Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast
Find out why thousands of beginner, intermediate, and advanced athletes are improving their training and racing with accessible, functional and genuine conversation about triathlon. Two coaches, who aren't afraid to laugh at themselves, look for smart and enjoyable solutions in a sport that's often dumb and painful. Mike Tarrolly and Robbie Bruce explore the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual side of training and racing everything from Ironman to a Sprint. on Monday and Thursday.
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#925 – 10 Things Ironman Should Start Doing With Races
04/30/2026
#925 – 10 Things Ironman Should Start Doing With Races
Today, we brainstormed to give Ironman (at least) 10 great ideas to increase excitement, revenue, and branding at their races. We talk about ways to increase age grouper engagement and retention. We get into on course changes to make the races tougher, more memorable, and safer. We look at getting the fans more invested and involved. Some of these are a little out there, but all good ideas start with a seed and maybe someday soon you’ll see some of these thoughts feathering their way into the Ironman ecosystem. Topics: Elite Age Groupers Age grouper recognition Tougher Races Spectator engagement and eduction Rolling starts, wave starts, mass start options. Split awards at age grouper level Parimutuel betting Spectator points Human interest stories Amping up the crowd for late finishers Tri Club Championship format Comedians Retention wins Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#924 - Precision Fatigue in Training, Racing, and Life
04/28/2026
#924 - Precision Fatigue in Training, Racing, and Life
Are you always trying to be perfect? Every day we face thousands of decisions that can either help us break free or tie us in knots. Today, we look at the sometimes overwhelming decision process that can affect triathletes in training, racing, and life. We get into premature optimization, how you should build your cake (base), and eventually ask if it’s “decision” fatigue or “precision” fatigue. We talk about the idea of always feeling judged and graded and how that can wear out our love for the sport. We look at the differences between inside riding and outside. We talk about dealing with the elements without a second thought. We also look at how to get to the top and spoiler alert, it’s not by skipping steps. When we boil it down, it all comes back to honoring the intent of your workouts. Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these GREAT MIDWEST races, Ironman 70.3 Rockford, Ironman 70.3 Muncie, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman 70.3 Omaha, please use this link to sign up so we get a little credit from the boss: Topics: Tornadoes and biking in the dark Old Man Talk Micro decision making and fatigue Online training plans Premature optimization Over exposure to tips, tricks, and hacks Noise and marketing Compounding negative effects Precision making fatigue Intervals or consistent riding? Trainer fatigue Go for the INTENT of the workout Precision Fatigue Get outside Inside bike position vs Outside position Feeling judged and graded all the time F-bomb settings The cake is the intent, the icing is precision We don’t need more weight on our backs Delaying getting back into things Intent is relative to the day, week, month This is for you Taking the stairs to get to the top Moving is the momentum Maximize your intent Make your wins possible RIP Uncle Butch Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#923 – Prepared For The Swim
04/23/2026
#923 – Prepared For The Swim
Today, our goal is to help you prepare for a solid swim by learning to like, and eventually love the water. We talk about many things you can be doing right now to make your swim as strong as possible. We look at how to approach training: swim hard, swim long, swim often. We get into ways to calm anxiety along with how to handle race morning. We talk a lot about the importance of warming up the proper way and how to handle a wetsuit before your race. Despite how people say the swim is the smallest part of the race, we want to share our thoughts on why being ready, confident, and calm while respecting the situation is so important. We also throw out a few ways we think races could deliver a better situation surrounding the swim. Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these GREAT MIDWEST races, Ironman 70.3 Rockford, Ironman 70.3 Muncie, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman 70.3 Omaha, please use this link to sign up so we get a little credit from the boss: Topics: Back to the early days of Crushing Iron podcast IM Texas Swim death We have no guarantees Outsider perspective on Ironman racing Find a way to like, then love the water Repetition equals increased comfort levels Swim hard, swim often, swim long Attempts to ease the swim in races Anxious athletes How to warm up and why it’s so important Swim with other people Own your space and position Being prepared and calm Dynamic warm up area We all know what to do Different way to start races Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#922 – Rethinking The Metrics - Power, HR, and Pace
04/21/2026
#922 – Rethinking The Metrics - Power, HR, and Pace
