Fueling for Health and Peak Athletic Performance

As an experienced endurance athlete who has competed in running races, cycling centuries, triathlons, and multiple Ironman events, I know firsthand how crucial proper fueling is for health and performance.

Over the years, I’ve learned that tracking my calories, macronutrients like protein, and energy expenditure through training is essential for supporting my active life and avoiding injuries. 

Here are my top tips for athletes looking to maximize their fueling for overall wellness and athletic success.

Mammoth Trail Fest 2023 – Unleash Your Inner Trail

Few events rival the Mammoth Trail Fest when celebrating the exciting beauty of the great outdoors. This annual gathering of trail enthusiasts, runners, and nature lovers has captivated hearts and minds for years. 

In a fast-paced world dominated by technology and concrete jungles, the charm of the great outdoors is more compelling than ever. For fitness enthusiasts and those seeking solace, trail running has emerged as an extraordinary pursuit that matches physical well-being with mental tranquility.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of the Mammoth Trail Fest, exploring what makes it a must-attend event for anyone who thrives on adventure and wishes to see one of the best views in California (or the world).

Fueling Strategies for Endurance Activities: What to Eat on a Long Ride/Run?

Participating in endurance activities like long rides or runs requires careful attention to fueling strategies. 

It’s no secret that Ironman’s 4th element (and some will say the most important one) is the fueling plan and execution. Proper nutrition can significantly impact performance, endurance, and recovery. Let’s explore the importance of fueling during endurance activities and discuss effective dietary choices to optimize your performance. Whether you’re a cyclist, runner, or triathlete, understanding what to eat on a long ride/run will help you maintain energy levels, delay fatigue, and achieve better results. Btw, you should track it (here is an app I built in the past) so you can manage it.

The Everest Challenge on Wheels – Finding the Best Climbs for Everesting on Your Bike

Everesting is fiendishly simple: Pick any hill, anywhere in the world, and complete repeats of it in a single activity until you climb 8,848m – the equivalent height of Mt Everest.

The Everest Challenge, initially popularized by mountaineers, has now extended its allure to cycling. “Everesting” on your bike involves the formidable task of climbing the equivalent elevation gain of Mount Everest, a staggering 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), in a single ride. To conquer this extraordinary feat, selecting the best climbs becomes paramount. 

In this blog post, we will explore the key factors to consider when searching for the best climbs to Everest on your bike. As a bonus, you can use the script below to search Strava for the best hills in your area.

“fiendishly simple, yet brutally hard.
Everesting is the most difficult climbing challenge in the world.”

Master the Art of Packing for Your Next Gravel Race

Preparing for a gravel event or race requires significant time, effort, and dedication. As the race approaches, packing is one of the most crucial aspects of preparation.

The other two are: eating and resting, but these are for another post.
Properly packing for the event can make a difference on race day; a bit of practice can go a long way.
Here is a list of things you should pack for your next gravel race:

The Lost and Found Gravel Festival – June 2023

“Your real resume is just a cataloging of all your suffering.”

The most interesting and rewarding parts of our lives are often the ones that have required the most sacrifice and hard work. When we suffer (e.g. during rides/runs), we are forced to confront our weaknesses and limitations.
We learn to be resilient and resourceful.
We develop new skills and abilities.
We grow.
In the process, we create a more meaningful life.
If you can keep your smile – bonus points.

Embracing the Underdog Mindset: Unleashing Drive, Grit, Scrappiness, and Independence

Being an underdog can often feel like an impossible challenge in a world dominated by giants, where success seems reserved for the privileged few. However, contrary to popular belief, being an underdog is not a disadvantage (in some cases) but a powerful mindset fueled by drive, grit, scrappiness, and independence.
The idea to look at it from the strength perspective came to me, after reading Gladwell’s excellent book “David and Goliath.” 
The book uses individual case studies and comparisons to provide a wide range of examples where perceived major disadvantages, in fact, are the keys to the underdog Davids’s triumph against Goliath-like opponents.

This unique perspective is similar to the “Day 1” philosophy embraced by Jeff Bezos, which empowers individuals and organizations to defy the odds, break barriers, and achieve extraordinary results. 

In this post, we will explore the qualities of the underdog mindset and discover how it can be harnessed to unleash one’s true potential.

Discover the Best Gravel Routes Around the Bay Area: Uncover Scenic Paths and Adventure

Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless.

Cycling is an excellent way to exercise that offers numerous health benefits. It provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout that helps improve heart health, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall fitness. It is a great way to stay active and improve physical well-being. However, the real gem is the smile it will put on your face.

What’s even better? 
To ride your bike off-road. 

Over the last few years, gravel bikes have become increasingly popular. This trend lets riders experience the best of both worlds – on-road and off-road cycling. It enables riders to explore a wider variety of terrains and locations.

Here are some of my favorites routes around the Bay Area: 

How To Run Your Next Trail Mararthon

Trail running marathons are a true test of endurance and determination and require careful preparation and planning to ensure a successful race day. 

I’ve been running marathons and ultra-marathons for the past 25 years. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best trail runners in the world and gather insights. 

In this blog post, I’ll share some things that work for me – It will (hopefully) help you prepare for your next trial run.

How To Pack To An Ironman Like A Pro

Preparing for an Ironman triathlon requires significant time, effort, and dedication. As the race approaches, packing is one of the most crucial aspects of preparation.
The other two are: eating and resting, but these are for another post. Properly packing for an Ironman can make all the difference on race day, and a little practice can go a long way.
This Post will discuss how to pack for an Ironman like a pro and share my real-life examples and tips to avoid common mistakes.

First, let’s talk about the essentials. There are several important items that you’ll need to have with you on race day, including: