Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

Crushing Iron
  • 4.8 (698)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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.

  1. 11H AGO

    #903 – How To Not Suck At Swimming #16

    Today, we go deep on swimming but keep it relatively simple so you can work on things that matter and lock them in. We talk about some of the most important fundamentals regarding swimming: breathing, body position, and body control. There will be big wins in your swimming if you can master the basic principles of swimming. We also get into how you should be breaking up your week regarding form, intensity, and endurance. We'll look at getting a bigger return for your energy investment, why the hips are critical, why you're probably too tense in the water, and the soon to be famous Light Switch Test. Topics: Does op 20 swimming list hold up? Swimming and focus on the details Obsession over aero and watts but not swimming 90 Day Challenge Picking up swimming later in life Correct form + muscular endurance End of Ironman running form Uncomfortable doing hard swims? Efficient form for return of energy investment Day One - Pick one day for technique (AR) Day two - Focus on top speed and turnover Day Three - Longer swim for muscular endurance How to breathe Why to breathe every stroke Breath 2-4 Bilateral breathing?? Build a strong side Body position Head is number one Forehead down Body Control Head raises - body sinks A body drill with paddles Outside cues to get a better feel for the water Video from the front cue Splayed out? Hips way too open Hip control Steering wheels in swimming The Light Switch Test   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

    1h 2m

  2. 2D AGO

    #902 – Do The Little Things Right

    Today, we start by looking at the way Indiana built a program that seemingly came out of nowhere to win the National Title. It wasn't an accident and you can build yourself in the same way. And that process starts now. We'll look at micro gains and goals and how they stack up over time. We look at long term consistency vs. short term bursts and why the former is always better. We talk about just "knowing" when you're getting better vs. depending on numbers. We look at aiming low and getting things done vs. always wanting to see improvement. Improvement happens and small habits lead to big routines. Lower expectations and get to the work. Topics: Inverted world - Indiana is the National Football Champion One play at a time A disciplined process Who makes the fewest mistakes? The next thing is the most important thing Have a short memory Being grounded The process starts now, one day at a time Imagine yourself as a program 6 months vs. 6 weeks Snowball rolling down a hill Struggles with long rides? Weave in longer rides now Find something to work on and commit to What is your focus right now?? Small habits lead to big routines Gains by accident Micro goals It just felt better this week Lowering expectations When you just know without the numbers Lay off the throttle Yo-yo back and forth Aim low Most frequently skipped workouts Next cast - Swimming   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

    59 min

  3. JAN 15

    #901 – Information Overload and How It Affects Training

    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   mike@c26triathlon.com robbie@c26triathlon.com

    50 min

  4. JAN 13

    #900 – Understanding Your Fatigue

    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 mike@c26triathlon.com robbie@c26triathlon.com

    57 min

  5. JAN 8

    #899 – One Speed Wonders

    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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

    1h 1m

  6. JAN 6

    #898 – Empty Your Cup

    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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com

    1 hr

  7. 12/17/2025

    #897 – Moderating The Holidays and Being Ready To Roll In 2026

    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! --------- Get some C26 Gear for Christmas: https://c26triathlon.com/shop/ 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 - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! www.watersharpensiron.com

    1h 12m

  8. 12/11/2025

    #896 – What It REALLY Takes To Hit Your Race Goal

    Robbie talks about a lot of stuff and Mike's not really sure what's going on. And vice versa, probably. ---------- Get some C26 Gear for Christmas: https://c26triathlon.com/shop/ 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: Ironman changes course nutrition Early season 70.3s The off season is getting shorter December Rules as life rules The quickening Money is pushing the calendar Periodization What part of the year do you have the most time? Color coding your season Building your race calendar so it makes sense Change for the sake of change? Being focused and Open Minded at once When things get stale Obsessing about Zones Micro Goals Simulating those race feelings Exploring the demands of what you want to do in a race Tri-Calc secrets Intrinsic motivation WANTING what is required to hit your goals It's easy to want race goals   Mike Tarrolly - mike@c26triathlon.com Robbie Bruce - robbie@c26triathlon.com   Check us out at www.c26triathlon.com Looking to find your flow? Check out C26 Adventures! www.watersharpensiron.com

    55 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
698 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Crushing Iron
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    917
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Mike Tarrolly. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

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