We start today with a proclamation that Mike is throwing out his power meter and Robbie has a surprising reaction. We ask, what’s your preferred way of suffering? We get into climbing hills and getting too caught up in the numbers. We talk about the importance of breathing and its relationship to your heart rate training. We talk about keeping things simpler to avoid mistakes. We address enjoyment vs. punishment. We ask what the real finish line is. The beauty of the bike. The power behind not getting hurt or burned out while keeping a streak of rebellion. The frequency of movement adds up. Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these GREAT MIDWEST races, Ironman 70.3 Rockford, Ironman 70.3 Muncie, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman 70.3 Omaha, please use this link to sign up so we get a little credit from the boss: Topics: Tornadoes and Winter Back in the lake . . . How do you prefer to suffer? Making too many decisions on the course? Mike declares he’s throwing his power meter in the trash Do we know what it really feels like to go to the well? Do you race with or without power Correct breathing in all disciplines Heart rate and respiratory rate When the day doesn’t work for you The simpler you keep this, the fewer mistakes you make There is no finish line Dance more Finding enjoyment vs. punishment Being too strict and precise It’s time to be outside Breathing on the bike Not getting hurt or burned out Being a little rebellious Frequency of movement adds up Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#921 – 2026 Ironman Texas Preview
04/16/2026
#921 – 2026 Ironman Texas Preview
Today, we preview Ironman Texas, but this is great info for any Ironman you might be racing. We include strategy for the age groupers and take a look at the stacked pro field and give predictions. We look at the wind and potentially "mild" weather and talk wetsuit or not, how to approach the swim along with the last stretch in the canal. We get into bike strategy for your first and second loop. Then take a look at how to handle the electric, three-loop run course. Lots of good insight for pacing, super shoes, and terrain. Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these GREAT MIDWEST races, Ironman 70.3 Rockford, Ironman 70.3 Muncie, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman 70.3 Omaha, please use this link to sign up so we get a little credit from the boss: Topics: Pre race Swim course strategies Possible wetsuit race. Should you wear it? How to swim the last section in the canal Dealing with the wind and sun on the bike 2nd loop strategy for the bike Be aware Run course energy Breaking down the three loops Super shoes? Pro field Predicting the men's and women's winners
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#920 – Optimize Your Engine and Decision Making
04/14/2026
#920 – Optimize Your Engine and Decision Making
Are you paying compounding interest on fatigue and recovery? We look at several different ways to address today’s workout depending on where you are mentally and physically. Just because something is in your Training Peaks doesn’t mean it’s perfectly crafted for you on that day. We always want to encourage athletes to make the right decision based on how they feel, what is going on in their lives, and what the body is telling them. And believe us, there can be mixed signals. Today, we address the signals saying it’s time to get after it and the ones that may be begging you to flog yourself for the wrong reasons. What’s today’s appropriately effective does? Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these GREAT MIDWEST races, Ironman 70.3 Rockford, Ironman 70.3 Muncie, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman 70.3 Omaha, please use this link to sign up so we get a little credit from the boss: https://go.ironman.com/crushingiron Topics: Compounding interest in training Compounding interest in fatigue The find line between fun and the infirmary Constant ambition Who are we trying to prove things to? When you want to bury yourself On the days when we don’t have it How to think about warm up Being stuck in the moment What is your body telling you today? Clear the air during warm up What the signals are really telling us The problem with pre-built workouts Making your own recovery decisions during workouts What to look at when you start Finding extra mental gears When the subconscious tells us we suck Flogging yourself for the wrong reasons Looking forward to tomorrow’s work Compounding gratification How many days in a row can we kick the can Snow plow analogy Wrecking your nervous system Appropriately effective dose for good recovery Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#919 – Chasing Speed The Right Way
04/09/2026
#919 – Chasing Speed The Right Way
We all want to be faster and today we look at the right ways to go about speed in triathlon. We talk about pushing the limits along with how putting in easy miles mix. We talk about building habits that matter and why you always have the time to do the extra things that will make a difference. New the “latest and greatest” training methods, the simple power of repetition, and why most triathletes don’t fully buy in to training. We also get into the biggest traps facing age groupers that want to be faster. Also, if you're thinking of doing one of these GREAT MIDWEST races, Ironman 70.3 Rockford, Ironman 70.3 Muncie, Ironman Wisconsin, or Ironman 70.3 Omaha, please use this link to sign up so we get a little credit from the boss: https://go.ironman.com/crushingiron Topics: Getting serious about distractions The need for more speed Algorithms and why they always hit you at the right (or wrong) time Dealing with set backs Feeling what hard runs feel like When you have a lack of buy in Building habits that matter Always learning what works for “other people” but not yourself Specialists vs. Primary “I don’t think I’m ready for it yet” Building unwavering faith in what you’re doing The more you race, the more problem solving experience “Am I on track, coach?” New training methods . . . Age Grouper Traps Doing the same workouts over and over The power of repetition Triathlon is not glamorous You can’t beat the race every time Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#918 – C26 Coaches vs. AI - Listener Q&A
