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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#875 – Ironman Wisconsin 2025 Recap - How's Your Mental Game?
09/09/2025
#875 – Ironman Wisconsin 2025 Recap - How's Your Mental Game?
Triathlon is 90% mental, the other half is physical.* Today we recap Ironman Wisconsin 2025. This was Mike’s 12th Ironman and there was some good, bad and a little ugly. We talk about everything from pre-race anxiety, to adjusting your day based on feel, and maybe most importantly, how to keep going when every bone in your body says no. They talk about riding the course and managing the hills, nutrition, and why we keep coming back for more pain. By all accounts, Ironman Wisconsin seemed like it’s coming back in full force. The weather was great, the support was off the charts, and the volunteers were more than plentiful. Doing an Ironman can really suck in the moment, but that’s exactly why we keep going. Topics: Anticipation/Expectations Anxiety Pre-Race Mike talks about the race Mind over matter Great conditions Madison showed up! Having goals Swim conditions Swim issues Cold off out of the water? Start of the bike Adjusting your effort Understanding what the body has on race day Mental tests The hills, the downhills, the wind Avg Power/Normalized Going by feel Nutrition on bike Mental prep for a marathon This sucks, do it anyway Mantras Run course changes Why do we do this? Are we too comfortable? How do you keep running? Some fast people out there He missed qualifying by one second What’s it take to have your best race? Working your way through issues Is it Mike’s last race? *Yogi Berra Quote reference. Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#874 – Ironman Wisconsin and 70.3 Preview
09/02/2025
#874 – Ironman Wisconsin and 70.3 Preview
Ready to rumble at Wisconsin? We share our insight from years of racing and coaching athletes at Wisconsin. We go in-depth on the swim, bike, and run courses for each race. We also talk about where to start in the swim, what to wear on the bike with cooler conditions, how to handle the stick, the hills, and get ready to run. We break down run course strategy and give you all we know so you can have a great race. Topics: What to do in Madison Where to stay Football, 70.3, and Farmer’s Market Saturday Pre-swim Swim strategy. When to start. How to handle each loop. Bike clothing Bike course Dealing with hills Being patient Being strong Run course How to handle the hills and each loop Enjoy the finish Best of luck to everyone racing!! Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#873 – Listener Q&A
08/28/2025
#873 – Listener Q&A
Some really great questions today! We talk about mental barriers on the back half of your race run. We get into how to train/taper if you feel like you’re getting sick. We take a deep dive into training for Ironman and losing weight without falling into a deficit. The struggles of endurance diets. Food as addiction. Adjusting from a road bike to TT. And how much to “save” on the bike in order to have a great run. Plus, much much more!! Topics: How do handle training and/or taper if you’re feeling a little or a lot sick How do you get the through the mental barrier of getting faster or staying stronger through the end of a race? How to lose weight in Ironman training but not be at a deficit? Pushing through the pain and mental barriers on the back half of the run Sifting through all of the dietary information for endurance sports Blood and glucose spikes Adjusting from a road bike to carbon TT Carbs, protein, fat Interrupting cravings Food created to be addictive Should it be called a 70.3 or a half Ironman? How much should you save on the bike to nail your run?? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#872 – Owning Your Core Principles
08/26/2025
#872 – Owning Your Core Principles
There are so many opinions on training and nutrition these days. How do you know what’s really right for you? Today, we talk about how we’ve sorted through the weeds and developed our own coaching philosophies based on racing and coaching thousands of athletes. What do you really believe in your heart and gut? It’s hard to stay true to those principles with so many outside influences. We get into going with your instincts, learning from mistakes, training in a way that’s right for you, racing to your capabilities, and talk about why everyone wants to blame nutrition or the run. Why do you get cramps? Why is your neck and back sore? Taper for dummies. Topics: We’re feeling Fall Coaching traps Building your own philosophies Coaching on instinct We are what we’re exposed to Why do we get cramps? What do you really believe in? Nutrition and the run as scapegoats Why your neck and back hurt on the bike Coach’s convictions to philosophies Many people are paid to sell you something Being open minded to solutions Were you tough enough? Think and experiment for yourself Peaking with the fitness you already have How to recognize your fitness Lawn Mowing strategies Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#871 – Finding Your Training Sweet Spots
08/21/2025
#871 – Finding Your Training Sweet Spots
One of the hardest things about triathlon is staying on point with three different sports. Today, we look at tendencies that develop with triathletes and how we can find our sweet spots from one day to the next. We get into your history and experience in each sport and talk about how that can lead you down a certain road. We look at finding motivation to believe in yourself as a swimmer, cyclist, and runner. Do you need to mix things up a little bit, find new scenery, or just take a step back? What are some ways to be in and stay in the moment? It’s tough to remember, but just when things seem to be the toughest is when you’re close to making a breakthrough. Hang tough and be right where you are. Topics: Lambeau Field Is the hay in the barn? Mike and Robbie’s musical preferences for training When you’re signed up but start having second thoughts Lawn mowing What’s your good distraction escape? Do you classify yourself as a swimmer, cyclist, or runner? Can you separate each sport in your mind? Paralyzed by too many choices Emotional runs Scenery and environment changes What brings you into the moment? Breathing through tough points in training Why do we like certain races? Finding a way to be grateful Bring the mass start back Music talk Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#870 – Don't "Mail It In" Before Your Race
08/19/2025
#870 – Don't "Mail It In" Before Your Race
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Most of us hit a bit of a wall deep in training and a few weeks from the race, so today we’ll look at ways to keep engaged and give you a lot of reasons not to mail it in after all the hard work you’ve put in. It’s a long training season for a late Ironman or 70.3, so do your best to stay with the plan and trust the process all the way to race day. A big part of what you’re doing is building mental durability and that is the kind of training we all need on race day. Find ways to stay engaged and not put too much burden on yourself when you have the deep fatigue. Have confidence in knowing your body will come around when it needs to. Topics: Ironman Bonanza on the way Fall Triathlon and Football Don’t mail it in before you’re done Effort, discipline, low stress, good sleep, recovery The closer we get the more intense it feels The hay is still out on the tractor Feeling fatigued? Do this . . . Going into race weekend mode Prep more than ever Nailing your fuel The mind and heart hold us back Mental durability Don’t dwell on what you haven’t done Stop saying . . . I wish I would have . . . Feeling like shit in taper Load up your race wheels, shoe, wetsuit, etc . . . Take it day to day One workout at a time in training One event at a time in racing Clean out the pantry Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#869 – Keep Your Race-Mind In Check
08/14/2025
#869 – Keep Your Race-Mind In Check
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Race goals too high, or maybe to low? How do you handle the ups and downs of a very long day. Never believe how you feel, for one. Practice getting through certain feelings. If you're going to obsess about certain things, make sure they are the right things. Just like life, races can go up and down. Live in the gray. Figure out a way. Topics: Morning activities Second guessing Distraction Mode Getting your mind right Thinking about the RIGHT things before a race Planning for difference scenarios Sifting through a million training thoughts Getting over a false start Let go of extreme emotions Races as microcosm of life Things will change Thinking about a day off too much? Cut your race into chunks The swim course could be long (or short) Don’t judge a race too early Temper over-excrement and negativity Don’t walk There’s only so much you can withstand Did you look at your last 72 hours? Be in the gray on race day Your body doesn’t care Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#868 – Figure Out A Way
08/12/2025
#868 – Figure Out A Way
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at It’s hot, we’re deep in training, and the easiest decision is giving up. But don’t spend too much time on the wrong road. Today, we look at why figuring out a way when you’re struggling is the biggest win. That can mean toning it down for a bit, regrouping, or simply working on your mechanics. We all want to be strong and fast, but some days it’s just not there. The true reward is in the struggle. We do this for ourselves and hopefully the lessons translate into other areas of our lives. As Bukowski said, “What matters most is how you walk through the fire.” How do you handle challenges? Topics: Louisville 70.3 will be hot . . . imagine that? Having a healthy level of fear When your behavior becomes unbecoming Know your race and time of year before you sign up Remember the good days Figure out a way When we want to quit the workout . . . what should we do? The power of toning things down Take a breath and work on mechanics Pre-built workouts The problem with “power and FTP” Thoughtful and intentional workouts Don’t just quit TransRockies . . . how do you prepare for 120 miles in 6 days? The mental toughness is the reward When you know it’s gonna suck Taking care of yourself Don’t spend too much time on the wrong road Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#867 – Different Training for Different Courses
07/31/2025
#867 – Different Training for Different Courses
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Should you train differently for Ironman Wisconsin and Lake Placid than you do for Florida or California? The answer is, yes. Today we talk about the differences in swim, bike, and run training for different courses. We talk about the the grime and grind of tougher swims and rides vs. downstream swims and flatter bikes. They all have their challenges and we get into upper body strength, riding hills, staying in aero, more or less swim training, and how it all affects your run. We also talk about how you can train more specifically to meet the demands of your race, no matter what it is. Lower back sore on the bike? Neck hurt after the swim? Should you ride more big gear or high cadence? It’s all in today’s episode. Support the podcast and get some awesome C26 gear in the process at ! Topics: More on the Wisconsin course Hoodie and shorts weather What’s the best course for you? Sturdy body training Building durability Long and grinding Z2 rides What are you willing to train the most at? Upper body focus Average power vs. Normalized power Energy spent navigating people around you on the swim and bike Signing more and how it takes energy Why is your lower back sore? Pull Buoy and Paddles Fatigued arms and how that affects bike RPE Hit hills hard Big gear climbing Extra riding to train your saddle Smoothing out your gearing Training for the specific race course Practice sighting in the pool Train to be in the wrong gear Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#866 – Ironman Racing, Pacing, and Mentality
07/29/2025
#866 – Ironman Racing, Pacing, and Mentality
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at On the heels of our Ironman Wisconsin camp we dive deep into strategy, pacing and mentality. We talk about the Wisconsin bike course and why it’s so attractive, or daunting to people and how to solve the riddle. We also get into swimming and look at what races you need to train harder for. We look at how to pick the right race for you. How making smart decisions and fewer mistakes can be the difference in your PR. And we look at why you should never assume anything about a course or a race day. Topics: Our Ironman Wisconsin Camp Ironman Wisconsin Bike Course Discussion Honing your mental game Making Smart Decisions How to make fewer mistakes The best races for stronger bikers Challenges of training for Ironman Texas Fast races present different problems Setting time goals and how that can be a problem Who performs better at Kona Bike courses vs. Run Courses Picking races that are right for you When can you short your swim training? Staying in overall ballpark triathlon shape Fully commit and never assume Should you tackle a full Ironman after your 70.3? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#865 – What Can We Learn From Katie Ledecky?
07/23/2025
#865 – What Can We Learn From Katie Ledecky?
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at How on earth can Katie Ledecky continue to dominate for so many years? It’s not like training plans are a secret, so what could possibly be the difference, and how can you learn from her mentality. Today, we discuss her approach to swimming, her stroke, and her racing strategies. We also talk a little Tadej Pogacar and some Tour de France. And why it’s important to do what you love but also spend time, be patient and do things that make you uncomfortable? Topics: Birthdays… how important are they after 40? Katie Ledecky and her complete dominance How much faster does kicking make you? What’s it take to keep focusing on getting better? You can get away with a lot more when you’re young Holding speed without your kick Understanding negative splitting in long course racing Aerobic training Is Katie Ledecky’s training that much different? Tadej Pogacar is one with the terrain Katie is one with the water How dial in are you year round? 5 star athletes that crash and burn How our youth impacts us later in life What do you choose to do when you’re happiest? We want it now Work at things you suck at Dip your toes, build confidence, and be all in Stay in the game Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#864 – Building Your Confidence
07/16/2025
#864 – Building Your Confidence
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Today, we look at things you can and should be using to build your confidence every day. We talk about cutting negative people and why this is ultimately all about your growth. We look at the real reasons why athletes hate workouts at times. We talk about training to your current fitness and not being overly judgmental with yourself. We talk fatigue and look at positive ways to gauge your training and fitness. Don’t trust GPS in open water. The right way to use race energy. Staying even and grounded. Aging gracefully and accepting compliments along with having pride in what you’re doing. Topics: New Races Ironman City Pick Strategies Negative people in our lives Looking in the mirror Feel good during workouts? Why we hat training sometimes Train to your current fitness Going from A-Z The ultimate goal is a daily win Don’t set up for a loss Habits are hard to Combe by Polarizing society Simplify your life to create space You have time . . . Why athletes listen to this podcast Don’t trust GPS in open water How fatigue masks fitness Using race energy the right way Staying even and grounded Aging gracefully Take care of yourself first Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#863 – Unforced Errors
07/10/2025
#863 – Unforced Errors
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Are you making mistakes in training and racing that slowly chip away at your ability to perform? Maybe things just feel tougher than they should all the time? Today, we look at how athletes put themselves behind the 8 Ball and continue to make things harder than they need to be. There is stress in tension and if you’re putting too much on yourself, it will eventually bite you in The Ass. It’s all about knowing your body, having confidence in your ability, and knowing what you’re capable of. Stop trying to force everything and be better at tuning into the moment. Topics: Holidays and Races on Fridays?? Stress when the stakes are high Forcing bad decisions Meditation analogy High expectations ruined It only matters on race day It’s all about confidence Sam Laidlow undertrained Burning matching in training and in racing Negative split mentality Take advantage of the heat Are you always forcing? Respect the warm up Anxiety in the swim line is written on your face There’s a lot of stress in tension Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#862 – New Kona Qualifying System
07/08/2025
#862 – New Kona Qualifying System
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Despite our best effort to resist, today we look at what the new Kona Qualifying System could mean for you! BUT, we also look at if it may give Ironman events a boost. Or . . . are there other things they can/should do to revitalize interest in their main brand, Full Ironman events. What would it take? Will they announce something new? How are they doing with getting new people in the sport? We have been on the ground at these Ironman events for a long ass time and have some thoughts about why people get involved in racing. Topics: The fireworks over the Kona Qualifying system Why was the new IM CEO at Roth? Kona Should be hard to get into Nothing is perfect Will THIS finally make everyone happy??!! Probably not. How one WC is better for general interest Ironman shit on who they are Field vs. Years before in your age group? Making races spectacles New IM on the way?? Sticking to your guns The deep interest in Mass Starts from athlete to fan to new beginnings New IM CEO seems to be going back to the roots Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#861 – Progress Over Perfection
07/01/2025
#861 – Progress Over Perfection
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Bogged down by the heat or the serious nature of metrics and being the greatest athlete?? Well, maybe this process can be a little more enjoyable. Get out in the weather. Have fun. Live a little. Get faster with a free body. Topics: Athletes don’t like it hot Athletes don’t like it cold Perfection breeds over-serious Killing the humor The tension that comes with tech Training in the heat Why do you think it’s beyond your ability? You’ve convinced yourself you can’t do it? Mental fatigue can be tougher than physical Are you too mechanical? Be Free SWIM BIKE RUN 80/20 Sprint Go for it Do it. Live Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#860 – Nail The Run In Your Next Race
06/26/2025
#860 – Nail The Run In Your Next Race
Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at It's easy to blame a bad race on the run, but it goes much deeper. Today, we look at how to train in a way that gives you the best shot at running well in races. We talk about the realities of a race and why you're most likely not giving yourself the best shot to run how you want. We look at training techniques, including the possibilty of running less than you are to be better prepared for race day. It can be a complicated puzzle, but the reality comes down to being ready and able to run. Topics: Stress and how it impacts your run 35 full days days of triathlon goodwill and therapy It's not how fast you go, but how little you slow down Preloading Rank your training priorities Should you bike or run more? Stop looking at your training runs as the main indicator Why do C26 athletes swim so much? Your biggest return on investment of time Going for runs is the simplest Don't blame the run Hard to take in calories on the run Would you pick only to swim and bike or swim and run? Think about the feeling of being fresh off the bike Experiments with swim and bike Who says the swim doesn't matter?? Depleting buffers Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#859 – Racing In The Heat (Rockford 70.3 Recap)
06/24/2025
#859 – Racing In The Heat (Rockford 70.3 Recap)
Today, we go through all the lessons learned at Rockford 70.3 to give you strategy and ammunition for the rest of the summer. We talk about everything from race prep to nutrition to power to HR to pacing to cooling and your mindset. We go over Rockford as a host and talk about things that went right for the first time host. There are a ton of great thoughts about performing to your best in the next hot (and windy) race. Topics: Rockford as a host Shoutout to Race Directors Why no race is easy Leveling your expectations Being smart and respectable within aid stations How to handle hills appropriate to the wind How the heat can deceive you The city and the venue Nutrition Riding with the wind vs. against Uphills and downhills When you’re dealing with oppressive conditions Heart Rate over all other factors Wetsuit decisions Should there be a new “wetsuit optional” formula? Accepting slower paces Easing in and systems checks How to start each event and especially the run Heat and pacing Whoever makes the fewest mistakes, wins Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#858 – ROCKFORD 70.3 PREVIEW
06/19/2025
#858 – ROCKFORD 70.3 PREVIEW
Today we take a look at the inaugural Rockford 70.3. We get into the course, race strategies, and how to handle what looks to be a hot day. We talk about the city, wetsuit or not, river flow and a pre-race HR test. We also get into how to stay as cool as possible all day with tips for pre-race, T1, the bike, T2 and the run. This will be a game of being smart and patient and we’ll give you thoughts on how to do just that. Topics: Rockford Downtown - Mike’s old stomping grounds Will this race jumpstart the city? Dealing with the heat Wetsuit or not? Why it’s too late for heat prep Don’t drain your body this week Stay out of the heat River flow Pre-race HR test A lot of first timers Pop a gel at the end of the swim Cold water after the swim Too eager to push a higher zone Once you overheat, there’s no turning back Wind mind games It’s all about being smart and patient Carrying nutrition on the run? Carrying ice Zip lock tricks When you’re dehydrated and full Plain water on board? Body glide Wearing hats Your swim route (based on the map) The finish line vibe
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#857 - Priming Your Workouts
06/10/2025
#857 - Priming Your Workouts
A lot of times we don’t “feel it” and the workout seems daunting. Today we look at why it’s important to use priming to get things going whether you’re racing, training, or tapering. We’ll explain some of the ways to shift your mindset to start the day and get more out of your workouts. We look at some of the key indicators with regard to how to predict your race performance. We look at aerobic threshold and compare trainer rides to outside. Topics: Just start Priming your workouts Taper weeks Workouts seem daunting? Making decisions when stress is high Missed workouts Prisoner of the moment Rigid triathletes Taking ownership of the work What gets you excited? What drains you? Making priorities Ball park training Being good with ranges The longer you’re in the game . . . Tri Calc addiction Looking at the wrong indicators Integrity of workouts Benchmarks Watt range Total body of work is key 80% for 80% Mental capacity Treating your training like a business Aerobic threshold Trainer vs. Outside Don’t be distracted Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#856 – Listener Q&A - Run form and economy, staying motivated, open water swimming, ultra training
06/06/2025
#856 – Listener Q&A - Run form and economy, staying motivated, open water swimming, ultra training
Some great questions today! We look at run form and economy and how to be a better runner for a longer distance. We talk about what do do when you lose your motivation to train and race. We get into how much you should swim in open water vs. the pool. The differences and how to approach open water. And we talk about trail racing and how to train for races based on their terrain. Topics: Big 70.3 weekend Run efficiency and technique Economy and form Running hills How to feel like you’re “cruising” on your run Negative split running Unbalance and injuries How to find the spark again Struggling with motivation Playing the long game Do it for yourself Turning inward to find your motivation Pick a fake race date How much open water swimming do you need? How much running is too much Different courses and terrain Cross training for ultras Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#855 – Keep Your Race Emotions In Check
06/04/2025
#855 – Keep Your Race Emotions In Check
