How do you “get through” tough situations in training? Today, we look at the emotional roller coaster that is triathlon and some of the traps we all fall into, especially when chasing those elusive highs. Do you push harder when you’re struggling, or step back and let the body re-calibrate? What’s the deal with feeling awesome one day, then being ready to quit the sport the next? We look at mood adjustments, burning matches, and seeking highs. We also talk about how to train for situations in races that are usually mental and how to get through them. Are you addicted to feeling the high?
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Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
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We answer a ton of questions today, including a rapid fire ending you won’t want to miss. We get into the challenges of riding with wind. How do you handle tail, head, and cross winds? Is aero always better? What about your grip on the bike . . . why it matters. Do you need more or less rest on your swim sets? Today, we look at WHY you’re taking rest and how much you actually need. Is it better to do long interval sets in the water or short and hard? Can you recover WHILE you’re swimming? Race wheels and wind. What’s the key to racing with different wheels? Looking at how to ride hills and keep your power/effort under control. A lot goes into that. Shifting on hills. How to keep cool in hot races. What about choosing not to wear a wetsuit? Air temp vs. water temp. Plus a whole slew of other questions answered in the rapid fire section.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
The first question set off a great mini-topic for the day. What the new tactics/trends that are pros doing these days that age group athletes can emulate to get faster. The discussion is an important one and centers on arguably the best triathlon coach right now, Dan Lorrange. We also look at the importance of becoming a better bike handler and how it can save your legs. Plus, swimming better when you don't have as much time to swim as you'd like. A little bit on GI issues. And favorite cereal talk.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
This title is an homage to one of our favorite YouTube channels, you can find it here: Seek Discomfort
The Seek Discomfort crew is always looking for things that intimidate them. Experiences that lead to growth.
And we should do the same within our comfort zone, especially when it comes to conditions. The more you get out into “imperfect” weather, the more you will be at ease when your race day isn’t 70 and partly cloudy. Today, we go through some of our experiences and perspectives on how to build all the pieces in the puzzle. To be mentally strong to pair with your physical fitness.
Racing IS discomfort and the more you expose yourself to it, the more confident you’ll be no matter the conditions.
Do it now, because on race day, you don’t have a choice.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
The most successful athletes play free and without fear. Today, we look at how you can train and race better when you realize you have nothing to lose. This isn't about taking it for granted, but channeling pressure and anxiety in the right way. It's all energy and the more we can us it in our favor, the better we'll be. We look at the 24 hour rule as it applies to racing and training, having a "walk the plank" mentality, and using your old self as a nemisis. We look at finding solutions over problems, uncovering what missed workouts really tell us, and the ability to be moodless during your race. Find the balance between grit and grace.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Triathlon training should be structured, but we're all about keeping the fun alive. Today, we talk about weaving them together to make the process more enjoyable and effective. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to show up green in Training Peaks, but aren’t a bunch of oranges and yellows better than a week of red? Do we move to change our mood or change our mood to move? There’s a lot of power in having a solid outline and moving a little off script. How to recognize what’s the best decision for today. Is your workout appropriately challenging for your mental and physical state? Who wins, the human or athlete? Plus, Mike’s soup can analogy.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Efficiency might be the biggest key to you having a successful race and that all starts in Zone 2. Yes, we know it’s “boring” but today we give you other ways to think about it, specifically as in, why do you not enjoy doing something that is good for you and your health? We talk about teaching the body to burn fat so you’re not so dependent on calories. We look at swimming and why practicing swimming slow is a great exercise. We really boil down Zone 2 in a way that helps understand why it’s the key to great racing. We look into cravings and calories and what they might really be indicating. Zone 2 is about getting and understanding the “feel” for racing, which ultimately isn’t about how fast you go, but how little you slow down. Dive into the big picture and learn to love your Zone 2 work.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
(We have C26 Swim School this week, so this is a reposted podcast).
