Info

Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

Find out why thousands of beginner, intermediate, and advanced athletes are improving their training and racing with accessible, functional and genuine conversation about triathlon. Two coaches, who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves, look for smart and enjoyable solutions in a sport that's often dumb and painful. Mike Tarrolly and Robbie Bruce explore the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual side of training and racing everything from Ironman to a Sprint. on Monday and Thursday.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
2024
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: Category: triathlon
Sep 8, 2022

How do you react when something doesn’t go your way? Today, Coach Robbie shares a very personal story about his sobriety and we tie it into things that can shake us up in a race. We can train well, taper perfectly, but something unexpected always seems to pop up on race day? How will you handle it? How can you get your mind straight, re-focus and turn it into a positive. We’re out there on our own and we need to find a way. 

Topics:

  • No weigh in 
  • It can ll go perfect, but on race day . . . 
  • Picking up the right Drink
  • Is there vodka? 
  • A point in the race where something kicks you in the gut.
  • How do you flip the script?
  • Don’t hold onto bad things
  • Digging deep to find a way
  • A moment is a moment
  • What the why behind the why it happened?
  • Practicing resiliency 
  • Laugh it off 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.C26Triathlon.com

www.crushingiron.com

 

Sep 6, 2022

We’re both racing this week at Wisconsin and we talk about what’s going on in our heads. We take a deeper dive into taper and look at what it should be feeling like. We talk about how to know if you’re peaking, how to keep the pop, and what not to be focusing on. Less than a week from Wisconsin 70.3 and Full… but this translates to everyone who has a race coming up this Fall. Handle your Race Week smart.

 

Topics:

 

  • Mike’s fading blog
  • Softballiing Your Race
  • Taper Adjustments
  • Taper workouts feeling like a chore
  • Hay’s in the Barn?
  • Signs of Peaking
  • Feeling Recovered
  • In-session performances
  • Comparing workouts effort/HR/Watts
  • Can’t let your body forget 
  • Pulling back
  • Taper workouts that feel like shit
  • Intensity on race week
  • Priming the workout
  • Staying game sharp
  • What do you need to feel like today?
  • Keeping the pop

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26Triathlon.com

www.crushingiron.com

 

Sep 1, 2022

You’ve come this far, don’t confuse “getting fresh” with being lazy. Taper means so many things to so many people, but today we look at the best ways to approach taper, both mentally and physically. We talk about everything from how to handle your workouts, to packing, and mental roller coasters throughout taper. We look at phantom pains, visualizing and a gradual recovery. We also talk about your plan when you GET to the race so you can stay focused and on point. Stay in your zone, don’t let the body shut down, and get rid of as much life stress as you can. 

Topics:

  • Walk Out Song 
  • Phone music and video 
  • 70.3 and Full Taper 
  • Athlete Guides 
  • Right and wrong decisions in Taper 
  • Taper is in Pencil
  • Feel sluggish? 
  • Mental battles
  • Staying in your zone
  • Save your energy
  • Get Fresh Gradually
  • Don’t remove intensity
  • Fresh But Prime
  • Adjusting best case scenarios
  • Feeling the feeling of being fresh
  • Letting off the gas can be dangerous
  • Rationalizing TOTAL rest
  • Don’t let the body completely shut down
  • Remember what it’s like to feel fast
  • What life things can you do to remove stress?
  • Clear your plate 
  • Train, THEN be lazy
  • Have a plan when you GET to the Race
  • Pre-Race Haircuts
  • Laying out your stuff
  • Pack what you REALLY NEED early
  • Removing stress but staying focused
  • Start visualizing
  • Make your list
  • Panic turned into fun
  • Mind shifting practice
  • Meditation in motion
  • When we dial in physically but not mentally . . . 
  • Humble Reminders
  • Set yourself up for success

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

www.crushingiron.com

Aug 30, 2022

“Doubters don’t win, winners don’t doubt.”

