Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

Let's just stop for a minute and think about the endless choices we have and how they can overwhelm us. Ever get that feeling like you need to get in shape before you go to the gym? We talk about the rabbit hole of hacks and how it can lead to action paralysis. We talk about how to structure your mind for the right "why." We look at why getting one percent better each day is a great strategy, but why it's so tough to stick with. Training should be about much more than a time goal, it should be driven by what is truly meaningful to you and it's well worth sitting in silence and really figuring out.
Topics:
Getting fit before going to the gym
Can you ever be fit enough?
Intellectual experts vs. practitioners
What's the hack?
Action paralysis
Endless podcasts, influencers, newsletters
Drink from a garden hose vs. a fire hose
We always want more
When we feel like it's not enough
Trying too hard
The weight of the world
The integrity of a workout
Do we need more?
We all need a bit of a buffer
Being swept up in the moment
One percent better each day but not seeing it
Weight loss and patience
Inability to set realistic goals
What is meaningful to you?
You have to have more than a time goal
Swinging for the fence all the time
Building habits that turn into routine
Pick out the right lot and build slowly
 
[email protected]
[email protected]

Today we get into understanding fatigue and what it means. Is it in your head or your body? Lungs or legs? It all matters and it's important for you to be able to recognize and adjust so that you can get the most out of your sessions or simply get off the couch. We look at different signs in swimming, cycling, and running that show fatigue and sort of look at the "seriousness" of each and how to roll right through it.
Topics:
Triathlete Tattoos
Gross pics sent to coaches
Reading books or faking it?
Post-holiday fatigue
Longer Zone 2 rides and runs
Why do you feel better deeper into the workout?
Swimming to test fatigue safely
Too much focus on "times"
Stress is stress
Adapting to the sessions
What is weighing you down?
Run Camp as a science "lab"
Don't let the numbers affect your day
Red Zone of fatigue
Feeling "off"
Why to be a fan of HR
Bike approaches to working through fatigue
High power/Low HR means system is firing
Does it feel like a fight?
Is it your legs or lungs?
Stacking days and getting the right stimulus
Can't put a finger on it
Rebalancing "the off" feeling
How do you feel meeting the intent of the session
Restaurant picking strategy for your family
[email protected]
[email protected]

Stuck in the same gear? Not happy with your race speed? It might mean you need more work on being responsive. How do you build another gear? Glad you asked. Today, we get into why triathletes often feel stuck at the same speed and how to break the cycle. We look at swimming, biking, and running and give some thought on how to create more of a range, especially when you need it. Going fast can feel good and fun, but sometimes our Zone 4 effort equals our Zone 2 speed in a race. Today, we look at solid and proven ways to break out of being a one-speed wonder, but note, it's not always easy.
Topics:
Last week on C26
Coming at you consistently
We're the podcast version of an age-grouper that outlasts everyone to qualify for Kona
New Orleans 70.3 memories
Swim rant?
One speed wonders
Turnover vs. Stroke length in swimming
Natural cadence vs. being uncomfortable
Hill sprints
Something needs to be a priority
Increasing FTP vs. Losing weight
Swimming more or strength work?
Trying to change everything at once
Focus on one thing
Swim form
Hard 25's and 50's
What about your base?
Not thinking in the water
Building another gear
Being Responsive
One speed
Without ranges we tend to not be present
RPE - Bodymind
Fitness vs. Form
We can't skip steps
Focus on moving correctly
When Zone 4 effort equals Zone 2 speed
 
Mike Tarrolly - [email protected]
Robbie Bruce - [email protected]

Is it possible that we're carrying too much in our cup? Today we talk about approaching the year with a solid, focused, and consistent plan. It's so easy to want to add more, but there's real power in stripping things down, creating simplicity and getting rid of things that don't serve our purpose. We look at building routines and patterns that will help take care of our long term goals. We look at listening to and understanding our body by effort. We talk distractions, racing free, and carrying less mental baggage. The truth is, we're not usually tired because of workouts, but the extra weight we carry in our lives. Simplify and be consistent.
Topics:
New intro?
Decompressed
Dogs and slippers
Create belief and trust in yourself
Movement is momentum
Jan 1st new habit fails
Don't expect perfection
What's your fallback?
Mental energy distractions
Can't swim without a watch
Too much interference
Disconnecting in workouts
Understanding your body's effort
Creating less noise
Re-evaluating your "why"
Not trying to impress or prove things to others
Run heavy
You're adding too much weight
Race free, run free, be light
You're not tired from training
Getting sick? Why?
Do you really need to do more?
Empty your cup
 
Mike Tarrolly - [email protected]
Robbie Bruce - [email protected]

These next few weeks are tricky and today we look at how to get the most from them. Society has created an addictive nature in us and what's coming at you will be no easy task, but there are definitely ways to navigate the holidays and keep your training moving toward a great 2026. Take one and give the rest away! Moderation will be your best weapon both in training and at the snack table. Don't always assume that heavy breathing and sore legs means you're getting better. Keep things simple and sweet and be ready to train like you need to train in January. Dramatic swings have become the new normal, be willing to say no and stay the course. If not, don't beat yourself up by creating 180 degree swings. Happy Holidays! Thanks for listening… we love ya!
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Looking for a great way to empower your training, explore your limits, and exist in the moment? Check out C26 Adventure Camps for 2026! http://watersharpensiron.com
Want to build strength and conquer the water? Look into our swim camps at C26Hub.com
Looking for triathlon coaching? Comb through our roster at https://c26triathlon.com/about/coaches/
Topics:
Tight Jeans and Scales
Addictive challenges en route
Moderation to stay on point
Treading water in life
Don't try to get a head start
Rebelling in the opposite direction
"There's no love in that refrigerator"
The deck is stacked against us
Be 100% 80% of the time
Society has created addictive natures in us
New version of the trunk cookies
Take one, give the rest away
Everything is always more
How's your aerobic system?
Is this a short or long game?
Being about longevity in triathlon
Looking for adrenaline injections when you're down
Efficiency and economy are so important
Metabolic disasters
Process oriented
Don't always assume that heavy breathing and sore legs means you're getting better
Steady isn't glamorous
Consistency is king
Dramatic swings are the new normal
When feeling good becomes anxiety
Seeing excitement in aerobic work
Triathlete's Rock Bottom
The real truth about robust fitness
When feeling great becomes anxiety
The best sign is that there is no sign
The pain isn't always a reward
Happy Holidays! We'll see you next year
 
Mike Tarrolly - [email protected]
Robbie Bruce - [email protected]
 
Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com
Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! www.watersharpensiron.com