Ever feel the pressure of too much going on? That anxious feeling is getting out of the moment. Today, we look at how that affects training and how we THINK about training. It's easy to get caught up on race day when it's 5 months away, but today is all that matters. Do something. Let it go. And get in touch with your body and the moment.
*** Time is running out to sign up for THE C26 CLUB PROGRAM FOR 2024! Check it out!
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www.c26triathlon.com
Mike Tarrolly - crushingiron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - c26coach@gmail.com
(With March Madness upon us and C26 Swim School in progress, we thought it was a good time to revisit an old podcast with Zak Showalter and how he started training for Ironman after playing in the Final Four). Sorry about the intro music. haha.
Imagine playing basketball in front of 70,000 people and millions on TV. Today's guest, Zak Showalter, did just that for the University of Wisconsin. His career took him to 2 different Final Fours and four Sweet 16's and now he's tackling Ironman.
He's graduated, stepped away from basketball, and turned his sights on Ironman Wisconsin. Our goal for this podcast was to see how many lessons learned from Zak's days at Wisconsin under Hall of Fame coach Bo Ryan translate into triathlon. As it turned out, a lot of them do.
We start with some of Zak’s endurance background and early training challenges. Then go into how what he learned on the basketball floor can be translated into Ironman training:
Race like you train - Zak tells us how what he learned from the daily grind of college basketball practice and how he thinks it can be applied to triathlon training and best set him up for the race.
Ups and Downs - How to stay level headed and on the same path when faced with setbacks of a big loss or the the high of a big win.
Patience - Wisconsin basketball is built on patience, both in execution and sytem. Zak gives us a perspective on how they looked at a long season or career and how the philosophies can apply to Ironman training.
Emotions- He takes us in the locker room before Wisconsin faced off with a 38-0 Kentucky team at the Final Four. How is it possible to stay calm when you’re running out in front of 70,000 people to play a game watched by millions? He gives us a very simple solution.
Diet: How did you guys eat? Was there a big focus on nutrition or were you just kids? Has that changed as you train for Ironman?
Here are a couple videos of Zak in his playing days:
- His salute to Aaron Rodgers after hitting a buzzer beater against Florida
- High School State Championship Opening Tip Dunk
Zak on Instagram: zshowalter3
Zak on Twitter: @ZShowbball333
Facebook: CrushingIron
Twitter: CrushingIron
Instagram: C26_Triathlon
(We have C26 Swim School this week, so this is a reposted Podcast and we will not have a booth at Chatt).
We begin with the Swim Start, including when to get there and how to fuel as you position yourself in the massive field of athletes. Then to the “fast but fair” bike course. We break it out by section and look at where to push and when to hold off for your best bike split. Onto the run where it can either be fast or eat your lunch. There’s not much truly flat here, so racing smart, understanding the terrain, and staying cool with a lower HR could make the difference.
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Buy C26 Gear Here: https://c26triathlon.com/c26-store/
Check out our coaches: https://c26triathlon.com/meet-the-coaches/
Mike Tarrolly: CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce: C26Coach@gmail.com
(We have the C26 Swim School this week, so this is a reposted podcast).
Today we focus on Ironman Texas strategy, but this podcast is great for anyone racing an Ironman, especially when it’s hot. We always talk about not obsessing about the weather, but when you know it might be hot, it’s smart to prepare. We look at all kinds of hot racing strategies, talk about why Texas is a sneaky challenging course, and why you will want to prepare to suffer. This is a C26 Team race, so be sure to say hi out on the course.
Topics:
Buy C26 Gear Here: https://c26triathlon.com/c26-store/
Check out our coaches: https://c26triathlon.com/meet-the-coaches/
Mike Tarrolly: CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce: C26Coach@gmail.com
Are you running on gas or fumes at the end of your races? Today, we take a deep look into how to start the season smart and snowball that into better races as the year goes on. We talk about creating momentum and how to use your first race in a way that will actually teach you something about getting better. We look at heat, wind, dew point, along with why pacing is always your best friend. We talk about how to race from before the swim all the way to the end of the run and why most of us make huge mistakes before we even realize it. We look at why so much of passing on the run is final . . . along with how bad little decisions earl can make for a miserable race. There’s nothing better than finishing a race on your terms. Today, we look at the best strategies to do just that.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today, we go over important “ah ha” moments in our racing and coaching career. Things that changed the game for us as athletes and coaches. We look at why working on your strength is so important and can set the tone for your training. Also, why we tend to skimp on one of the sports. We talk about understanding effort and pacing and why being obsessed with pace, power, and time can be the worst strategy. Getting a grasp of your all day pace. Knowing when to hold back and when to let it rip. How we learned to grasp the concept of patience and how it pays off. Getting your ego out of the way and listening to your gut.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we give you the power to make your own decisions in training. As coaches we think it’s important for athletes to learn through trial and error. As in really learning . . . along with, believing in your gut. We look at an example of someone who was coming off being sick and due for an FTP test. Did they rest, or know deep down that they were ready. Also, we talk about owning how you feel… giving your body a real chance to decide. We talk about how to look for signs of life in workouts. Living to 99 years old with a sharp mind. And the power of combining confidence with vulnerability.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
We both felt like we needed attitude adjustments today, so we dove a little deeper. We look at some of the stresses we feel when thinking about our training, races, and life. In other words, figuring things out on our own. Robbie talks about the challenges he’s facing with Ironman Texas and how he’s stepped back and found positive solutions. Mike has another hard talk with himself and gets to the bottom of a few things. We also look at sickness and why we should change our perspective. Also, solving problems and getting out of negative head space. The biggest myth in triathlon. Also, why pacing can affect your outlook on training, and sifting through the complications of too many thoughts in your head.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
We had a blast with this one. We start with transition tips, and end with giving you a whole new perspective on how to think about T1 and T2. We also get into the theory behind how to handle missed workouts. Should you make it up, create a hybrid, or just move on? Then we deal with the ever-present topic of how to train in cold weather for early season races that will be much hotter. We look at the argument of fat for fuel vs. carbohydrates and the concept of being metabolically flexible. When is the right time to pull the trigger on a new bike? How do you make sure you keep your tank full in training. And, a new way to approach the swim if you’re someone who has trouble with going out too fast or panic attacks.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Great questions today, and a call for you to find your racing super power. Is it a good idea to burn your biscuits before you take a relaxing vacation? How is Robbie approaching Ironman Texas and does he get nervous? What’s the best way to improve your run speed? Racing Ironman with your spouse. What do we think of caffeine gels and when’s the best time to use them? Improving swim pace. How much extra should you swim if it’s a weakness? Should you cycle more often? Are your racing others or yourself. Plus, flip turn and race etiquette outside of the IM athlete guide.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today is about understanding feel, your body, and learning how to “play” within training. The cast was a bit inspired by a new trend in MMA and boxing where they spar but don’t hit each other. They are more in the ring to work on form, footwork, and ensure better recovery. We think triathletes can learn a lesson from that. We talk about the power of stacking volume, understanding how fatigue masks fitness, and why finding a love for training easy is so powerful. We look at how hacks influence our mindset, true behavioral changes, and why many of us tend to lean toward going harder than we should. One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is going to hard on easy days, and going too easy on hard days. Get into a groove and be able to honor how you feel on any given day.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Doing anything intensely 24/7/365 is difficult. I mean, why do you think Dennis Rodman needed to go to Vegas for a few days right in the middle of a 3-Peat run for the Chicago Bulls? In all seriousness, today is about injecting more fun into your routine. Adventure doesn’t have to be climbing the Alps (although that would certainly qualify), it can be as simple as adding a different route our going as long as you can on the bike this weekend. There’s also lots of opportunity for micro adventure within your daily workouts. What’s going to make you look forward to it? How can you enjoy doing things that come hard to you? As coaches were always looking for happy mediums and a big part of that rests on you. Enjoy our exploration of C26 the Jeopardy Show and Robbie’s potential adventure into the St. Louis Arch!
