Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

This is a re-post of another of our favorite episodes/concepts. Off a great, but tough weekend at Run Camp, we reflect on how and when to push and why it’s important to have fun in your life and training. We talk about your big race is “Just One Day” and how it’s better to be undertrained than burned out. Also, the little signs in your training will let you know you’re ready before you race. We look at burning physical and emotional matches, finding your pain threshold in each sport and when are the right times to dig deep. You’re the main character and author, it’s up to you to find more fun. Topics: Relaxation The “Watts Game” How we locate the ego inside of us How stress impacts your life and training Pushing yourself when appropriate It’s your responsibility to have fun in life We’re in a world of leisure Escaping your life Venting about training Faster, stronger, and on and on and on The ability (and right time) to dig deep Sometimes we need to go rogue Inherent feeling about what we should accomplish in life Letting go of limits You only have to do it once The Hurt Locker Undertrained You’re the main character and author of your story Break through the “I cant’s” You should be chomping at the bit on race day Burning physical and mental matches Fit, fast, and fresh What’s your most comfortable level of pain? How long can you withstand pain? High Pain/Shorter Distance or Lower Pain for longer? Understanding your pain level scale What’s your training temperment? Facebook: CrushingIron YouTube: Crushing Iron Twitter: CrushingIron Instagram: C26_Triathlon www.crushingiron.com   Mike Tarrolly - crushingiron@gmail.com Robbie Bruce - c26coach@gmail.com 

This is a re-post of one of our favorite C26 Ironman stories.  This is an Ironman story for Everyone. If you've ever stayed until the end of an Ironman you know the level of emotions. But have you ever been out in the dark on the last few miles with someone who isn't sure they will make the cutoff? Today, we share the story of how one of our C26 athletes persevered to finish with just over a minute left at Ironman Texas. An emotional look at how the tone of an Ironman changes after the sun goes down. Topics: Why Ironman is different Running races vs. Triathlon You can’t explain the Finish Line What it’s like to spectate Ironman What it’s like to coach at an Ironman The Race Course Goes Through Its Own Transition When the Sun Sets on the Course When Your Friend Is Getting Close To Not Making It Understanding an Athlete’s Personality as a Coach When Ironman is Symbolic of Life  Out Alone in the Dark  Sometimes all you need is someone to come by and help Understanding the 17 Hour Cut Off When You Deserve More Than You May Believe When it’s time to talk tough When we retreat inside vs. bring people in When others remind us who we really are    Facebook: CrushingIron YouTube: Crushing Iron Twitter: CrushingIron Instagram: C26_Triathlon www.crushingiron.com   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! Topics: Life Keeps Going Time to get back to work Sore feet Wired to go . . . .  How am I gonna get everything done? Feeling defeated Hardest thing to do Prisoner of the Future Flipping the switch The things we CAN control Attachment to perfection Hire someone else to be in control of your life What’s your baseline of self-acceptance  Thought of Quitting Raining at the Lab Are we good enough? Everything is amazing and no one is happy Get in tune with your body When your training fights itself --------------- Coach Mike is accepting full-time athletes. Please check out the benefits of Customized Weekly Coaching here or contact Mike directly at: CrushingIron@gmail.com  Facebook: CrushingIron YouTube: Crushing Iron Twitter: CrushingIron Instagram: C26_Triathlon 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:  Were you ever into endurance sports before? What it's like hanging out with Packer's QB Aaron Rodgers  What it was like to work with Michael Jordan’s strength coach When he decided he wanted to do an Ironman  How he deals with Winter training in Wisconsin What's it like going from a high exposure team sport to an isolated training world? A coach’s message “Play hard, play smart, play together, and have fun.” 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 www.crushingiron.com

(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.  Topics: Last Minute Larry Water Temp  Swim is long . . . how to handle it Swimming with current tips What time to expect for your swim When you should get in line to start swim Chatt has a good Pro Field Bike course can be fast . . . but . . .  First 10 miles The stretch on the loop before Andrew’s  Where to hold back and where to make speed Rough road sections . . . be prepared Run course can be fast . . . but  You have about .5 miles before your first hill How to deal with early hills. Running on the highway with rollers in heat The greenway out and back section Battery Hill . . . when it really starts The drop out onto Veterans bridge  Where to use the course for speed Dealing with the climb on the pedestrian bridge The second loop The quad buster sections  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: Mushy Open Wetsuit legal? Swim strategy Prepare for a slower swim Red to Orange buoy transition Spectator’s paradise T-1 Concrete Bike - windy and flat 1st outdoor ride? Ice bottles before the swim Core temperature Cooling on the bike  Fueling on the bike Coming off the bike Walking early aid stations It’s gonna Hurt Tough Love Find a mantra 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

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.  ------- 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.  Topics:  Walk/run vs. Run Brick Running Overrated?? Your body doesn’t care what’s stressing it Running is Running  How to practice running on tired legs You don’t get extra points for running off the bike *When running off the bike makes sense Why you should run before you ride Don’t practice bad running form Run on the “freshest” legs Running off the bike feels weird, but . . .  Do you focus on Swim/Bike bricks?? How the swim cascades into your run  Energy expenditure at Ironman What your purpose should be on the swim Does your bike feel like a warm up for the run? Ironman doesn’t “start” until mile 80 of the bike Or . . . Mile 20 of the run. “I crushed the bike . . .”  Bike for Show, Run for Doe Coaching Inquires: Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com 

(This is a re-post of Episode #645 from this time last year) This is the perfect de-motivational storm and it’s up to us to create “something” that starts some momentum. Do you have 20 minutes today? Tomorrow? This is a great way to stay in the game and prime yourself for next week. We get in bad habits of thinking we need more time to do a workout that “is meaningful” but little movements create big results. Now is the time to stay on the train. Don’t put it off until next week or the next. Don’t talk yourself into postponing the progress train. Action creates understanding. Topics: 2023 Training Plans for 70.3s and Ironman Christmas Gifts and Gorging  Staying on the Train Off The Grid too far? Taking a Day Off Is a Skill Hibernation and Nature Shorter Days It’s the perfect De-Motivation Storm Positive momentum Staying engaged with the process Internal Battles Negotiating with ourselves The Lazy Devil on your shoulder  The underrated 20 Minutes 20 minutes a day is 130 Hours a year  This helps you feel better Action creates understanding  Quit talking yourself out of progress Experience creates understanding Mountain of Hell (Mountain Bike Race) Coaching Inquiries: Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com www.c26triathlon.com

(This is a re-post of cast 633) “Opportunity is often missed because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” – Thomas Edison Ever fear the regret of not living up to your potential? Today we dig into what work looks like in your training and your life. “Work” often has a negative connotation, but it is the essence of what makes us who we are, both as people and triathletes. Not only that, it is rewarding and can be fun if you have the right passion and purpose. We also look at seizing the moment to find breakthroughs in your training. Our bodies tell us long before they need to do something and it’s up to you to recognize the opportunity. The work and the challenges ARE life. To get better and find more satisfaction, we need to take calculated risks along the way. We also need to develop healthy fears so our Sophomore Slumps don’t last for several years.  Topics: It’s not about the result, it’s the hard work The benefits of hard work When going rogue is good Taking chances “I just felt like I needed this today” Know thyself Is there Risk? Is there more reward? The body tells you long before  It’s YOUR journey Why do you feel like you need something? Measure you’re own intent Taking risks No one is ever done Opportunity is often missed because it shows up in overalls and looks like work Winner’s work Negative connotations of work Healthy fear  Sophomore Slumps that last for years Appetite to work hard for passion and purpose Community “Why do you do Ironman?” Coaching Inquires:  Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com www.c26triathlon.com www.crushingiron.com

