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

Going HARD is easy to understand, but taking rest for recovery of your mind and body can sometimes create guilt. Why do we think like that? Today, we dive into the psychology of taking a day, or two, off when our body needs it. We also talk about getting trapped in upper Zone 2 and how that can often turn into Zone 3 which is wearing you down far more than you think. We look at junk miles and asked if they really are junk, or if they're something more than we think. We talk flexibility, pliability, and how range of motion can create more economy in your stroke, peddling, and stride. Explore the definition of "quality" and look at things from a different perspective. Be objective and understand the big picture. ------  Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! http://watersharpensiron.com Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at C26Hub.com Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at https://c26triathlon.com/about/coaches/ Topics: Thanksgiving ranked as a holiday Making up time in training . . . The Psychology of Days Off Gordo Byrn Perspective Rest is extremely important Over trained or under recovered? Why is it so hard to take a rest day? Is Zone 1 junk miles? Does Zone 2 turn into Zone 3 for you? Flexibility, pliability, limberness Walk/runs The continuum from yogi to bodybuilder Using HR - Controlling HR and time Don't ruin the rest of your week on one set Do "junk miles" help your pliability? Rest, recovery, quality Different buckets of QUALITY Howe economical is your body? Deteriorating quality as we go Monitor yourself objectively Courage to take a day off Being flexible in the training plan Going hard is easy to understand, loving yourself and respecting your body is tougher.     Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! www.watersharpensiron.com

Today we look at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship weekend. We break down each event, including the unbelievable comebacks for Lucy and Taylor, along with the wild 3 second separation finish in the men's. We talk coming back from a bad race and turning it back on again. Having a short memory and the ability to let it rip. Great discussion about what the pros are doing and how it applies to you! ----------- Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at C26Hub.com Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at https://c26triathlon.com/about/coaches/ Topics: Water temps If you're doing anything, you're doing something Facing the elements Weather Zones 70.3 World Championship Tough course The women bounce back I made mistakes, now I have an opportunity Short memories Bad races or workouts don't define us What's going on with your life? The best change can be no change Get back on the horse Showing no fear Men's race Electric Finish YouTube clip of final mile head to head - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B4uC3-tAgM Old school beach start Looking at watch on the run Pure competition wins Ironman has had a great year   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! www.watersharpensiron.com

We can't go hard all the time. Movement is medicine and those movements should have different speeds. Today we get into Zone Zero or active recovery or supplemental movement. It doesn't matter what you call it, it's a key piece of the big picture puzzle. And often it doesn't even include motion directly related to triathlon. We'll go over simple ways to ensure longevity and even race better by giving your recovery the attention it deserves. ----------- Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at C26Hub.com Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at https://c26triathlon.com/about/coaches/ Topics: The Original Iron Men 2,632 in a row The legendary ultra man Endurance junkies So. Much. Sitting. Walking for your health Supplemental movements Trying to fix the problem with the problem Just don't think about it Extra BP to get out of a slump F*ck around with no agenda It's all projection What's sustainable? Park your car further away When the mainstream thinks we're dumb The road less travelled takes conviction People may think you're crazy, but make them think you're crazier Do you skip recovery? Call it active recovery Do you move or sit on your ass? What's gonna help the work be better? Was that this morning or yesterday?   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! www.watersharpensiron.com

Are you giving enough love to the process? Today, we look at what the process is and why it's really the way ti get better and get more out of life and triathlon. We point out that when you are "looking forward" to simple aerobic runs and rides you're probably in a good place. We can't rush our way through process to get to performance. It's all tied together and the process can become your healthy addiction and keep you away from burnout. Let's all make the goal to end 2025 like you want to begin 2026. ------------- Empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment. Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at C26Hub.com Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster of Coaches.  C26 Gear available here. Topics: Halloween revisited (Triathlon talk starts around the 9 min mark) Feeling tension to be done before you even get started Why it's so important to love the process Process, Purpose, Performance. Wanting aerobic workouts to be done. Plunge patience Ending 2025 like you want to start 2026 There is no end game Tougher to get "better" when aging What you resist is what your soul craves Go toward what scares you Healthy addiction The more you want it, the less likely you are to get it Burn out Be involved in the process of GETTING BETTER When performance is your shining star Habits create a craving All or nothing can ruin everything Accumulating time in Zone Zero   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! Check out our swim camps at www.C26Hub.com  

Don't turn triathlon into a job you hate. Now is the time to embrace flexibility and work on being healthy, happy, and a more resilient athlete. Today we look at the toughest times of the year and how to use them to your advantage. We also get into how gratitude makes us faster. We talk about keeping an eye on how far you've come. We talk maintaining vs. losing and how your body will thank you on race day. We talk about why overly specific interval training is overrated. We look at burn out and how to make sure you can have a long and healthy life with triathlon as your guide. Topics: Embrace The Costume Day Ironman Florida 2nd Toughest Time of Year for Training Last hour of the road trip When we get sooo close to the season Max Flexibility Season It's keep moving time Starting a band Cramming for a test The triathlete's seasonal cycle Craving the run? It's Yellow Season Gratitude can make us faster Look back at how far you've come Don't let yourself fall so far behind Being an Athlete versus Chasing a Race Goal Not going too far in either direction Maintaining instead of losing Excuses in relation to the time of year Choose your adventure Making sure athletes do aerobic work Specific training overrated? Building a base . . . of consistency Why people get burned out Don't turn triathlon into a job you hate     Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!

