Cycling in Alignment with Colby Pearce

The Coin Part 2 - Ep166 In this walking podcast I unpack more about the concept of The Coin and the influence of our emotional state on our riding and racing.  In medical QiGong, we understand that the emotions reside in the organ system. If we are unaware of this, it can be problematic. The first rule of athletics is to Know Thyself and this means understanding your own emotional state. Witnessing emotions is the first step in claiming agency over your adult life. Without the willingness to look at our own emotions, we remain a child. There are many children walking the planet in adult bodies. Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.   

The Coin - Part 1 - Ep165 In this walking podcast I discuss how the psyche influences riding posture and spiral patterns while cycling.  It's not a topic you will find in your average post about climbing better or improve your FTP.  Enjoy. 

Thoughts on the Teeter Totter of Cadence and Torque - Ep 164 Most often, riders associate making power with pushing harder on the pedals. The sensation of the bottom of the shoe providing resistance against the plantar surface [bottom] of the foot is how the sensation of “going hard” is processed.  However, speed on a bicycle is dictated by the complex interaction of weather [including wind, temperature, pressure and humidity], terrain, inertia, riding surface, and the output of the rider. Output = power, and power is comprised of two components: torque and cadence.  Thus, in certain conditions, it is advantageous to be able to make power by pedaling faster, not only by pedaling harder. If your only strategy to make more power is pushing harder on the pedals, at the expense of any capacity for triple digit cadence, your abilities as a rider will be limited. 

A Conversation with Brendan Housler: Bits and Pieces about Bicycle Practice - Ep163 This is a conversation with Brendan Housler of EVOQ.BIKE. It's a friendly game of verbal ping pong in which we discuss many topics that seem to bounce around in cycling at the moment. These include what FTP is, the challenges with ERG mode when indoor training, how group rides impact your training program, and figuring out whether a rider might benefit from more aerobic or more glycolytic work in their program.  I hope you enjoy this conversation as we dissect these topics. Disclaimer: my opinions tend to be contrary to the norm. You have been notified.  Links: Evoq Website ►► https://www.evoq.bike Evoq Podcast ►► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evoq-bike-cycling-podcast/id1500663458

Austin Einhorn: Thinking Critically - Part 1 - Ep161 This is part 2 of this discussion. In this episode, Austin and I continue to slay some sacred cows in the fitness world such as “shoulders down and back” and “brace the core”. Austin explains why he doesn't agree with these platitudes.  We also discuss at length the concept of standards of strength for all athletes. We agree that cycling is fundamentally biomechanically similar to running up stairs, and this is why the foot and ankle are so important for cycling.  I also propose my timeless, non-controversial statement that foam is evil, and Austin shares his perspective on this line of thought.  We break down the idea of tensegrity patterns in the body and how we can use these as a map to understand and improve movement.  As our conversation ran over two hours, this episode will be released in two parts.  Thank you for listening and for your contributions to the podcast, conversations like these are funded by the audience and I am grateful for your consideration. LINKS: Corridor Crew YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CorridorCrew Austin's Instagram: @austineinhorn Austin's Website: https://www.theevolvedcoach.com

Austin Einhorn: Thinking Critically - Part 1 - Ep161 In this discussion with strength coach Austin Einhorn,  Along the way, we slay some sacred cows in the fitness world such as “shoulders down and back” and “brace the core”. Austin explains why he doesn't agree with these platitudes.  We also discuss at length the concept of standards of strength for all athletes. We agree that cycling is fundamentally biomechanically similar to running up stairs, and this is why the foot and ankle are so important for cycling.  I also propose my timeless, non-controversial statement that foam is evil, and Austin shares his perspective on this line of thought.  We break down the idea of tensegrity patterns in the body and how we can use these as a map to understand and improve movement.  As our conversation ran over two hours, this episode will be released in two parts.  Thank you for listening and for your contributions to the podcast, conversations like these are funded by the audience and I am grateful for your consideration.  

Pre-50, Post-50 Relationship to Cycling - Ep160 In this walking podcast, I unpack my thoughts on training and how it might differ for athletes younger than 50 vs older than 50. On a previous podcast, I spoke to Phil Cavell about his book The Mid Life Cyclist, which also covers this topic.  My thoughts are around Intensive training vs extensive training, but perhaps not in the typical sense they are discussed in cycling lexicon. Concepts I consider: I really don't like the “getting old sucks” mentality. I think it is regurgitated bullshit.  Repletion instead of depletion.  Training objective is experiential vs. exhaustive or maximally stimulative.  Think with more depth and sophistication than no pain no gain or more is better.  I think while it is tempting to push a bit more on days when you feel really good, more often is it better to keep it dialed back a bit and finish with a bit in the tank. When we zoom out and look at the big picture, it is far more common to be treading water or a bit under water in terms of the total load of life + work + travel + training, so when we are feeling like we have a surplus of energy we don't need to spend it immediately.  Additionally, younger riders are working with a higher level of anabolic hormones than us old people.  Perhaps you will find my thoughts useful, this is always my intent.   