04/07/2026
#918 – C26 Coaches vs. AI - Listener Q&A
Today we take athlete questions and compare our answers with A.I. We get into how long to train for an Ironman after taking a chunk of time off. We look at what makes a race attractive. We look at trimming your time in an open mile run. Stationary pool band swimming. Double runs on the same day. Double rides. Along with biggest mistakes athletes make in the first Ironman. Topics: How much NIL would it take for us to transfer to a different podcast? Done several Ironman races, but taken a few years off? What now? What makes a good race How to trim a minute off your mile time Trail race training on a treadmill? Stationary pool band swimming Does it replicate real swimming? Double run days for an ultra or Ironman? Back to back long runs? Biggest mistakes newbie triathletes make in Ironman Going int your first ironman mindset Doing the distances beforehand Embracing the naive Which of us would be first to do the double at IMWI On the podium for both races Fear of overdoing it? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#917 – When Your Race Goes Sideways
04/03/2026
#917 – When Your Race Goes Sideways
Most of us have moments within a race where things aren't going as planned. The question is, how do you handle it? Will you throw in the towel or try to figure it out? What does that even look like. We make hundreds of decisions within a race and today we’re looking at how to make the best ones you can in the moment. We look at why not wearing a watch in the swim can give you a better mindset. We talk A, B, C goals and how to adjust on the fly. We talk about the courage to finish on a moderate note vs. a high or low. Finding wins no matter how you feel. Racing with gratitude all day. And exciting news about our very popular run camp. Topics: Perfect personal needs bag goody? Ken Hammond, RD - Musselman When your race goes sideways When pros lose money racing Does your race turn into a workout? A, B, C Goals The benefit of not wearing a watch in the swim Recalibrating yourself to playing it smart Gratitude race mindset When the finish line is the goal Is this your A Race? What is your win for today? Are you truly doing your best? End on a moderate note vs. high or low This is a long term journey, not just one race What are your wins for today Moving on from excuses Exciting news about our run camp Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#916 – Are You Reaching Your Potential?
03/31/2026
#916 – Are You Reaching Your Potential?
So many people want to put limits on our potential, but are we really going to just settle for someone else’s opinion? Today, we talk about the unexplored potential inside of you and belief systems that will help you tap into it. Anything Is Possible might be overused as a phrase, but it’s definitely not over attempted. Let’s take a look inside at ways you’re wasting your energy and potential. Let’s look at how to be engaged in the process and not let a random race goal take up too much space in your brain. Do the work when resistance is highest. Do yourself the favor of turning all of this into a long term goal. Topics: International races Losing your phone Distractions Flying across the world to dominate like Blummenfelt and Knibb Where is Jan Frodeno? What your your possibilities? Having belief that you can get it done Are we going to settle for what others say? If you really want to get better . . . How protective are you of your personal journey? How many energy loss situations do you get in each day? Finding net positive energy Being INTO your workouts Really defining your WHY Food and energy. Are you eating too much? Embracing the mundane 10 mins is way better than zero Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#915 – How To Get Excited About The "Boring" Stuff
03/26/2026
#915 – How To Get Excited About The "Boring" Stuff
We’re not here to sell you the top hacks for getting on the podium. Today, we advocate for the long game. Often times the quicker you gain, the quicker it can go away. Building and keeping and making life/triathlon feel easier and more enjoyable. How do we find joy in the “boring” stuff we feel like wastes our time? Slow gains are hard to notice, but they last longer. We know it’s not exciting, but that is one of our biggest challenges. Putting the excitement into the overall process. Being okay with 80% meh. You can’t always outwork your way to the top. Topics: Is your bracket in tact? Oceanside 70.3 - Texas 70.3 The quicker you gain, the quicker it can go away Selling quick fixes Do you have a weak or strong cake? New stimulus always works . . . for a while Building lasting change Putting all focus on one race day Write a book but don’t release it Swimming slow to master form Owning fundamentals and technique You can’t always outwork your way to the top Overworking and brain burnout How can we make something feel easier? “I gotta find a new route.” Slow gains are hard to notice Keep things easy and stackable Going to bed feeling like a million and waking up feeling like a dollar The repetitions are the answer Forcing a routine Excitement is overrated Simplifying your diet 80 meh How to find joy in boring Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#914 – Free Speed With Better Posture And Form
03/24/2026
#914 – Free Speed With Better Posture And Form
