Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

It's not about who's fastest, it's about who slows down the least. You need energy to be motivated and self-imposed stress sucks the life out of you. Today we talk about trending vs. tracking your training, banking sleep, and remembering to play like a kid. Also, the anxiety from attachment, looking at data from the wrong perspective and why getting slower isn't really a thing.  Topics: One Common...

It's hard to always stay motivated yet easy to slip off the rails. And one of the biggest traps is comparing ourselves to others. Today, Mike talks about how this has happened to him since his father passed, but also how it's help remind him that we shouldn't take health and fitness for granted. The guys open up about intention and struggles in an effort to find the best ways to appreciate trainin...

Today's podcast is all about how workouts link together and why life outside of training is an important factor in the decision process. Your mind and body aren't always telling the same story, so it's important to truly understand effort and its relationship to the big picture. When you trust the purpose of today's workout, that sets you up for more consistency tomorrow and the week, which leads...

How do you prioritize Endurance, Strength and Speed training for different courses and races? It should be a balance, but not always in even proportions. We look at priority and periodization based on goals. Why big gears aren't just strength work. Overusing muscles. Return on your swim stroke investment. Why you get sore arms while swimming and sore legs on transition runs. Connecting endurance,...

Many of us get into triathlon to figure out who we really are and that process is more effective and enjoyable if we love the sport. And loving the sport is a process. Today, we reflect on Kobe Bryant's life and his passion for, not only the game, but everything he did, and tie it into our daily approach with triathlon. Kobe's death is a painful reminder that life is fragile and triathlon is much...

We get into the sport to grow and become more confident, but . . . what do we do in those weak moments? The best athletes (and people) are always learning. Today, we look at a lot of examples we experience in coaching and how we approach insecurities that pop up in training. The stress of missing workouts, injuries, worry about not being ready, judging ourselves too harshly, etc. Training should b...

We are by no means experts, but today we take an open look at the never ending debate over weight loss and proper race weight. Everything is on the table including body image, guilt, shame, binge eating, strength vs. optimum weight, and power per kilo. Triathlon is often a road to weight loss, but changing a lifestyle comes with a lot of stress and cutting calories is a slippery slope. We talk abo...

We start with a little podcast reflection about what this community means to us, then head into managing training amongst the chaos of life. We talk about the things like the source of anxiety, how to race "free," and why training means nothing if you don't have a handle on your life. Robbie talks about his biggest role as a coach, Mike hits on longevity and easing the fear after his father's deat...

There's not much like the mind games you play with yourself at the end of a race. We call it "internal bargaining." Whether it a half or full Ironman or Marathon, it usually comes back to effort and execution. Today we look at how that breaks out within a marathon and the strategies you can use to talk yourself through the pain while keeping your pace. Topics: Hydrating for more than a one day eve...

It's tough keeping indoor trainer rides and treadmill runs interesting, but today was look at simple methods that not only keep you engaged, but give you really solid workouts. Plus, Robbie checks in from his first day at the Dopey Challenge with a strategy plan for the rest of his weekend. Also, hot tea and energy, pitfalls of virtual training, execution based goals and long-term body balance.  T...

To be a good runner, you have build in a way that makes sense. In Part 2 of our How To Not Suck at Running (part one is episode #317) Coach Robbie talks about how to work in tempo and negative split mentality in a way that tests adaptation, but doesn't beat you down when adding more swim and bike volume. In triathlon, you "get faster" by being able to exert more energy late in the run. As we've sa...

Most times the best solution for fear, pain, and suffering is to simply Lean Into It. Life throws a lot of curveballs overthinking can be a curse. Today, Mike talks about a difficult start to his new year and how he's been reminded the best solution is often just accepting and sitting at peace in the moment. The guys talk about how that applies directly to training and racing.  Topics: Play triath...

