BEING MEDIUM
THERE'S A REASON so many of us struggle to improve. Especially the newest of us...
... doing all we can to hang on.
Never improving.
I heard it said so well and succinctly today by one of my fave running coaches, the great Fred Duncan.
The question how much work we can survive in one session, it's...
- hard
- easy
- hard, again
... how many high quality outputs can we stack over weeks and months and years?
If we aren't resting, active-recovering we can't go hard enough on our hard days to see any improvement...
... we become really excellent at medium.
And, stay there.
Which is fine, if you're into that sorta thing.
But, I know you're not.
Which brings up today's ride...
- 23 miles
- ave HR 93
- ave PWR 102
... we did the impossible.
I say impossible because it's nearly impossible to get a group of athletes together and not start pushing...
... we pulled it off by setting the tone ahead of time.
The BRO ride is a super easy conversational cruiser...
... because bros need bro time.
Before slaying it on the weekend.
If you want to do a deeper dive on Fred's post it's here: https://x.com/Fred__Duncan/status/2055274916199502322?s=20
===
164.6/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/75/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ZONE TWO MUCH
ANYBODY CAN RIDE ZONE 2. It's easy. Zone 1 is easy. Coasting is easier. The trick is...
... to stay there.
For a long time.
The past few months I've been doing my Z2 on the mountain bike,
on kinda steep trails.
Not spinning,
a lot of torque...
... then completely off when descending.
Which is somewhat easier than what I did today...
- keeping on the pedals
- with high cadence
- limited coasting
... Zone 2 on mainly flat, with a few rollers.
Turns out 2:80 spend doing...
- 90 minutes Z2
- 31 min Z1
- 9 min z3
... is it's own kinda hard.
1261 calories burned ain't nothing.
The mental game to stay at a given pace and basically never stop pedaling...
... regardless of the terrain.
I know you zwifties are wanting to mock me,
and I'm totally down with how much harder
it can be on a trainer.
I get it.
The real point is this kind of training...
... is extremely effective at building physical and mental endurance.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF MID-WEEK RACING
MID-WEEK RACING has been around for ages and continues to endure because it's great training, fun to bring the community together...
... and get in some ripping intensity.
400 showed up to race Over The Hump last night.
A very healthy number of age group competitors...
... ready to battle.
I've missed the last two seasons,
so it was exciting to finally make it out.
I entered Elite 45+ looking to see how I'd rate.
Warming up,
I saw a lot of friends.
But, I was missing one.
My pal Eric was senselessly killed last year while riding his bike early in the morning, by a druggy.
After a decade of racing together...
- bro hugging each week
- seeing his babies grow up
- and turn into fine little racers
... there was a hole in my heart.
On the start line,
the energy was high,
the confidence eager.
We shot out.
I maneuvered leading into the first single track,
thinking okay this feels right.
There was only one solid climb,
20 minutes of redlining.
From leading,
to wheezing,
to 7th.
Ouch!
The downhill was a couple of miles long,
and it felt good - even PRd it.
Sliding out onto the double track,
I could see 5th and 6th,
and closed the gap.
Two of the three of us were pulling hard back to the finish line.
Just as we're about to hit the final single track before the finish,
we're caught by some of the guys we'd dropped.
At the same time,
we enter the tight turns we merge with the Beginners and Sport racers.
It's not pretty.
Some of us give the slower riders space,
others mob through.
I go from 5th to 8th.
Frustrated.
Upset about getting beat by the dude who wasn't pulling with us.
Finishing,
I stormed off.
Not my finest moment.
After a recovery drink and some spinning...
- reveling in my anger
- knowing it would motivate me
- looking forward to some specific training
... I realized how great it is to be racing.
Once I'd changed into my tshirt and jeans, I had time to reflect...
- we live in a free and prosperous country
- have the time and energy for mid-week racing
- I'm feeling 100% recovered from my TBI, while Eric is riding in the heavens and his family navigates life without him.
... and be extremely grateful.
===
165.2/12.4%
8ish hours sleep
590 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/83/1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CONSISTENCY IS BORING AND...
THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CHATTER on the interwebs regarding what happens by simply being consistent. What is often left out is the biggest battle...
... which must be won.
Boredom.
That's what the naysayers are thinking as we head out into the morning sunrise doing the unfathomable.
Sure, it can be monotonous to do the same workout over and over.
But, we aren't newbs or drones and know how to counter that by mixing it up, and socializing with likeminded beasts.
With unholy motivation we focus...
... on the rewards.
Months and years later,
we're nothing like the person we started out as.
Consistency might look boring to an outsider, but...
... we know it's lethal.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/-4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DANGEROUS ENCOUNTERS
THERE'S DANGER just crossing the street. But, people do it and a lot more because it's part of life. We, on the other hand...
... like to raise the stakes.
Ignoring the warnings.
For years, I have casually read the signs regarding mountain lions and rattle snakes on our local trails and all over the western US.
In the process I've...
- a close up encounter with a big cat
- run over many sunbathing snakes
- stared down coyotes
... had one real scare and many thrills.
The cat was the most shocking.
I thought I was seeing a large loping coyote way up the gravel road.
Not uncommon.
Keep going.
Kept seeing as elevation changed.
Rounded a corner only to see a giant cat perpendicular to the road.
Staring at me.
Didn't do what you're supposed to do...
- stand your ground
- make yourself look bigger
... back pedaled and ripped up a single track, braking to make the turn at the top.
Went back to that spot many, many times,
raced up that hill as fast as possible...
... never came close to needing to brake to make the turn at the top.
That my friends is living.
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/4 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TIMING
TIMING IS EVERYTHING, and there is so much to be timed when it comes to racing. To time anything to perfection necessitates...
... starting very early.
Ultimately, requiring less energy.
We saw this today at the Giro.
The winning sprinter producing fewer watts than 2nd or 3rd place...
- 1480w
- 1870w
- 1580w
... making it look easy(er).
Because he timed his acceleration perfectly.
Not unlike sprinting for the line, the great Scott Adams stated...
... the secret to success is energy management.
Which helped me lean into doing my best and most important work early in the day when I'm most alert and creative.
What else...
- workouts
- relationships
- spiritual exploits
... can we improve with better timing?
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
>
BLAME IT ON THE DONUT
STAYING ON TOP OF THE RECOVERY is super easy to skip. Especially, if we are really on top of it...
... day after day.
We're rested.
When the opportunity presents itself to overdo it...
... we do it.
We think we'll be fine.
We aren't going to do die, but...
... we will be less than fine.
Like today.
After shortchanging myself on sleep two nights in a row,
getting talked into more than easy spinning,
skipping the hyper-ice sessions...
... all variables I couldashoulda controlled,
I suffered today.
The sting of ripping,
felt stale and suffocating.
When looked back on the data...
- on trails I've ridden
- raced up
- stomped
... I actually set some PRs.
The difference when between being fatigued vs fresh is stark...
... longfaced-droopy vs JUBILANT.
Eventually, I succumbed to the efforts,
pulling the plug halfway up a steepytechy...
... and limped to the donut shop.
Where, after a few moments and calories and water I miraculously...
... felt very fauxfresh!
===
165.2/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
6500 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/100/-13 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BRO!
ALL RACING AND TRAINING ain't the way to do it. The ubersuccessful connect with others on a deeper level, it's the glue we need...
... to help us hold it all together.
Not the training and racing.
Life.
Some say getting out and getting after is...
... cheap therapy.
I won't argue with that.
Getting out, and away, for a conversational workout...
... can be life changing.
Lifesaving.
But, we already know that.
Most of our friends don't,
or don't make the time,
or have the friendship.
Which got me out on the road way earlier than I wanted to today,
because I knew my pal had been traveling a ton,
and could squeeze in a ride.
And got me thinking...
- early start
- easy terrain
- all bikes welcome
... why not create a BRO ride?
Details in the image.
(Surfergirl has had this going with the Trail Angels for decades).
===
165.6/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/84/0 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BEST EFFORTS OSCILLATE
DOING OUR BEST. We hear from the time we take our first steps, through our teens, into adulthood. Then we preach it...
... to anyone who will listen.
Because it works.
As the great Tony Horton used to say on the P90X videos...
.. do your best, and forget the rest.
It's a legit way to live, except...
... our best oscillates.
We can get better at our best...
... is there anything more exciting than knowing that?
I found a fun features on Strava today.
The Best Efforts Power Curve has a little box we can check and...
... Show Estimated FTP.
The last 6 weeks I've been pretty dialed.
According to the app I've raced FTP 10 watts.
The feedback is helpful.
Knowing we can improve...
... is a devine gift.
===
165.6/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/91/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GO BIG, PUNK!
THROWING THE GEARS TO THE BIG RING used to be much more of a thing. With the advent of 13-speed, not so much. Lot's of 1x drivetrains...
... making things simpler.
Better...
- lighter
- more aero
- cleaner look
... depends on the use case.
MTB started it all,
can't even buy one with 2x.
Gravel bikes are mostly there,
some 2x systems.
Road and TT have special use for 1x.
Track and BMX have always kept it clean and simple.
Anyway, there I was this morning doing my dawgawn bestest to try and recapture my PR from Jan 2026 on a segment called Pain Cave because...
... who wants to just cruse home after hammerin'?
And it dawned on me...
... back in Jan I forced myself to stay in the big ring all the way up the steeps.
Did it work?
Kinda.
Knocked 2:47 off of last week's tepid attempt...
... still 48 seconds off the PR.
I looked back at my scale logs...
... I'm 2 lbs heavier, .5% higher in body fat.
Then my weight training...
... I'm doing a lot more leg work Sunday and Monday.
Probably not a great way to prep for Wednesday.
Lastly I looked at time spent in Zone 4 or above...
... 48 min in Jan vs 49 min today.
I'll take another cracky at it...
- come in lighter
- more rested
- caffeinated
... attacking with punk blazing style.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-punk-collection
===
165.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
86/92/-7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SUPER SUCCESSFUL DIET THAT IS POTENTIALLY KILLING OUR POTENTIAL
THERE ARE A LOT OF SUCCESSFUL plans to decrease our extra ballast. Perhaps the most powerful is one that we rarely actually apply to getting lean...
... yet allow to dictate our ultimate potential.
Case in point.
Eat the same meal, day after day...
... we'll get sick of it.
Eat less.
Waste away.
Lose muscle.
It's just a fact.
Yet, we do that same thing...
- same group rides
- same strength work
- same A race targeted
... with so much of our activities.
The inertia against improvement is overwhelming.
We can't do more,
become more.
We stall,
or worse,
we give it all up.
And why not?
It's become boring.
However, who can blame even the most monk-like amongst us who pack on the pounds because...
... there are so many amazing food choices to be had.
These days, living in any kind of a city, even the smallest, there can be found really creative and fun dining experiences.
We can eat more,
yes, become more.
Maybe not the more we are looking for.
If we're really going to reach new heights...
- new groups
- new strength work
- new A races targeted
... we must mix it up.
PS this applies to everything: love, family, business, sprituality.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
720 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
84/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY COACHING IS MAGICAL?
REACHING OUT TO THOSE we think are in the know is pretty common practice. We can glean a lot. Getting serious about outcomes and...
... hiring a coach is next level.
#worth-it
I was thinking about this because last week I had two different people reach out to me about training questions.
Asking for my input.
Here's the dill.
For the most part a coach...
... isn't going to wave a wand and fix us.
What we're really paying a coach to do is...
... to tell us what we don't want to hear and hold us accountable.
It's rarely a question of knowing what to do.
Much more a question of willingness to do it.
And, ya know, when you're payin' for it...
... it does magically work.
(and, I heckuvalot faster than wingin' it)
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/87/-2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MASTERY OF THIS LAW = MASTERY ON RACEDAY
THERE IS AN UNDERAPPRECIATED MIRACLE all racers experience, yet often fail to recognize or implement in everyday life. If we did...
... who knows what we could accomplish.
Parkinson's Law.
Regardless of the distance or event...
