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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#955 – Ironman Wisconsin and 70.3 Recap For 2026
09/16/2026
#955 – Ironman Wisconsin and 70.3 Recap For 2026
Today we go through all things Ironman Wisconsin 2026. We talk 70.3 and full. We look at the race itself, how people fought and battled, and why Ironman seems like it’s gaining steam again. We talk about the power of support from a team, get into why the bike is so tough for most, and whether or not it’s the legs that give out or it’s simply the tension and repetition of race day. We talk about the concept of leaving your “fight” in training. We look at how the society can stack the deck against us and why Ironman is kind of a “binge weekend.” We discuss the finish line feels, why Robbie didn’t race, and look at post race routines and why they can be dicy. Topics: C26 Community in full force IMWI as a team race The power of support The Helix Energy The bike course beatdown There’s so much to think about on the bike The mental toll The difference between bike and run pain Is it the muscles or the repetition Nutrition on the bike Long ride fatigue Upper body tension Is it as simple as more volume? Did you leave your fight in training? How to not walk The deck is stacked against us in many ways The binge of an Ironman Why Robbie didn’t race Just be aware of why you feel like you do Post week routine Ironman energy resurgence Finish line feels Team support Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#954 – In 5 Days We Race Ironman Wisconsin
09/08/2026
#954 – In 5 Days We Race Ironman Wisconsin
In 5 Days Mike and Robbie toe the line at Ironman Wisconsin. Today, they talk through some of the thoughts and strategies for their races. Gear, fuel, effort, game plans, it’s all here and they can assure you one thing . . . they really can’t be sure about anything. Topics: Wisconsin weather Pack for all seasons Swim skins What to bring Worst thing about race morning Check-In Concierge? Norton plans for both Concerned about a cold day? Burning calories in the cold is complex Don’t take off warm gear too soon Nutrition on the hills You’d rather be warm than cold Thinking about temperature changes Temptation to push it too early Race mantras for the full BodyShot-ville Where you need confidence Race plans in pencil Fueling the run Nailing Bike Nutrition It’s like a long ride with fuel Caffeine on race day Watchless? Undertrained? Relaxed with focus Aero helmet? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#953 – Listener Q&A
09/03/2026
#953 – Listener Q&A
More great questions from our listeners today! Is the pull buoy a crutch? What's it take for a 15k swim? First 70.3, here's what you need to know. How important is high cadence on the bike? How much should you share with your coach in Training Peaks? Gator Skins in a race? Best way to get better at the swim in the off season. Is racing more mental or physical? And much more! Topics: 10 Days out from Ironman Wisconsin and we start with Lawn talk 15k Swim Is the Pull Buoy a crutch? Tried and true lessons for your first 70.3 How important is the 90 RPM cadence on the bike? Racing in heat vs cold How much should you share with your coach in Training Peaks? Is race day more mental or physical? Effort and execution Finding the right attitude for race day Gator skins in a race? Swimming in the off season - shorter more frequent? Or long? When to go for it in a race What do triathletes constantly try to optimize that doesn’t matter that much? FTP obsession? Sweet spot frequency in the off season for swim, bike, and run Loos agendas in the off season Should you resist going for it on the bike to save the run? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#952 - Ironman Mentality As The Race Closes In
09/01/2026
#952 - Ironman Mentality As The Race Closes In
Today we look at what’s going through out minds as Ironman Wisconsin closes in. This will be the first time we’ve raced Ironman together in 10 years. We look at Expectations how to reframe the stress in a way that’s more about being grateful and why it’s important to not try being someone you’re not. We look at the “purpose” of these races and why competing in something so hard is, in many ways, sacred. Taking the selfishness out of the equation and soaking it all in. We also talk about our favorite parts of the race and give some time predictions for each other. Topics: IMWI Training for us Real expectations 70.3 fitness for an Ironman Grateful to be able to do what we’re doing Don’t try to be someone you’re not Hanging your hat on gratitude The purpose of these races The moments that are sacred Seizing the opportunities when they’re there We’ve all been through tougher things Is it a selfish sport? Soaking it in all day What our favorite parts of Ironman races are Feels like the first time Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#951 – Addition Through Subtraction
08/27/2026
#951 – Addition Through Subtraction
What do you love about triathlon? We think this is an important question to ask and an an even more important concept to protect. There are levels of going to the well and levels of stress we can handle in a functional way. Today, we talk about the power of elimination, and even more importantly when to recognize that it’s needed. We argue that it isn’t the races that wear us down, but the constant level of stress day after day. How do you protect your love of the sport? How do you get the most out of training in a minimal effective dose sort of approach? There’s nothing wrong with the occasional shelling, but understanding how that amplifies all the stress around you is a key to continued enjoyment. Training is only as good as our ability to recover from it . . . and frankly, live a satisfying life in all areas. And, when did it become "only" a 70.3? Topics: Weather and forecasts What’s going on in triathlon? Is the season feeling long? Get rid of burden Simplify Reducing marginal stress Controlling our ability to be prepared Why do we like triathlon? Making decisions about MORE Craig Alexander is back on the bike after 7 years Filling every corner of your plate Racing is your ability to execute Is it the races or the accumulation of days of stress that wears you out Average power vs Normalized power costs Training is only as good as your ability to recover from it Dropping things off your plate You don’t have to be in a constant state of stress Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#950 – Wake That Sh*t Up
08/25/2026
#950 – Wake That Sh*t Up
For all of you enamored and in love with AI, here’s your AI podcast summary: This episode dives into the mental shifts and unconventional strategies needed to revitalize your triathlon training and racing experience. The discussion begins by addressing the "Dog Days of Summer," a period when athletes often fall into a slump, lulled into a routine of long, slow training sessions. However, the hosts suggest that you might not actually be tired of training itself, but rather bored of the monotony. By introducing concepts like "waking that sh*t up" with dynamic efforts, embracing unusual topics like birds and swimming, and understanding that "seeing it means believing it," you can change your attitude and find your fitness again. Training should remain fluid, allowing you to make it what you want it to be so that you stay mentally engaged and genuinely like the process. The conversation shifts to practical, reality-based race preparation, highlighting the profound relief an athlete feels simply by arriving at the race site. Success on race day depends heavily on being rational about your goals and maintaining your confidence, such as having the discipline to let competing riders surge ahead up the road without chasing them. A major focal point is the psychological side of performance: if your mind isn't ready to race, your body won't follow, no matter how physically prepared you are. Ultimately, the goal is to show up to the starting line feeling both fresh and fit, looking forward to the event rather than dreading it. Finally, the podcast tackles unconventional training volumes, exploring how to successfully finish a Full Ironman on limited training. The hosts break down why a condensed schedule is actually a preferred way to train for most people, especially athletes who are naturally averse to grueling, exhaustive long rides. Instead of grinding yourself into the ground, the key strategy is to "stop short" on your workouts to preserve mental and physical energy. This approach proves that you can feel highly confident and successful without sacrificing your entire life to the sport, redefining what it takes to conquer ultra-distance racing. Topics: Birds and Swimming Dog Days of Summer Finding your Fitness again Seeing it means believing it Changing Your Attitude The relief of getting to the race site “This” is a preferred way to train most people Doing Full Ironman on limited training Athletes averse to long rides Mentally engaged When we look forward to a race Fresh and fit If the mind isn’t ready to race You have to like it mostly Being rational about your race goals Confidence and letting riders go up the road Feeling confident and successful Lulled into long and slow everything Sometimes we’re not actually tired of training Make training what you want it to be, sometimes. Wake that sh*t up Stop Short Keep all of this fluid Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#949 – The Ebb and Flow Of Taper Confidence
08/20/2026
#949 – The Ebb and Flow Of Taper Confidence