It’s easy to get your emotions twisted during tough blocks or on race week. Today we look at the little things that can frustrate us in triathlon and offer ways to get through them, or let them go, or better yet, embrace them as the journey. You likely picked this sport to be a stronger, more durable, and healthier person, so reframe your struggles as positive steps. Figure out how to get through the tough spots and be better off. We look at the power of being grateful for the opportunity, races as adventures, and why decisions you make in the moment are often the most impactful. Finding a way to get it done can be the biggest win. Topics: Being Grateful Algorithms Conversational Therapy Race FB Pages Race free Put your head down for a while Phantom pains Races as adventures Race week emotions Don’t let your morning mood dictate How are your framing your race? Don’t think about it The decisions you make in the moment No one has to change for you to win If you’ve ever felt good you can do it again Getting trapped in the metrics Leave the door cracked open Don’t let the warm up fool you Find a way to get it done Just one more when you don’t want to What is your real goal in all of this? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#854 – Training To Hit Your Race Goals
05/29/2025
#854 – Training To Hit Your Race Goals
Do you keep struggling to hit your race goals but can’t figure out why? Today, we give you some clear thoughts and solid strategies to improve your swim, bike, and run speed. Are you selling yourself short in one or more of the distances just because one comes more naturally? We dive into specific training techniques that will help you build the right way with your eye on a certain race goal pace/power, etc… You are most likely selling yourself short, but it is possible. The hard parts are working hard enough, taking ample recovery, and being patient. Topics: Establish a demand of what you need to hold How fast do you want to go? Triathlon has different demands than a straight run race Chipping away at a speed Are you selling yourself short on the bike? Do you have belief that you can do more? What comes after setting a pace goal? Race pace and what it means in training Doing work above, at, and below goal pace How to build your swim speed Knocking down your 100 time in the water Run pace and cutting it down Shorter intervals at your goal paces It is all realistic but it will take time Swimming intervals in open water Making recovery or distance decisions on the fly Longer or shorter recovery? Some days you might need more rest Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - Support the cast by getting some sweet C26 Gear --- https://c26triathlon.com/shop/
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#853 – Make Training Harder Than The Race
05/27/2025
#853 – Make Training Harder Than The Race
We call it "training" for a reason and we should be "practicing" in a way that sets us up for a better race. That can mean getting out into the heat and wind more often, or visualizing your race at certain points of your workouts. How will you respond when you get hot or feel underfueled? Outside training with heat and wind and distractions and people and cars and whatever can also lead to a higher anxiety level. Are you putting yourself into situations that will pay off with the race? Today we dive into the importance of heat, wind, anxiety and stress acclimation to make you stronger and more successful on race day. Topics: Sticky and humid Dropping down your run in heat Swims cancelled in 70.3's Heat acclimation ideas How do you "feel" when you get hot. Can you calm it down? The anxiety of outside training Wean yourself into the heat The Ironman marathon Creat a good relationship with bad conditions Who's gonna make the best decisions on race day? The mentality of heat training Bricks are for learning and practice Outsmart the competition Start off slow How can I make this workout feel better as I go? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#852 – The WORK Is The Gift
05/20/2025
#852 – The WORK Is The Gift
There’s no doubt triathlon can be an isolated sport. Grinding for miles and miles with no one watching, or frankly caring. But you do. Or you should, because what you’re doing is something difficult, meaningful, and what you’re supposed to do. We rehash our Nashville Camp and crystalize why it’s so important to us to be around like minded people. It’s nice to know we’re not crazy when it’s easy to feel that way out on our own, putting ourselves through pain, and sometimes not even understanding why. Today, we look at what that why might be and share why it’s important to keep going. Topics: Nashville Camp recap and lessons Riding Natchez Trace Chasing SUP boards Reaching that bonfire moment Hills and Heat Learning through the sport and analogies with life Is the ultimate goal to be in the moment? That magic moment when there’s not a care in the world If 9 out of 10 people think you’re crazy, you’re probably on the right track We’re in this together. Importance of tribes Going dark and loving it One day and one moment at a time Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#815 – Fatigued or Shelled?
05/08/2025
#815 – Fatigued or Shelled?
