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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#945 – Are You Conserving Energy or Being Lazy?
08/07/2026
#945 – Are You Conserving Energy or Being Lazy?
Today, we talk about some things we learned at our Wisconsin Camp, including dealing with choppy water and training in bad conditions. Robbie declares he’s not wearing a wetsuit at Ironman Wisconsin. We look at the complexities of triathlon and how to keep things simple. Are you living in your head? And we look at the concept of being cautious or conservative and what that really means. Is it the safe approach or are you making things harder than they need to be? We look at energy. We talk about what is pissing Mike off… And Leaning into your competitive side. Topics: Wisconsin Camp Triathlon can be complex Swimming in chop Conditions to cancel a swim? Be the water We all need to experience bad conditions Is knowing the Cours a good or bad thing? Attacking the course Too much in your head? Breaking up the race day What’s pissing Mike off Race energy Flat courses Changing up your philosophy What does being conservative on the bike mean to you Does it feel easy or are you being lazy? Embracing what makes you feel like a racer Leaning into your competitive side Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#944 – Building Race Instincts in Training
07/30/2026
#944 – Building Race Instincts in Training
Topics- The Big Finish at Tour de France The best cyclist is a competitor at heart How much are we leaving on the table? You have to climb the hills Racing instinct How do you execute in a race? Flexible training Today’s the day Flipping the switch Building race instincts in training Don’t break but splinter Learn to feel suffering Problem solving All fatigue isn’t created equally Obsession with precision Create obstacles in training Camera out the window Race day is really like a training day How do we get the most out of our body? Normalized Effort The illusion of power or pace The ultimate practice game Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#943 – Listener Q&A
07/28/2026
#943 – Listener Q&A
Topics: Testing every 4 weeks? How to prevent mechanicals in a race Thoughts about Garmin buying Training Peaks (see last episode) Preparing for a cold water swim Racing 1500 miles from home and driving Train along you journey? Creating space in the body Focus on strengths or weaknesses? Bike and run cadence, but what about swim cadence? Create versatility in your cadence Digestive issues on the run. Why?? Over biking and the effects on your run Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#942 – You Gotta Nail The Basics
07/23/2026
#942 – You Gotta Nail The Basics
We start by talking about Garmin buying Training Peaks then everything goes to hell in a hand basket (in the best of ways). We talk about how it affects Strava, we look at all the noise in training and discuss technology as good or bad. We look into training and racing by feel and the Tour and Challenge Roth. We take a deep dive into metrics and which ones you should be training with and how to add more. We talk HRV and adjusting workouts each day or on the fly. We look at the trend of forcing more carbs and along with the Norwegian training method and why you might want to think twice. Get obsessed with the basics, then add layers to the recipe. Topics: Garmin buys Training Peaks Is this good or bad? How it impacts Strava How we deal with more and more noise Where is the one on one conversation? Drum solo or drum groove? Challenge Roth winner talks her strategy Go by effort or metrics? New technology . . . Training and racing by feel How new tech should compliment your training What metrics really matter Pre-built workouts Intentional training Adjusting your workouts on the fly Focus on on or two things at once HRV Why your fueling might suck Forcing more and more carbs Obsessed with the basics Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#941 – Embrace Each Day As It Comes
07/21/2026
#941 – Embrace Each Day As It Comes
Today we look at the nuances of looking forward to training each day as it comes. We talk about the importance of training where your fitness is vs. cramming for a race and why that will serve you better in the long run. We look at feeling younger as you get older. We talk about Guess Jeans, the Tour, and how a lot of times you’re competing against ex-pros. We look at the faults in being obsessed with race times, especially when they may not be realistic. We talk what it takes to be the best in the world and more importantly what it takes to be the best you can be with your circumstances. Training is much more enjoyable when we can look at it as a long term journey and we tackle work in a way that makes more sense as it aligns with our current fitness. Consistency over peaks and valleys. Be the best version of yourself. Topics: Lake Placid and Ohio Your first time at a race venue Vingegaard out of the Tour What does winning look like for you? To be the best in the world Look like you’re having fun Being as great as YOU can be Our own version of ourselves Narrow and blurry vision Putting all the stock in racing Me, me, me Accepting where you’re at in training Feeling younger as you get older Being in shape to actually do the work Train where you’re at Embrace each day as it comes Wrapped up in your time Guess Jeans Pedro Gomes wins AG at Lake Placid Addictive personalities Stop today so you can look forward to tomorrow Finite amounts of energy Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#940 - What's The Quantity of Your Quality?
07/17/2026
#940 - What's The Quantity of Your Quality?
Today we look at how the little things matter. Quality over quantity is a good benchmark, but how much actual quality work are you doing? And, how do we actually define quality? First we discuss whether our old podcasts hold up and where we think our positions have changed over 10 years. Then we discuss things like is 5 x 1200’s in the pool better than 2 x 3000 per week? Or what about 5 x 30 minute runs vs. one 2:30? We get into how to build confidence, familiarity, and muscle memory go a long ways toward your goals, and even confidence in life. Should you jump on the bike for 20 minutes when you’re bored? Will it matter? A lot of people talk about quality over quantity, but what about the Quantity of Quality? Negative splitting everything. We talk imposter syndrome, weekend warriors, and the bitter truth about Ironman. Topics: How do our old podcasts hold up? What beliefs have we changed since starting the podcast? Is 5 x 1200’s better than 2 x 3,000 in the pool? What about 5 x 30 minute runs vs. one 2:30 run? How to add little sessions that add results instead of scrolling What is a good cycling frequency? Sneaking in 20 minute runs The reality of getting out of a rut What motivation really is Learn how to see the benefits of what you’re doing Choosing action Working in simple mobility and strength Something is better than nothing Negative splitting everything The quantity of quality The monogetti run Imposter syndrome Don’t pay attention to the triathletes that are a-holes Frequency is confidence When confidence builds The bitter truth about Ironman Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#939 – Listener Q&A 7-16-26
07/16/2026
#939 – Listener Q&A 7-16-26
Back again with some great questions from you!! We start with the ongoing dilemma of speed work and how to handle it best when training for long course racing. We talk with what we thought was an ex-Badger lineman about how much to increase bike volume from a 70.3 to a full. We discuss what makes a race course “fair” vs. something we feel is getting dumbed down. We talk about the warm up as it relates to racing and how we can somehow feel better after going deep into training sets. Plus, much more sprinkled in to take you to the top of the podium, or simply feel better and stick with your plan. Topics: Tour de France What a controlled swim feels like Speed work, track work and it’s relation to triathlon long course training Does a former Badger lineman jump into the question pool? How much should you increase cycling volume from a 70.3 to a full and how do you implement it Nutrition ratio secretes What makes a race course “fair?” That interesting phenomenon about getting faster when deep into training sets and how does it translate to racing? Tubeless tires and PSI and flats etc… Should you work with a coach year-round? Pacing and racing. A trip back through memory lane Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#938 – Listener Q & A
07/14/2026
#938 – Listener Q & A
The first of two Q&A’s and we start with the obligatory heat discussion. We’ll have another Q&A on Thursday, then hopefully a traditional cast on Friday to help with your long ride or run. We talk about getting back into training after a break. We look at life’s challenges with training. We get into how to let the workout build on its own. We look at the challenge of being enthusiastic but not getting faster. How to fix your swim one point at a time. What about training for a marathon and using the triathlon mix? His first Kona and a discussion about how to make it a successful day. Topics: Sitting in the heat vs training in the heat Staring over after a long break All layoffs are created equally The poison of life Start slow - let it build on its own When you’re enthusiastic but not getting faster in the swim Don’t work on the whole stroke Swim like a swimmer Triathlon Training for marathons How to handle Kona The team is back on the race course! Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#937 – Are You Cheating Your Training?
07/09/2026
#937 – Are You Cheating Your Training?
