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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#891 – What Do You REALLY Want From Triathlon?
11/18/2025
#891 – What Do You REALLY Want From Triathlon?
Is your REAL goal to be fast, healthy, or just have a good time with training and racing? Today, we talk about why it’s important to define your true aspirations in the sport so you can come to an internal agreement with yourself as the year rolls on. It’s not uncommon for athletes to go through an identity crisis many times a year. We get into some of our personal struggles as we look at finding our sweet spot with training, racing, and life. We also look at clashing value systems and how that can make things tougher. ----------- Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at Topics: The Final IM Arizona New races coming? Will they build a really hard race? Looking at racing calendars What if you travel a lot? 70.3 three weeks before IM? Harder to deal with the unexpected than a busy schedule Be patient with your planning How much race intensity is goo for you over the season? What do you really want to accomplish? Athlete identity crisis Do you have the patience and desire to accomplish your goal? How much is worth it to you? Are your values clashing? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!
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#890 – The Psychology of A Day Off
11/13/2025
#890 – The Psychology of A Day Off
Going HARD is easy to understand, but taking rest for recovery of your mind and body can sometimes create guilt. Why do we think like that? Today, we dive into the psychology of taking a day, or two, off when our body needs it. We also talk about getting trapped in upper Zone 2 and how that can often turn into Zone 3 which is wearing you down far more than you think. We look at junk miles and asked if they really are junk, or if they’re something more than we think. We talk flexibility, pliability, and how range of motion can create more economy in your stroke, peddling, and stride. Explore the definition of “quality” and look at things from a different perspective. Be objective and understand the big picture. ------ Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at Topics: Thanksgiving ranked as a holiday Making up time in training . . . The Psychology of Days Off Gordo Byrn Perspective Rest is extremely important Over trained or under recovered? Why is it so hard to take a rest day? Is Zone 1 junk miles? Does Zone 2 turn into Zone 3 for you? Flexibility, pliability, limberness Walk/runs The continuum from yogi to bodybuilder Using HR - Controlling HR and time Don’t ruin the rest of your week on one set Do “junk miles” help your pliability? Rest, recovery, quality Different buckets of QUALITY Howe economical is your body? Deteriorating quality as we go Monitor yourself objectively Courage to take a day off Being flexible in the training plan Going hard is easy to understand, loving yourself and respecting your body is tougher. Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!
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#889 – Ironman 70.3 World Championship - Courage to Come Back and Leave it on the line
11/11/2025
#889 – Ironman 70.3 World Championship - Courage to Come Back and Leave it on the line
Today we look at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship weekend. We break down each event, including the unbelievable comebacks for Lucy and Taylor, along with the wild 3 second separation finish in the men’s. We talk coming back from a bad race and turning it back on again. Having a short memory and the ability to let it rip. Great discussion about what the pros are doing and how it applies to you! ----------- Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at Topics: Water temps If you’re doing anything, you’re doing something Facing the elements Weather Zones 70.3 World Championship Tough course The women bounce back I made mistakes, now I have an opportunity Short memories Bad races or workouts don’t define us What’s going on with your life? The best change can be no change Get back on the horse Showing no fear Men’s race Electric Finish YouTube clip of final mile head to head - Old school beach start Looking at watch on the run Pure competition wins Ironman has had a great year Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!
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#888 – Zone Zero
11/06/2025
#888 – Zone Zero
We can’t go hard all the time. Movement is medicine and those movements should have different speeds. Today we get into Zone Zero or active recovery or supplemental movement. It doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s a key piece of the big picture puzzle. And often it doesn’t even include motion directly related to triathlon. We’ll go over simple ways to ensure longevity and even race better by giving your recovery the attention it deserves. ----------- Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at Topics: The Original Iron Men 2,632 in a row The legendary ultra man Endurance junkies So. Much. Sitting. Walking for your health Supplemental movements Trying to fix the problem with the problem Just don’t think about it Extra BP to get out of a slump F*ck around with no agenda It’s all projection What’s sustainable? Park your car further away When the mainstream thinks we’re dumb The road less travelled takes conviction People may think you’re crazy, but make them think you’re crazier Do you skip recovery? Call it active recovery Do you move or sit on your ass? What’s gonna help the work be better? Was that this morning or yesterday? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures!
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#887 – Learn To Love The Process
11/04/2025
#887 – Learn To Love The Process
Are you giving enough love to the process? Today, we look at what the process is and why it’s really the way ti get better and get more out of life and triathlon. We point out that when you are “looking forward” to simple aerobic runs and rides you’re probably in a good place. We can’t rush our way through process to get to performance. It’s all tied together and the process can become your healthy addiction and keep you away from burnout. Let’s all make the goal to end 2025 like you want to begin 2026. ------------- Empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment. Check out for 2026! Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our C26 Gear available . Topics: Halloween revisited (Triathlon talk starts around the 9 min mark) Feeling tension to be done before you even get started Why it’s so important to love the process Process, Purpose, Performance. Wanting aerobic workouts to be done. Plunge patience Ending 2025 like you want to start 2026 There is no end game Tougher to get “better” when aging What you resist is what your soul craves Go toward what scares you Healthy addiction The more you want it, the less likely you are to get it Burn out Be involved in the process of GETTING BETTER When performance is your shining star Habits create a craving All or nothing can ruin everything Accumulating time in Zone Zero Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out ! Check out our swim camps at
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#886 – Max Flexibility Season
10/31/2025
#886 – Max Flexibility Season
Don’t turn triathlon into a job you hate. Now is the time to embrace flexibility and work on being healthy, happy, and a more resilient athlete. Today we look at the toughest times of the year and how to use them to your advantage. We also get into how gratitude makes us faster. We talk about keeping an eye on how far you’ve come. We talk maintaining vs. losing and how your body will thank you on race day. We talk about why overly specific interval training is overrated. We look at burn out and how to make sure you can have a long and healthy life with triathlon as your guide. Topics: Embrace The Costume Day Ironman Florida 2nd Toughest Time of Year for Training Last hour of the road trip When we get sooo close to the season Max Flexibility Season It’s keep moving time Starting a band Cramming for a test The triathlete’s seasonal cycle Craving the run? It’s Yellow Season Gratitude can make us faster Look back at how far you’ve come Don’t let yourself fall so far behind Being an Athlete versus Chasing a Race Goal Not going too far in either direction Maintaining instead of losing Excuses in relation to the time of year Choose your adventure Making sure athletes do aerobic work Specific training overrated? Building a base . . . of consistency Why people get burned out Don’t turn triathlon into a job you hate Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce - Check us out at Looking to find your flow? Check out !
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#885 – Heart Rate, Power, or RPE?
10/23/2025
#885 – Heart Rate, Power, or RPE?
Today we look at the three dominant metrics in triathlon: Heart Rate, Power, and RPE. Which one is right for you, and does that answer change with different variables? We look at things like time of the day, time of the year, and adjusting based on how you feel. We tackle questions like intensity vs. volume and look at different scenarios depending on if you’re racing an Ironman or something shorter. We talk Vo2 max and look at whether or not you should even be thinking about it. And we also get into how a lot of triathletes screw up their races with nutrition. Topics: Wetsuit legal questions Dominant metrics When to use power vs HR vs RPE Does the time of day matter? Different stress from different pools Hot water, cold water, shallow water When are you strongest on the bike? Is HR higher in the morning? Warm ups Lower volume, higher intensity Swim hard, bike aerobic, run hard? Looking at numbers too often How we screw up our races with nutrition Smash test for a 15 hour race? Vo2 Max - small piece of the puzzle Keep it alive and primed Putting in the real volume Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#884 – Freedom Meets Discipline
10/16/2025
#884 – Freedom Meets Discipline
Motivation is fleeting. How do we train and live in such a way that we’re looking forward to what’s next? Not down the road in 10 months, but what’s next today and tomorrow? Today, we look at finding a good combination of freedom within the discipline. Do you buy in to your direction or are you struggling with understanding the real goals? Do you have conviction for what you’re chasing? Topics: Favorite Holidays Four reels per week? What’s the top thing to do right now? Put your shoes on and go We all need freedom Racing season is our school year Finding a freedom and discipline mix Athlete buy-in and conviction Workouts as prompts Mine and matching workouts Getting that dopamine rush Accepting the outcome Guiding and giving options Creating new options Enlightened monk is like winning the age group Less conviction to one thing Igniting a workout It’s YOUR dream Long-term buy in to yourself Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#883 – Kona 2025 Recap
10/14/2025
#883 – Kona 2025 Recap