... given a set of parameters,
a cohort of competitors,
we go faster.
Nobody signs up for a marathon with the idea of finishing...
... When I get around to it.
We laser in on the distance, time required, prep like mad...
... and execute.
Parkinson's Law...
... Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.
We know this because on the week of the A race...
... we magically get all our work down days early so we can travel and chill before the big event.
The gun goes off and...
... amazingly, produce heretofore unknown abilities setting PRs and often hitting or exceeding our goal finish times.
Getting our workdays wrapped up within 8-10 hours was burned into our brains through the school system.
It's a tough habit to break.
Accepting a reasonable output during those same hours is mollifying...
... but, uninspiring.
Dramatically shrinking the time to finish the race or project...
Massively expanding the output...
Defying Parkinson's law...
... should be our nature in all we do.
===
164.6/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
85/89/-4 per Strava
>
MISSLE LOCK
BEING IN THE DRAFT is such a wonderful feeling. We slot in and feel ourselves get sucked along at...
... a dramatically reduced effort.
It's slight at first.
Just like when we lose it...
... we slowly come uncoupled until suddenly we're on our own.
So it was on this morning's ride to the ride.
Me and my pals, jamming up the coast.
I bombed down a sizable hill in front,
shot up the other side,
they slingshot on by.
And the gap just starts opening wider and wider.
It was too early to be burning matches.
I made the prudent choice,
flicked my safety cover...
... and acquired missile lock.
It took 5 or so minutes of a measured effort, but then I closed enough to start to feel the draft...
... it's like the radar going from beeping to a solid tone.
Target acquired,
detonation imminent.
The rest of the ride would be much of the same...
... alternating attacks trying to drop each other.
I'd learned my lesson,
stayed locked and loaded the rest of the ride.
As a reward to ourselves,
we honed in on Parlor Donuts.
===
166.2/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
710 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
noLower Body: ATG squats and split squats
87/103/-16 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EPIC SUMMER TRAINING
WHELP, IT'S THAT TIME A YEAR when most of us have/will have/should have/ better have something to train for this summer. Otherwise...
... what's the point of living?
Going all summer without a goal is just okay.
So, let me just tantalize you with something insane,
dare I say the best gravel ride in SoCal.
Dana Point to Big Bear...
- about 50% gravel
- 50% of the pavement is bike trail
- leaving from the sand, summiting before sunset
... qualifies as epic.
Kinda far,
120 miles.
Kinda climby,
14,409'.
Kinda memorable,
nothing like gittin' 'er done with friends.
This will be our 5th year/6th running (2 attempts in '21).
The basic layout is...
- dinner at my place Friday night
- 5am official start on Saturday
- dinner in Big Bear
... leaving just before sunrise, finishing before sunset.
Click on it to see videos and pics.
I'll be posting more.
Put it on thy calendar: 10.10.26
Check my stats... we weren't killin' ourselves, click to go to ride.
===
166/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: push ups, pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: ATG squats and split squats
83/80/3 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT IS STRONG?
WE HEAR IT said of others. We make the comment ourselves, too. It seams so natural until we think about it, that it's...
... being said of endurance athletes.
_____ is riding/running/swimming strong!
Huh?
We're mainly scrawny.
So what does Strong mean then...
- big fitness?
- big muscles?
... things I think about while zonetwoing out.
If it's just a muscle thing, does it mean because they are actually stronger...
... it's just easier for them to generate X than it is for the rest of us?
If it's a VO2 Max thing, does it mean they aren't any stronger...
... it's just not as taxing for them at X effort as it is for the rest of us?
Truthfully, this conversation with myself when I was doing...
- all out 10 second sprints
- atg weighted squats
- box jumps
... throughout the week.
===
166/12.7%
89ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
84/86/-2 per Strava
>
DAMNED IF...
SOME WORKOUTS are better than others. There are those when we just don't wanna do. And those when we're really feeling it...
... that c'mon LFG feeling.
What to do?
Or not.
Like today.
We'd already hit it pretty hard...
- bursts up in the 600W range
- plenty in the 400s
- rest in 300s
... not sure that qualifies as overunders.
At the end of that hellish 35 minutes,
we head directly to a segment called Pain Cave.
I didn't want to do it,
already feelin' smoked.
Told BBB I was just gonna cruise it.
But, you know how that can go.
I looked down and I was doing 380 watts up the final push and you were disappearing.
Since he said that, I thought maybe it wasn't a bad effort.
Numbers don't lie.
24 min today vs 20 min in January (a PR).
What's the benefit of doing it then?
I'll tell ya...
... to get fired up for next week.
LFG!
===
165/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
yes Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
85/89/-5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WOULD YOU RATHER...
THE ENDURANCE WORLD is vast and exciting. So many ways to test our mettle, against others and, more importantly...
... against ourselves.
We must choose one.
Focus.
Go for our own greatness.
So, which would it be...
- Tour de France Champion
- Ironman sub-8 hours at Kona
- Boston Marathon sub-2:05
... that would be personally most satisfying?
Or for you...
- Downhill World Champion
- Unbound Champion
- Leadville 100 sub-6 hours
... dirty racers.
Doesn't have to be any of those, but whatever it is...
... why aren't we 100% committed to making it happen?
This trip ain't gonna last forevah.
===
165.4/12.7%
7.ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
83/81/2 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY CONSISTENCY COUNTS
IT ALL ADDS UP. Every effort we make contributes to our pot of fitness, and while the ones half-@$$ don't deplete...
... they just don't get us where we want to be.
As quick.
Which is nothing compared to skipping.
Or quitting.
We're reminded of that every day when we're out and about seeing people of our generation.
It's like looking in the mirror and seeing what could have been...
... kind of a George Bailey thing.
This is why we say Every Day Is RaceDay.
===
164.4/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 40 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
85/93/-8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
19 TAKEAWAYS FROM LBL
THERE WAS A BIG SHOWDOWN at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the reigning unbeatable king vs the French teenage sensation vs the previous two-time winner...
... and I have some thoughts on that.
Not just that they swept the podium.
Firstoff, there was/is/will be a lot of chatter about...
... a 19 year old coming for the king of July, this July.
Some say too, young...
... should be holding him back.
To which I can only point to two other 19 year olds,
who didn't wait for their time,
their turn.
The very terrifying Mike Tyson,
knocking out everyone who dared.
Cooper Flagg who the critics claimed to be overrated,
before becoming the first teen to score 50 points in the NBA.
Paul Seixas has something more in common with the Tyson and Flagg,
the same quality Pogacar had when he came outta nowhere...
- which I find lacking in Remco, and so many others
... at 19, they were/are all having a lot of fun,
in love with the sport.
Simple.
Pure.
There's something beautiful and endearing to their approach,
we might lean into a little more.
===
164.4/12.6%
7ish hours sleep
650 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
84/84/-1 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
JUST HOW MANY CODES CAN WE CRACK?
THE ENDURANCE ATHLET'S JOURNEY is endlessly fascinating, as continually learn more about what we are capable of. Add to that, the constant flow of new information...
... we are constantly cracking new codes.
That's funstuff!
I tried a new one today.
After years, and I mean decades when I say years, of my tried and true formula....
- 1 bottle per hour
- 3-400 calories per bottle
- under extreme training or racing
... I tried something new.
Yesterday, I was exposed to an old thought via the TrainerRoad podcast...
- drink water, when thirsty
- ingest carbs via gels or food
- increase carbs towards end of the effort
... which seemed very new, to me.
My main impetus for trying it out today was that a week ago at Sea Otter I started to feel very bloated...
... almost nauseous the last 90 minutes.
It was a real struggle,
and it sucked.
So, today I put it to the test on a ripping 4.5 hour ride...
- drank only 2 bottles
- got a little hungry last hour - didn't bring enough
- put out better numbers than I have all year, including racing
... I felt lighter, dare I say spry?
Def worth more testing.
===
165.2/12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
86/97/-12 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A WEIRD AND INCREDIBLE OFFSHOOT OF LEG DAY
MAKING LEG DAY a regular thing is something some of us do in the "offseason" and few of us do year round because...
... that's just the way it's done.
What if it's wrong?
Since I've been extra committed to hitting the legs 2-3 times a week...
- with weights
- without weights
- super snappy, max sprints
... I've noticed something marvelous.
It's becoming harder and harder to back it down,
and do the spinny Z1 stuff.
Plus...
... threshold efforts are feeling easier and easier.
Why would that be?
I might just be getting stronger, but I think it's more like...
... it just feels so good to feel the burn.
===
163.4/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
81/72/9 per Strava (feeling mostly recovered from Sea Otter)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ONE THING NOT TO EASE UP ON WHEN TAPERING
THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT CONFLICTING INFORMATION is that it means most competitors are conflicted about any number of approaches to maximum fitness. Whether that be training...
... or on raceday.
Tapering matters.
We know we should rest.
Just what does that mean?
Here's what works for me, and why.
I cut back the volume, but...
... I never cut off the intensity.
Cutting back the volume lets my body recover and repair,
the fatigue melts away.
Putting out short bursts of race pace in the final 7-10 days...
- 10-30 second efforts
- at 80-100% of max
- then super easy
... keeps my muscles, tendons and brain primed for action.
You might find that conflicting,
test it and figure it out,
for you.
===
164.6/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 15 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 60 ATG squats and split squats
82/74/8 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE TOOL KIT
HEADING OUT INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS we often carry tools of some sort. Usually, the basics. Sometimes more. Depends on...
... how crazy things could get.
Risks we are taking.
But, why do we do that?
We aren't planning to have a breakdown.
Yet, we know shift happens.
It's happened before,
gonna happen again.
The point isn't that we are expecting failure,
we are planning for success.
No matter what comes our way...
... we'll git 'er done.
===
163.8
7.5ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 ATG squats and split squats
83/77/5 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DOES THIS MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG?
ADDING ANY NEW EXERCISE or movement often reacquaints us with muscles we didn't know we had, mainly because we've neglected to...
... engage them in meaningful ways.
We're sore.
My latest has been a pain in my arse.
Literally.
After my PT said I need to thoroughly stretch my legs with ATG (ass to grass) squats...
... I got started.
'cause I'm obedient as heck when it comes to my body's performance.
I used to do 'em.
In fact, back then...
- they don't bend over
- they lower down with legs
- to a full squat and make it look easy and natural
... I remembered seeing the little kids pick stuff up.
Anyway,
I'm back at it.
Started doing...
- a few ATG air squats
- to sets of 20 after 20 pushups
- to doing them with a 35 lb kettle bell
... and guess where I feel it most?
Los glutes.
Guess what is one of our biggest muscles,
and if engaged with a proper bike fit,
can develop all kindsa power?
Los glutes.
It's bringing me back to high school when the girl I was crushing on came up from behind in the hallway outside English class and pinched my butt...
... whispering Nice @$$.
Ah, the glory days!
Maybe I'll get it back, lol...
... at least a touch of the onthebike power?
===
165.6
9ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 40 push ups, 10 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 40 ATG squats and split squats
82/71/10 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE PROJECT AND THE SYSTEM
THE IDEA THAT WE CAN HAVE a system to help us achieve a goal is a mighty fine way to approach any objective. Then, it's just a matter of...
... figuring out the inputs.
After we define the project.
It's looking like this summer is going to be...
- executing our biz plan
- planning a giant family reunion
- and being around for our latest grandchild's arrival
... while hacking Project Leadville.
Without training like a maniac.
By putting a system place,
I can take reasonable action each day...
... knowing I'll arrive according to plan.
Since my bike is already set...
- continue to build strength with sprints and weights
- get back to 2022's svelteness
- fix the everplaguing bike fit
... it's a matter of getting my body ready.
That should allow me to achieve Project Leadville:
- have fun and great energy daily
- put down a sub-9 time at Leadville this year
- stay on track for my very long-term goal of sub-9 at 70
... while keeping the main things - family and business - the main things.
There is a caveat to this kind of systems based action...
- Podiums are nearly impossible to predict
- PRs much easier manage and way more fun to chase after
... it works better for achieving PRs than podiums.
(I'm starting to wonder if I'll every write a complete sentence or an actual paragraph ever again. What is happening to my grammar?)
===
168 (gotta drop 10lbs)
9ish hours sleep
650 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 80 push ups, 20 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 80 body weight squats and split squats
82/71/11 per Strava (there's no way this is accurate, I'm still wrecked from Sea Otter)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HUNGOVER AND LOVING IT
AFTER THE 'A' EVENT, nearly always comes some sort of hangover. Whether it's mission failure, mission meh...
... or mission accomplished.
Excess is inevitable.
For me that means doing whatever Surfergirl wants to do.
Rather than collapsing on the couch...
... like most Saturdays.
Instead, we drove the opposite direction of home...
- walked the length of the beautiful cove
- picked up insanely good pizza
- 16" not 9", cuz hungry
... to beautiful Carmel.
Followed by 3.5 hours of driving so we could wake when literallyworldfamous
Old West Cinnamon Rolls opened.
Then, 4 more hours on the road...
... cuz the lady likes to detour at the beach stops.
Arrive home,
unload.
Enjoy surprise visit and dinner with daughter and grandson...
... and, finally, collapse on the couch.
(normally, I love Monday morning... not sure about this one.)
===
167ish
6.5ish hours sleep
550 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
83/76/7 per Strava
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SEA OTTER 2026: THE PLAN WAS...
THERE ARE FIGHTERS and there are wannabe fighters. We all identify with every type because at some point we've been there...
... battling our competitors and our minds.
Executing the plan,
get into Leadville.
But, as the great Mike Tyson sagely said...
... Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.
Which is what the start of every race always feels like.
Today, was no different.
5-4-3-2-1 and we're all redlined hitting the opening climb...
... aiming to enter the single track at the top leading, or right there.
Because after that, the next 5 miles are very difficult to pass.
Too narrow.
And, there's lots of passing to be done as we generally roll up on the group that started ahead pretty quickly.
During the first 5 miles...
- Me
- Dean
- and Greg
... our podium was pretty much set.
We traded pulls that first lap,
and entered the second and final lap on the same time.
Here is where I had to make a decision...
- Greg was distanced just a bit
- Dean seemed to be slightly struggling
- The Ol' Diesel was feeling pretty good
... race for the podium or for a good time?
They are different things.
I decided to just ride my pace.
A gap slowly opened,
then, a lot.
I couldn't see them.
Just settled in.
Stayed on top of my nutrition,
kept the pace at tempo or above...
... as much as I could.
20 minutes later,
Dean, that crafty sunnavagun,
was closing on a longish climb.
Race for the podium or stay on pace?
I stayed on pace,
the gap opened back up...
... and I kept my helmet on a swivel the rest of the way in.
Let me just pause for a moment and reflect on how good it felt to be out on my bike and riding well. It had been a rough last couple of days on several fronts, and this morning...
... I just wasn't feelin' it.
Surfergirl sensed it.
You okay?
I dunno.
You're gunna do great.
Not sure I care.
Some days are like that,
sometimes it's on raceday
sometimes it's on workday
sometimes on familyday.
We always have a choice...
... to buckle up and fight
or not.
I'm glad I did.
All went according to plan, except like a newb I neglected to look at the time I should be shooting for: sub 5:10.
5:11
FTW.
I'll gladly take that and the gold coin allowing me entry in Leadville.
===
165ish
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
85/88/-3 per Strava
>
ANDALE PUES
WE MADE IT TO LAGUNA SECA raceway. Checked in, got the race plate, twisties, and free t-shirt...
... then, the pass.
Big bucks, for Surfergirl's pass to walk into expo area,
which she was determined to do.
As the best support crew ever...
... she wanted to see the start/finish and feedzone area.
Proper.
I got in fir free because, I'm a racer.
My mission was to see...
- Andrew, director of marketing at Cervelo
- Ard, owner/founder of Kogel bearings
... a few new customers.
That was fun,
so was running into a bunch of friends...
... which is one of the best parts of being part of a community for a long time.
Once we got to the start/finish area...
- who is your main competition?
- I dunno who's coming.
- when will you come through for second lap?
- around 11-11:15 (2.5ish hours after start)
- which kit are you going to wear?
- something bright to match those crazy shoes
... she peppered with me with the usual questions.
We're ready.
Andale pues!
===
165ish
8ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 20 push ups, 5 pull ups, gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: body weight squats and split squats
81/62/19 per Strava (someone's tapered)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY IS THIS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?
Dec 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, as the saying goes, because tomorrow is like a primer for what is to come...
... it is the shortest day of the year.
I know that.
I look forward to it.
I'm already sick of riding in the dark, with lights, and layers of clothing.
Just knowing the days will only get longer after the 21st puts me in a good mood. It get's me thinking ahead to the January 1st...
... when the next race season begins.
Doesn't matter how far out that first race is...
... we're gonna be ready.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
Especially those of us who are already starting to fill out the giant RaceDay Calendar™.
You need one of these, now.
Order now and get FREE SHIPPING!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
166
7 hrs
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
65 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT I LEARNED RACING ON THE COBBLES
Dec 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO WAYS to learn how to race on cobbles. Hire a top level coach, and do exactly as you're told...
... or, just get on the cobbles.
Nearly all of us simply go for it.
Therein lies the beauty...
- We try something someone said and it works.
- By accident, we discover a secret.
- We borrow from other sports.
- We study books.
- Watch races.
- We persist.
... it's our wisdom.
We cobbled it together.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
I remember the first time I heard about PR Lotion. My friend SupeDave commented on a FB thread.
Dave, does PR Lotion work?
Yep.
He's a man of few words.
Then my friend Matt starting kitting up for a race and applying PR Lotion like his life depended on it.
Does that work?
Yeah, I can't race without it.
So I tried it.
Now I'm hooked.
If a hard day is on the menu, I apply.
Why?
I don't like feeling pain nearly as much as I like inflicting it.
If you're into hard work, and want to maximize your effort while buffering the associated pain...
... use promo code COBBLE and save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
165.4
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
90 minutes reading + Journaling
BAKE MILES
Dec 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE PLAN WAS TO MEET THE CREW AT 835, then roll over and join a larger, faster group. Simple enough...
... but, my groggy brain interpreted that as leave my house at 835.
Ugh.
By the time I'd realized my silly error I was 15 minutes behind.
Among the many objectives today besides seeing my friends and logging some base miles, was to
... get in an hour of intensity.
So it began, PRing a section I've ridden 220 times according to the Starva overlords.
But, why an hour?
Because, I'm very dedicated to the MAF Method at the moment. 80% of the week is Zone 2, 20% is Zones 4-5.
Since I'm actually still building base, I'm more like 90% Zone 2 and 10% 4-5. That will change in the coming weeks as I get closer to my first real A races at the beginning of March.
I like to think of the build up for an A race as baking sour dough bread. After kneading, you let it rise for 24 hours. Then bake for 30 minutes. After which, the bread should cool for at least 30 minutes or more.
That time to rise is akin to base miles...
... the baking more like the final brutal weeks of training...
... cooling, the ever critical taper.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
If this is hard for you to track, or if you LOVE seeing your big goals and diabolical plans for race domination.
You need one of these, now.
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https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
165.8
7.75 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling
NOW THIS IS TEAMWORK!
Dec 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE THIS SECRET TEAM that really helps me get into great shape and get after it. They're awesome, wise, motivating...
... and they don't charge me a dime.
How do I do it?
On any given day, they beatthehell out of me on the bike.
While they're all smiles and happy, occasionally rubbing it in...
... I'm taking notes like crazy.
How'd they do it?
Where'd they attack?
What could I have done better?
Later, I review that free lesson and incorporate it into my own quiver of tricks.
I'm happy for their win. They worked hard, executed well, maybe even had some luck.
That's cool...
'cuz I'm learning.
Win.
Win.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Sometimes those lessons require long climbs in the cold.
The beauty of the KOM jacket is that it virtually eliminates the wind. I developed it specifically for bombing off the top of the mountain...
... imagine how good it is just riding along.
Use promo code TENSION
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
167
7.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IS YOUR CHAIN TENSION CORRECT?
Dec 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS EVERY SINGLE SPEEDER CAN ATTEST, keep that chain tight. But, it's tricky, since there is no derailleur to pick up the slack...
... maintaining proper tension is an art.
Why should you care?
Because too much tension creates a lot of drag in the drive train, and not enough tension results and the chain falling off the rings...
... a perfect metaphor for our racing lives.
Too much riding,
we get over trained.
Not enough,
we get slow.
Diesel, this is lame.
Well... you are... as lame as your weakest link.
Yawn... heard that one already.
OK... It's your chain, do with it as you wish.
I am.
I know.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
Just like I know dressing for the weather of the day is an art.
The beauty of the KOM jacket is that it virtually eliminates the wind. I developed it for bombing off the top of the mountain...
... imagine how good it is just riding along.
Use promo code TENSION
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
166.2
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
55 minutes reading + Journaling
I'D RATHER BE LUCKY THAN LOTTERY
Dec 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
HAVING A LOTTERY 'CUZ YOUR RIDE IS SO POPULAR is a thing. For me that thing is Leadville. Due to a remarkable fitness hack, which I will kinda share below...
... I don't need the luck of the lottery for entry..
I'm in.
Earned it last summer.
Just today I was thinking it was time to ramp up the training and return to that most glorious fitness.
It was during the chilly and everpeppy Wednesday Worlds.
After a miraculous sprint....
... by my standards.
You see I had some good luck maneuvering to about 8th wheel with a 100 to go.
Then, nobody really went for it.
V for the old diesel.
But, I digress.
I was going to tell you about how to change your luck...
... via my fitness hack
Then, I got side tracked by an avalanche of email... one was a beauty, sent by a gentleman who not only cannot read but apparently is deaf... he was responding to my Free Book offer wherein I explain multiple times in SoCalSurfSpeak and text that the book is free, just pay the shipping. I'm so impressed by his intelligence and ability to understand my heavy accent I thought I'd post his kind and loving message before sharing something with you...
You said the book is free, but then you want to charge me $8.95 when I go to order. What kind of scam is that?
If you're into scams, you're going to love this one.
When you click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training you are taken to my best training secrets...
... where you can sign up for Free to be alerted for my soon to be released app called RaceDay Ready™...
... the base version, will be free, and very useful...
... the 10 Week RaceDay Ready™ training plan is really going to set you back, though.
$7.
I know what you're thinking... Freakin Diesel spent thou$and$ to develop a free app, where I can learn and apply his diabolical methods, and now that nogoodsunuvvagun wants to gouge me a whopping seven bucks for the upgrade!
Yep.
I'm that kinda guy.
In fact, I'm worse...
... because this 10 week program to get your lycra clad haunches ready for RaceDay is so hard and demanding your gonna want that MASSIVE $7 investment back...
... you'll curse the day you ever heard of me...
... simply for doing my dawgawndest...
... to improve your luck.
Just do that cursing in SoCalSurfSpeak.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training
---
165.4
7.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 10 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
AND NOW A WORD FROM THE SUGAR SPONSORS
Dec 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AH SUGAR, HOW WE BOW TO THEE. Well, not all of us, but the unwashed, those yet to join our cult of the wheel...
... they prostrate themselves before thee.
But, not out of any kind of conscious affinity.
They are slaves.
Addicts.
If only they knew the truth...
... and now a sobering word with the great Dr. Phil Maffetone, from his book Get Strong!
- Sugar is not just white or brown table sugar, but often disguised as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, rice syrup, beet sugar, maltodextrin and others.
- Refined flour quickly turns to sugar after eating. This includes all processed flours (even those claiming to be whole grain) from wheat, corn, soy and others.
If none of this is news to you,
I'm not surprised.
If it is,
I'm not surprised.
Sugar is very sneaky.
And mostly evil.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Unlike our changing ponchos which are a sneaky way to change your clothes in public.