We all like to say we like doing hard things, but are we cherry picking those experiences? Today, we dive into how most of us tend to create the best conditions and chase good days by taking shortcuts. We argue that creating friction in training is really the ultimate way to prepare for the hardest days - race days. How long can you go without reaching for a training crutch when things aren’t going well? Do you figure out a way or just take the easy route? Doing something hard usually means it’s uncomfortable and today we look at ways to seek that out so you’re at your strongest on race day. Topics: The heat is on in training and racing The Tour Trainer silence Swimming in hot water and or elevation Running and cycling in heat Is it heat acclimation or building fitness or both? Race day boosts Handling long trainer rides How long can you hold off your fix? Always using a training crutch Transitions in day to day life Clear goals Maximizing the best we can be Creating FRICTION in training Really preparing for the hardest days Coddling to protect our ego Quit analyzing every session Chasing good days with shortcuts Cherry picking hard things Hard is uncomfortable Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#936 – The Absurdity Of Ironman (Listener Q&A)
06/25/2026
#936 – The Absurdity Of Ironman (Listener Q&A)
Today is part 2 of listener questions and we spend a lot of time talking about the monumental nature of doing an Ironman. Is it absurd, simply a conquest, or a means to an end? There are tons of little training nuggets weaved inside of this cast, including, how to build an effective swim training package, is it worth the time and effort to be your absolute best in this sport? Triathlon vs. other priorities, and Taper combined with race week stress. We definitely hit on many interesting topics including weak feet and Lionel Sanders syndrome. Topics: Weak feet . . . make weak men . . . make weak times? Lionel Sanders syndrome Skill, speed, strength as a combo Swim technique sessions Giving up the watch in the pool Training to train or get better? Training for what’s on top of your chin When does the absurdity of Ironman go away? Why people come back to this sport over and over Thoughts on leaving performance on the table What’s your best potential at your age? What is your real goal Two priorities at a time Taper week decisions Race week stress Relieving stress or getting more tired? It’s easy to forget how many Ironman questions there really are. Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#935 – Listener Q & A
06/23/2026
#935 – Listener Q & A
Today, you drive the cast with your great questions, but stat with a discussion about the whole Buc-ees thing and how and why Zoot keeps dominating the Tri Club Awards. Then onto Coeur d’Alene and mostly the tough swim conditions. We look at whether or not you’re swimming enough, or if you can approach tough open water swims from a different perspective. We look at how to deal with the disappointment of not being able to do a race and what to do instead. We talk injuries and the many different ways you can approach training (and life) while you’re struggling to get back to health. We also ask, do we expect too much from a race result? Topics: Coeur d’Alene Adverse race conditions No exit ramps in the swim Buc-ees We’re coming for team Zoot What do you do with pent up energy from having to miss a race? DYI 70.3’s Get it out of your system When you think you signed up for a race but didn’t Rough Swim conditions - staying calm Lowering expectations Pani Attacs Being one with the water The emotional side of injuries When we expect races to change our lives Going from 70.3 to a Full Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#934 – Is This A Hobby or Stress Builder?
06/18/2026
#934 – Is This A Hobby or Stress Builder?