  • Quote cited by Sebastian Kienle before winning Kona

Today we lead with that quote and get into the concept of being optimistic with a healthy dose of respect. We also look at expectations created in a vacuum and putting your brain into a pressure cooker. Sometimes all you need is a little glimmer of hope. Find that and be in the moment. We look at the importance of resilience and patience in your race. This is one day and at the bottom line you have to have your wits about you on the run and be willing to fight for 12 rounds.  

Topics:

  • IF we did ever have a sponsor, who would it be??
  • Nutrition talk for IMWI
  • Sebastian Kienle on doubt
  • Run fitness doesn’t matter without bike and run fitness
  • The pro who won Kona on less than 20 running miles per week
  • Reasons to be confident
  • Find your glimmer of hope
  • The mind needs to be in the moment
  • If you’re totally confident, you’re likely overtrained 
  • Mike’s college baseball analogy on quitting
  • When we put our brains in a pressure cooker
  • Expectations you’ve created in a vacuum 
  • The hill is smaller in person
  • The race is One Day
  • Optimistic with a dose of respect 
  • Mental and emotional strength on race day
  • Your ability to be resilient is what matters
  • Be excited to do this! 
  • Compounding stress
  • Be mentally and emotionally willing to fight
  • You have to have your wits about you on the run
  • T2 should be when your walk-out song starts
  • 12 rounds … every 2 miles is a round
  • Having tremendous patience 
  • Accidental distractions 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Triathlon@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

www.crushingiron.com

Aug 25, 2022

Since we’re both racing and know this course pretty well, we thought we’d get it out there early so you can prepare for a few things. We start with the two loop swim and some thoughts on when to start to avoid congestion, plus when and where it could get choppy. We have an extensive look at strategy for the bike course including thoughts on why certain sections are harder than you might think. And the run course… where to be thinking about holding back. When to mentally prepare for the hill section and how do deal with the longer lonely stretch. We also talk finish line, and spectator tips.

Topics:

  • 70.3 on Saturday this year
  • Easy to forget this race almost happened in June
  • Park it and leave it
  • Thursday and Friday check-in only
  • Pro Race field is back. Men and Women
  • Get a feel for the water
  • Monona chop
  • Starting spot in swim
  • Comfortable with contact
  • T1 Energy and the helix
  • No passing zone on the bike
  • This is a “body shot” course
  • The toughest stretch of the bike course
  • Strategy for the 3 Sisters
  • Coming out on the run
  • Being too hyped out of the gate
  • Relax at the start of the run
  • Mile 6 mental prep
  • It can get cold on the run
  • Prep your special needs
  • The finish line

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

www.crushingiron@gmail.com 

 

Aug 23, 2022

Today we talk about our training for Wisconsin and explore some of the different techniques and mindsets we’re bringing to the races. We look at layering intensity in the same day, building resistance to hard stuff, and how to prevent yourself from dipping into energy reserves too early. We look at swimming long, biking hard, and running steady. We also talk a lot about ways to control your race while you’re in it and why it’s so important to focus on executing to your fitness level. 

 

Topics:

 

  • Utilizing two specific days for intensity
  • The advantages of swimming long 
  • Gearing up for a hard day
  • Becoming resistant to hard stuff 
  • Swim fitness is to bike fitness is to run fitness
  • You want to be fresh when you hit the run
  • You only gotta do it once
  • Most athletes dip into their reserves too early
  • Choosing an Ironman over a half and vice versa
  • Executing to your fitness level! 
  • Road vs. Aero Helmet 
  • Setting general metrics for your race
  • Patience and toughness and confidence 
  • Are you back or “headed back?”
  • Feeling on the offensive
  • Being solidly in control 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

www.crushingiron.com

 

Aug 18, 2022

Is society addicted to excitement? Today we look at ways triathletes fall off the rails and lose their way. We talk about racing as getting better and being part of your process. We also look at ways to keep things simple so you’re not so distracted with training and life. We talk about rebelling against your own ultimatums and setting realistic goals that keep you motivated rather than afraid. It’s easy to lose the moment but we believe the simpler you keep things the happier and faster you will be. 

Topics:

  • The Elephant in the room
  • Move - Connect
  • Committed to the community
  • Flailing in the wind 
  • Writing therapy
  • Time and pressure
  • Athletes giving up
  • When a date on the calendar owns you
  • Building positive momentum
  • The Race isn’t today
  • Rebelling against ultimatums 
  • Sighting practice made easy 
  • Belly fat 
  • Racing as part of the process
  • Addicted to Saving 
  • Realistic Goals
  • Giant expectations and too much pressure
  • Everyone has funks, the key is breaking out
  • How we overcomplicate things
  • It’s about simplicity
  • Transitions in life
  • Be present 24/7 
  • Eating the same things
  • Costco changed everything
  • Steve Jobs
  • Food is for the body
  • Setting up for success 
  • Predictability is underrated
  • Simple means faster 
  • Are you just looking for distraction?

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

www.crushingiron.com 

 

Aug 16, 2022

High Humidity and Dew Point are your friends. Training through tough days pays off in so many ways. They are like Mother Nature’s Freebies that give you that Seasonal EPO when you need it for Fall Races. Never judge a day by the weather and find little wins in those “worst workout ever” days. Mental victories is what make you a stronger triathlete on race day. Find the good in the bad and move on. Putting too much stock in a single workout isn’t the answer. Look for effortless momentum. Racing a sum of all the days. 

 

Topics: 

 

  • Weather Adjustments
  • When the legs can’t keep up
  • Keep doing the work
  • Dealing with heat in a positive way
  • Mother Nature’s Freebies
  • Benefits of heat and dew point
  • Daily Complaining 
  • When the weather decides your attitude
  • The worst workout EVER
  • Looking for resiliency
  • Mental Victories
  • Race day is unpredictable
  • Pain Caves
  • What it takes to get it done
  • Race Day Excuses
  • Don’t Attach Yourself to any training session
  • It’s the Sum of All The Days
  • Stay Humble - Work Hard
  • Take the best and apply it
  • Putting too much stock in a workout
  • Momentum - Physical and Mental 
  • Healing or choosing to stay in a funk
  • Fake it till you make it
  • Shift your mindset
  • Effortless momentum
  • “Sorry, Coach, I was feeling it today.”

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

Aug 11, 2022

So much of training and racing is mental that we went all in on it today. How to deal with doubts, heat, and feeling tired. We look at why we get tired and why often it’s as simple as breaking a pattern. How do you keep going when the mind says no? We talk about ways to be more engaged in a race, along with in-race recovery along with training methods to keep things interesting and give you confidence . . . even when it’s fleeting. Controlling thoughts and calming the mind is truly one of the greatest things you can do for your training and racing. 

Topics: 

  • Seasonal EPO
  • Phone a Friend
  • Thank the volunteers
  • Camaraderie on the race course
  • When the run gets lonely
  • Breaking lethargy during the day or race
  • Intentional Training
  • We need energy to be motivated 
  • Priority Scheduling 
  • Cat Naps
  • De-cluttering the brain
  • Find time away from noise
  • De-compress during the day
  • Let your thoughts run wild and don’t react
  • Time alone - anxiety, drinking, depression
  • How to use music during your workouts
  • Meditation to calm down
  • Heat - Mental Training 
  • You’re the only one who knows if you gave it all
  • That first mil of running can give you huge doubts
  • Trainers and gamers
  • Don’t judge your race too early
  • In Race “brain breaks”
  • Boca Del Vista Update 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Aug 9, 2022

Today we get into the concept of missing out on life changing events. We recently read that most adults will end up spending a total of 5 years looking at your phone. And why? Probably because it’s easier than facing something that scares us. Sometimes we lose sight of why triathlon is important to us and it’s likely because we’re too close to it. Today we get into tackling life and putting ourselves out there to feel better and make things easier. Do it for yourself and be filled with gratitude. Do it because you Can. 

Topics:

  • Mike’s Decision on IMWI
  • Why not?
  • Filling Voids
  • Losing sight of the purity of why we started
  • Why wait?
  • It’s easy to forget how good things are going
  • Facing fears
  • Fear as your compass
  • Addictive tendencies
  • 5 years of your life looking at your phone
  • Racing is a CHOICE
  • Find something that fits into your life
  • The Choices we make
  • Reside in your true belief system
  • Skipping out on life changing events
  • That Louisville morning with Mike and Robbie
  • Be filled with gratitude
  • Just be happy to be there 
  • We forget because we’re so close to it
  • Attracted to panic
  • Tackling life
  • Volunteer at Ironman Wisconsin - Link: https://www.ironman.com/volunteer

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Aug 4, 2022

Today, it’s cycling and what makes you stronger, faster and more efficient. How do you get there? We get into cycling blocks and why they may or may not be your answer. Do you even have the fitness to attempt one? We look at having a master plan of attack. We talk intervals and intensity and power. We look at “stress buckets” and how you have to reduce one to fill the other. We also get into a nice little nugget toward the end about the Importance of Zone 2 riding and how you can do it more effectively. 

TOPICS: 

  • August is Full On Gas
  • Alaska - Atmospheric River? 
  • Living for experience
  • Lake Tahoe memory 
  • Decision making and toughness
  • Triathlon: A giant puzzle/whack a mole 
  • Cycling: General strengths and weaknesses 
  • Cycling Blocks 
  • Understanding Stress Buckets 
  • You need a Master Plan
  • Don’t sacrifice just for the sake of it
  • In order for a block to work . . . 
  • Having enough fitness for it to matter
  • You need a big enough cake to make it work
  • Ironman is an aerobic event 
  • “I just want to hammer it, Coach”
  • Fast vs. the ability to hold it 
  • Building Aerobic Capacity
  • Master where you’re at first
  • More is often the mistake
  • If we can’t do the small things right, don’t do big things
  • The hardest work is getting all your workouts done
  • Finding Zones in your cool down
  • Efficiency is King 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

Aug 2, 2022

How do we absolutely know when we’re ready to race? Today, we look at how athletes produce non-objective expectations and why that can build unwelcome anxiety. We tend to want concrete answers, but that’s just not possible. At some point we just have to do it. This goes with many things in life beyond racing. We get into rewiring pathways to create more confidence and reduce doubt. We look at small decisions along the way in training that build confidence. We also talk about practicing getting over the little humps and how small decisions create positive momentum.

Topics:

  • It’s your journey
  • How do you know you’re ready?
  • Different stages of readiness 
  • Am I ready to execute this race?
  • Execute your best race best on your fitness 
  • Confidence in feel and pacing
  • Dependence on concrete answers
  • I want to KNOW I can finish before I start
  • Anxiety 
  • Nothing is guaranteed 
  • Sometimes the best races are surprises 
  • Chin up more than chin down 
  • Uncertainty, anxiety, depression
  • How do we know what we want?
  • Overcompensating 
  • Confidence vs. Bravado 
  • Humility in confidence 
  • Small decisions that build your belief 
  • Practice getting over the little humps
  • Don’t listen to all your thoughts, just acknowledge them
  • Small decisions create momentum
  • Let the body do what it is capable of 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jul 28, 2022

There’s a lot of good stuff in the weeds of today’s listener questions. Today we get into simplifying a complicated sport, timing mats, and if we’ll do Musselman some day. We also look at DNF rates across the sport, and why they seem more prevalent. We also give strategy for the Ironman Wisconsin bike Course, talk about ways to beat burnout and Ironman Blues, along with Kona 2023 and why Robbie’s son Hayden is a fan of Kristian Blummenfelt. 

Topics:

  • What’s the Future?
  • So much confusion in this sport 
  • One person’s simple is another’s complicated?
  • When will Mike and Robbie race Musselman?
  • Timing Mats at Ironman
  • Mike’s second biggest fear
  • DNF Rate at Lake Placid. Reasons?
  • Everything is a short cut
  • Under prepared, or over trained?
  • How Do I change my “Lazy Race Swim?”
  • Bike Strategy for Ironman Wisconsin
  • Relaxed Brain, engaged body
  • Get through the hills . . . 
  • Burnout and Ironman Blues
  • Do you need something BIG to get you out of bed?
  • You chose triathlon, it didn’t choose you.
  • Kona Is Back in 2023

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

Jul 26, 2022

A lot of things go through your mind with an Ironman approaching and today, we go through Mike’s big “test” weekend from Wisconsin. He talks about why he’s waiting to decide and how close he is to pulling the trigger. We also talk about Ohio, which turned out to be a tough swim, then dive right into a “tough love” session about swimming and how you can be more prepared to race. We break down tons of in-race issues and decisions you can make to race better along with question why Ironman is always trying to make the swim seem “easy.” Be mentally and physically ready to race by exposing yourself to what it’s going to take on the course. 

Topics:

  • Social Media Lurkers 
  • Ironman Mike?
  • Being prepared 
  • Responsible and Objective Decision Making
  • The 24 Hour Mood Swing 
  • Are 70.3’s the most popular distance?
  • Ironman used to fill up in one day
  • Do you need big goals hanging out there?
  • Bike Effort 
  • Ironman Wisconsin course discussion
  • Does the course you’re doing excite you?
  • The feeling you’ve been missing
  • Ohio 70.3 post-race 
  • Swim at Ohio
  • A firm reminder to take the swim seriously
  • Ironman’s impossible goal of making the swim “easy” 
  • People just don’t take the swim seriously, until they’re in it
  • The difference between scared and mad voice 
  • Why mass starts are safer 
  • The swim mirage
  • The trend to make everything “seem easy” 
  • Way too many opt out choices today 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com 

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jul 21, 2022

Everyone wants to talk about diet, hydration, and sleep, but what about feeling connected to life, training, and purpose? Today, we look at how connecting, not only to others, but to your body and true desires can give you the lessons you need to be successful in sport and life. We get into how to approach training with the idea that you’re on the verge of getting sick. How to approach fatigue and the feeling of illness coming on. We talk about the importance of minimal effective dose and why that’s so important for the long run. If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, bring other people with you. There’s a lot of power in walking away from something that is done versus continuing to add more and more layers. 

Topics: 

  • Asking for help
  • Pride in being too independent
  • We don’t want to be seen as weak
  • Knowing just enough to be dangerous
  • Are you filling or digging holes?
  • Doubling down on anxiety
  • 15 hours that turns into 20 or 30
  • Stepping away from the grind
  • We’re so busy we don’t know what we’re doing. 
  • Over committing
  • The power in white/negative space
  • Free time is awesome
  • Truly wanting to get back in it 
  • Doing a sprint, oly and 1/2 before you do a full
  • Overreaching
  • Never “succeeding” enough 
  • Minimal Effective dose
  • Great is the enemy of good
  • “Epic” Burnout
  • Treat your workouts like you’re on the verge of getting sick
  • Pay attention to your body
  • Just Do Enough  

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

 

Jul 18, 2022

This is our 600th podcast, but there’s no fanfare… we just keep showing up. We started doing only Monday and Thursday, but sometimes that didn’t always work out for us and staying too regimented could made us lose steam. Be flexible, recover, do what’s right for the long-term growth. Today we dive into mid-season training and how tough it can be to stay motivated when you might not be seeing a ton of progress in the heat. We look at ways to find the little wins that keep you going toward the big goals. We talk about subtle clues, and training relative to how you feel. Also talk about ways to reframe your days off and maximize recovery days. We do this to be healthy and happy, so learn to appreciate how triathlon is helping you on a day to day level. 