Today we look at the three dominant metrics in triathlon: Heart Rate, Power, and RPE. Which one is right for you, and does that answer change with different variables? We look at things like time of the day, time of the year, and adjusting based on how you feel. We tackle questions like intensity vs. volume and look at different scenarios depending on if you're racing an Ironman or something shorter. We talk Vo2 max and look at whether or not you should even be thinking about it. And we also get into how a lot of triathletes screw up their races with nutrition. Topics: Wetsuit legal questions Dominant metrics When to use power vs HR vs RPE Does the time of day matter? Different stress from different pools Hot water, cold water, shallow water When are you strongest on the bike? Is HR higher in the morning? Warm ups Lower volume, higher intensity Swim hard, bike aerobic, run hard? Looking at numbers too often How we screw up our races with nutrition Smash test for a 15 hour race? Vo2 Max - small piece of the puzzle Keep it alive and primed Putting in the real volume   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

Motivation is fleeting. How do we train and live in such a way that we're looking forward to what's next? Not down the road in 10 months, but what's next today and tomorrow? Today, we look at finding a good combination of freedom within the discipline. Do you buy in to your direction or are you struggling with understanding the real goals? Do you have conviction for what you're chasing? Topics: Favorite Holidays Four reels per week? What's the top thing to do right now? Put your shoes on and go We all need freedom Racing season is our school year Finding a freedom and discipline mix Athlete buy-in and conviction Workouts as prompts Mine and matching workouts Getting that dopamine rush Accepting the outcome Guiding and giving options Creating new options Enlightened monk is like winning the age group Less conviction to one thing Igniting a workout It's YOUR dream Long-term buy in to yourself   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

What a race! Today we go through our observations of the Kona Women's World Championship. We start with some intriguing swim strategies, get into decision making on the bike, and look at what might have gone wrong from the leaders in the run. It was a fascinating day and we get into the concept of going wire to wire. Mental pressure. Working together. How smart can you be. And why it clearly ain't over till it's over. Topics: 100 Milers Spoiler alert It ain't over til it's over Lucy Charles Barclay Taylor Knibb Kat Matthews Solveig Lovseth Kona swim Pro swim strategies Did they race like Age groupers to win? Keeping the core temp down is the goal Surges Racing by impulse How smart can you be? The Ass tap The meltdown He coaches both Julie Moss You have to do you when they don't do them Is parity good for the sport? Gambling?   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com   Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

Today we come partly from the great north of Wisconsin. We get into Kona predictions, jeans and ribeyes, then dive into the question of: how do the best separate themselves from the rest. We bring it to an age group level and explore how we can be at our best then stay at our best. How do we outwork doubt?  Topics: Jeans and ribeyes Cold Weather Lake Superior Kona Women Biggest Questions What's the difference between the best and rest Do you over correct?  Game face in training Outworking your doubts How do you respond after your best race? Is it enough? You have to detrain We need room for growth mike@c26triathlon.com robbie@c26triathlon.com  

This is a great time to build the cake, or maybe even just put your shopping list together. Today, we look at the unlimited potential of aerobic capacity and why it's at the core of making you a better long course athlete. We talk about Mark Allen's quest to beat Dave Scott and how patience allowed him to set the IM run course record. We get into using this time to reduce your stress and level your cortisol to be a healthier person. We look at how your body adapts to training and how we actually get faster and stronger. Get faster in a more meaningful (and functional) way. The goal right now is to train in a way so that you feel good tomorrow . . . and the next day. Be patient and the speed will come. Topics: We all have options Sitting in no man's land FOMO on both sides of the aisle Build the aerobic reservoir High intensity can wait Is periodization dead? Roller coaster highs and lows are bad for the body Using TIME to reduce stress Aerobic work is maximum quality Keep showing up but "don't try" The poison is in the dose DNF rate going up? Stress Flexibility Fatigue resistance Don't eat into your ability to push threshold Running and swimming as intuitive strengths Your training plan as a menu Mark Allen - 7 months of no intensity for the win How your body adapts and gets stronger Consistency going out of your watt range Waking up the next day able to do it again Peaks and valleys are stressful Get faster in a meaningful way The goal is to feel good tomorrow Don't feel good just to dig another hole   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com   Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com