I like these new designs
Use promo code: SNEAKY
It'll save ya 15% on all ponchos for the next couple of days.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
164.7
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 40 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TRAINING THE COMFORT ZONE
Dec 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF ZONE 2 TRAINING is the concurrent, and typically untapped, training of the Comfort Zone. Beware, this isn't some foofoo guru hoohah...
... this requires a brave and playful heart.
Check it out.
Because we are much more clear headed in Zone 2 vs the seeing of stars lunacy when in Zone 5, smart people like us use this as an opportunity to get comfortable with speed.
Could be as simple as railing a turn and staying off the brakes...
... or as complex as shredding some single track.
Whatever the case, we should maximize every opportunity while thinking clear and not being out of breath...
... to learn and practice carrying more speed.
I noticed this on my MTB jaunt this morning.
After zipping downhill off road, at a pace many would be panicking, I saw my HRM indicating...
... a rather low 97 bpm.
There's no better time than Zone 2...
... to master getting comfortable with more speed.
All you need is a bit of courage and a lot of playfulness.
Look how comfortable Caleb is in the pic above...
... he's in the Comfort Zone.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Another thing that makes me comfortable is running lights day and night.
Just got some more of these lights in.
Too many, actually.
Use promo code COMFORT to save 20%.
Code expires in 2 days.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
165.4
8.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps 15 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling
INTERMITTENT FASTING, DOES IT BELONG IN CYCLING?
Dec 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IS IT JUST ME or is intermittent fasting bigger than ever? Honestly, I'm not sure. Because when you think about it, in every major religion fasting plays a part in worship...
... with lots of criticism on doing it right.
The cycling zealots are no different.
Among the benefits I have personally uncovered during my journey, one stands out.
It started with an occasional, dab.
A monthly thing.
Then my friend Jorge went monk-like, fasting from Sunday evening until Tuesday morning each week.
Really?
Yep.
No food?
None, just water, coffee and tea.
I'm not there, but I am here.
Each Sunday I skip breakfast and lunch.
Understand, I rarely ride on Sundays so my caloric needs are minor...
... especially after a big Saturday on the bike and the commensurate overeating that follows.
The biggest take away for our particular religion of the wheel is this:
After the initial hunger pangs have passed, my energy is quite good. As well as my focus. Desire for food disappears. When I end the fast all I want to eat is...
... a nutrient dense, healthy snack.
That's it.
Just good stuff.
No junk.
A feeling which is lasting longer and longer, through to the following Sunday. So much so, that I look forward to the fast.
Maybe something to add to your own wheel worship?
Let me know.
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Some of you might be into red this time of year.
Now's your chance to get our incredible gloves...
... and the socks are free, free, free.
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Just buy one pair, get a free pair of socks... or buy 2 and get 2... or 3 and get 3.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166
8.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 10 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
90 minutes reading + Journaling
LOSE IT OR USE IT.
Dec 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR is all the colors that come out for a few brief weeks or months. The lights, the parades...
... and the old, old, old team jackets from the 90's.
Unsurprisingly, the riders themselves are old, old, old as well.
Which brings up this parallel insight I observed on the peppy, groupy portion of the ride.
There we are sleighing it through town. The Hulk keeps attacking and gapping us. I bridge up a few times and the fellas do the ol'...
... well, if Diesel is willing to chase why help?
Like those old jackets, I had a choice to make.
It made no sense to keep pulling the Hulkster back.
I had to lose 'em, or use 'em.
It's December, a good time to use 'em.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1
It's also a good time to get yourself, your friend and your mom a PEDALindustries beanie.
For 40% off, this weekend only.
Use promo code USEIT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1
---
166
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
A MIDNIGHT CLEAR
Dec 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
DON'T GET ME WRONG, I love a midnight clear as much as anyone. Especially, if the following morning is cleared out for a hardy ride. But, following the good rains this week, that clarity can only mean one thing...
... a morning chilly.
Why do we head out when most roll over?
Well, while studying Mencius earlier today I found this...
... A great man is one who retains the heart of a newborn babe.
I know, I know.
He wasn't talking about bike riding.
But, am I?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
A great racer, is always prepared by using the amazing RaceDay Bag™...
... Holds Everything But The Bike!
We're cranking 'em out, and can get yours shipped tomorrow.
Use promo code HOLYGRAIL
Code expires in a few days, use it or lose it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
---
166
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE GOOD MECHANIC
Dec 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
CLIMBING UP THE LAST HILL BEFORE HOME, sheets of rain falling and cascading towards me, I thought about my spiffy, new bike...
... not my cold feet.
Feet recover.
Bikes seize.
Fortunately, I had only mistimed the storm by a few minutes. Though the bibs were soaked, the sidewalls were still somewhat dry.
Just needed to rinse down the road grime and dry off Hot Lava (bike's name).
The only tool I'd need is a dry towel.
However, If it'd been hours in a deluge and mud followed by letting the bike sit for a few days...
... I'd need a good mechanic.
Good mechanics aren't good just because of their skills.
A good mechanic has a beautiful work area, and the perfect tool for every occasion, and the parts needed.
Skills.
Tools.
Parts.
For 2022, I'm planning to master a lot of more of my wrenching. Part of the desire stems for the zen like state one can get in while wrenching in the garage...
... the other part is I want to travel more, and be more self-sufficient.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
Of course, I'll be bring a PRO size RaceDay Bag™...
... Holds Everything But The Bike!
We're cranking 'em out, and can get yours shipped tomorrow.
Use promo code HOLYGRAIL
Code expires in a few days, use it or lose it.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
---
166
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling
BRING OUT YOUR DEAD
Dec 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AH, THE GREAT MONTY PYTHON SCENE, Bring out your dead. I was thinking about that today as I latched onto the fearsome Swami's ride on the marine base. We were there to make a virgin offering, and I warned him to stay at the back, keep his mouth shut...
... and hang on for dear life.
Simple instructions.
Perfectly followed.
Resulting in premature ejection on Heartbreak Hill. Strava calls it something else, but they are wrong.
It's a heartbreaking.
A gentle rise, sweeping to the right, that eases off not nearly soon enough, and then sweeps to the left and down.
Nothing grows there, but grass.
Too much wind.
And so that scene from The Holy Grail.
He, along with numerous others, was tossed from the cozy group into the wide open and windswept plain.
The poetic match of the movie title and the call to bring out the dead is not lost on me.
Making that Heartbreak Hill is the holy grail of Swami's.
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Speaking of holy grails, the holy grail of bags is our very own RaceDay Bag™...
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---
165.3
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps + Gym
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling
RAIN, BABY, RAIN!
Dec 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I WOKE UP COZY, to the sound of not-rain. Huh? App said rain, rain, rain. And having already proven I can ride and race in the rain...
... I opted to sleep in.
Which meant skipping a key workout.
Which now means fitness lost.
Which converts to fat.
I'm going to hell.
Shame on me.
Oh wait, I've worked my buns off to create a business that allows for flexibility.
Let's get to work.
Then, let's ride.
Ever had that conversation?
Or, one like it?\
Well, if you have, you might have wanted a brand new water bottle for that well deserved ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
Earlier this year, I scored a one-time shipment of one of my favorite water bottles.
Surprisingly, we still have some...
... for as little as $2.
They make EXCELLENT stocking stuffers.
No joke... as low as $2.
Watch the video.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles
165.4
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO ACHIEVE BETTER BALANCE
Dec 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF BALANCING ACTS, and we must master each. I'll bet you know the secret to one of them. But, in talking with a local racer struggling with balance, I was prompted to remind him ...
... nobody gives a shift if you win a bike race.
I'm his coach, and he was expressing his frustration with balancing career, family and wanting to win every race. He is in the unusual position of actually being able to win many races if he puts in the time...
... he has real physical talents few of us have.
I get it.
My race shape waned for many years, the time we had all the kids at home.
I kept racing.
I kept winning.
Because, I defined winning differently than standing on the top of the podium. I continue to do that to this day...
... winning is knowing I couldn't have done a better job.
I sent him this quote from my book: No sporty success can compensate for failure in the home.
Which brings up the balance you have no doubt mastered.
On the bike.
And, the number one secret to that is to keep moving forward.
Wherein we find the mystical balance to achieve life-long racing success...
... keep moving forward.
Keep posting goals.
Keep challenging yourself.
Keep your expectations in line with proper balance...
... and remember, the people that love you, love you for you.
They want your time, not your trinkets.
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In the meantime, get you calendar now!
They are in stock, and we are constantly making more.
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Be sure to watch my incredible video on this link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
166.4
8 hrs
25 Pull Ups 50 PushUps + kettle bells
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WELL, DANG BRO... I'M SORRY.
Dec 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I WAVE A LOT. To the cars who approach from behind, the side and ahead. The walkers. The joggers. And, of course...
... the riders.
Most, not all, wave back. And, why not? We are outside, away from the glass we spend so much time in front of...
... enjoying this beautiful planet.
This is where I find true connection to the great spirit. I see it everywhere, feel it's embrace. Maybe I'm conditioned...
... but, I don't care.
The other day I waved to a young man walking towards me, pack on his back. I mistook his quick pace for being in a hurry...
... he was full of anger.
His words, curt and salty.
Hurtful.
I carried on.
Should I have stopped? Asked if I could help? How could he not see the surrounding beauty on that glorious sunny morning?
It's hard to know.
My friend TD, rides with a bagel most days.
It's not for him.
He's on the lookout for a hungry soul. I've seen him find more than one. It's a beautiful thing.
Many are hungry,
some for a bagel,
some a wave,
others a hug.
Enjoy your ride today.
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Along the way you make someone's day a little easier.
Kinda like this absolutely amazing lube from Ceramic Speed.
You could read all the sciency stuff, or just trust me when I say it's long-lasting, quiet, and extremely friction-free.
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---
166.2
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups 0 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
120 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T MUTE YOUR MUTT
Dec 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LEAN ON THE CYCLING SPECTRUM, you may have been tempted to mute your inner mutt. I came in during the extremely stodgy road only days...
... just after the invention of the wheel.
The shops and race scene were dominated by these cats who basically looked down on all the new clowns in town...
... which meant mocking Little Young Diesel.
My position,
my grip,
my gear choice,
hairy legs,
touring bicycle...
... and, oh, the horror!...
... my yellow jersey.
The mockery and meanery was discouraging, and lame.
But, I was undaunted.
In love.
I came from surfing, which I never would have left if there there unlimited and predictable waves. The idea that I could grab my bike and get my stoke anytime, all the time, was incredible.
And here's where the mutt comes in.
We're all mutts.
We all bring with us the other sporty things we did before finding the best of them all.
I brought surfing, and here's the skill set that helped me smack the highbrow lowlifes:
When 20 guys are sitting on the peak and only a handful of waves roll through with each set, you have to be very crafty. Very. Or, you're gonna get skunked. Turns out those very skills come in handy in a sprint finish.
So, what ya wanna do is think back on the sporty things you got good at before and apply those skills to bikyracy stuff.
You probably already do, unconsciously.
Get concious.
Little things, just recognizing them, gives incredible confidence.
This morning, I did a local group ride knowing full well they'd hit the climb way harder than I've ridden in months. Bam! Sprinting up a 10% grade which levels off to a false flat/rolling top.
My eyes were watering it hurt so bad...
... reminded me of the days I'd sit on the far side of the peak, dudes would think I was too far out, and I'd paddle so hard and so fast I'd catch the wave before they even had a chance.
Bark!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
Would you like to
- receive a gift from me every month?
- save 25% on all purchase?
- have access to our best secrets and events?
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---
165.6
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
10 minutes reading + Journaling
ARE YOU TRAINING AS SMART AS GOLDILOCKS?
Dec 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AH THE AGE OLD QUESTION, would anybody sit in your saddle or eat your porridge or sleep in your bed? I mean is what you're doing worth emulating? Even better...
... would Goldilocks train like you do?
The great Joe Friel points out in Fast After 50...
... "that very strenuous exercise was an aerobic capacity preserver."
In other words, keep kicking arse regularly if you want to keep kicking arse forever.