Topics:

  • Heat, humidity, dew point
  • I feel great . . . I feel like sh*t 
  • Resiliency and how it matters 
  • Tolerating hard environments
  • Increases: Temps, humidity, stress 
  • Frustrations triathletes feel right now
  • Future Tripping - make it work for you.
  • Subtle clues that you’re getting better and stronger
  • Seasonal EPO
  • Summer volume = Fall Gains
  • Relative Training
  • Ebb and flows of the summer 
  • Reframing your days off
  • Maximizing recovery days
  • What do you do to recover?
  • Optimistic thoughts and finding nuggets to keep you going
  • Hanging tough and aim low 
  • Exhausted?
  • Little positive thoughts that build up
  • Detach yourself from swim, bike, run 
  • Win your personal lottery - Finding that lost $20
  • Spice things up
  • Breaking rigidity 
  • Get on a kayak or hike
  • Don’t get to a point where you resent this sport
  • No such thing as perfection 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jul 14, 2022

How much are you learning during training? Today we talk about the connection between training and racing. 

We really get into race execution and strategy and how workouts should prepare you to make the best decisions when it matters. Are you a trainer or gamer? The most “trained up” don’t necessarily make the best tracers. It’s all about execution on the race course. How will what you’re doing now affect you later? Both in training and racing. We also look at 3 types of training athletes and break down the type of athlete that races the best. 

Topics:

  • Breathing 
  • Swim Starts 
  • Run warm up when it’s hot
  • Caffeine and Heart Rate
  • Brick Workouts
  • High HR at the bike start
  • High HR off the bike 
  • Different Heart Rate Circumstances
  • Systems checks on the daily 
  • Practice slow brick starts 
  • Difference between Pros and Age Groupers 
  • Is what I’m doing now gonna let me do X, Y, Z in the future?
  • Great time of the year to plan
  • Realistic Tri Calc entries
  • Old People Golfing 
  • Fast Mistakes 
  • People want to talk about data more than execution
  • Sprints and Olys can be more forgiving
  • Long Course Racing - You don’t get a pass
  • Execute a session to your ability
  • Trainer Not a Gamer
  • Racing is a work of art
  • How much are you learning in training?
  • Great indicator of thoughtfulness in training
  • 3 Types of Training Athletes
  • Hope isn’t a strategy
  • The type of Athlete that races well
  • Be in the moment 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

 

Jul 12, 2022

Today we revisit our why and how it can be difficult to keep the right perspective on why we do hard things. For a lot of people “easy” is the new “right” but triathletes take the hard route. The mind will give out before the body and there are hundreds of triggers telling you to stop or quit. The “told you so” folks are always out there. This has to be your journey and there’s a lot more reward from choosing the tougher path. Don’t be afraid to fail. Throw yourself to the elements and be alive. 

Topics:

  • Early morning coffee prep
  • Forgetting your watch . . . . 
  • Pain as an ally 
  • Triathlete Island 
  • This is our life to craft
  • Missing our primal pursuits
  • Training is what we do to figure things out 
  • Exploring our boundaries 
  • Why do you do it?
  • The body has to move 
  • Figure things out and find life
  • Easy is the new “right” 
  • The “told you so” folks
  • I just want to feel good
  • I do this for myself
  • Easy comes from doing hard things
  • Isolation comfort zone
  • Safety over freedom 
  • Afraid to fail 
  • Avoiding the elements 
  • The mind gives out before the body
  • Neuromuscular connection
  • Controlled soft
  • Protecting ourselves 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jul 7, 2022

We had some fun today with visiting some memories of our C26 Journey and facing some tough questions from each other. It’s a glimpse into some of our favorite times together, some glimpses into the future, along with tackling regrets. What would we want in our ideal worlds? 

Robbie asks Mike: When all is said and done, what is the one memory you’ll take with you after you retire from C26?

Mike asks Robbie: I know it was kind of a rough year, but there were also some good memories…. What were some of your favorite things about coaching me to my first Ironman in 2013?

