Podcast
Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast
Hosted by Crushing Iron · EN
Crushing Iron is an age grouper and his coach talking and learning about triathlon. Together they explore the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual side of training and racing everything from a Sprint to an Ironman. Great for beginners and intermediates triathletes. Released every Monday and Thursday.
35episodes
Episodes
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#936 – The Absurdity Of Ironman (Listener Q&A)
4d ago01:07:01Tap to summarizeToday 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#935 – Listener Q & A
6d ago01:01:08Tap to summarizeToday, 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#934 – Is This A Hobby or Stress Builder?
2w ago01:02:40Tap to summarizeToday 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#933 – Ironman 70.3 Rockford - 2026 RECAP
2w ago01:08:56Tap to summarizeFresh 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#932 – Just Go For It
3w ago01:02:38Tap to summarizeThe 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#931 – Clear Mind and Strong Training
3w ago00:58:33Tap to summarizeMany 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#930 – Listener Q&A
May 2701:20:13Tap to summarizeOur 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 mike@c26triathlon.com robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →929 – Stroking Your Ego or Making Progress?
May 2100:55:42Tap to summarizeSometimes 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#928 – It's All About The Challenge
May 1901:04:03Tap to summarizeAfter 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
Transcribe →#927 – Find Something That Breaks You
May 701:03:21Tap to summarizeToday, 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com
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