Expensive wetsuits, Disc wheels and carbon shoes only matter if they matter. Today, we look at true free speed within better posture and form. When you boil it down, a faster race comes down to holding solid form and all three events affect the other. We’ll look at simple ways to improve your form and get free speed over time by simply holding it better. We talk about drills to incorporate in your runs, how to be more comfortable and stronger in aero, and we look at having solid hydrodynamics in the water. Commit to the long game and truly get better at what you do, all while saving energy. Topics: Posture and form and meditation and mind flow Run form and how to build it Heel, mid foot, front foot? Injuries and why they happen in running Working run drills into your runs Laptop and phone posture Why yoga was created Do some long runs on trails Variable foot strikes Strong feet and ankles matter Why posture is so important in cycling Building a strong core Being confident and stable in aero Arm fitness How bad bike form damages your run The right bike fit RPE on efficient cycling legs Are you working complimentary muscles? Faster simply means covering longer distance in less time Lake Johnson Swimming position and alignment Laser pointer through the head What drops the body The domino effect of posture Learning to float Hydrodynamics Holding posture means a solid core Free speed in the water Relaxing as you swim How to incorporate band work Using a disc wheel or carbon shoes only for racing Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#913 – Bike Trainer Strategies To Nail A Specific Course
03/19/2026
#913 – Bike Trainer Strategies To Nail A Specific Course
Today we talk about how to think about riding the trainer so you can be more prepared for the reality of the course. We talk about hills, wind, aero, cadence, and much more. We take a look at the last hour of your race and how you can work on being stronger as you come into T2. Do we all complicate specific workouts when the reality is we just have to be stronger both physically and mentally to deal with the demands of certain courses. We look at flat and windy along with the continually changing demands of a hilly course. Put a little more reality into your trainer rides. Topics: Ramp rides Cadence and power Body shots and how to make them less impactful Your ability to close out a climb Simulating headwinds and tailwinds Training your body to handle long rides Preparing for the real demands of the bike Moving your ceiling Staying within yourself Making yourself more uncomfortable on a trainer Fighting through the wrong gear Putting your mind on the course while on the trainer Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#912 – Little Elm Dallas 70.3 Recap
03/17/2026
#912 – Little Elm Dallas 70.3 Recap
C26 had a good crew in Dallas for Little Elm 70.3, including Coach Robbie, and today he details his experience on the course. We get into whether the cancelled swim was warranted, the gnarly wind on the bike course, and the three loop run. We look at strategy for when the swim is cancelled. How to ride a course that’s tailwind vs. headwind, and why sometimes you just have to let it rip on the run. Robbie goes over the entire race venue and experience and even has some interesting perspectives on the post-race food for the first time 70.3 :) Topics: Snowmaggedon Windmaggedon Cold water in Dallas What’s the venue like? Conditions on course How was the post-race food? The wind When you lose your secret racing weapon Swim cancelled. Do you change up nutrition? 1st time athletes and 1st time course support Time trial start Headwind vs. tailwind strategy No MPH on data screen 25 miles of head wind Run course 3 loops Loops are good for pacing Great spectator race The Duel in Dallas Caught up in the moment? Going for broke and breaking Sometimes you just gotta let it rip Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#911 – The Surefire Path To Burnout and Regret
03/10/2026
#911 – The Surefire Path To Burnout and Regret
Triathlon can be for today, this year, or this life depending on how you approach it. Today we take a look at not forcing fitness, training smart, and being ready for both an early race or late season race. We also look at the concept of being a better overall athlete in the long term. We talk about the importance of developing your economy and efficiency, why you shouldn’t analyze every workout, and how to play the long game in racing and life. We give you the keys to getting burned out, how to make triathlon “easier,” and not having regret every season. Wherever you go, there you are, so don’t be in a hurry to get somewhere you don’t want to be. Topics: Ironman New Zealand and Metric System Cockpit problems Dallas 70.3 Where should you be right now? Early Race Late Race Efficiency and Economy Rules Change your life Not having regret Find your way and commit to it Measuring your economy and efficiency Becoming a better overall athlete Oops I did it again Make this all “easier” We never hear, “Can I have more Z1-Z2 work?” You don’t have to analyze every workout Just rev the engine a little How to see the least amount of improvement Always searching for a win The key to being burned out Being in a hurry to get somewhere you don’t want to go Play the long game Wherever you go, there you are Robbie does Dallas Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#910 – The Food and Mood Equation
03/05/2026
#910 – The Food and Mood Equation