Robbie asks Mike: If cost or time wasn’t an issue, what would be the very last race you would choose to do?

Mike asks Robbie: If you weren’t a triathlon coach…. What would you choose for your career outside of sports and why?

Robbie asks Mike: After all you’ve accomplished in sports and life, what’s your biggest regret? 

Mike asks Robbie: As Hayden has already determined, you’re a triathlete COACH, but … in a different world…. Describe for me your ultimate triathlon living situation as an athlete…

Robbie asks Mike: Will you be racing this year? 

Mike asks Robbie: Would you rather Fly to Australia …. Or sit in an isolated room listening to Stephen A Smith talk about Alabama Football and Tom Brady for 24 hours?

Robbie asks Mike: Would you rather swim Ironman Wisconsin without a wetsuit or bike Wisconsin in a speedo?

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jul 5, 2022

Do you ever feel like you don’t belong? Today we open up about how that affects us as coaches and athletes, along with those we coach. Triathlon can be a daunting journey at times, but we’ll look at how reframing how we think can help us appreciate that we’re all doing something amazing, and something most people wouldn’t have the courage to try. We get into doubt, confidence, and why this sport can feel even harder the longer you’re into it. Is someone else living in your head? The sweetest revenge is living a good life. 

Topics:

  • Fireworks
  • Pontoon Parade
  • Triathlon never stops
  • Summer is pedal to the metal 
  • Planning for next year?
  • Coaching Doubts
  • First triathlon experience
  • Imposter syndrome
  • Athletic Backgrounds
  • Was it a fluke?
  • Glory Days
  • Expecting the negatives
  • “You have to be better”
  • 24-hour-chip
  • Hard to recognize progress
  • The power of the Ironman Finish Line
  • External support
  • Prove yourself right
  • Training where you’re at 
  • Finding celebration with the shit in between
  • Who’s living in your head rent free?
  • If 9 out of 10 people think you’re crazy, you’re probably on the right track
  • The sweetest revenge is living a good life
  • You hear it, but are you listening?

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jul 1, 2022

Today we look at how things in the modern world affect training and more specifically our schedules. Working at home can create more time, but it adds challenges. The traditional Monday through Sunday training schedule can be flipped upside down. We’ll look at how adjustments can and should be made to make your life and training easier, but also more effective. We also get into the murky territory of over-training and how that is usually the number one reason for slow race times and DNFs. 

Topics:

  • What’s a good bib number?
  • Who’s the boss?
  • Keeping Ironman memorabilia 
  • Being Flexible 

1. Don't try to fit a square peg into a round hole

2. If the usual schedule does not fit for you, find a new one. 

3. Maximize time and efficiency (give examples) 

4. Work in microcycles that also fit the big picture 

5. Understand your limitations, then maximize your availability and align with expectations

6.. Don't be afraid of doing something different.

 

  • Set yourself up for stress or success?
  • Look for pockets of success 
  • Ever changing schedules 
  • Stacking bikes and runs 
  • Stacking bikes and swims 
  • Make the pool trips worth your while 
  • It’s your life
  • How is this benefiting me, and why?
  • Why people are slower and DNF more often
  • It’s being appropriately trained 

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com 

www.c26triathlon.com 

 

Jun 29, 2022

We’re back from Nashville Camp and have a lot of observations. We get into growth, courage, and confidence, specifically as it comes to getting out of your comfort zone. We talk about challenges and how they can be the key to happiness. We also get into some of our personal struggles. Mike and Robbie talk about how they have a tendency to waste their potential as athletes. We also look at how finding a groove in your least favorite of the 3 disciplines can be the catalyst in making you a stronger athlete. We all need to have courage and face risks in training. We need to take things day to day and roll with the unexpected. 

