Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

#506 – Stop Forcing It

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you know you can finish a long workout, but it will shell you for the next week, why would you do it? Today, it's about reality checks and truly fe...

#505 – Fall Race Countdown - Nerves, Taper, Fatigue and Speed

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We start with some big changes in Kona and St. George. Then we get into the last weeks before a ton of Fall Races…. What should you be working on, t...

#504 – Why Patient Athletes Win

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This may seem simple or boring but we believe it is the absolute key to successful racing. Be patient, often way longer than you think you need to be....

#503 – Don't Beat Yourself Into The Ground

14 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's no such thing as a perfect lead up to a race. No matter where you are, there are things you can do to get your mind and body in the best place...

#502 – Listener Q&A from the Lake

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We head back to our roots with this one as Mike is at the lake in Wisconsin and Robbie is at his mom's in Nashville. We talk about training on vacatio...

#501 – Absorbing and Managing Training Load

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about how you should "feel" when you train. How much is too much, how much is not enough. Is 70.3 shape good enough to do a short Ironma...

#500 – Podcast 500

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We made it to 500 and couldn't have done it without you. We reflect a little and possibly discover the origin moment of C26. We also talk about some o...

#499 – Real, Deep, Honest Race Reflection

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Mike and Robbie talk about mistakes they made in Ohio and more importantly, what they learned. Even bad races can be success stories if you lear...

#498 – Ironman 70.3 OHIO Recap

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Another "Road Cast" as we go over everything we learned and experienced at Ohio 70.3. C26 had 30 athletes race, including Coach Robbie, and Mike (Run ...

#497 – OHIO 70.3 Preview – LIVE From The Road

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we talk about Ironman 70.3 Ohio from the Road as we drive to Columbus. The double transition, swim tactics and warm up, bike course and why you...

#496 – The Race Within The Race

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We open with talk of Jan Frodeno vs. Lionel Sanders in the Tri-Battle. Then it's into ideas about how we might do a version of a unique triathlon. The...

#495 – Let Go of Your Doubts

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mike takes us inside his Ironman Chattanooga training with some unique admissions. Plus, why training in the heat can get in our heads so much. Reason...

#494 – Racing Your Best Ironman

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This one meanders a bit, but then gets into actionable Ironman racing strategies. How physical meets mental throughout the day. When/if to turn up the...

#493 – This is YOUR Journey

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Improvement comes when we're least stressed but the pressure to be green in training peaks or perfect leading up to a race can take over our mindset, ...

#492 – The Beauty of Bad Days

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot of beauty in bad days. They can remind us that we're in the ballpark, we still need work, or help us realize patience. We always have wo...

#491 – What Makes Ironman So Hard

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The nuances can make or break your race. Today, we get into what to look for, how to think about it, and fix it, often times on the fly. We look at wh...

#490 – Do Uncomfortable Things

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It was a Wild weekend of Racing and C26 Triathlon Camping and we get into it all. Plus, we really look at why we might do such a tough sport and what ...

#489 – Listener Questions - Open water swim workouts, marathons during training, smart trainers, core temp, better cycling

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is an energized cast inspired by you. Some great open water training/workout ideas. We talk double-transition strategy and give insight for spect...

#488 – A Healthy Relationship With Training (And Yourself)

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast was inspired by a vulnerable post about body image in our closed Facebook group. We touch on that, then get into healthy approaches to tr...

#487 – Progress Equals Happiness

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do we find happiness in the process? A lot of triathletes have "the worst day ever" or "I'm ready for the podium" workouts, but how can we gravita...

#486 – We Have To Do The Work

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you training for goals or the Possibilities. It's an interesting distinction, but when you leave it open ended there's less "what do I do next" an...

#485 – Heat, Humidity, Dew Point -- Best Training Practices

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you don't like hair cut stories, skip to 10 minute mark. After that it's all about how to handle the heat, humidity and dew point. How you should t...

#484 – How To Not Suck At Swimming #7

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It started with a simple question: How do swimmers get a better feel for the water? Then it went all on into how and why triathletes should approach s...

#483 – Life/Triathlon Balance . . . and Success

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We start with discussion on the Iron Cowboy's 100 straight days of Iron Distance triathlons. Then we get into creating your desired lifestyle in and a...

#482 – Fix Your Weak Links

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's easy to do things we're good at, but triathlon weaknesses usually set the race tone. Today we talk about how we've been pushing each other to wor...

