If you’re like most of us you excel at one or two of the three sports in triathlon. But guess what? Attacking your weaknesses can often improve the others as well. Today, we look at how and why to put more time into things you’re not good (or natural) at. This goes from spending more time in a certain sport to figuring out the little secrets to what Free Speed means with regard to racing. We get into the idea of shooting for the sun and landing on the moon along with what that REALLY MEANS. We can talk about things, plan them out, imagine certain outcomes, but it really comes down to doing work. And that might not always be the kind of work you think it is. The easier your “fast” feels, the longer you can hold it. But how do you get to that point? What are some good training strategies that make going fast feel easier?
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Pro Triathlete, Collin Chartier, admits he used EPO and we use that as a launch point for how a lot of us get trapped in the game of chasing no matter the consequences. We are all human, so it’s a mystery why things like this surprise us. It’s going on at the age group level as well, but the point is, the only person we can really count on is ourself. It’s so easy to get caught in the hypnosis of television, social media, YouTube videos, but most of it is fake. Today, we take a deep look inside and put stock in what we can do without chasing others. And stop judging by the headline.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Ever get the feeling you just want to bail on a workout? Well, today we give you permission . . . but, there are some caveats. And bail doesn’t mean fail. This is about your autonomy in the sport and owning your sessions. What does that mean when it comes to an interval session on the bike or a tempo run? Or even a pool workout? Today we look at how often the most important thing is just to get on the bike and see what happens, but doing it with options. You never really know until you give it a shot and seeing a workout you don’t want to (or don’t think you can) do is a bummer. It’s all about the integrity of workouts. We also look at how much you really need to run for Ironman, what coaches look to for intel on athletes, and the dreaded 18 hour swim.
Topics -
Coaching Inquiries
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
*Note ... the first couple minutes have some wonky audio but it's fine after that.
Today we look at finding passion, purpose, and calling within triathlon. We get into how to find excitement in the little things and not have to always chase new races or shiny objects that are mostly just a distraction from what is in this moment.
We talk about motivation and how the most successful athletes go about finding it. Look at your process and figure out ways to find excitement in things that may not be exciting on the surface but lead to your long term success and health. We pay to do this sport, taking it too seriously can put you in a pinch.
We explore the beauty of “slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” All you have to do is look at the top runners at Boston and see them floating along like they’re on a group run. Mastering your movement makes you faster. And finally, be proud of the hard work and choices, not your natural gifts. Tackle hard things and create the best memories.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we talk about flat course racing, but as usual, there are a lot of applications for all courses as we bounce between the differences between flat and hilly. We start by talking early season open water swims and how to be prepared if you don’t have enough time to get in open water. We also look at what a wetsuit does and how to make sure you’re using it to your best advantage and not letting it throw you into a state of anxiety. We talk about the bike and the importance of training in aero for flat courses. We look at how a weak core can impact your swim, bike, and run. We talk about mixing up cadences on a flat bike and run. We get into training techniques that will make you more prepared for long flat runs. And we hit on the differences between training inside and the demands of being in the elements.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we talk about how to prepare and race Sprints and Olympics when you’re training for longer races.
But, if you’re just racing short course there are tons of good nuggets about how to get a much better performance.
Sometimes we forget what it feels like to go hard and short course is a great way to calibrate yourself with your effort.
We look into whether you should taper or not and why it can simply be a waste of a week. We look at HOW to race sprints and olympics.