What a race! Today we go through our observations of the Kona Women’s World Championship. We start with some intriguing swim strategies, get into decision making on the bike, and look at what might have gone wrong from the leaders in the run. It was a fascinating day and we get into the concept of going wire to wire. Mental pressure. Working together. How smart can you be. And why it clearly ain’t over till it’s over. Topics: 100 Milers Spoiler alert It ain’t over til it’s over Lucy Charles Barclay Taylor Knibb Kat Matthews Solveig Lovseth Kona swim Pro swim strategies Did they race like Age groupers to win? Keeping the core temp down is the goal Surges Racing by impulse How smart can you be? The Ass tap The meltdown He coaches both Julie Moss You have to do you when they don’t do them Is parity good for the sport? Gambling? Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#882 – Being, And Staying At Your Best, Plus 2025 Kona Preview
10/07/2025
#882 – Being, And Staying At Your Best, Plus 2025 Kona Preview
Today we come partly from the great north of Wisconsin. We get into Kona predictions, jeans and ribeyes, then dive into the question of: how do the best separate themselves from the rest. We bring it to an age group level and explore how we can be at our best then stay at our best. How do we outwork doubt? Topics: Jeans and ribeyes Cold Weather Lake Superior Kona Women Biggest Questions What's the difference between the best and rest Do you over correct? Game face in training Outworking your doubts How do you respond after your best race? Is it enough? You have to detrain We need room for growth
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#881 – The Case For Slowing Down This Fall
10/02/2025
#881 – The Case For Slowing Down This Fall
This is a great time to build the cake, or maybe even just put your shopping list together. Today, we look at the unlimited potential of aerobic capacity and why it’s at the core of making you a better long course athlete. We talk about Mark Allen’s quest to beat Dave Scott and how patience allowed him to set the IM run course record. We get into using this time to reduce your stress and level your cortisol to be a healthier person. We look at how your body adapts to training and how we actually get faster and stronger. Get faster in a more meaningful (and functional) way. The goal right now is to train in a way so that you feel good tomorrow . . . and the next day. Be patient and the speed will come. Topics: We all have options Sitting in no man’s land FOMO on both sides of the aisle Build the aerobic reservoir High intensity can wait Is periodization dead? Roller coaster highs and lows are bad for the body Using TIME to reduce stress Aerobic work is maximum quality Keep showing up but “don’t try” The poison is in the dose DNF rate going up? Stress Flexibility Fatigue resistance Don’t eat into your ability to push threshold Running and swimming as intuitive strengths Your training plan as a menu Mark Allen - 7 months of no intensity for the win How your body adapts and gets stronger Consistency going out of your watt range Waking up the next day able to do it again Peaks and valleys are stressful Get faster in a meaningful way The goal is to feel good tomorrow Don’t feel good just to dig another hole Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#880 – Building Your Internal Fire In The Off Season
09/30/2025
#880 – Building Your Internal Fire In The Off Season
Post race highs. Post race lows. And everything in between. Today, we look at this journey as something that honestly builds health. Are your expectations bringing too much pressure and anxiety into your life? Are you falling into the traps over and over? Are you really training for health or to chase false hope? We like to think of this sport as a long range compass that should build strength, health, and sustainability. Exercise is supposed to give you energy, not take it away. Stay away from too high or too low. Find something that moves you each day and makes you look forward to tomorrow. Topics: Easy course? Fools errand? Ironman is always hard Post IM Chattanooga discussion You’re never guaranteed a PR Built up passive tension behind racing When you want it so bad it becomes counter productive Expectations of greatness . . . or fear How hope can get into your psyche Age Group traps Learning lessons from pros Health and human performance Treating training differently Creating tension in January When we build the opposite of health A well intended training regime Are you doing this to be healthier? Sacrificing everything to gain nothing Can I accept what I do? Long runways for races Perpetual journey of sustainability Don’t future trip High Races - Low Races - Moderate races Exercise is supposed to give you energy, not take it away Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#879 – Ironman Chattanooga 2025 Preview
09/25/2025
#879 – Ironman Chattanooga 2025 Preview