Today we look at how our confidence can rise and fall based on the simplest things.. Taper is a good example, but it also happens in training and racing. We use a couple of analogies, golf and gambling, and how they can teach us lessons on being steady and racing the right way. How do you know if the stars are aligning in a race and you can go for it? We talk about staying within yourself and the me vs me philosophy… we talk about when to go for it and when to “lay up.” We look at comparison and how it can be a rabbit hole of negatives. Make up sessions. Using your instincts in taper. Being ready for challenges you can’t see. Topics: Taper - how does it work? What is the perfect taper When the stars align Blaming success or failure on your taper Ebbing and flowing confidence Loving one discipline and tolerating the others The over-fatigue melding with the fresh It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be Over-cooking your strength You want to be content Putting for a three foot circle instead of the hole Emotional swings in races Laying up in a race Recognizing when it IS your day Unforseen challenges Check in and move on Comparing with yourself 3 years ago Real definition of conservative racing Gambling attitudes Polarized efforts Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#948 – A Lot Of Things Can Happen In A Month
08/18/2026
#948 – A Lot Of Things Can Happen In A Month
A lot of things can happen in your last month of training before a big race. Today, we talk about what some of them are and why the last thing you want is to start dreading the sport. How do you keep your body and mind right as training gets more intense and the weather heats up? Burnout is a slow burn and often starts with obsession. Obsession to the outcome instead of what’s happening today. As coaches it’s likely we’d rather have you miss a few days here and there than get into a funk of dread. We look at ways to keep your bandwidth open and be available to train. We talk about keeping perspective on what you want . . . really want from this sport. We talk about the price it takes to be the best and why that isn’t for most people. We can’t be great at everything, and it’s usually not how fast you go, but how little you slow down. Topics: A lot can happen in a month The psychology of a triathlete Missing workouts in your race month Last month focus to be your best It’s not how fast you go, but how little you slow down Over-obsessing with metrics Can’t be great at everything When every day becomes a chore Worry and the pressure of expectations Having bandwidth to be available Keeping perspective and having fun What do you want? Really want? Are you willing to do that level of work? Do you want the work or the result? Saying no to things you enjoy When Mike finally realized how he makes himself dread the training. Don’t put values on everything Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#947 – Ready To Run Off The Bike
08/13/2026
#947 – Ready To Run Off The Bike
Today, we take you through the bike and swim and talk about all kinds of ways you can be smarter so you’re ready to run off the bike. We talk about handling hills, keeping the ego in check on flats, along with effort indicators that you may be digging a hole. We look at how to gain time, how to breathe, and the worst way to try and gain time. We talk about the concept of burning “mini-matches” in the swim and bike. We look at ways to save fatigue, climbs vs. descents, and being in the right gear at the right time. We look at the importance of comfort in your wetsuit, sighting practice, and why you should be using a pull buoy more often. Topics: Hills and climbing Effort indicators How the hills chip away at your legs Shallow breathing Is nasal breathing the best indicator? Higher watts, trying harder, and going slower How to gain time in efficient ways The worst way to gain time Getting in the right gear at the right time Burning min-matches Saving fatigue The importance of keeping your line and cornering Climbs vs. Descents Finding sighting landmarks, especially when choppy Your overall comfort level is key Wetsuit issues and why you need to wear it often in training Nothing new on race day Is your neck pain from the bike or swim? Why you should use a pull buoy more often as the race nears Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#946– Ironman Wisconsin Q&A
08/11/2026
#946– Ironman Wisconsin Q&A
Today, we talk about Wisconsin, but once again these topics are good for most Ironman courses. We look into personal needs bags and what to put in them. We talk about where most people go wrong on the bike course. We also discuss why it’s so ripe for making bad decisions. We look at the C26 race weekend activities. We also give some input on doing the Wisconsin double. And we get back to the bike and how to mentally and physically handle bumpier roads. How do you get to Mile 20 of the marathon ready to bring it home? And finally, where the C26 Spectator crews like to hang out on the course. Topics: Fall in Wisconsin Where is Personal Needs and what are must haves in your bags? Where do people most go wrong on the bike course? You’re racing yourself It’s a landmine type of bike course There are many opportunities to make bad decisions Tips for the Wisconsin Double Try to negative split both days Mental and Physical advice for bumpier roads Where do the C26 Spectators hang out? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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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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