Use it or lose it.
In Chapter 4, he goes into great detail of the benefits of intense workouts and is quick to point out that too much, is too much and will lead to breakdowns.
Says Joe, I'd prefer to see a mix of an individually reasonable amount of moderate-effort volume along with some high-intensity training.
Plus this, point the finger of blame for loss of performance with age at training intensity, not volume.
That's where Goldilocks comes into play. We have to find the right mix, balanced with our lifestyle and goals.
What does a reasonable amount of moderate-effort and some high-intensity look like to me and you?
Here's one way to look at it, and I'll into this in greater detail in the soon to be release training app and book titled, RaceDay Ready, 10 weeks to speed.
Take your max hours available in a given week, and put 80% of that in the moderate-effort category. 20% will then be dedicated to hucking up a lung.
I love lung hucking so much (kind of) that I split it between 2 days. The rest is reasonable.
This is a general fitness approach. As A races approach that changes a bit. But, in general, I never skip my lung hucking and I rarely stray from the 80/20.
Figure out your Goldilocks formula...
... and read any of Joe's books, good stuff.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
Speaking of good stuff, the PEDALposse will be receiving a gorgeous RaceDay Calendar and Free access to the new app.
If you want that good stuff all year long, send the link below to the one who loves and loves to give you something you really, really want:
- receive a gift from me every month?
- save 25% on all purchase?
- have access to our best secrets and events?
This link:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
---
165.4
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW THE HECK DID I GET IN THIS POSITION?
Dec 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE CAN SCREW UP ALL KINDS OF THINGS IN RACING and most of them can be overcome quickly with little lasting damage to our odds of a good performance. One exception is bike positioning...
... and, I ain't talking about bike fit.
Bike fit is important, how we position ourselves is importanter.
You can have the best sprint in the world, but if you're a hundred cats back with 300m to go you gott no chance of winning. None.
If you're galloping along with the group in an MTB race and the course goes from fire road to skinny single track you better be darn sure you're up front.
Should we always be up front?
Gosh no.
It's mighty nice and wise to float back and get sucked along in the draft and energy of the peloton mid-race.
Some of us start a climb at the front, banking on the idea we can drift to the back and still be connected before dropping down the other side. Others, like to start back a ways and weave through the shrapnel.
The first rule of positioning is deciding what kind of rider we are...
... and then race accordingly.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
Speaking of positioning... have you propositioned the greatest gift of all?
- receive a gift from me every month?
- save 25% on all purchase?
- have access to our best secrets and events?
Send this link to someone who wants to give you a gift that will bring you joy all year.
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---
166
7.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling
ZONE TOO TRAINING
Dec 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YES, YOU SHOULD TRAIN ZONE 2. It's the place where you build volume. It's also the place pro triathletes annihilate their competition, pushing speeds most of would only dream of...
... but you should also train Zone Too.
And just what is that Old Diesel?
Well, you won't get this if you are doing your Zone 2 on a trainer or that Pelotonythingy.
In the real world, on a bike moving through the air and over varying terrain...
... is the 8th Wonder Of Speed.
You start looking at your monitor and thinking How could I...
... go faster without raising my heart rate?
This is where the magic happens, because you can and will go faster without raising your heart rate.
- Get more aero clothing
- Lose weight
- improve your position on the bike
- Relax muscles that don't need to be used.
- Improve pedal stroke
- ... and so on.
The result is real efficiency gains caused by voluntarily giving our hearts a loving break.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership
Speaking of loving, wouldn't you love to
- receive a gift from me every month?
- save 25% on all purchase?
- have access to our best secrets and events?
Send this link to someone who wants to give you a gift that will bring you joy all year.
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---
166.7 (it don't come off like it used to)
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
50 minutes reading + Journaling
DECEMBER HEROES
Nov 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS THE GROUP SPED BY ME THIS MORNING, I thought to myself now would be a good time to bring up a topic relevant to those living in the sunbelt. Could be germane to the rest of ya's, too...
... I give you the December hero.
This is not the local Toys for Tots champion. No, far from that. This is the cat who wins all the climbs and sprints in December...
... and can you blame them?
Yes.
Kinda.
Most of the time said cat has spent the spring, the summer, and the fall getting smacked around and dropped by those who hibernate in winter...
... and it feels dern fine to win a few.
But, why do some hibernate in winter?
To let the body heal and recover,
then build base...
... and then smack everybody around the rest of the year.
In other words...
... December Hero winds up Summer Zero.
I say this with only love in my heart...
if you've been on the gas all year chasing these fools around and they are suddenly taking it easy...
... slow the heck down!
And, repeat after me...
I am a December Zero,
and a Summer SuperHero.
Have faith padawan,
XOXO
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A lotta peeps have been joining the PEDALposse this recently.
But, not just the monthly program. They've been grabbing the entire year in advance...
... you know what they are doing?
Gifting it to someone they know will love it.
So, if you would love:
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- Access to our best secrets and events
Send this link to someone who wants to give you something that will bring you joy all year.
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---
166.7 (it don't come off like it used to)
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
50 minutes reading + Journaling
A WORD OF ADVICE FOR THE SLACKERS OUT THERE
Nov 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND, I had a chance to sit down with an octogenarian. Dinner was over, the table had cleared, and out of nowhere he looks at me and says...
... Can I give you some advice?
Sure.
The easy way, always ends up being harder.
... hmmm...
And the hard way, always ends up being easier.
Now, I have no idea why he said that. Fact is, he couldn't place my name this year.
No matter.
I get it.
And, I guess I needed to hear it.
It can be applied to anything, but you know we only talk about racy things here.
Take bicycle maintenance.
It's easy to skip checking your chain wear,
there by letting the chain go to long,
and risk snapping it in a race,
or buying an entire drivetrain vs a little ol' chain.
Or food.
It's hard to eat farm food vs factory food,
but there's no better way to drop pounds and increase performance.
Or strength.
It's hard to do pull-ups and pushups every day,
but it sure makes climbing out of the saddle easy and powerful.
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This is making me hungry for food and bicycle maintenance.
Which means, I'll be putting on the awesome apron.
Weather your cranking on your bike before a race, or working the backyard BBQ like a boss... do it in style!
- 7-ounce, 100% cotton twill with stain-release protection
- Three pouch pockets, pen pocket
- 1-inch wide neck and waist ties, adjustable neck strap
- Measures 22"w x 24"l
Use promo code: BBQ and save 25%
Sale ends Friday or when we run out of aprons.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-apron-for-cooking-and-cranking
---
167.1
7.5 hrs
25 Pull Ups 50 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6321991011
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Nov 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I RAN INTO MY FRIEND'S YOUNGISH SON. He's had a rough start in life. Childhood brain cancer, and all the accompanying complications and challenges. Today, he was excited to share his new training regimen...
... and I listened intently.
I got up at 5am to go to the gym.
Really? (I know he's a big time sleeper inner, this was impressive to me.)
Yes, I'm going to get in good shape.
What inspired this?
I read a book called One Punch, about a hero who makes himself super strong by working out.
Do you have any goals?
Right now I can run a mile in 15 minutes. I want to be able to run 6 miles, like One Punch, without stopping.
I believe he will do it.
He's persistent.
Motivated.
Humble.
A perfect example of why PRs are the best rewards. Far better than any KOM or podium is to reach our own personal potential. If we win one along the way...
... that's cool, too.
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If you're looking for a new approach to racing, look no further.
The book is free, just cover the shipping.
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---
168.2 lbs. this is gonna take a while
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6314241486
HOW TO JUMP A GAP
Nov 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS, but we still do it. Customer John stopped by this week. He's been beta testing my new training program RaceDay Ready. He looks totally different...
... I only noticed because of the time gap.
And, that's the problem for some of us.
Without the gap in time the difference in his stature, shoulders and belly would have been indistinguishable from one day to the next.
Which is what I was thinking about on my ride today.
I'm committed to laying in a bunch of zone 2 training through the end of the year. Sure, there will be a few group rides and maybe a D race. But, the commitment is there to lay down some good base miles.
My first A race isn't until March.
Come January I'll start bringing in more intensity.
This type of training is somewhat hard to quantify. It can feel as if no progress is being made.
I've found the only thing that gets us through the all important base miles and months is passion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
You know what would be a big set back?...
... getting busted changing au naturel.
Which exactly why we make changing ponchos... lots of colors to choose from, or if you like, we'll make them to match your team designs.
Use this promo code: cyclesense
and save 20%, this weekend only.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
168.4 lbs. heaviest I've been in years, yikes!
8 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
No HyperVolt & Stretch
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6314241486
DO YOU LISTEN TO YOUR CYCLESENSE?
Nov 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
LATE LAST NIGHT MY CYCLESENSE WHISPERED You oughta put that 3rd cage on your bike and take 3 bottles tomorrow. I ignored it because I'd specifically planned today's DJ Diesel's MixAlot 100k to stop at a store 2ish hours in...
... too bad it was closed.
The cause wasn't the holiday, but high winds created a power outage. That's the thing about Cyclesense...
... if we listen.
We get warnings all the time, at least I do.
Usually it is obviously practical, but sometimes it's mystical...
... even spiritual.
Like when my Cyclesense told me not to roll through a green light.
As I stood there, bewildered, a car screamed though the intersection...
... it would have killed me.
I've found the more I heed, the more I receive.
Hopefully, this isn't a big set back.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
You know what would be a big set back?...
... getting busted changing au naturel.
Which exactly why we make changing ponchos... lots of colors to choose from, or if you like, we'll make them to match your team designs.
Use this promo code: cyclesense
and save 20%, this weekend only.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
168.4 lbs. heaviest I've been in years, yikes!
7 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
20 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6310602266
THE THREE R'S OF RIDING
Nov 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF RIDING STYLES THESE DAYS. No, it's not pro, fast and slow. It doesn't have anything to do with speed or fitness or contracts...
... it has to do with style.
Roadies are refined.
MTBrs are rugged.
Gravelers are rakish.
Dress accordingly.
Or, don't.
I don't care...
... I'm rakish by nature.
How 'bout you?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun. It starts now. Quantities are limited.
30% savings.
Use promo code BF
On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
---
167.2 lbs
7.5 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
no HyperVolt & Stretch
10 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6306492647
WELL, I'M NOT GRATEFUL FOR THIS
Nov 24, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE'LL BE RISING EARLY THURSDAY, 9 mile, 3500' dirt climb to take the annual group photo. I've seen a Burley full of coffee and donuts hauled up and pack of lunatics hauling down. But, I've never seen...
... a happier group.
Some years are balmy, others bitter cold.
It doesn't seem to matter.
We still go.
But, why?
Partly to humblebrag at the family dinner about our exploits, partly to see old friendly faces...
... mainly out of tradition.
At some point, someone will suggest we go down Joplin vs the easy road up. it's a nasty trail, plenty of options to hesitate...
... hesitation is never good.
If they sell it hard enough, I might cave. It'll take an extra 30 minutes, and be 10 times the adventure...
... I'm getting weak just thinking about it.
And, that character flaw is one I'm not grateful for...
... neither is Surfergirl.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun. It starts now. Quantities are limited.
30% savings.
Use promo code BF
On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
---
166.7 lbs
7 hrs
25 Pull Ups 50 PushUps + gym work
no HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling
no ride today
THE TURKEY BURNER
Nov 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YOU'VE GOT TWO OPTIONS, big ride before the feast or big ride after. Then, we can really to town on the feast. Frankly, neither approach has worked well for me...
... but, I am a weak soul.
If I do the ride before, inevitably it ends long before the feast. I get hungry. Binge all the candy and appetizers...
... before anybody arrives!
If I opt for the day after, I skip breakfast. Get hungry. Binge all the candy and appetizers...
... then, with sweet tooth completely reactivated and demanding go big on the meal, the second serving, and all of the deserts.
This year, I'm bookending the nonsense with big MTB before and big gravel the day after.
But, that's not all.
We aren't hosting, going to the son-in-law's. Which means I'll have to reign things in quite a bit...
... gotta maintain that reputation.
Hypocrisy, I know.
But, at least you know the truth.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun. It starts now. Quantities are limited.
30% savings.
Use promo code BF
On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
---
166.7 lbs
7 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
80 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6297517493
WHAT DOES OFFSEASON MEAN TO YOU?
Nov 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THE OFFSEASON, but I am pretty sure we all have a different view of what that means. Does it mean off the bike or off the training regime or...
... off to do something else?
For me, the most important thing is to turn off the rigidity.
If I race,
I wing it.
If I go for a ride,
I wing it.
In other words, take the stress out of the training and monk like living.
Frankly, I think it's good to have many offseasons during the year.
But, do not, under any circumstances, let offseason turn into off-the-diet season.
We are still athletes.
- We want to perform at a high level at all times.
- We want to return to training at our "fighting weight".
Just a little reminder to prep before the upcoming holidays.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun. It starts now. Quantities are limited.
30% savings.
Use promo code BF
On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday
---
165.3 lbs
8 hrs
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6293436029
ON THE ROAD TO MASTERY REMEMBER THIS
Nov 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHEN THE RACE GETS BLOWN TO PIECES IN THE FIRST 5 MILES, you have plenty of time to think. Some of it is nonsense, daydreamy stuff, that if you don't snap out of it could see you plummet down the ranks...
... some of it is pure gold.
Check this one out.
The best racers are all great bike handlers...
... not all great bike handlers are great racers.
What makes the difference?
- Mindset
- Physical strength
- Endurance
- Discipline
- Tenacity
- Willingness to embrace risk
- And other factors beyond a simple understanding of how to race.
Each one of those, when developed, become a super power.
Today, I needed tenacity.
With 25ish minutes to go, I finally had the leader of our category in my sites. He'd opted to run MTB tires on a very challenging gravel course. Because of gusty winds, the sand was covering the tires tracks of the overall leaders. But, I could see the MTB pattern was getting more clear
Even though I couldn't see him, I knew I was getting closer.
Then, I caught him.
He sped up and managed to hold my wheel.
But, a curious thing happened.
No more than a minute or so later, I realized the cleat in my left shoe was very loose.
I had to stop.
I grabbed my tool, sat down, and started tightening. I was anxious, and fumbling. It took about 2 minutes, seemed like 20.
If it had happened just before I caught him, I would have pulled over without him ever knowing how close I was.
Instead, he knew it was on and really got after it.
So did I.
About 15 minutes later, I saw him again. This time I passed as hard and fast as I could, and he couldn't latch on. It was right at the top of the final climb and we raced all out to the finish line.
Got him by 30 seconds.
Sure, I'm bragging a bit, but only to share my thoughts.
You see, I know I'm a slow starter, and I legit count on my competitors cracking before the end.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
I wore red gloves and socks today... going for that Spartan look.
Did you know Spartans wore red because it's the color of blood and when the were wounded it wouldn't show. This gave them a look of invincibility.
You may not know this, but our socks are made on the same machines as the socks Tadej Pogacar wore when he won the 2021 Tour de France.
Here in the USA.
I only source the best for you.
And, when it comes to gloves nothing fits better or breathes better what you see here.
Right now, it's Buy Gloves, Get Socks for free.
Just pick out the color and size you want and the discount is automatically calculated at checkout.
Go here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165?
8.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups 0 PushUps
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/6290084468
WE NEVER RISE TO THE OCCASION, INSTEAD...
Nov 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WENT AS EXPECTED. Our jumbly mass of racers hit the bottom of the 4.5 mile climb and instantly splat out like giant bug on the PEDALvan's windshield. Within 10 minutes the fastest were high, high above. Me...
... I settled in.
By that I mean I dropped anchor and watched 'em go. It's a mere 27 miles, but it's only gets harder. Pacing would be key.
The single track, fast and flowy off the top, turns twisty and techy. So much so, the Ol' Diesel looked a lot like John Muir, hiking a helluva lot more than he'd like to admit.
Which brings me to my point...
... we don't rise to the occasion, we fall to our training.
While we do have trails within a short drive that provide this kind of challenge, I haven't ridden them for nearly a year.
And that long gas climb? Yeah, we have that too, but same thing. Ain't ridden it in many moons.
Which brings me to my other point...
... the moon was outstanding last night, camping at the venue.
Probs the same tonight. Highly recommend ya check it out. So put the screens away and get outside. Hold your lover's hand, and just soak it in.
Which brings me to my final point...
... the best one...
... TJ stopped to help a fallen rider out. He'd clearly taken a good whack to the helmet. That's cool as hell, the stopping part. I suspect it was because TJ himself had a real doozie this summer and nobody stopped...
Bro, you ok?
No, I'm not. I need help.
They kept racing.
TJ stopped.
His story brings me back to my original point...
... because he is a young man who's clearly received good training.
For me, TJ wins the day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
TJ told me a second story.
I love your book. I read it in 45 minutes, but I can't stop thinking about it.
Really?
Yes, and then guess what?
Do tell.
I gave it to my girlfriend and as soon as she was done she signed up to run a 1/2 Marathon.
So, If you're looking for just the right gift to give this holiday...
You can get it on Amazon for $20...
... or here for free:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
165?
7ish hrs
0 Pull Ups 0 PushUps
HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/6285012079
THE SIMPLE WAY TO TRAIN AND RACE
Nov 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TONIGHT I'M DRIVING TO A RACE, where there will be two kinds of people lined up in the morning. One will be calm and relaxed, confident. The other, stressed because they know...
... shift about to get real.
The reason for their differing emotions, of course, is how they prepared.
I'm gonna make it real simple.
Train hard, race easy.
Let me break it down for you cats new to racing.
Those who train hard,
who see stars at the end of their intervals,
who are in tip top shape...
... they will find the race easy.
It won't be anything harder than their prep, it won't be mentally confusing nor physically overwhelming...
... easy.
Everybody else...
... it's gonna be a helluva day.
Train hard, race easy.
When I say Every Day Is RaceDay™ˆ, I mean it's cumulative. Eat crummy food for a week, and it's gonna cost you. Skimp on your sleep, you're gonna pay.
If you feel weak, maybe you need this hat as a reminder.
Use promo code: EVERYDAY
---
164.7
7.5 hrs
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps
HyperVolt
No ride today - man's gotta work.
IT'S NOT THE LACK OF FITNESS
Nov 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY, I JUMPED INTO THE MOST FEARSOME GROUP RIDE IN THE LAND, the Swami's Wednesday ride. Littered with state and national road champs plus taut pro tri riders, it's known for holding a blistering pace...
... and heavy duty trash talking.
One must be prepared for exceptional physical and mental abuse.
This, I know.
So, for me, it's like water spraying my seat tube.
No big deal.
For others, the trauma of holding wheels and ignoring insults can be too much and they never return...
... missing on the finest training they'll ever get.
Poor souls.
It's not the lack of fitness that stops them,
it's the lack of focus.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
The thing I really like about groups like this is how hard they push me... because it gives me fitness to really get after my PRs.
Which is why I love the name of this product so much.
Winning is nice, but PRs... oh, PRs... those are pure gold.
Just like this offer... use promo code PRS4LIFE and get 20% off.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
164.7
8 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
no stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/6275529089
GET YOUR SHIFT TOGETHER!
Nov 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
SOME PEOPLE YOU CRINGE TO INVITE ALONG FOR THE RIDE. You know the ones, they are needy, bike is always slightly lacking, forgetting to bring the essentials. I just wanna scream...
... Get your shift together!
But, I don't.
I have mercy.
I use to be like them.
Then, I had an epiphany.
What if I had a bag that was also a checklist and would keep me super organized...
... I'd remember to bring, and could easily find, everything!
Yep, that's how the RaceDay Bag™ was born, out of pure necessity to make packing easy...
.. and raceday a calm affair.
Nary a day passes I don't get a message that goes like this...
Diesel, my buddy forgot his ______. I just looked at him in disgust, he's seen my bag at least a million times.
Thanks for making my life easier.
To which I always respond, This makes me so happy.
Because it does bring me great joy to make life easier for cats like us.
I know I should make a pitch to get the bag here, but you already have one.
You might, however, need a green t-shirt for the upcoming holiday season...
... and have I got a deal for you.
50% off, use this code: GREEN
Code expires Friday.
Here's the link:
165.8
8 hrs
Gym Work
Stretch/Hypervolt
60 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6272204878
SHOULD TECH BE PART OF RACING?
Nov 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
SERIOUS QUESTION: Should we have more and more and more tech in racing? I've just reading this article about Froome being all geeked up on a realtime glucose measurement tool...
... It will change racing more than power meters, he exclaims.
But, is that a good thing?
I think the tech makes racing less interesting. Less chaotic. Less dramatic.
The biggies I've seen:
- HR monitors
- Radio comms
- Power meters
Think on that.
HR and Power meters to tell you how hard to go. Race radios to tell you what's happening in the race and what to do. Glucose meter to tell you when to eat...
... imagine some dork whispering, Drink 2.5 ounces.
Rubbish.
Let them race on feel,
make them read the race themselves,
let 'em bonk...
... keep it real, keep it human.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar
It's getting time to start thinking about next year...
... and get your giant wall calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar
166.2
6.7hrs
20 PullUps 40 Pushups
Stretch/Hypervolt
80 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6262086622
---
167.2
8 hrs
10 PullUps 20 Pushups
Stretch/Hypervolt
75 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6266586562
GET BETTER SOON
Nov 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I JUST BOUGHT A "GET BETTER SOON" CARD for one of my racing friends.
He isn't sick...
... I just think that he needs to get better.
The end.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar
It's getting time to start thinking about next year...
... and get your giant wall calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar
166.2
6.7hrs
20 PullUps 40 Pushups
Stretch/Hypervolt
80 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6262086622
THE INTERSECTIONS THAT MATTER
Nov 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE STOPPED BY TO SEE A LONG LOST FRIEND TODAY. Way back when, we'd all lived at the Whiting Ranch trailhead. The ladies joined the Trail Angels, the dudes joined the Warrior's Society...
... we rode, we raised kids.
We learned of the recent tragic and sudden passing of their grown child.
An unimaginable situation, the kind where you wish you nearby...
... today we were traveling through.
She was alone, spouse off to work trip.
It's hard to explain the bonds that form along our rides. Kindred spirits, intertwined. Miles down the road, we pick up where we left off.
We listened,
we hugged,
we wept.
We may never fully comprehend or accept unanticipated hardships as we ride through mortality...
... but, we keep pedaling and loving and being loved by those we meet along the way.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar
It's getting time to start thinking about next year...
... and get your giant wall calendar.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2022-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar
166?
8.5 hrs
0 PullUps 0 Pushups
no stretch
0 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6258804298
AWESOME 4 MILE HIKE AFTER SHREDDED SIDEWALL
Nov 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IS THERE ANYTHING BETTER THAN A NICE RIDE THROUGH THE DESERT IN LATE FALL? Not really. The first 90 minutes with Surfergirl was perfect. Fast, flowy, rolly, fun. Then came the ol'...
... You don't mind if I ride a little more, right?
What could go wrong?
75 and sunny.
2 bottles.
See ya!
I wanted to hit the Zen trail.
Last time I rode was 6 years ago, the True Grit 50. It's a helluva trail. Lots and lots of sharp jagged rocks. Massive desert vistas. Some cactus. There is nothing like it back home.
It's slow.
Like a chess match,
the ancient rock is constantly checking our momentum.
One must be calm,
unhurried.
Strong,
yet flexible.
I love it!
However, one outta put some extra PSIs in the tires. I'd already rimmed out a few times ripping the fast stuff on the desert floor. Up here on the mesa I was keenly aware of the vicious rocks and keeping things in check...
... picking my way, nimbly.
But, it wasn't enough.
All it takes is one jagged rock at just the right angle and you can be just like me...
... hiking 4 miles in stiffsoled MTB shoes over rugged terrain for 90 minutes.