Topics:

  • The trips back from Nashville Camp
  • Driver’s Education
  • Happy & Healthy
  • Mental and Emotional Health
  • Finding your sweet spot
  • Apprehension and anxiety
  • No magic formula
  • Being around other people
  • The trouble with isolation
  • Using external energy
  • Our psychological observations from camp
  • It takes courage and risk
  • Being with friends and family
  • Safety vs. Protecting ego
  • Sophomore Slump
  • Healthy fear
  • Perfection leading to paralyzation 
  • The illusion of perfection
  • Confidence grows through challenge
  • Upper body strength
  • Favorite sport of the 3 
  • When do you enjoy training the most?
  • Tired arms equals tired legs 
  • It’s all about energy expenditure
  • When will you stop wasting your ability?

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

 

Jun 23, 2022

Today is mostly about swimming in open water, specifically how to be faster. How do you deal with the elements? Are you swimming straight, making micro adjustments too much? Sometimes you just need to have a solid stroke and swim. We also discuss the possibilities of new Camps in Wisconsin, tri bike vs. road bike adjustments, and why you shouldn’t be so literal in your training. 

Topics: 

  • Almost a full month’s worth of podcasts
  • Your number one job is to be healthy
  • Being Hurd vs. Being injured
  • Z2 running made simple
  • Why am I slower in open water?
  • Swimming soft
  • The wall push
  • Bad seeding
  • Elements, chop, wind, current, people
  • Sighting in open water
  • Swimming straight
  • Wisconsin Camps in the Future?
  • What if Ironman was run, bike, swim?
  • Tri bike vs. road bike
  • Fitness is fitness
  • Don’t be so literal in training

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com 

www.c26triathlon.com

 

Jun 20, 2022

Great questions today from our listeners, but we start with attitude is a choice and how to gives ourselves little adjustments. Then we get into bike nutrition and how to approach aid stations. Robbie talks about challenges of training in the summer as a parent. Mike talks about his move to Wisconsin and finding new races, experiences. We also get into cycling strength and power with a hill/big gear workout discussion. And if you’re training for Ironman how you work in Olympics and Sprints along the way while keeping Volume. Finally, should you go into Ironman with a Walk/Run strategy?

Topics:

  • Air Conditioning vs. The Heat
  • Attitude is a Choice
  • What if I drop a Bottle of Nutrition?
  • Ironman On Course Nutrition training?
  • Balancing being a parent with summer training
  • “Soft” on your left
  • 80/20 Diet 
  • We are way too hard on ourselves
  • Mike reflects on the move and looks for new local experiences in Wisconsin
  • Big Gear and Hill workouts
  • Long rides after our Olympic and/or Sprint?
  • Intentionally using walk/run strategy

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com

Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com 

www.c26triathlon.com 

Jun 16, 2022

All the algorithms in the world won’t help if you don’t do the work. And you must LOVE the work. When it comes to lang haul training, we need to minimize the risks, find joy and invest in your ability to be fit. What is fitness if it’s not feeling good? Many triathletes are all in or all out, but today we talk about staying baseline ready and doing things that feel right. “Brand new” usually isn’t the answer. Today, we’re here to tell you, the simple things still work. 

Topics:

  • Asking dumb questions is a good thing
  • Triathlon is complicated, which is why you should make it simple
  • How to simplify your training theory 
  • Centering to find your flow
  • Taking too many training risks
  • Swimming for three sport fitness 
  • It’s hot and getting hotter, but you will adapt
  • In the chains of the pandemic
  • In heat, up the intensity of the bike and swim, inside
  • We don’t get extra points for being stupid
  • The goal is to be fit
  • What is fitness?
  • Turbulent and volatile
  • Baseline level of motivation and commitment 
  • The best thing you can do is take care of yourself
  • Invest in your ability to be fit
  • Life is full of choices
  • Are you repeating the same cycle?
  • Major life challenges
  • Stress, guilt and shame
  • Be flexible and find your sweet spots
  • All in or all out
  • Be baseline ready

Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com

www.c26triathlon.com

 

1 « Previous 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next » 31