Today we look at all the unnecessary stress triathletes tend to put on themselves. We talk about why it’s not only bad for performance, but general health and happiness. We get into panic training and over training. The effect of accumulating stress. We look at rest vs. over-rest. We get into how being “afraid to lose” wears on your mind and overall energy. We talk about the myth of losing your top end. Why we downplay short workouts… And finally the importance of doing work simply for the sake of work. Topics: Recovery from Races Rivers vs. Lakes What to look for in your recovery Does racing faster leave less soreness? More recovery on slower races? Stress of being out of your element Being in tune with your body more often Taper needs and mistakes Rest or over-rest during race week Getting ahead of our training Being afraid to lose How quickly do we lose top end or endurance? Panic training and panic over-training Do we take this all too seriously? Do something you’re not good at Is this a hobby or a stress builder? Are you wanting too much out of triathlon? Doing work for the sake of work usually wins Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#933 – Ironman 70.3 Rockford - 2026 RECAP
06/16/2026
#933 – Ironman 70.3 Rockford - 2026 RECAP
Fresh off a “jump in” race in his former stomping grounds, Mike talks about his experience at Ironman 70.3 Rockford. We get into pre-race, the strategy, adapting strategy, the current, the wind, the roads, the volunteers, and much more. We really dive into some tough questions/decisions for triathletes about how to be “satisfied” with your effort. It’s a lonely place on that second loop of the run and it’s usually the time in a race when you make or break the day. This cast is really a good place to ask yourself some questions and figure out if you’re giving it your all or finding ways to give in. Topics: Rockford as a host city Pre-Race decisions Goals for the day and adjustments Swim Course Strong Current Strategy in the water Recalibrating goals on the fly Bike course Tougher than Chatt? Wind strategy Recovery opportunities Another decision off the bike Run/walk or run? Battling the run Mental game Breaking up the run Nutrition Nope Are perfect builds overrated? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#932 – Just Go For It
06/11/2026
#932 – Just Go For It
The guys discuss Mike’s last minute registration for Rockford 70.3 and the concept of jumping into a race on a whim. They go through the challenges but mostly the benefits and why he’ll approach it more like a practice test than a training day. There’s a lot to be said for feeling the race environment. The nerves, the speed, and the race energy. It’s all waiting and it will be a great 10,000 foot view for an A-Race later in the season. Topics: Why Mike ultimately signed up The approach without a typical build and taper Pacing and racing test Durability check in Why it’s a good idea to jump in late What will be the challenges Staying calm when swept up in competition Rockford’s course and strategies What can be learned for Ironman later in the year Approaching the swim, bike, and run Staying under control but flirting with edges A $500 triathlon immersion seminar Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#931 – Clear Mind and Strong Training
06/09/2026
#931 – Clear Mind and Strong Training
Many times frustration is caused by exhaustion or overstimulation. Today, we look at real ways to reduce your distractions, find a calmer mind, and be stronger in training. We are under a continual assault of information and, at some point, we have to ask: do we have enough information yet? So much of training and racing is being in the moment and at one with yourself, but how do we get there? We’ll talk about some good ways to find your true self, appreciate who you are and respect your journey. Training should be a vehicle to build your energy, not take it away. It should be hard, but not miserable. Topics: Busy racing weekend! Cruise to clear the mind Reducing distractions Energizing yourself Getting out of the haze Reducing stimulation takes time Let your body settle into the race Constant loop of stress Mike just started swimming again When we’re not rooted in reality The 48 Hour race decision Be mindful Living off the grid AI Data Centers When do we have enough information? Every workout is not an indictment on self worth Parents as the old AI Immediate reactions - sit on them Extreme posting Figure out who you are Then don’t try to be someone you’re not Next podcast: Facing fears Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#930 – Listener Q&A
05/27/2026
#930 – Listener Q&A
Our listeners step up today with some great questions in an extra long cast for you. Topics: Clay Courts, the French Open, and Mike's Tennis past Should you race short course more often? Triple-T Do your own sprint Easier to put on a tire or go tubeless? Does Mike still burn his biscuits? Losing fitness on vaction? Using different bikes in training What to we recommend for listening on long runs - podcast, music, or dark thoughts? Bike fits How to handle the "off season" when you go from a 70.3 to a full What are some challenges that scare us? Why can't the US dominate in triathlon? Do it yourself nutrition The Feed Solid food How to handle the 18 mile wall Long distance swimming training techniques Ultra swims Lifing heavy and mixing it in with your triathlon plan
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929 – Stroking Your Ego or Making Progress?
05/21/2026
929 – Stroking Your Ego or Making Progress?