From training to pacing to letting it rip on the bike and figuring out the run. We talk about pain and how to go through it when you keep hearing alarm bells. Why the fastest athletes on the planet go without a watch on the run. Short course is all about finding your limits… today we look at smart and strategic ways to get there.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we answer listener questions and spend a lot of time in the rabbit hole finding good little nuggets. Mainly, there is a lot of discussion about cycling, specifically on windy or hilly courses. We go through a deep explanation of how to train and race your best with a thorough explanation of average power vs. normalized power. We also compare and contrast riding without power and how that should be approached. We look at the best tires and go into how (even though we know nobody wants to do it) important it is to be comfortable changing your tires on the race course. We also talk about when and how you should increase distance, both in training and races. A lot of good stuff in the weeds of this podcast. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
More great questions from all of you! We talk mass swim starts, seeding, and how to deal with the crowded water. We get into road bike vs. TT bike, including when to switch, and . . . do you even need to switch? We talk about the drawbacks of TT bikes if you’re not willing to put in the time, along with bike fits and why aggressive positions can hurt your race performance. We each give our biggest lessons from our first 70.3’s and fulls. Robbie is asked if he ever gets confused when Mike goes off on a tangent and Mike promptly goes off on a tangent to see if he gets confused. We look at self-calibration. We discuss when is the right time to jump from a 70.3 to a full. And we talk about your bandwidth, support, time constraints, and the “want” to race a Full.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we talk about permission to be yourself. Owning your journey applies to so many things and we detail how that should be goal number one in your life, training, and racing. Resistance comes from within and it’s your job to jumpstart yourself into feeling good. We look at ways you can do that today, tomorrow, and to get in a groove for your race. We also look at ways to have fun with what you’re doing in training. Weather and mood and remedies. That post workout feeling. Owning happiness. Don’t burn yourself out, embrace the permission to do things you enjoy.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we look at the little decisions in training and racing that will take you to the next level. Understanding simple things like, the more fatigue you have, the longer the warm up, and today’s success could be as simple as you getting out to move your body. We look into race mentality from the beginning of the swim until the end of the race, and why your tank should be full AFTER you get out of the water. We remind you that if you didn’t swim or bike enough in training, don’t act like you did in the race. We look at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th winds and how to find them. We talk about the power of incremental gains and why it’s so important to control and understand your effort. Race practice can happen in every single training session if you know what to look for and today we define how you should feel at the end and what’s the proper understanding of Emptying the Tank.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today we’re talking race strategy, and more importantly how to handle the demands of race energy. We look at an honest evaluation of your training and how that might, should, could translate in your race. We look at the realism of your potential at this time. We discuss planned and unplanned governors that can help keep you under control. We talk your “energy bank” and how not to overdraw in the swim. We discuss how most people blame their run, but it’s really their bike. And we get into the concept of leaving it all on the race course and the right way for you to think about emptying the tank.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Do you look back at your race and put an honest level of judgment on how you did? Today we look at what makes a great race for YOU. We talk about why time and placement shouldn’t be the number one factors. We look at your metrics not based on times/splits. We talk about your effort, how you figure out goals and attain them. Starting the swim without a watch. The course and the conditions and how to play them. We look at adjusting to the moment WHILE you’re racing and how the right mindset can give you a race you’re proud of instead of a complete sh*t show.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
This is a look in the mirror podcast. We talk about the concept of chasing a prize, when the prize is right in front of us.
We chose triathlon, it didn’t choose us. And it can be really hard. But the hard work is what changes our character and transforms us into who we become. We talk about why “getting out to train” is hard and why it IS part of the training. Racing is about overcoming challenge after challenge. That’s what training prepares you for. To dig deeper and find that belief in yourself. We look at how our most successful and happy athletes approach their training and life. We want it to be easy, but it’s not and there are no guarantees. The hard things change you.. .
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
When kids play, then never seem to want to stop. How can we find that love for the game in our daily training? Today, we talk about how to approach sessions. So many athletes want to put the hammer down, but this is an art of knowing how and when. We'll look at the concept of grinding and why that tends to lead to friction that haunts us later. We look into how a lot of athletes leave their race in training. We also talk anxiety, depression and addiction. How did we get here?? And we get into our "why" and how it's really probably a simpler answer than you think. Play like a kid and find your freedom.
Topics -
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Are you doing the little things each day to make yourself healthier? Training is about nuance and paying attention to mini cycles that include hard work along with recovery. The talk about responding to fatigue and sickness. How to approach your training when you may not be at your best. Or… training when you feel great. We look at getting in tune with your internal governor and how moderation and nourishment can be just what the doctor ordered. We look at creating momentum from the previous day. Also, how the little habits we have can have a big impact on how we feel and train. Winning the day doesn’t mean crushing the day. How do you define satisfaction? Paying attention, be grateful, and do the things that let you say, “I got healthier today.”
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
We always think we have more time . . . but you don’t build confidence by doing nothing. Today we look at stoking the fire and finding our competitive nature. There’s been a trend at eliminating opportunities to compete with ourselves and others. To push our limits. But limits, like fears are an illusion. We talk about the benefits of taking risks, going for it when you got it, and the subtle ways we dig emotional holes that get tougher to dig out from. The mind has a way of talking yourself into safety, but we know the best way to live is to get out and feel. To experience. Sometimes using fear as a compass is the best way to find happiness.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Seems to be a trend of doing multiple Ironman per season, but is it a good idea? What’s the best way to go about it.