Coach Robbie and Mike get into athlete mode and discuss some of the biggest things they learned in 2019. Where they found inspiration, what mistakes they made on the course, and some of the smartest things they did while racing and training. Listening to your life situation and being okay with that. Making your strength an advantage on the course. What makes you tick? How do you focus on that and...

Most of us think of quality sessions as our "long run" or tough intervals on the trainer. We're here to tell you that way of thinking is a myth. Just because something is harder doesn't make it more important. Today we look at the concept of quality training and what that means for a short run, a recovery swim or an easy spin on the trainer. Become more in tune with each workout by adjusting the m...

Whether we're just getting started or a veteran to the sport, we have to look at what's right for OUR journey at this time. Today we outline a strategy for your 2020 season and how to keep it simple and stay on track for what's best for YOU. The steps start around the 20 minute mark, but we talk about running and some other stuff before. Enjoy and have a great holiday! A 3 year old's Christmas C26...

This podcast talks about the process and how to stop talking yourself out of success and progress. We talk about the proper way to build your endurance in a lasting way. Also, early season races and what you should be working on now. And we introduce the new website, its purpose and why it represents a new chapter in many ways. We also introduce a new coaching program that's targeted to self-coach...

How do we get stronger and faster? Hit more PRs? The simple truth is repetition and adaptation. Mastering one thing is hard enough, but triathlon is 3 sports. The time, the energy, and the focus can seem daunting until we clean up the weeds in our lives and create the right amount of space to handle the load. Today is about how we get stronger by getting clear on who we are, creating habits, and m...

What if you looked at your Christmas wish list as a way to help you be a better triathlete? Today, we break down 7 essential and affordable items that might not be the flashiest things but will definitely help you feel and perform better next year. Be a better swimmer, cyclist, runner, and racer with the Crushing Iron Essentials. Thanks for listening! Topics:  Sound investments for Triathletes Set...

Are you truly honest with yourself about your race goals or are you basing targets on the Triathlon False Positives? Today, we look at energy exertion and how triathletes trick themselves into thinking training days equal race performance. We look at smart race planning for bike with real average and normalized watts. How running with music and cycling to movies can affect your race energy, and ho...

Sometimes things we hate wind up being our strongest loves. Today we look at recognizing true strengths, dealing with global stress, and finding consistent energy. We also look at our baggage stories and how they grow roots that talk us out of exploring things we are meant to do. Do you have pre-conceived beliefs about "why" you can't do something? Believe in yourself, but don't always believe you...

Are you battling a nagging injury or annoying pain? Having trouble finding the time? Struggling with the off-season routine? This is the podcast for you. Today, we look at how to frame your thought for manageable wins. Beat negative energy and remove internal conflict to unleash a process that helps you feel alive and energized -- and lets you to train, so you can train, like you need to train.  T...

Ready to plan your 2020 Triathlon Season in a concrete, proven way for success? Today, we lay out a systems that keeps you honest and focused while going after your hopes and dreams. We look at important variables when you're picking races, the best people to help you make honest choices, and how your ego gets in the way of success. Triathlon Thanksgiving Dinner Conversation Look at yourself as an...

A lot of talk this time of year about being grateful, but do we remember what it really means? Today, some of the harsh judgements we make on ourselves and how easy it is to be unappreciative of what we have and how things are going. The guys share a couple of important stories to remind us that sometimes our truest fortune is being able to do what we're already doing. Topics: Beating that sluggis...

Are you burning too many brain calories on doubt and confusion? Today, we look at athletes can be their own energy vampires. We look at the concept of planting "training seeds" instead of digging deep mental and emotional holes that serve no purpose. Each day we have a limited amount of energy and many times we overspend on the athlete and pilfer from the human. Topics: Do this for you Stop trying...

How do we get better at cycling while retaining a strong run? Today we look at how your FTP can be misleading and taking you down the wrong road. We also look at key training sessions that make the difference in long distance racing. Better testing, cycling's body punches, and how every session is connected.  Topics: Challenges of Northern Weather Godfather of polarized training Cross country skii...