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
We can chase dreams of others, but what works best for you? A lot of musicians say the most powerful note is the one not played, ghost notes. Today, we talk about how to get more out of your training by not leaking energy. We start with some Run Camp highlights and observations then turn into this idea of how we can practice “digging deep” or “finding the extra gear.” It’s all about balancing your energy in life and training. Sometimes we don’t nail it, but it’s important to be aware of those times when less might actually be more. We can take chunks of what other people do and use it for ourselves, but getting trapped in “being like them” instead of who we are can create endlessly unproductive loops. How much energy do we waste on worry and stress for no reason? How many time to we inflict self-punishment for something we feel guilty about? Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
This is a RE-POST of episode 421 - We'll be back to regular Tuesday/Thursday when we return from Run Camp. Thanks! Be a part of the C26 Club for 2024.
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This is a great guide for RACE RUNNING and how to train for it. We focus on Ironman, but the same holds true for 70.3, Olympics, and Sprints. For one, we want to strengthen our chassis so we don’t have to walk. And, if we don’t handle the swim and bike right, none of this really matters. It’s a pretty deep dive into accumulated fatigue, accumulated fitness, how to know when you’re in good shape, and why bricks and your long runs might be disrupting your progress.
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Coaching Inquires:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
We all like to have goals, but is that goal taking up too much space in your brain? Today, we look at Future Tripping and ways to release anxiety from our daily journey. One of the major goals of training should simply be, not being distracted by things that don’t matter right now. How do we get there on a daily basis? How do we get from not wanting to workout to putting on the shoes? There’s so much power in falling in love with the day to day and minute to minute. Wanting to be perfect or on the podium is a lot of unnecessary weight on our shoulders right now. We are much better off doing the work that is right in front of us and staying on track. Figure out how to make obtaining your goals feel easier, not harder.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
What are the keys to becoming a better and more efficient cyclist? Today, we look at the diffrent methods of training. We explore quality over quantity and also look at the "gameification" of cycling. We get into the biggest trap people fall into along with a detailed look at what it means to really improve your aerobic threshold. We talk about dialing in your zones and efforts, along with the lowest hanging fruit for most triathletes. Are you doing too much V02 max work? How do you train hard and race easy? We look at the importance of good torque and moving that ceiling. Neuromuscular connectivity along with great workouts to improve it. Big gear training and the power of grinding in a slow cadence. Avoiding knee pain. Learning how to feel out what your body is capable of today. Aerobic efficiency is the name of the game. Thanks for listening!
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Are you performing to your potential or even understand what that means? Today we look into our mental and physical capacities and explore the idea that we ALL likely have “more” potential, but where do we want to put that energy? Today, we challenge ourselves to recall when we were “at our best” and look for reasons why. Success has different definitions to everyone. What sacrifices are you willing to make to be your best at triathlon? Are you trying TOO hard? Not enough? Where’s the sweet spot in all of this? Sometimes we have to get out of our own way and understand that the process is truly the success. Investing ourselves into the journey, knowing we’ve done our best, and accepting the outcome. We can only be someone we’re not for so long. Is it a good result if it’s not healthy?
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Great questions today as we start with how to move up from Sprints to your first 70.3. What is a runner’s high and the best way to get it? Deeper look at how to enjoy running more and finding the right mindset to love any of the three sports. Are you paying enough attention to what your body is saying? What about spin bikes for training? How do you go from a 7 hour to a 6 hour bike at Ironman? Is your appetite out of control after workouts? Looking at sugar, coffee, and other stimulants. Caloric deficits. And why doesn’t Mike just dial in his potential and get on the podium?
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com