Today, it’s all about how to handle race week. We have over 40 athletes racing at Wisconsin, but this holds for all race week. We talk about what we've learned at our many pre-races and how to be calm, relaxed, and ready… both physically and mentally. We get into the best time to show up, check in, and how to pack for the least amount of stress. We also talk about driving the bike course and the important things to focus on while you’re out there. We look at pre-bagging transition, nutrition prep, and carb loading. Where and when should you eat? How to not get stressed about dining options. We also talk about shrinking your circle on site, recognizing positive energy, reducing negative, and how to avoid the chaos of real life Facebook groups. And we talk about your pre-race swim and how to set the tone for a great race. Topics: As the race nears Racing Facebook Groups Old race week habits New race week habits Get there as early as possible Packing - Un-Packing Pre-planning transition Pre-Bagging Race Acclimation on site Nutrition prep Trust issues Melting anxiety Food research for dining Carb loading Reduce or eliminate race week driving Should you drive the course? What to look for if you drive the course Rough roads? Turns? Avoid real life Facebook groups Shrink your circle Differentiate between negative and positive energy Practices Swim - DO THIS!   Coaching Inquiries Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com www.c26triathlon.com

In a way, this could be titled “small win season” but the trick is figuring out where to best put your energy. We all have weaknesses but identifying them and investing time in the right place is the catch. Today, we look at different ways to make progress so you’re not the same athlete next year as you were this season. Getting better doesn’t always have to be hard. Put your energy in the right place. Topics: What is the Midwest? Fun way to break up the off season Athlete rebellion No man’s land Create “identifying weeks” Investing time in the right place Performance anxiety Measuring where you are Exploratory training We should know our weaknesses The most crucial part of training Margin for error 10k a day in the pool Sometimes you’re just gonna be stronger on one side High cadence vs. lower cadence and the middle ground “I hate Z2 work” Keep what’s working ,ditch what’s not Deficiencies Go hard on what you regret not going hard on every year Creating a great habit now Everything doesn’t have to be hard Small win season   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

Are you focused on getting a workout done, or getting better? Today’s cast is largely about swimming, but the technique discussion applies to bike and run, too. It actually applies to everything in life if we’re being honest. We get into creating the wrong form so you know what’s right. We look at how most triathletes training patterns actually make racing harder. We look at ways to build economy and make things feel easier. We talk about having the confidence to work on the rudiments knowing that you’ll be a better athlete in the spring. Slowing down to get better and training to heal. Topics: Rockford 70.3, the city and accommodations Cold Arizona swim Swimming - force back moves you forward Long strokes Crossover Get your butt in the pool Self-correcting Body position in water Knowing what’s wrong Are you focused on getting it done or getting better? Chassis vs. horsepower Getting more economical Appropriate use Prepping the chassis Confidence to get better Thinking about it now so you don’t have to later Growth opportunities Slow down to get better Training to heal   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

Today we open it up to some of our own athletes to ask questions. We get into races that may not live up to the hype, Travel, stress, and exhaustion, sleep, fueling for health, a quality of life perspective, and lowering cortisol levels. We also talk snow shoes, cross country skiing, and when is the appropriate time for Christmas decorations.  Topics -  Gray blanket season What if your race doesn’t live up to the hype? The hype train Grass is greener Christmas trees before Thanksgiving? Travel, stress, and mental exhaustion Are you trying to get in too much? Going easy to get energy Serious sleep Fueling for health A quality of life perspective Lowering cortisol Doing things right When to step away from long course What’s your desired outcome? Mental and emotional bandwidth Show shoes and cross country skiing Turkey costumes and drag   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

What was the state of your mind, body and spirit at this time last year? We look at how triathletes can get trapped in a cycle and spend time working on things that don’t move the needle. More “can” be better but we contend being more specific with your time can give you better results. We look at races as a driving force, the simple concept of repetition is the key, and look restraint vs. over reaching. How to get more out of your time and make sure you’re not dealing with the same dilemmas this time next year. Topics: Yellow for the win More isn’t always better but it can be Can we accept feeling good? Train for what fits in your life Decision making season Races on the calendar as drivers Learning every season Did I set myself up for failure? Stay on top of your maintenance Levels of consistency Distracted by ego Cell phone addicts . . . Repetition is the key How can I get better on the bike? The triathletes hierarchy of experience Chassis vs. the engine Frequency is king? Slow down to do more Don’t just do more, be specific Restraint vs. overreaching Working smart Getting more out of your time Stacking 6 missed workouts on the weekend   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