Today we look at the concept of owning where you’re at in training and smart ways to move the needle without blowing a gasket. We also talk about how to recognize the difference between fatigue and being shelled. Are you going to hard? To far. Not hard enough? Not far enough? What are the benchmarks to use to recognize the truth about your capabilities. Most of us probably underachieve, so it may be a good time to look at what you’re doing and ask if you’re giving it what you need to reach the goals you want to hit. Topics: Microsoft Teams St. George Gulf Coast Chatt 70.3 Much more focused Podcast Listening Ban? Bells and whistles Taking breaks from watch Own where you’re at Lingering on visions of past selves Future tripping Bring too hard to be that old athlete or future athlete Stacking days together Rushing yourself into shape Low intensity Inconsistency Unexplainable under performing Touching the hot stove too much Making bad decisions What percentage of athletes actually run the entire Ironman marathon? Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#850 – Getting The Most Out Of Your Bike
05/06/2025
#850 – Getting The Most Out Of Your Bike
Mike goes for a rare bike fit and we dive deep into the nuances of a comfort, position, aero power, and training strategy. We look at saddle height and position. Aero bars. Drop, reach, contact points. We also talk cleats, hip room and running niggles that may be caused by the bike. We look at the gains you can make in aero, talk about why comfort is king, and the keeys to speed. We also talk about some of the simplest and best ways to train. Topics: Saddle height and position Aero bars and where yours should be Contact points for bike fits Cleat position Sore necks The power advantages of being aero Arm fatigue and how it creates a perceptive fatigue on the run Finding solid aero is a process Volume vs. Intensity in training Keys to speed Brands and different features Bike fit bikes Comfort is king Pedaling to pedal Pedaling with pressure Pedaling with purpose Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#849 – IRONMAN World Championship Returns All Athletes To Kona
05/01/2025
#849 – IRONMAN World Championship Returns All Athletes To Kona
The Ironman World Championships are back to a one day event for men and women. What does this mean for the sport? What does it mean to you? That’s our discussion for today. Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#848 – Lessons From Hot and Windy Ironman Texas
04/29/2025
#848 – Lessons From Hot and Windy Ironman Texas
On the ground report from Ironman Texas with a lot of lessons for anyone training for Ironman. Doing Ironman Wisconsin? Check out our Camp: https://c26triathlon.com/camps/triathlon-camp-wisconsin/ Topics: Some incredibly fast pro times Taylor Knibb, Katt Matthews, Kristian Blummenfelt, Cam Wurf Bike course Tough swim Wind and heat factors Bike position Tire pressure Front pack swim exit Why the swim is key to your race More aero or more power Working with someone on the bike Heat acclimation Sun exposure Wetsuit or not? Overheating Swim cap training Every race has its challenges Let your lungs come around The ultimate race day factors Having Plan A through Plan C Heat prep is harder than you think In Race decisions When all the stars align Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#847 – Think Inside Out
04/17/2025
#847 – Think Inside Out
Do you chase the process or the excitement of race as the cure? Today we look going inside yourself as the solution. Topics: Lawn talk Door to door sales Early season power Don’t make a race feel too hard Ironman growth stats Obstacles and barriers to entry Worried about how you look Judging others and yourself Body builder cuts No mirror experiment Don’t try Criticism How do you stay in the pocket Money doesn’t mean happiness Drinking takes you out of your body for escape Marketing is bad? Simplicity - what goes in what goes out Mentally, spiritually, nutritionally Excitement usually comes from the outside Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce -
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#846 – Fresh and Confident on Race Day
04/15/2025
#846 – Fresh and Confident on Race Day
Pre-Race nerves. How do we get ahead of them in training? Today, we look into many things we've learned as athletes and coaches to prepare for the race ahead of time. We talk about tough condition training, fueling, and getting locked into a headspace that you'll need to perform. There shouldn't be a lot surprises on race day, and if there is how do you stay calm and go through them. We talk heat training, cold training, wind training, and going into a race physically AND mentally fresh. Time to kick some a**. Topics: Texas Panic? Closing in on Race Day - mentality Dealing with wind Bad conditions Going into a race MENTALLY fresh Do you have to prove the distance in training? Cold water exposure before a race? Heat prep. How much? Understanding what heat and cold feels like How to navigate being uncomfoortable Hydration with heat prep Sit and endure. Racing with a mantra IMWI rainy morning The sum of your last 5 self talks Bookmark good workouts in your mind Physically and mentally fresh Strike the match but don't let it burn down When fatigue doesn't let you dig deep enough What would you do if you were dropped in the middle of the ocean? What is your REAL potential? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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