Pros
- Plenty of time to rethink my tire set up
- Cross train the shoulders to burning point by lugging the bike
- Have something to write about
Cons
- Feet hurt like hell
- Miss an excellent dinner
- Nearly miss the concert as well
I like a good memory as much as the next cat. And, a greatly prefer a catastrophic sidewall tear on play day vs raceday.
Chalking this up as a win.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
For sure, today's ride is the kind you want to protect you fingies, and still be cool. Take me up on this offer...
BUY THE GLOVES, THE SOCKS ARE FREE.
Mix and match your colors. I went black gloves, red socks last weekend and looked so sharp the promoter featured this pic.
So, if you dig looking sharp and demand killer gloves and sock performance click this link below... no promo code needed, it's automatically applied at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Those dots you see are the perforations all along the top of the glove. Superduper breathable.
---
166?
8.5 hrs
0 PullUps 0 Pushups
no stretch
0 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6254138570
BIKING VAGABONDS
Nov 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO EAT LUNCH, and by happenstance it was an MTB trailhead. A crusty, ripped ol' dude pulled up on a super sweet Ibis Mojo. He was wasn't wiry...
... as much as he was sinewy.
A lifetime of adventure radiated his countenance. Flame and snake tattoos added charm, beginning at his fingers and flickering up to his biceps...
... he'd ridden a few miles, for sure.
Just got this bike.
It's a beaut.
My first full suspension.
Do you love it?
Yes, it just knows where I want to go. Telepathic control.
Amazing.
But, to be honest, I love all the bikes. I started riding in the 60s, Schwinn cruisers. We rode all over these hills. And just never stopped.
He could have been 60, or 70, or 80.
I couldn't tell.
Before he left, he looked at us and said...
... It must be nice to be biking vagabonds...
... then drove off in his fancy truck, dream bike inside.
I thought that was funny. He's aspiring to be like us, who he thinks we are, and we've spent a good portion of the drive to UT trying to figure out how to do these trips more than a few times a year.
New goal: Biking Vagabond.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
It's important to hang on to our dreams as much as our bars.
Our Black Friday special is BUY THE GLOVES, THE SOCKS ARE FREE.
Mix and match your colors. I went black gloves, red socks last weekend and looked so sharp the promoter featured this pic.
So, if you dig looking sharp and demand killer gloves and sock performance click this link below... no promo code needed, it's automatically applied at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Those dots you see are the perforations all along the top of the glove. Superduper breathable.
---
166ish
6.5 hrs
0 PullUps 0 Pushups
no stretch
0 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6249294776
HOW MUCH LONGER CAN THE TUR D' FRAWNZ HANG ON?
Nov 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT A PARADOX! The biggest bike race in the world is by far the most boring. Sure it has drama, but it takes 3 weeks to play out. Of course it has the best athletes, but it takes 20 days of attrition and luck. They're trying to remain relevant...
... while gripping hard on tradition.
It's the fringes where we have real action and excitement.
Certainly, this year, for me, has been a big come to Merckx moment with races that are novel...
... requiring a much larger skill set.
Drafting is nice,
drafting on gravel and sand is rad.
Carving tarmac is swell,
carving on a banked dirt berm is exhilarating.
Single track is fun,
single track on drop bars is trickylicious.
Mixed surface racing is bomb!
Of the 3 biggies, the Vuelta has been the most exciting. They've had to be different, to stand out. Now they are on the leading edge of stodgy...
... I think they can do better.
Imagine.
One bike.
A stage race.
One, maybe two, tire choices.
Every day a different type of terrain.
Now that, that my PEDAlposse, would be a helluva race and give us...
... and helluva champion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Of course, they'll be wearing superlight fullfinger gloves. And you should, too!
Our Black Friday special is BUY THE GLOVES, THE SOCKS ARE FREE.
Mix and match your colors. I went black gloves, red socks last weekend and looked so sharp the promoter featured this pic.
So, if you dig looking sharp and demand killer gloves and sock performance click this link below... no promo code needed, it's automatically applied at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Those dots you see are the perforations all along the top of the glove. Superduper breathable.
---
166.9
7.5 hrs
20 PullUps 40 Pushups
Stretch + Hypervolt
60 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6243739019
WOULD YOU ACCUSE ME OF STEALING YOUR JOY?
Nov 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
KEVIN WAS IN TOWN TODAY. He's a long-term thinker. Like 10 and 20 year plans. And, unlike most of us...
... he accomplishes the impossible.
So, when he reminded me of his 20+ year goal to go under 9 hours at Leadville at the spry age of 65 I looked at him and said...
Bro, we've got some work to do.
I know.
No, really.
I know, it's just the JoeJoe's from Trader Joes...
You're not going to make it.
Yes, I will.
I don't think so.
Don't steal my joy.
Don't steal my joy, that is a profound statement. It was almost a command.
Is it stealing his joy to point out the obvious?
Not, if it's honest, loving and supporting his ambition.
He's got to drop at least 30 lbs, probably 40, by radically changing his diet. That's the opening, obvious move. Then start lifting, and stretching. And, get on his mountain bike.
This is going to be so fun to witness, because I know he can do it. I'm sure of it. Plus, I'm on a similar quest to go under 9 hours.
We'll be checking in with each other often...
... and that is the secret to accomplishing big shift.
Having a buddy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Of course, it's also important to have a firm hold on your goals and your grips.
Which is why our Black Friday special is BUY THE GLOVES, THE SOCKS ARE FREE.
Mix and match your colors. I went black gloves, red socks last weekend and looked so sharp the promoter featured this pic.
So, if you dig looking sharp and demand killer gloves and sock performance click this link below... no promo code needed, it's automatically applied at check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Those dots you see are the perforations all along the top of the glove. Super breathable.
---
165.3
8 hrs
25 PullUps 50 Super Pushups + Kettle Bells
Stretch + Hypervolt
55 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6239546029
DID MUHAMMAD ALI JUST WIN OUR LITTLE BIKE RACE?
Nov 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I PUT MY MONEY ON BRETT TO GET THE V TODAY, and I was correct. As usual. I saw him go to work early, doing fake attack after fake attack. It was a master class in subterfuge...
... and reminded me of the famous rope a dope fight with Foreman.
So many similarities.
The good looks, the brash swagger. It was all there, but it had been so long since he'd decimated the ride nobody recognized him.
Instead, they surely wondered what this chunky brute was trying to prove with his weak and unmanly attacks...
... then he was gone.
Just like what Ali did Foreman, hypnotized him into thinking he had everything under control...
... then lights out.
10 miles from the finish line.
That's a helluva long range attack, considering you've got a fairly frothy bunch of cats all looking to score and PR.
A few more attacked, but none could catch the bull on the loose.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are just looking around to see if anybody in our respective categories is gonna make a break for it or if things will be fairly tame...
up The Wall,
down the canyon,
Nobody made a move of substance until we hit the bottom of the corkscrew.
This is the final effort.
.71 miles.
195' elevation gain, most if it the first .35 mile.
It stings.
A lot.
Many weeks, I pull the plug and cruise across the line.
Not today.
We were all vying for a strong finish. Even with Brett up the road, plus those other cats.
'Din't matter.
It was on.
What started as a ball of energy at the bottom, resembled a strung out line of old jalopies clunking across the line...
... gasping, and wheezing.
All in the name of fun, and a little cash.
Full results are below.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
And yes, you're almost outta time to get a custom RaceDay Bag™ for the holidays:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
167.4
6.5 hrs
0 PullUps 0 Super
Stretch + Hypervolt
45 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6234464375
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/
| Cat 2 | Race # | Racer | Ovrl Finish | Cat finish |
| M / 35-49 | 43 | Brett Bylund | 1 | 1 |
| M / 0-23 | 38 | Rayan Jamshidian | 2 | 1 |
| M / 35-49 | 1 | Nicholas Bishop | 3 | 2 |
| M / 35-49 | 26 | Joseph Edmonds | 4 | 3 |
| M / 35-49 | 24 | Eric Bierman | 5 | 4 |
| M / 0-23 | 32 | Isaac Gould | 6 | 2 |
| M / 35-49 | 23 | matt smith | 7 | 5 |
| M / 50+ | 44 | todd brown | 8 | 1 |
| M / 35-49 | 33 | Michael Gould | 9 | 6 |
| M / 24-34 | 31 | Brian Lawler | 10 | 1 |
| M / 35-49 | 6 | Brent Thielke | 11 | 7 |
| M / 35-49 | 30 | Jacob Miller | 12 | 8 |
| M / 50+ | 19 | Joe Bowman | 13 | 2 |
| M / 35-49 | 20 | Michael Foster | 14 | 9 |
| M / 35-49 | 21 | Nathan Adams | 15 | 10 |
| M / 50+ | 13 | Mark Christopherson | 16 | 3 |
| M / 50+ | 14 | Brian Fitzpatrick | 17 | 4 |
| M / 50+ | 39 | MIKE ZANIO | 18 | 5 |
| F | 23 | Kristen smith | 19 | 1 |
| M / 24-34 | 15 | Adrian Leon | 20 | 2 |
| M / 24-34 | 22 | Cody Iverson | 21 | 3 |
| M / 35-49 | 2 | David Whalley | 21 | 11 |
| M / 50+ | 41 | Stephen Lind | 23 | 6 |
| M / 50+ | 7 | Jim Bishop | 24 | 7 |
| F | 17 | Maria Benson | 25 | 2 |
| M / 50+ | 34 | John Ramirez | 26 | 8 |
| M / 50+ | 3 | Richard Reimers | 27 | 9 |
| M / 50+ | 37 | Steven Donahoo | 28 | 10 |
| M / 50+ | 25 | Mireya Sanchez | 29 | 11 |
| F | 27 | Charlene Yarnall | 31 | 3 |
| M / 50+ | 5 | Scott Moncrief | 32 | 11 |
| F | 9 | kristiina beary | 33 | 4 |
| F | 10 | Ursula Carter | ||
| M / 24-34 | 12 | Jonathan Wilson | ||
| M / 35-49 | 4 | Tyler Dunigan | ||
| M / 35-49 | 8 | Michael Quito | ||
| M / 35-49 | 16 | ROGELIO LUNARIA | ||
| M / 35-49 | 29 | Sai Yeung | ||
| M / 50+ | 11 | James Carter | ||
| M / 50+ | 18 | Christopher Hill | ||
| M / 50+ | 36 | Richard Meeker | ||
| M / 50+ | 40 | mani Motamed | ||
| M / 50+ | 42 | Anthony Reguero | ||
| M / 50+ | 45 | Paul Iverson |
| Cat 2 | Race # | Racer | Ovrl Finish | Cat finish |
| F/ 0+ | 23 | Kristen smith | 19 | 1 |
| F/ 0+ | 17 | Maria Benson | 25 | 2 |
| F/ 0+ | 27 | Charlene Yarnall | 31 | 3 |
| F/ 0+ | 9 | kristiina beary | 33 | 4 |
| F/ 0+ | 10 | Ursula Carter | ||
| M / 0-23 | 38 | Rayan Jamshidian | 2 | 1 |
| M / 0-23 | 32 | Isaac Gould | 6 | 2 |
| M / 24-34 | 31 | Brian Lawler | 10 | 1 |
| M / 24-34 | 15 | Adrian Leon | 20 | 2 |
| M / 24-34 | 22 | Cody Iverson | 21 | 3 |
| M / 24-34 | 12 | Jonathan Wilson | ||
| M / 35-49 | 43 | Brett Bylund | 1 | 1 |
| M / 35-49 | 1 | Nicholas Bishop | 3 | 2 |
| M / 35-49 | 26 | Joseph Edmonds | 4 | 3 |
| M / 35-49 | 24 | Eric Bierman | 5 | 4 |
| M / 35-49 | 23 | matt smith | 7 | 5 |
| M / 35-49 | 33 | Michael Gould | 9 | 6 |
| M / 35-49 | 6 | Brent Thielke | 11 | 7 |
| M / 35-49 | 30 | Jacob Miller | 12 | 8 |
| M / 35-49 | 20 | Michael Foster | 14 | 9 |
| M / 35-49 | 21 | Nathan Adams | 15 | 10 |
| M / 35-49 | 2 | David Whalley | 21 | 11 |
| M / 35-49 | 4 | Tyler Dunigan | ||
| M / 35-49 | 8 | Michael Quito | ||
| M / 35-49 | 16 | ROGELIO LUNARIA | ||
| M / 35-49 | 29 | Sai Yeung | ||
| M / 50+ | 44 | todd brown | 8 | 1 |
| M / 50+ | 19 | Joe Bowman | 13 | 2 |
| M / 50+ | 13 | Mark Christopherson | 16 | 3 |
| M / 50+ | 14 | Brian Fitzpatrick | 17 | 4 |
| M / 50+ | 39 | MIKE ZANIO | 18 | 5 |
| M / 50+ | 41 | Stephen Lind | 23 | 6 |
| M / 50+ | 7 | Jim Bishop | 24 | 7 |
| M / 50+ | 34 | John Ramirez | 26 | 8 |
| M / 50+ | 3 | Richard Reimers | 27 | 9 |
| M / 50+ | 37 | Steven Donahoo | 28 | 10 |
| M / 50+ | 25 | Mireya Sanchez | 29 | 11 |
| M / 50+ | 5 | Scott Moncrief | 32 | 11 |
| M / 50+ | 11 | James Carter | ||
| M / 50+ | 18 | Christopher Hill | ||
| M / 50+ | 36 | Richard Meeker | ||
| M / 50+ | 40 | mani Motamed | ||
| M / 50+ | 42 | Anthony Reguero | ||
| M / 50+ | 45 | Paul Iverson |
IT'S JUST A SOCIAL RIDE
Nov 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BEST TRICKS YOU CAN PULL ON AN UNSUSPECTING FRIEND is to invite them on a ferocious group ride under the guise of it being just a social ride. It's just so fun, and entertaining...