Sometimes we have to understand why we're bitching all the time and uncover the best way to enjoy training and life. Today we start by discussing dopamine detox and how that might help us enjoy the simpler things in training. It sort of morphs into this discussion about how we can create an excitement trap that has us satiating the ego vs making progress. More races, more intensity, more burnout? More depression? How do we snap this cycle and find satisfaction with a Zone 2 buzz? We also look into the power of training by breath alone. How it can help you fall back in love with training that can otherwise make you want to cry. And finally, are we all chasing inflammation? Topics: Dopamine detox Power and yada yada More is getting lost than found Ego or growth? What’s your why… no really. What are we trying to accomplish today? How much does Ironman make off of DNS? I want it now Lowering the dopamine input Be strong in your journey Morning routine The sensation vs. the superlatives Z2 is a great buzz Zones by breath Controlled ventaliztion Help your riding . . . help your mood I can’t take any more intensity Chasing inflammation Walking is gold. Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#928 – It's All About The Challenge
05/19/2026
#928 – It's All About The Challenge
After a weekend of racing and our Nashville Triathlon Camp, once again, we’re reminded that we got into this sport for the challenge. This is really the best thing to keep in your mind whenever we tackle something difficult. There are no guarantees other than the opportunity to grow and be stronger. We do this for the opportunity and the more challenging the training or race, most often, the more memorable. Triathlon lessons never stop, it’s up to us to embrace them. Topics: The Nashville Camp Jacksonville and Chatt 70.3 At home training camp? The key is to be free Chatt 70.3 and Jax swims What’s a slow swim? Would you rather have a fast swim or cancelled swim? New Races Introduction or retention strategy? Influencers ruining things Engaged in the challenge Want the cost more than the dream Easy, glamorous, shiny expensive Riding older bikes No guarantees Don’t miss the opportunity What makes this memorable You remember the experience Thriving in discomfort Forcing yourself to be better No guarantees in racing Triathlon lessons never stop Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#927 – Find Something That Breaks You
05/07/2026
#927 – Find Something That Breaks You
Today, we talk about a topic that a lot of us who’ve been in the sport a while need to think about. How to break ourselves down like we did in the beginning. Life is about being alive and challenging ourselves. We take a look at the lure of comfort and how to shake things up. Once again, we explore the reasons why we do this, and how the edges of challenge and pain shift. We look at why it’s so important to face simple fears and things we don’t want to do and how to use these wins. For us, triathlon has always been about breaking up the rocks, but in many ways it also becomes about tending to them in a positive way so they don’t fuse back together. Topics: Live every day Get along German Endurance Feast Robbie’s Rewind The medal returns Obsession with comfort Find something that’s gonna break you Breaking up the rocks Pain as a precursor to growth Your race time vs. the pursuit Back to that primal feeling Do what scares you Why do we do this? What is improvement When we fake it until we can’t anymore Life circumstances and resilience Breaking things down over and over Good times, soft men Tending to your broken rocks Fake endorphines Tackle a simple fear Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#926 – Practice Being Uncomfortable
05/05/2026
#926 – Practice Being Uncomfortable
On some level we all dread the wind, the heat, the cold, the rough water, and the hills, but how do you learn to love it all for training benefit? Today, we look at the transition from indoors to outdoors and why it can be a shock to the system. We look at ways to build confidence and calm while preparing for anything in a race environment. How do you break out of your own personal matrix and create situations that will help you put your body in charge when the mind wants to run wild. We look at avoiding the inevitable and getting more and more comfortable with tough situations as the season rolls on. Topics: Early season outdoor training Differences between indoor and outdoor The benefits of each Pool swims vs open water and how to break them up Trainer and outside riding variables Treadmill and the road mix Focusing on good posture and form Breaking out of your comfort matrix Avoiding the inevitable Is it chop or just water texture? Is it windy or just some wind? Cries for comfort Uncontrollable’s are uncomfortable Going from the Symphony to Rage Against the Machine Life spans and loneliness Mindless mind You aren’t guaranteed “extra space” in a race Repetition to train the body to lead RPE as it applies to understanding flow Thoughts that pass without engagement or judgement Don’t avoid it Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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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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