Today we look at simplifying the often complex chain of energy and how it relates to what you eat and your mental stress. We look at ways to recognize and dissipate stress in a productive way. We look at why that first mile or so of the run can feel terrible but the end feels amazing. It can also go the other way. Why? We talk about heart rate variation during training and some of the signs you should be looking for during your workouts. We talk about how training is a bunch of microcosms for your race and how certain days can prepare you for the unknown. We talk about controlling cortisol spikes, the 48 hour rule, and compounding stress. We look at the classic sign of overtraining, how your diet and actions can affect you for several days, and how to tangle with delayed muscle soreness and fatigue. Come join us at one of our awesome Camps: Nashville, TN, May 13-17 - https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Nashville/2026Camp Madison, Wisconsin, July 30-Aug 2 - Topics: Food hangovers Ironman pre-dinner events Going hard when you shouldn’t Running or riding after you eat Aerobic decoupling When heart rate is steady Coffee and food correlation to training High heart rate at the beginning of your run? How to approach the first mile or two Warm ups and dissipating stress When the heart rate is staying low Understanding RPE and Data together Classic sign of overtraining Honest ranking of how you feel When the variation is weak through strong Hitting threshold watts The 48 hour rule Delayed muscle soreness and fatigue Compounding stress Cortisol Spikes Our stress jars overlap Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#909 – Nutrition and Hydration for Training, Racing, and Life
03/03/2026
#909 – Nutrition and Hydration for Training, Racing, and Life
Struggling to dial in your nutrition? We have you covered . . . well, sort of. Nutrition and hydration vary greatly between athletes and we’ll give you a LOT to think about as you train and prepare for your race. We’ll look at high carb, low carb, and maybe more importantly, the right carbs. We’ll talk sugar and sodium. We get into the concept of “over-fueling” and why it may be more common than you think. We get into your “work rate” and why it might be the most important variable. We look at sweat rates, when caffeine is a terrible idea, and why the swim is much more important than most people give it credit for. We talk about daily nutrition and why that sets the most important tone for everything you do in training. Come join us at one of our awesome Camps: Nashville, May 13-17 - https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Nashville/2026Camp Madison, Wisconsin, July 30-Aug 2 - Topics: Do you take in too much nutrition? Popping gels as a habit High Carb - Low Carb - The Right Carb Why you have to experiment Carbs/Sugar is a polarizing topic Use carbs as a booster not always the fuel How high is your “work rate?” Dehydration impact What is my hourly calorie and carbohydrate goal for the bike and run? Overfilling on the bike? Gut training?? Is it nutrition or not training properly? How much sodium or electrolyte intake is necessary per hour, and how should I carry it? Sweat rates vary greatly Doing your own sweat test What are common race-day nutrition mistakes, and how do I avoid them? Why caffeine when you’re tired is a bad idea Don’t be afraid of deviating from your plan by listening to the body Why the swim is SOO important How do I effectively practice my race-day nutrition during long training sessions? Why you get behind the 8-ball and can’t get out from it How long can you fend off that feeling of being in the negative? More chicken, less sauce Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#908 – Race Day Logistics and Pacing
02/26/2026
#908 – Race Day Logistics and Pacing
Today we look into your race day logistics. Things to think about beforehand so they are not taking up space in your brain on race day. We get into realistic race goals and how to give yourself the best chance for a good race. We talk about how to deal with brick legs off the bike. Is it something you can train more for or is it something you have to get used to. We dive into transition preparation and time saving techniques, some which are guaranteed to save you several minutes if you're not already doing them. And we look at having to go to the bathroom during the race. I know, but it is definitely another area that can cost you a ton of time. We also discuss the recent Barkley Marathons and here's a link to the mini-documentary we referenced.. Barkley Marathons mini-doc. - Come join us at one of our awesome Camps: Nashville, May 13-17 - https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Nashville/2026Camp Madison, Wisconsin, July 30-Aug 2 - Topics: What is a realistic goal time for a first-time Ironman, and how should I pace each leg Shoot for a wide window… it’s like a long putt… trying to make it when you don’t need to is risky business….. Fake Fresh What should I put in my bike and run "Personal Needs" bags? How can I manage the "jelly legs" sensation when I start the marathon? What is the best strategy for minimizing time in the transition areas (T1 and T2)? What's the protocol for using the restroom (or peeing) during the race? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#907 – Ironman Training Basics
02/25/2026
#907 – Ironman Training Basics
Sometimes it’s best to go back to the basics and re-think what you might already know. Or answer the questions that a lot of people think about but are afraid to ask. Today, we drove the podcast by asking AI what are the most frequent questions asked about Ironman Training. We get into proper volume, plan structure, longest runs and rides, taper, Zone 2, burnout and overtraining, and how to avoid injuries. Success in Ironman rarely happens without a great understanding of this basic principles. Open your mind and come into it fresh. Come join us at one of our awesome Camps: Nashville, May 13-17 - https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Nashville/2026Camp Madison, Wisconsin, July 30-Aug 2 - https://c26triathlon.com/camps/triathlon-camp-wisconsin-2026/ Topics: AI dating and restaurants How many hours per week is a realistic training volume for a full Ironman? Your peak period should be what you earned 6 hour easy rides are actually intense for most people What does a properly structured 6-month or 9-month Ironman training plan look like? How long should my longest run and longest ride be before the race? What is the optimal Ironman taper, and how many weeks should it last? How important is heart rate Zone 2 training for building long-course endurance? How do I avoid injury from the high volume of training? How should I balance the three disciplines to prevent burnout or overtraining? How good is your ability to shed fatigue? Life stress affects your taper The taper responsibility is mostly on athletes The taper is an Art The “D” word High volume should be volume you “can handle” Stacking volume in manageable ways Is stretching creating injuries? Burnout is mental Fatigue is physical End today’s workout looking forward to tomorrow. Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#906 – Be Your Own Olympian
02/18/2026
#906 – Be Your Own Olympian
Do you find the Olympics motivating? Today was look at some of the stories and the roads they took to get there. We also talk about why Mike hasn’t been watching the Olympics. We get into building streaks and how to rebound once the streak is over. What about the purpose behind creating a streak? How can you get rid of distraction and find a sweet groove of consistency? We talk about frequency vs. volume. We get into what the most successful triathletes do on a daily basis. The art of taking body shots and upper cuts. Also, how do you detach from people, places, and things that are getting in the way of your ultimate mission. Join us at one of our awesome camps in Nashville or Madison, WI: https://c26triathlon.com/camps/ Topics: Back from our hiatus When a streak ends The key to streaks is getting back on after you stumble 100 Days of Running What’s the purpose behind your streak? - Come Join Us in Nashville or Madison for an awesome camp Who’s gonna show up at your race? Olympic stories Patience Be your own Olympian Staying on your path Dealing with distraction Getting a little better each day Frequency over volume? Keep the compass pointing North Be firm in your direction Creating long term success What really creates wins? Body shots and upper cuts Stop watching the news Creating detachment Is what you’re doing taking you to the place you want to go? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#905 – Responsive and Adaptable On The Bike
01/29/2026
#905 – Responsive and Adaptable On The Bike
Today, we take a look at what why it's so important to be responsive and adaptable on a bike and show you how to build those skills. We dive into the importance of having a cadence range and the ability to respond on a dime. We talk about what it means to ride your bike vs. letting your bike ride you. We look at trainer vs. outdoor riding and why you’re probably not getting as much out of trainer rides as you should. We talk about distractions and how it may be affecting your ability to improve on the bike. Why Netflix could be holding you back. And, finally we talk about multi-tasking and how it is ultimately taking away from your ultimate goals. Topics: Friday Night Loser’s Club The ability to change cadence Creating range of ability in cycling Outside vs. The Trainer Being Responsive on course Ability to increase cadence on a dime Ride your bike, don’t let your bike ride you Distractions on the trainer Conditions matter Zoning out during rides Being Committed to getting better Are you really focused? What are you looking at while on the bike? Neuro-muscular fatigue Watching the news Becoming dependent on distractions Why do we glorify multi-tasking? Reduce distraction gradually Addicted to stimulation Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#904 – How To Not Suck At Swimming #17
01/27/2026
#904 – How To Not Suck At Swimming #17
Back into the water today with an explosive episode focusing on early vertical forearm and the catch. We get into things like the proper entry, whether or not you should glide, and how to get maximum efficiency from your stroke. We go over tons of typical mistakes by triathletes, including diving too deep with your hand. We look at a few great drills and how they can help you develop better form and be more economical, which is the key to great triathlon swimming. We talk about technique sets vs. swimming long just to build yards. We get into efficiency, anxiety, and how to build confidence in the water. Sometimes it’s just hard because you think you’re bored. Start slow. Be patient. Build. Topics: Snow shoveling tips Swim as compared to a bike fit Body position and breathing Early Vertical Forearm - what does it mean The catch phase - propulsion Bad return on investment Why hand control is underrated Should you “glide?” What about entry Should fingers be spread open? Diving too deep with the hand Understanding early vertical forearm “leverage” Hip driven freestyle Shoulder over elbow over wrist Paddle and visual cues Tarzan drill and swimming with balls Long sets with rocks Skulling 24 x 100 or 2400 straight? Efficiency is speed Stop obsessing about yardage every time Maximum efficiency Economical athletes get the most return Shorter technique driven swims Getting faster with better form Fear and anxiety vs. confidence Take time to be more efficient Sometimes it’s just hard because you think you’re bored. Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#903 – How To Not Suck At Swimming #16
01/23/2026
#903 – How To Not Suck At Swimming #16