... which is why we all cave to the temptation on occasion.
Tongue in cheek is always a good time.
Take the name of our local group ride a few of us started 18 years ago: The Tuesday Morning World Championships. It's mainly a bunch of cats that like to ride and have actually only raced a handful of times.
To us, the name is a joke.
To the uninitiated the name is intimidating, frightening.
Which is exactly why we tone it down for our annual shindig...
... the unOFFICIAL TMWC.
We'll do the same course, sprint for the same 15mph sign, come back and do the annual awards.
For most of us, it's the only race we'll do all year...
... other than every other Tuesday in between.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
And yes, you're almost outta time to get a custom RaceDay Bag™ for the holidays:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
165.8
9.5 hrs
20 PullUps 40 Super PushUps + Kettle Bell
Stretch + Hypervolt
60 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6231909589
DEFUND THE TIME CHANGE
Nov 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK OF THE GREAT DEANDRE COLE this time of year and his classic What's Up With That? Because really!, what is up with the time change...
... and why is DST not ST?
Is it me or wouldn't y'all much rather ride the morning from dark to light than kiss your afternoons good night...
... so dang early?
I reckon it depends on where ya live. But, where I live I'd much rather be on DST all year long.
Which reminds me of Deandre who always haD to cut his shows off with...
... Well, we outta time!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
And yes, you're almost outta time to get a custom RaceDay Bag™ for the holidays:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
165.1
8 hrs
13 PullUps 26 PushUps
Stretch + Hypervolt
120 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6227416398
A NEW WAY TO RACE BICYCLES - CRITCROSS
Nov 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
RELUCTANTLY CROUCHED AT THE STARTING LINE. Hearts pumping and thumping in time. The 30 second sign turns, the green flag waves. It's a full drag race for the first banked 180 degree turn...
... on go-cart course!
The energy of that start, into the first turn, was electric because the next 1/4 mile was a chicane, a short straight then onto a banked dirt turn to another banked turn and up the finish line jump...
... nearly impossible to pass.
Then back onto the smoothsmooth tarmac for good ol' crit racin', and what a crit course it was.
A perfect surface.
No road debris.
No cars or trucks.
Just bikes.
Racin'.
And, about two minutes later right back onto the 20ish seconds of dirt again.
That is my friend Eric's creation...
... called CritCross.
Crit and Supercross.
But, not just for the finish line jump.
We all raced 2 "Motos".
20 minutes + 2 laps.
Here's how it went for me.
I stuck with my gravel bike, only a few of us did that. The rest rode road, and I think that was clearly the fastest set up...
... but, i didn't want to soil the new roadie.
The first Moto my technique was terrible. I haven't raced a crit in years, and I just wasn't confident leaning the bike over. Plus, those gravel tires are really slow on edge...
... grippy, but slow.
I wound up 7th.
Totally cool, since it's off season for me, and I had zero interest in racing. Just wanted to check this new thing out.
Moto 2, different story.
First off, I felt racy.
Still had a slow start. That bike is just tough to get up to speed. Fortunately, this one was clean. No crashes in front of me. Within 3 laps I'd worked my way up to the leaders.
Second off, the rust was off the crit skills and I was leaning hard on those tires. Super grippy.
Wound up third in a three-man break, 35+...
... totally stoked.
Final thoughts...
the format of multiple heats,
the go-cart track,
the dirt section,
and finish line jump...
... made for some of the funnest racing I've had in years.
Oh wait, almost forgot...
... world class announcing,
terrific viewing for all trackside or up above,
and excellent food and drink included...
... Can't wait for the next one!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Yes, I'm still running this promo because we're almost out of time to get for the holidays... and because people keep buying 'em:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
165.2
8 hrs
0 PullUps 0 PushUps
Stretch + Hypervolt
0 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6221804628
IN THE PRISON SHOWER OF RACING...
Nov 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FIRST TIME RACERS SOUND A LOT LIKE FIRST TIME PRISONERS TAKING A SHOWER. And, well, are we surprised? I mean, who hasn't felt a little bit of What the heck is a nice cat like me...
... doing in a place like this?
All of the sudden whatever bravado we had typing in our cc info for registration is gonzo. The confidence we oozed after smokin' our outta shape neighbor up the back hill has evaporated.
We lose our minds...
How was the race?
It was great until the end.
Whadaya mean?
Well, I was riding really hard and feeling really good, leading most of the time until the last lap.
Yeah, then what?
Then a bunch of guys that I'd never seen jumped me and I finished dead last.
And riding like that my friends is like that first prison shower...
... don't drop the soap.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Yes, I'm still running this promo because we're almost out of time to get for the holidays... and because people keep buying 'em:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch + Hypervolt
50 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6217500613
THE TRUTH ABOUT ZONE 2
Nov 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ZONE 2, MYTH OR MAGIC? I do a lot of zone 2 training this time of year. The benefits are undeniable. But, only if you know what you're doing...
... few do.
It's a lot more than riding in a zone, and every single, married, and partnered up tri-athlete knows the secret...
... yet, we still often make fun of them.
There's a lot to make fun of, but perfecting zone 2 ain't one of them. Nope...
... we should worship the ground the run and ride on.
Most cyclists think of zone 2 as a heart rate training zone, and it is...
... but it is much, much more.
What the tri-cats do is they get in the zone...
... and this is the part most cyclists completely miss...
... then focus on going as fast as they can without getting out of the zone.
Do you see the difference?
It's not riding between 120-140, my zone 2...
... it's riding as fast as I can at that rate.
It's about efficiency...
pedal stroke
cadence,
position,
aeroness,
carrying speed,
tire pressure,
fueling,
comfort,
... you got it?
What results is a feeling of being a giant steamroller... immense momentum and power produced with ease and confidence.
I had that exact feeling last Saturday at the Filthy 50. I started 15 minutes behind everybody, due to a mechanical. Rather than hit and try and catch, I steamrolled in zone 2 and 3 and spend the next 3+ hours saying...
... on your left.
That my fine young cannibals is the benefit of zone 2 training from yours Diesely...
... who learned it racing triathlons when I was a wee lad.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Yes, I'm still running this promo because we're almost out of time to get for the holidays... and because people keep buying 'em:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
165.2
7 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
Stretch + Hypervolt
45 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6211252872
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/
WHICH CAT SHOULD WE CHASE?
Nov 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FIGURING OUT WHO TO CHASE IS PRETTY TRICKY. Choose correctly and things can end well, choose poorly and it could mean finishing far behind our capabilities...
... or, not finishing at all.
There are basically three kinds of people you can chase in a big endurance race. Assume all three are leaving you behind...
... who's your target?
- The cat who's quickly going up the road, and riding off into the distance.
- The cat who's also ripping away, but comes back as the terrain changes.
- The cat who's slowly easing away.
For me, it's cat #3, the slow easer. That's the one that is going to make me stretch, but not to the point of blowing up.
Next best is #2 because I'm probably equal or better in certain areas. The key is to capitalize on those areas and slowly let go.
The worst is #1. Those cats are on a totally different level, what works for them will not work for me...
... to the point I'll be worse off if I try and match their speed.
Pick wisely.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Yes, I'm still running this promo because we're almost out of time to get for the holidays... and because people keep buying 'em:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
165.4
8 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + Kettlebells
Stretch + Hypervolt
75 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6208912300
DON'T LET YOUR CATEGORY DETERMINE YOUR AGE!
Nov 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE 2 OLD FRIENDS. They are quite different. Both are super accomplished racers. Both are over 30, fer cryin' outloud. But, as they say age is just an age group category...
... or is it?
One, stopped by to see me. Moseyed around, picked up a few cutting edge products, passed judgement...
... and left emptyhanded.
The other called me up.
Bro, I'm putting on a race.
Tell me about it.
Well, I rented a go cart track.
Cool, I like a lot of turns.
Yeah, there's that... but, the coolest thing is we are going off the tarmac and onto the dirt.
Really?
Yeah! A bunch of berms and a finish line jump.
Sounds rad.
Plus, we are racing heats to determine winners.
Like Supercross.
Yep.
I love it!
One of these guys is actually old, the other forever young...
... don't let your category determine your thinking.
Try new things.
Like this race, if you're around these parts.
It's called CritCross, get it? Crit and Supercross.
Website is here: https://www.critcross.com/
And bring your RaceDay Bag™.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Yes, I'm still running this promo because we're almost out of time to get for the holidays... and because people keep buying 'em:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
168.4 (nooooooooo!)
6 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch + Hypervolt
15 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6201998987
HIGH LEVEL BIKE RIDING
Nov 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WITH ANY LUCK YOU'RE GOING TO MEET SOME COOL PEOPLE. Especially, if you really get into this endurance bicycle riding and racing thing. I was looking at my recent text messages...
... and thinking Damn.
Because we have this sense of We're all in this together, and because our community is extremely passionate, it's easy to meet and connect with new people.
But, that's not the cool part.
The cool part is we (all of us) are some really accomplished and awesome people. We just don't often recognize each other.
Helmets.
Glasses.
Skintight lycra...
... none of that helps.
Next time you're JRA (just riding along) or standing on the start line or hanging around afterwards...
... smile, stick out your hand, and introduce yourself.
Who knows, you might find yourself like me texting with a rocknroll drummer, an NBA star, and a grand tour winner...
... I'm telling ya, this community of ours is rad...
... and wants to meet you, too!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
And just in case you all wind up bunking in the same cabin you might want:
- a personalized RaceDay Bag™
- and, a dedicated Way of The RACER book.
I have a special link for our Stock Designs with a personalization option... it's hidden to the unwashed masses, but I'm sharing it with you.
Get on this before it's too late->
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Whatever name you type in will be printed... so be creative!
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Custom bags require about 3 week, so order now to have in time for the holidays...
... we'll do our magic...
... and you'll have one extremely stoked friend that is blown away by your very personal generosity.
Trust me, there's nothing better.
Use this promo code to save a few bucks -> PERSONAL
Plus... I'll also add a signed The Way of The Racer book to your gift.
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
167.4
8 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch + Hypervolt
50 minutes reading books + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/6197650285
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries/
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