Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

This is sort of inspired by the "controversy" over should you race a few shorter distances before attempting to tackle an Ironman? We look back at our triathlon beginnings and discuss how we did it along with things we may have changed. We talk about what it really means to be in this sport and training can change lives for the better, or sometimes worse. We discuss high goals, inspiration, and the ups and downs as our aspirations collide with life, jobs, and family. Topics: Going back to the beginning Our first 70.3 experiences No socks in T2? Life changes Sprint to a Full? Beating burnout over many years Longevity in the sport What do we really want from training? Matching physiology with psychology More sprints and olympics? Addictive decision making On the podium, but still facing demons Is going all in worth it to you? The accidental podium Ups and down as life overlays with triathlon Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - [email protected]

What gets you off the couch and out the door? Is it motivation or embracing the struggle. Today we talk about mind games we play with ourselves and how "I'll get to it tomorrow or next week" doesn't work. We talk about why "when you don't want to do it" is when you have to do it and why that's what builds the right muscles in your brain. We look at using new races as fuel and if that is a solid strategy. We talk about the mistakes made this time of year and why, when in doubt, go out and do a 45 minute run with strides. Topics: Excuses Resistance I'll get back to it next week Mistakes this time of year False start after false start How do you get into this stuff It's all mental (mostly) Do it when you don't want to do it Most days are average It's about the struggle Magnus Detlev and 7:19 at Ironman Florida Deeper psychology issues Doing something different? Off the couch A new race isn't going to change you When in doubt, 45 minutes with strides Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - [email protected]

Today we look at the origin of this podcast and dive into that history for lessons about longevity in triathlon. We talk about how to keep showing up. We talk about laying a baseline that you can handle. We get into off season load management and mental training. Keeping it easy doesn't mean doing nothing. We look at failing a lot and why that's just part of the game. And we get into what you should be doing right now to make sure you're prepped and ready for next season. Topics: The origin of this podcast How do we keep showing up? Regiment vs. flow Structured perfection The two a week stretch Paul Molitor and off-season hitting analogy Off season body adjustments Load management Mental training It's not about doing nothing You can't focus on too many things Injury prevention Listen to the body What does your body want to do today? Paying attention to recovery The first 20 minutes of your workout We fail a lot Letting athletes explore Learn and grow right now Create good commitment habits Don't make it rocket science How to enter the year prepped for the season Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - [email protected]

Today we answer more listener questions and go off on a few tangents which you may or may not enjoy. Topics: Bobbing for apples Snickers vs protein bars One more or one less rep? First timers jumping straight to a full. Good or bad? 70.3 x 2 plus an hour Olympic x 4 plus 4 hours? Z2 and Garmin Setting aerobic zones Weighted vests? 1, 2, or 3 swims a week? Arm length and swimming Stop practicing bad form in this sport Working to get better or just to get it done? World class at the basics Dallas bike course change Winter swimming New to the sport A 6.5 hour baseline for a 70.3 Competing or completing? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - [email protected]

Today we tackle more hard hitting questions from the listeners and Mike celebrates the Brewers World Series win. We get into AI coaching and human coaching. We talk about "reverse periodization" including what it is and why as usual it depends. We look at the Base, Build, Peak periods and how to best approach them. We talk about cold weather riding, things to consider when thinking about a new bike, and why a new bike can be the best or worst decision you make. We look at the strategy behind running off season and in season marathons vs. half marathons. We also talk triathlon influencers and why they are typically a bad source of information. Topics: Brewers win the World Series and Mike is very relieved, relaxed, and ready to focus What qualities make the best coaches in all sports Reverse periodization Training as a priority Base, build, peak Is a new bike worth it? Under what circumstances Make sure you are comfortable and enjoy the process Cold weather cycling December marathon? What about half marathons? AI coaching vs Humans How much time do you lose on the back end of races? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - [email protected]