Today, we go deep on swimming but keep it relatively simple so you can work on things that matter and lock them in. We talk about some of the most important fundamentals regarding swimming: breathing, body position, and body control. There will be big wins in your swimming if you can master the basic principles of swimming. We also get into how you should be breaking up your week regarding form, intensity, and endurance. We’ll look at getting a bigger return for your energy investment, why the hips are critical, why you're probably too tense in the water, and the soon to be famous Light Switch Test. Topics: Does op 20 swimming list hold up? Swimming and focus on the details Obsession over aero and watts but not swimming 90 Day Challenge Picking up swimming later in life Correct form + muscular endurance End of Ironman running form Uncomfortable doing hard swims? Efficient form for return of energy investment Day One - Pick one day for technique (AR) Day two - Focus on top speed and turnover Day Three - Longer swim for muscular endurance How to breathe Why to breathe every stroke Breath 2-4 Bilateral breathing?? Build a strong side Body position Head is number one Forehead down Body Control Head raises - body sinks A body drill with paddles Outside cues to get a better feel for the water Video from the front cue Splayed out? Hips way too open Hip control Steering wheels in swimming The Light Switch Test Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#902 – Do The Little Things Right
01/21/2026
#902 – Do The Little Things Right
Today, we start by looking at the way Indiana built a program that seemingly came out of nowhere to win the National Title. It wasn’t an accident and you can build yourself in the same way. And that process starts now. We’ll look at micro gains and goals and how they stack up over time. We look at long term consistency vs. short term bursts and why the former is always better. We talk about just “knowing” when you’re getting better vs. depending on numbers. We look at aiming low and getting things done vs. always wanting to see improvement. Improvement happens and small habits lead to big routines. Lower expectations and get to the work. Topics: Inverted world - Indiana is the National Football Champion One play at a time A disciplined process Who makes the fewest mistakes? The next thing is the most important thing Have a short memory Being grounded The process starts now, one day at a time Imagine yourself as a program 6 months vs. 6 weeks Snowball rolling down a hill Struggles with long rides? Weave in longer rides now Find something to work on and commit to What is your focus right now?? Small habits lead to big routines Gains by accident Micro goals It just felt better this week Lowering expectations When you just know without the numbers Lay off the throttle Yo-yo back and forth Aim low Most frequently skipped workouts Next cast - Swimming Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#901 – Information Overload and How It Affects Training
01/15/2026
#901 – Information Overload and How It Affects Training
Let’s just stop for a minute and think about the endless choices we have and how they can overwhelm us. Ever get that feeling like you need to get in shape before you go to the gym? We talk about the rabbit hole of hacks and how it can lead to action paralysis. We talk about how to structure your mind for the right “why.” We look at why getting one percent better each day is a great strategy, but why it’s so tough to stick with. Training should be about much more than a time goal, it should be driven by what is truly meaningful to you and it’s well worth sitting in silence and really figuring out. Topics: Getting fit before going to the gym Can you ever be fit enough? Intellectual experts vs. practitioners What’s the hack? Action paralysis Endless podcasts, influencers, newsletters Drink from a garden hose vs. a fire hose We always want more When we feel like it’s not enough Trying too hard The weight of the world The integrity of a workout Do we need more? We all need a bit of a buffer Being swept up in the moment One percent better each day but not seeing it Weight loss and patience Inability to set realistic goals What is meaningful to you? You have to have more than a time goal Swinging for the fence all the time Building habits that turn into routine Pick out the right lot and build slowly
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#900 – Understanding Your Fatigue
01/13/2026
#900 – Understanding Your Fatigue
Today we get into understanding fatigue and what it means. Is it in your head or your body? Lungs or legs? It all matters and it’s important for you to be able to recognize and adjust so that you can get the most out of your sessions or simply get off the couch. We look at different signs in swimming, cycling, and running that show fatigue and sort of look at the “seriousness” of each and how to roll right through it. Topics: Triathlete Tattoos Gross pics sent to coaches Reading books or faking it? Post-holiday fatigue Longer Zone 2 rides and runs Why do you feel better deeper into the workout? Swimming to test fatigue safely Too much focus on “times” Stress is stress Adapting to the sessions What is weighing you down? Run Camp as a science “lab” Don’t let the numbers affect your day Red Zone of fatigue Feeling “off” Why to be a fan of HR Bike approaches to working through fatigue High power/Low HR means system is firing Does it feel like a fight? Is it your legs or lungs? Stacking days and getting the right stimulus Can’t put a finger on it Rebalancing “the off” feeling How do you feel meeting the intent of the session Restaurant picking strategy for your family
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#899 – One Speed Wonders
01/08/2026
#899 – One Speed Wonders