In honor of Mike's dad's favorite Ironman pre-race song, "Let's get it started . . . now." No more overthinking. No more premature optimization plans, just go and don't let information overload push something off to tomorrow, or next month. The digital comfort food is slowing down your progress. Get supportive people around you and let it rip in what might honestly be the most important time of the year. Figure things out on the fly. What works for you. What doesn't. Now more wallowing in the past or being afraid of the future. Let's get it started.  Topics: Podcasts taking over the media More choices and ideas than ever Listen to the people you want Powerful long-form discusssions  Did Mike actually give up reading? Inappropriate boundaries that hold us back Digital comfort food Immediat action Just get started  Power support What if we had interventions for the lazy? Reaction videos Letting go of control Being grounded in the moment Practice for being in the now Depression is in the past Anxiety is in the future Transcend and include It's better to figure out training when your training When your urge is to do nothing Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

Are you willing to let go and leave your comfort zone? Today, we start by talking about Cam Wurf’s perspective on endurance sports and life and it takes us into an interesting discussion about “being game” to try new things. We’re seeing more athlete “going for it” with their adventures and we love it. We get into staying grounded, but taking chances. We look at building confidence by seeing speed. We talk about why Zone 2 is the ultimate mystery but key to endurance sports. And why Mike is taking a break from reading. Topics:  Being grounded Ironman Florida Cam Wurf’s perspective on life and endurance sports Cameron Hanes Giving up things that waste our time Finding fun within the challenge Are you game or too cautious? Building confidence by seeing speed Meditation, yoga as they relate to Z2 Getting rid of that brittle feeling Creating experiences The lure of C26 team events More 50 and 100ks on the books Use your body Creating resilience Tough life and experiences Get C26 Gear: https://c26triathlon.com/preorder/-c169759535 Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

We start talking about candy and ketones and it kinda goes on from there.    www.c26triathlon.com

What a race from Patrick Lange. Today, we look at how KONA unfolded and why, after all these years, it still comes down to the run . . . and maybe the swim? It's incredible to think that Lange may have strategically pulled back on the bike with a 4:06, but it definitely makes you want to look at the little things and how important they are in racing. Speed kills in shorter racing, but at the Ironman distance, mistakes can pile up. Making good decisions in your race (and training) often trumps technology, but it's all so tempting. Today, we get into many aspects of Ironman training and racing with a food for thought discussion.  Topics: Execution for the win The incredible Patrick Lange Ditlev's grit Blummenfelt's struggles The amazing Cam Wurf (and Matt Hanson) Rudy von Berg, Sam Laidlow The swim course record The most underrated triathlete All the new methods, but . . .  Mistakes take you out of the race Mental games Was a good chunk of the field over-raced? Pro triathlete's schedules  Do some of us do too much? The temptation of the tech short cut One hit wonders, golf clubs, the Boston Red Sox and more    Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

The Triathlete’s Christmas is upon us… Who will stand on top of the podium at the Ironman World Championships? Despite being a little later in the year, it looks like it will be hot on the course. How will that play into the race? We go through some potential race strategies, talk about the favorites, and a few dark horse candidates for the podium. In the end we give our pics. Topics: 808 History Hawaii Weather The swim - can it now be lose it or win it? Will they hammer the swim? Bike power How aggressive will they be on the bike? Drop the fast runners? Who can come out in a swim pack ahead of their typical swim? Energy savings but faster in the water Mike and Robbie’s podium predictions Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

There’s not much worse than starting each year from scratch with rusty joints and bones, so today we look at some strategies to get the most out of your “off-season” training. Many may seem non-traditional, but the biggest key is to enjoy what you’re doing and stay in the fitness ballpark. We get into flex months, the reality of too much intensity, spending time working on things that will matter the most next year and slowing down degradation of fitness. The long game is life, so be all in on your health. Topics:  T-100 KONA broadcast NASCAR Winter hybernation "What ya runnin from, boy?" Exciting and consistent Staying in the ballpark Most important thing: enjoying what you’re doing 12 months of intensity . . . Falling in the triathlete’s cycle Flex month after your biggest race The focus is the hardest part Mental and emotional tolls Maintaining ballpark fitness Actions speak louder than words Weekend rebellion Slowing down degradation of fitness Stopping regression Priming the engine Do something simple first Your body craves activity The long game is life All in on health and longevity   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com