Today we go through how to race Ironman Chattanooga, plus, give a few suggestions on how they could spice up the course. We used to live in Chattanooga and raced there a bunch of times. Today, we dive into race strategy and give thoughts on how to run one of the more difficult courses on the Ironman circuit. We talk about how to approach the swim both strategically and mentally. We look at the 3 loop bike course which could be the hilliest flat course out there. Then we get into the run and talk about why it’s such a great course. The ups, the downs and the opportunity to change up your pace/effort. Finally we look at ways to make this race just a little more appealing by incorporating some of the best parts of an awesome city. Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Topics: Swimming in fog Weight loss and scales Meteorologists are geologists Dehydration and bowel movements Chattanooga the city When you forget your timing chip Going in last in the swim Don’t “expect” a fast swim, just be surprised How to swim the river Fast swims as transition cancellers The hilliest flattest bike course out there No turns Keeping it steady How to recognize false flats Run course segments/strategy Where to engage the run legs Running up Barton Why it’s a great run course Sneaky hard part The finish line Our favorite restaurants Recommendations for a better finish line How to re-route the run General ideas for spicing up Ironman Chattanooga’s course Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#878 – Listener Q&A
09/23/2025
#878 – Listener Q&A
Today we dive into your awesome questions with what might be one of our longest podcasts to date. We tackle back pain and bad bike position. We get into the best lifting exercises for performance. We look at the power behind tackling non-traditional triathlons and other events. We look at how to be faster and stronger as you age. Vo2 max as seniors. How do you know when you need a break. Capitalizing on race fitness or flirting with burnout? And We put the spotlight on ourselves to find out what we preach but don't always follow. Topics: Back pain Bad bike position When to get new shoes for cycling and running Complex lifting for strength and speed Do the best triathletes lift heavy?? What advice to we give out but not always follow? Do we look at workouts we give and think, "man, I'm glad I'm not doing that." Non traditional triathlons Being a well rounded athlete Keep triathlon as your base focus but branch out Capitalizing on fitness gained from a race or flirting with burnout? 60+ athletes and speed, strength, and injury prevention How to tell when it's time to take a break from swim, or bike, or run What do you want to be doing in 10 years? When do I go from a online training plan to a coach? What coaches are good for Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#877 –Being At Your Best On Race Day
09/18/2025
#877 –Being At Your Best On Race Day
Today we start with an Ironman World Championship breakdown and bridge into how we can learn from how the pros race. We get into understanding what you have on certain days and adjusting on the fly. We talk about how trying to save 10 minutes on the bike can cost you an hour on the bike and why. We look at “expectations” and how they should/can be adjusted as the day goes on. Finding your Best Race with what you have that day. Learning your body’s signals. What if you “kinda have it and you kinda don’t?” Everyone has a plan until . . . Support the podcast by getting your hands on some awesome C26 Triathlon gear at Topics: Ironman World Championship They all train together Run surges Age Groupers vs. Pros Adjusting pace on the fly “Thinking” you have more than you do in the tank Underperforming with too much science Expecting your best race Kinda had it . . . kinda didn’t have it Hope is not a plan Everyone has a plan until . . . Finding your 10 out of 10 on Race Day Understanding what you have today Learning your body’s signals How to dig deeper holes 10 minutes on the bike can cost you an hour on the run Ironman analogies for life How this going to affect my sleep? Decisions create habits Mike Tarrolly - Robbie Bruce -
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#876 – Primal Instinct Training and Racing
09/12/2025
#876 – Primal Instinct Training and Racing
We start by talking about a C26 athlete that raced without a watch at Ironman Wisconsin and dive into the mentality of being in tune with your body. We get into the psychology of logged workouts and really understanding what’s going on from day to day. We talk about why 3 Zones may be all you need to train by. We get into data trends over time and if you’re chasing the wrong goals. One of the hardest parts of this sport is recognizing minimal and imperceptive changes in the short term. We talk athlete over-analysis, and why most often don’t even know what they’re really looking at. We look at why aerobic training works and how making things feel easy might be the most underrated part of training. Topics: Racing without a watch Gauging time by the sun Primal instincts The psychology of logging and reading workouts Nasal breathing as the perfect technology Why most athletes might be better off training with only 3 Zones Going backwards Resisting the over analysis temptations Things that can affect our breathing Warming up the lungs Chasing that labored feeling too much When you’re chasing the wrong goals Recognizing small gains or changes Athlete over-analysis Why many athletes don’t really understand what they’re looking at So many combinations of variables Some of your medium sessions might be your best Making things feel easy The true power of aerobic work Long term system work World Championship Predictions Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce -
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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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce -
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