Stuck in the same gear? Not happy with your race speed? It might mean you need more work on being responsive. How do you build another gear? Glad you asked. Today, we get into why triathletes often feel stuck at the same speed and how to break the cycle. We look at swimming, biking, and running and give some thought on how to create more of a range, especially when you need it. Going fast can feel good and fun, but sometimes our Zone 4 effort equals our Zone 2 speed in a race. Today, we look at solid and proven ways to break out of being a one-speed wonder, but note, it’s not always easy. Topics: Last week on C26 Coming at you consistently We’re the podcast version of an age-grouper that outlasts everyone to qualify for Kona New Orleans 70.3 memories Swim rant? One speed wonders Turnover vs. Stroke length in swimming Natural cadence vs. being uncomfortable Hill sprints Something needs to be a priority Increasing FTP vs. Losing weight Swimming more or strength work? Trying to change everything at once Focus on one thing Swim form Hard 25’s and 50’s What about your base? Not thinking in the water Building another gear Being Responsive One speed Without ranges we tend to not be present RPE - Bodymind Fitness vs. Form We can’t skip steps Focus on moving correctly When Zone 4 effort equals Zone 2 speed Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#898 – Empty Your Cup
01/06/2026
#898 – Empty Your Cup
Is it possible that we're carrying too much in our cup? Today we talk about approaching the year with a solid, focused, and consistent plan. It’s so easy to want to add more, but there’s real power in stripping things down, creating simplicity and getting rid of things that don’t serve our purpose. We look at building routines and patterns that will help take care of our long term goals. We look at listening to and understanding our body by effort. We talk distractions, racing free, and carrying less mental baggage. The truth is, we’re not usually tired because of workouts, but the extra weight we carry in our lives. Simplify and be consistent. Topics: New intro? Decompressed Dogs and slippers Create belief and trust in yourself Movement is momentum Jan 1st new habit fails Don’t expect perfection What’s your fallback? Mental energy distractions Can’t swim without a watch Too much interference Disconnecting in workouts Understanding your body’s effort Creating less noise Re-evaluating your “why” Not trying to impress or prove things to others Run heavy You’re adding too much weight Race free, run free, be light You’re not tired from training Getting sick? Why? Do you really need to do more? Empty your cup Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#897 – Moderating The Holidays and Being Ready To Roll In 2026
12/17/2025
#897 – Moderating The Holidays and Being Ready To Roll In 2026
These next few weeks are tricky and today we look at how to get the most from them. Society has created an addictive nature in us and what’s coming at you will be no easy task, but there are definitely ways to navigate the holidays and keep your training moving toward a great 2026. Take one and give the rest away! Moderation will be your best weapon both in training and at the snack table. Don’t always assume that heavy breathing and sore legs means you’re getting better. Keep things simple and sweet and be ready to train like you need to train in January. Dramatic swings have become the new normal, be willing to say no and stay the course. If not, don’t beat yourself up by creating 180 degree swings. Happy Holidays! Thanks for listening… we love ya! --------- Get some C26 Gear for Christmas: https://c26triathlon.com/shop/ 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 Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at Topics: Tight Jeans and Scales Addictive challenges en route Moderation to stay on point Treading water in life Don’t try to get a head start Rebelling in the opposite direction “There’s no love in that refrigerator” The deck is stacked against us Be 100% 80% of the time Society has created addictive natures in us New version of the trunk cookies Take one, give the rest away Everything is always more How’s your aerobic system? Is this a short or long game? Being about longevity in triathlon Looking for adrenaline injections when you’re down Efficiency and economy are so important Metabolic disasters Process oriented Don’t always assume that heavy breathing and sore legs means you’re getting better Steady isn’t glamorous Consistency is king Dramatic swings are the new normal When feeling good becomes anxiety Seeing excitement in aerobic work Triathlete’s Rock Bottom The real truth about robust fitness When feeling great becomes anxiety The best sign is that there is no sign The pain isn’t always a reward Happy Holidays! We’ll see you next year Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!
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#896 – What It REALLY Takes To Hit Your Race Goal
12/11/2025
#896 – What It REALLY Takes To Hit Your Race Goal
Robbie talks about a lot of stuff and Mike’s not really sure what’s going on. And vice versa, probably. ---------- Get some C26 Gear for Christmas: https://c26triathlon.com/shop/ 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 Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at Topics: Ironman changes course nutrition Early season 70.3s The off season is getting shorter December Rules as life rules The quickening Money is pushing the calendar Periodization What part of the year do you have the most time? Color coding your season Building your race calendar so it makes sense Change for the sake of change? Being focused and Open Minded at once When things get stale Obsessing about Zones Micro Goals Simulating those race feelings Exploring the demands of what you want to do in a race Tri-Calc secrets Intrinsic motivation WANTING what is required to hit your goals It’s easy to want race goals Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!
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