Also, we talk nutrition for Ironman… how much to bring? What to leave behind? Is it a good idea to use other races as training races? We’ll look at the good and bad of that concept. Also, lots of indoor training? How do you best prepare for the elements? We get into Zone 2 and how to make your base training more enjoyable and filled with purpose. Bike handling, open water swimming, and power meters also come into play.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Are you burying yourself to hit the ranges? Today, we look at Zones for Swim, Bike, and Run. Understanding these, along with your effort will make you a better triathlete. But, don’t obsess. The most important part of this is understanding your body. We look at when and how to test, along with the key elements to understand before you test. Also, why understanding intensity is best for times of restraint. Is your FTP too high? Likely… and we’ll tell you why. Why “guessing” your power or pace is a powerful exercise. Taking a deep look at the mystery of Swim Zones and why they are similar to your run. Which tests are good. Which tests don’t tell you anything. We look at the difference between you and pros and bike testing. And we’ll explain why going too hard is all too common.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
This is YOUR journey. Today is about figuring out who you are and what you want and not butting heads with that.
Today we get into training, work, and time. Setting boundaries. The gray area between helping others and being selfish in life.
We ask if there really is such a thing as balance. Asking tough questions of yourself and figuring out what you need for happiness.
How to embrace passive time. Sticking with the integrity of workouts. Powerful habits. Not trying . . . and Glory Days.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today, we get into the essence of being a successful triathlete. It’s not always pretty or easy, but there are certain characteristics that give you a better shot at long-term success. Be completely in tune with the process and the reasons why you’re going through the process. There are thousands of distraction landmines out there and it’s hard to stay focused on the big picture. Today, we look at funks, and ruts, and high expectations. We talk about resisting impulses and staying the course. We talk about attention spans and the importance of figuring out what’s going on inside your own head before you make bad decisions. We also look at the pitfalls of going all in for one year and digging into a trap. We look at our marketing and training strategies and why they don’t always align with the popular perspective.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
In the end, not much of this training matters if you don’t have your head straight. Today, we go through lessons we learned at our latest Run Camp. We look at building confidence and doing things you didn’t think you could do. We talk about transcending your current self and focusing in the Real Agenda in your life. We get into the paralasis of isolation and how to break the cycle. We talk training in groups and with inspiring people. Also, how you can get yourself from point A to point B by going to point A.5 first. It’s so easy to say no to something when you’re by yourself. Use the energy of others to help pull you into accomplishment. With all the advancements these days, life can seem easy, but that’s often what makes it so hard.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Today, we dive deeper into how you can get real investments for the time you spend in the pool. We look at the concept of building your fatigue resistance and how that makes you faster. We talk about open water and why the key is building strength. Are you swimming with intention in the pool? We dive into what that means and how your sessions should look. We talk about Masters Groups… the pros and cons and what you should be getting out of them. We tell you exactly what to do to get faster in the pool. We also give you a great test to show if you have good body position. Be a swimmer, think like a swimmer, but do not overthink it. Simplify/Repeat.
Check out our FREE Beginner’s Programs: https://c26triathlon.com/c26-development-programs/
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Not sure how much or how far to swim? Wondering why you don’t get faster? Have open water anxiety?
This podcast is for you. We look at how to properly use time in the pool. We look at building fitness BEFORE technique.
Then show you how to marry them both in an effective progression. We look at the difference between pool swimming and open water.
We look at drills… which ones work and which ones are wasting your time. Anxiety beating techniques. Wetsuits.
Fear. Swimming in salt water and techniques for two loop swim courses so you can avoid congestion.
Check out our FREE Beginner’s Programs: https://c26triathlon.com/c26-development-programs/
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Sprints and Olympics are where people get into the sport and how it grows.
Today we look at the intensity of your training and racing. We ask about your background then examine how that applies to training
We talk about beginner, seasoned short course racers, and Ironman to Olympic racing strategy. We talk about impatience and how that can lead to injury. We talk pacing for Sprints and Olys (hint… mostly all-out) and taking shorter races seriously.
Track work, skipping progressions, raising the Vo2 and strides. We also detail how to ramp up training and intervals to keep you happy and healthy in the journey.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com
Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete, or a beginner, there is a ton of great benefits from racing and training for Sprints and Olympics, and this cast will load you up. Today we talk about smart and healthy training as it applies to Sprints and Olympics, but it also translates into everything you do in this sport. We get into proper builds, looking at your month as one block of stress, spreading out stress to get more, accumulated fatigue, pacing and aerobic base. We also look at the importance of keeping training fun and learning every day. Training shouldn’t crush your body and spirit, it should be a path to getting more energy and enjoying life. Get serious about having fun and get much better in the process.
Topics:
Coaching Inquiries:
Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com
Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com