#481 – The Fear of Pain

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you at peace with your training/racing efforts, or is something holding you back? Today, we get into flirting with the fringe to explore your limi...

#480 – Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga Recap

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It was a massive weekend in Chattanooga and at the C26 Hub. We had fifty people racing and hundreds stopped in to say hi. Today, we reflect on Chattan...

#479 – Chattanooga 70.3 Course Preview

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We live in Chattanooga and have done this race many times. This weekend, especially with the heat, it's all about pacing and fueling. Overdoing the bi...

#478 – There's No Such Thing As Always Going Up

18 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We can't get faster every day. There has to be an unloading process to recover. Today we look at the point of taper, the importance of taking days off...

#477 – Listener Questions - Taper, Improving Speed, Pace vs. Effort, Zone 2, 3, and 4, Balancing Power and Pace, Beating Burnout

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we opened up to athletes in our Crushing Iron Facebook Group. Some great questions, including: How to look at and manage taper, including diet. ...

#476 – Race Strategy and Confidence

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The best athletes don't worry about bad breaks or rough weather conditions, they prepare for them. Today starts with Coach Robbie professing his new i...

#475 – Living, Training, and Racing without Fear or Guilt

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of us use this sport as a vehicle to be better people and athletes but do you feel "free" or are you holding guilt, regret, and fear? Today we t...

#474 – Let Go and Enjoy This

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We start with Ironman 70.3 St. George talk and the Lionel Sanders/Sam Long battle. Also, talk Danielle Ryf and her self-awareness. Then we shift into ...

#473 – Sweet Spots in the Training Cycle

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could have that "new to triathlon" excitement all the time? Today we look at sort of creating a re-birth in the sport while using the expe...

#472 – Smart vs. Fast

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you racing smart or chasing your ego? Early season races bring all the elements and today we talk about how to handle them along with when smart o...

#471 – Happy and Healthy Training

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a tendency to look at training as an obligation or something that excites you? Today, we get into this often destructive habit and talk ab...

#470 – Racing To Your Potential

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We tend to forget how tough early season races are, and after a big layoff the conditions can really get in our heads. We judge our results too hard a...

#469 – Your 70.3 Attack Plan

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Strategy for attacking a 70.3 has changed a bit over the years with more and more people "racing" it from the opening gun. Today we look at the "strat...

#468 – Texas 70.3 Recap

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A huge turnout for Ironman Texas 70.3 gives us a lot to be excited about. Today, we look at the tough swim, the windy bike, and a run that heated up u...

#467 – IRONMAN TEXAS 70.3 - Preview

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we look at all that is the Texas 70.3 race course. The open water swim and how to handle the currents. Why your transitions will likely be slowe...

#466 – Race Week Mentality – Texas 70.3 Focus

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ironman Texas 70.3 almost here and Coach Robbie talks about his mental approach to Race Week. We get into what not to do during your race week, how to...

#465 – Race Energy is Back

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Let's face it, we all need some Race Energy. Texas and Florida 70.3 wait in the wings and we couldn't be more excited. How will the dynamics change? H...

#464 – Listener Questions Part 2 – Including The Open Water Swimming Mentality

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we start with a discussion of riding in the wind vs. hills; how they compare and how to deal with each. We dig into Training Peaks and explain T...

#463 – Listener Questions – Including Everything You Need to Know About Zone 2

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"Nearly all runners do their slow runs too fast, and their fast runs too slow." – Born To Run  We start with a very detailed discussion about Zone ...

#462 – Resilient, Smart And Strong

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we said, "this isn't rocket science," and today we take it further with talk about how you should train to be resilient, smart, and strong. ...

#461 – This Isn't Rocket Science

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is NOT the "top ten things to be fast." This cast is about simplicity and why it works in training and our lives. Everyone's life and training is...

#460 – Reconnecting with Race Speed and Emotions

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How should we approach our first race back? We suggest looking at it like a controlled scrimmage or dress rehearsal. In other words, a spring board to...

#459 – The State of Triathlon (unofficial)

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Racing is back, so how will the sport look in 2021? We preview Challenge Miami and explore the question of whether Challenge can cut into Ironman 70.3...

#458 – Training with Aches and Pains, Racing By Feel

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Triathlon can seem like a recipe for aches and pains, but is it the sport or something else you're doing? Today, we look at active healing and moving ...

#457 – Are You Ready To Race?

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Holding patterns are starting to break and Race Energy is in the air. Most of us will be "rusty" so it may mean shifting your approach on race day. We...

#456 – What's Good For Your Soul Today?

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isn't all this about feeling good and having more energy? Today, we look at self-judgement, what makes for successful training, and how you should jud...

#455 – Feeling Undertrained?

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The last year has put us in "cancelled" mode, but now we're seeing races sneak up on us and a lot of athletes feel "behind." How do you build confiden...

#454 – Fitness is Fitness

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What happens if we don't train for a week, or two, or three? Are you more worried about losing fitness . . . or confidence? February has sucked for a ...

#453 – Listener Q&A - Coaching Philosophy, FTP, Zwift, RPE, Andrew Messick

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

GREAT QUESTIONS today from our closed Facebook Group. We talk favorite coaches and coaching philosophy. We also go extensively on RPE (Rate of perceiv...

#452 – Triathlon As A Tool To Deal With Life

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How can this sport be used as a extra tool to feel better and put yourself back together, and not be worn out or tired? Today, we talk about personal ...

#451 – Flirting With Pain and Fear

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you leave it all on the course? Did you push that interval enough? Did you have more in you? Today, we get into the concept of training tp push th...

#450 – We Are Never Done

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Run Camp once again taught and reminded us of the importance of committing to getting better by "racing yourself." Today we look at how to motivate ou...

#449 – Fraud or For Real - Part 2

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is our second version of "Fraud or For Real" and we answer questions from our closed Facebook group. We look at drafting on the run, carb loading...

#448 – Body Balance: Simple solutions to aches, pains, and stress

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Triathlon can beat up the body, but some train without chronic aches, pains, and stress. Today, we look at some of the reasons and how you can have a ...

#447 – When You Should Push It . . . And When You Shouldn't

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We go on a run or ride and just don't have it. What next? Do we push it or pull back further than normal? How do we understand when it's time to lay b...

#446 – Mastering Where You Are In the Training Cycle

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all want to see progress, but what about progress within the mastery of where you are? But there's more to improvement than simply going faster. Wh...

#445 – Finding Your Groove

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What puts our mind and body in a groove? Today we explore our own recent experiences with finding the zone. We look at the challenges of holding back....

#444 – Swimming Fast and Fresh

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel stalled in your swim progress? We're sure there's a nugget or two in here that will help you get faster while staying fresh. We look at th...

#443 – Listener Questions 1_14_21

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we turn the podcast over to listener questions from our closed Facebook Group (Search Crushing Iron Group). We get into swim training without a ...

#442 – Perfectionism, Building Volume, and Training That Fits Your Personality

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you putting yourself in situations help you succeed? Today, we look at perils of chasing perfectionism, the secrets to building volume, and how to...

#441 – Can't We Just Have Fun?

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On average, kids laugh so much more than adults… probably 10:1 . . .and triathletes are notorious for being "super serious." Today, we talk about be...

#440 – Let's Start Small

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is life happening TO YOU or around you? The little things add up to tackle the hard things. Spend time and effort on things that are your choice. New ...

#439 - In 2021 . . . Why Not?

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instead of asking why, start saying Why Not? Today we explore the power of moving forward without fear and how that clears the deck for each day. What...

#438 – Learning To Love The Work

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From the great pyramids to tennis to softball to yes, triathlon . . . Today, we talk about ways to fall in love with little wins in training, find con...

#437 – Listener Questions and Answers . . . on a Cozy Christmas Eve

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Back to the Crushing Iron Facebook Group (Search Crushing Iron Group) for listener questions and we got some good ones! Favorite bike workouts, changi...

#436 – Our Thoughts on 2020 – Plus A Recap of Our Team Trail Race

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The team was in for a trail race this weekend and we talk about running 50 miles in the dark. After that, we talk 2020 and how it related to us and ou...

#435 – Don't Buy It, Build It

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all "know" the process is what matters, but how do we stay at peace with the progress? Micro goals vs. macro. Clearing the head and heart. How to r...

#434 – Be Like A Horse In The Gate

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have the patience to be ready when you need to be ready? This is a daily thought process. Today, we look at the best way use short term focus f...

#433 – Are You Training Effectively . . . Or Just Getting More Tired?

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The ultimate questions: How much is too much, or is that enough? Today we walk through understanding the body and how you make gains or create losses ...

#432 - What We Learned from The Pros at "Challenge-Daytona"

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Challenge Daytona was awesome with an absolutely loaded field and we learned a lot from what was pretty much a flawless broadcast. We loved the format...

#431 - How We Coach and Run Our Business

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You have permission to believe. Today, we talk about coaching and how we approach coaching, both with athletes and ourselves. We also talk about our b...

#430 – Rules for December

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

More naps, coffee with friends, hikes with your dog, days off? What's it gonna take? December has always been a tricky month, and this year, maybe mor...

#429 - Making The Right Training Decisions For You

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you're on the roller coaster at times? Going with the same plan that doesn't quite hit the spot? Today we talk about training plans, ...

#428 - Stay Steady . . . Stay The Course

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you moving the right direction? This is the toughest time of a really tough year for all of us. Today, we talk about how "The Standard is The Stan...

#427 - Controlling Your Gears

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We recorded the day before Coach Robbie was leaving for Texas 70.3, but he found out the race was canceled during his drive. The podcast is about his ...

#426 - Racing Free

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year is all about controlling what we can to race and train at our best. With Ironman Arizona yanked away, we look at the emotion racing stirs an...

#425 - "Race Ready" for Ironman Changes/New Rules

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we look at Ironman changes/new racing rules and why they could make you slower if not in the right mindset. The swim set up, transitions, specta...

#424 - It's All About Your Effort

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The rewards comes from effort. It may not be visible but it always shows up. Today, looking at what effort means, both in training and the race. We ta...

#423 - Trail Running, Speed Work, Building Your Strength and Chassis

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about the benefits of running trails, the trouble with speed work, and why Ironman is not about going fast, but "who slows down the leas...

#422 - Inconvenience Is The Opportunity

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"It was too windy." "Too hot or too cold." "Too many people in my lane." What do you do when facing inconvenience? Today we talk about how to turn tra...

#421 - Everything You Need To Know About Triathlon RUNNING

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is a great guide for RACE RUNNING and how to train for it. We focus on Ironman, but the same holds true for 70.3, Olympics, and Sprints. For one,...

#420 - Ironman Arizona Shortens Bike - Responding To Change

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you respond to change? Ironman Arizona shortens the bike leg and reactions are mixed. What was Robbie's reaction as a coach? How did Mike handl...

#419 – Gratitude: The Secret Weapon for Better Training and Racing

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There's a time and place for being serious, but most of us tend to train and race better when we're relaxed and coming from a place of gratitude. Toda...

#418 – Healthy Optimism

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we look at the ways healthy optimism can enhance your training, racing, and life. It's the little things and they are usually easy to address. M...

#417 - Finding Your True Potential . . . And How Perceptions of Our Strengths & Weaknesses Can Be Wrong

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Endurance training offers so many opportunities but why are some are pulled toward further and others to faster? Are you training for something that i...

#416 - ATHLETE QUESTIONS - Great ones!

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is triathlon on the decline or upswing?? Ending the comparison trap. We look into Heart Rate Variability and how it relates to fatigue. The best swim ...

#415 - Listener Questions and Answers

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Great questions from the listeners! Today we tackle core work; how much, how often. Also, recognizing and improving your weaknesses in the correct way...

#414 -Thriving Without Pressure or Races

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year has thrown a lot at us! The triathlon universe has been in flux. The only thing to do is keep chipping away. Create your own race within wor...

#413 – Slow Down . . . to Find Your Growth

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Comfort zones are made to leave, but do we push ourselves out so much that it restricts genuine growth? Today we look at how pulling back to let thing...

#412 - Exploring Your Limits

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What we do is hard, and that's why we do it, but do you find the edges of your limits? We had a three day event in Chattanooga and were reminded why w...

#411 - Look For Approval From Yourself

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Train with an empty cup, always looking to learn. The questions never end and athletes with a mind open to improvement find the most enjoyment. Findin...

#410 - Exploring The Gray Areas and Dropping The Hacks

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're back in Chattanooga at the C26 Hub and optimistic about a lot of things. The weather, the racing, the possibilities. Today, we look at cutting t...

#409 - Simplify Your Mission - A Triathlete's Redshirt Season

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One more podcast from the road before being back in the studio. Today, Mike & Robbie talk about the complexities of life colliding with the complexiti...

#408 - Make The Most of It . . . And, Community Connection

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We spent last weekend on a C26 Outreach Tour to our athletes in Houston, Madison, and Indianapolis. Today we talk about the experience along with how ...

#407 - It Doesn't Have To Be Pretty . . . Especially Right Now

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This should be peak season for the full Ironman races we cover, but alas, there will be no pretty medals. So, now what? Today, we grab our lunch pails...