Thomas McDaniel: Knowledge is Horizontal (Part 2) - Ep159   This the second part of a conversation is with Thomas McDaniel, who has been in the cycling world for many years. He is currently completing his PhD at CU Boulder in Advanced Biomechanics. In the past, Thomas has been a PT, a bike mechanic, a bike fitter, and worked at Specialized, BMC and Trek.    Thomas and I are aligned in that we prefer to educate rather than treat our clients and the people in our lives. As someone who has offered bike fitting to many clients in the past, Thomas understands that not everyone fits in the bell curve of normative data and that every person is a unique individual.    After many other detours and explorations, we round out our discussion with a critical look at science and academia, and how they have been obfuscated from their conceptual ideals.    I am sure you will enjoy this deep dive into the mind of Thomas, who has a rich passion for helping others and is a deep well of knowledge and experience.    Links:   Chek Institute ►► https://www.instagram.com/chekinstitute/  

Thomas McDaniel: Knowledge is Horizontal - Ep158   This conversation is with Thomas McDaniel, who has been in the cycling world for many years. He is currently completing his PhD at CU Boulder in Advanced Biomechanics. In the past, Thomas has been a PT, a bike mechanic, a bike fitter, and worked at Specialized, BMC and Trek.    Thomas and I are aligned in that we prefer to educate rather than treat our clients and the people in our lives. As someone who has offered bike fitting to many clients in the past, Thomas understands that not everyone fits in the bell curve of normative data and that every person is a unique individual.    After many other detours and explorations, we round out our discussion with a critical look at science and academia, and how they have been obfuscated from their conceptual ideals.    I am sure you will enjoy this deep dive into the mind of Thomas, who has a rich passion for helping others and is a deep well of knowledge and experience.    Links:   Chek Institute ►► https://www.instagram.com/chekinstitute/  

The Inner Self - Ep157 In this walking podcast I share some of my thoughts about how you can be your own medicine and claim authority over your life. In this day and age we have access to so much information, it can be simultaneously overpowering and also paralyzing.  What I offer is a perspective on the difference between knowledge and understanding, and how each of these serve us in our lives.  Think critically, pedal consciously, act intuitively.     

Tyler Benner: It Feels Easy When you do it Right - Ep156 This episode is a conversation with Tyler Benner from Strong Feet Athletics. Tyler was a member of the US National Archery team for about a decade, and a lifelong athlete.  He has spent the last 10 years making the world's first barefoot style cycling shoe that is mass produced. They just started shipping the first model, The Leviathan, about a week ago as of the time of this recording. They generously sent me a pair to test although they only arrived a few days ago, so I haven't had a chance to ride in them just yet. That said, the fit is very much shaped like my foot and I am excited to give them a try in the wild. Tyler describes part of his inspiration for making the shoes was listening to Phil Liggett commentating for the Tour and talking about riders “dancing on the pedals” when climbing out of the saddle.  We speak about the importance of training feet and ankles to be strong and stable, and how this is important in all athletics. Tyler's experience as an archer led him to discover the significance of the conditioning and tone of his feet, and how it impacted his ability to hit the center of the target.  I am sure you will find his journey insightful.   Links: Strong Feet Athletics Website ►► https://www.strongfeetathletics.com/    

Lore: Creating Unicorns - Ep155 This podcast is a conversation with Lore CEO and founder Stephan Drake and lead engineer Rob Horacheck. If you haven't seen or heard of Lore shoes, come out from under the rock you are living under and see the future of cycling footwear. Lore is a fully custom 3D printed carbon fiber shoe. Let that sink in for a moment. It's a complete departure from any how any cycling shoe has been made in the history of cycling. [or any shoe, for that matter].  Enjoy our conversation as I try to contextualize Lore in cycling footwear history, and Stephan and Rob explain the features and philosophy behind this product.  If you are interested in being scanned for Lore shoes, this is a service I provide at my studio. As with everything in my fit studio, I don't just sell these shoes, I use them myself because it is a product I believe in.  Links: Lore Website ►► https://lore.cc

Ben Serotta: Where Does Responsibility Begin and End? - Ep154 This conversation is with legendary bike builder Ben Serotta.  Ben has been building bikes since the year I was born [1972!]. He is also one of the pioneers of bike fitting, founding the Serotta International Cycling Institute in the late 90's, and creating the Size Cycle, so fitters could start from scratch to build a custom bike for a given athlete.  We discuss some of the conundrums of modern bike fitting, as well as the tension in business between making a product that is a labor of love and scale, and making a bike that fits the dream / goal / objective of the client.  Ben is a life long student of the sport and a humble and passionate person. I am sure you will enjoy this conversation.  Links: Serotta Bikes Website ►► https://serotta.com/bikes/ Serotta Bikes on Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/serottabikes/ Ben Serotta on Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/benserotta/  

Menachem-Brodie (Part 2) - Ep153 Greetings Well Dippers. This is the second part of my conversation with Strength and Conditioning coach Menachem Brodie. If you missed part 1, feel free to start here but you won't have the full picture until you listen to the first part of our discourse.  Hopefully this conversation reminds you to move consciously. You may have heard Menachem on the Fast Talk Labs podcast, or read some of his writing on the Pez Cycling News website. He also has written a book, Strength Training for Performance Cycling. Be sure to check out his website Human Vortex Training if you would like to know more.  I hope you find our conversation insightful. We have been intending to have a discussion for a long time, and I enjoyed it very much.  Links: Menachem's Podcast ►► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strong-savvy-cyclist-triathlete-podcast/id1452580151    

Menachem Brodie – Part 1 – Ep 151 Happy New Year Spartans and Archadians.  This conversation is with strength and conditioning coach Menachem Brodie. This podcast was recorded for his channel, The Strong Savvy Cyclist & Triathlete Podcast, and I thought my listeners might enjoy our conversation as well so it is republished here. We recorded two podcasts and this is the first round..  We wander into various aspects of strength and conditioning and how it relates to cycling, as well as some of my experiences as a young rider attempting to navigate the world of S&C, hoping it would help me get dropped less often. You may have heard Menachem on the Fast Talk Labs podcast, or read some of his writing on the Pez Cycling News website. He also has written a book, Strength Training for Performance Cycling. Be sure to check out his website Human Vortex Training if you would like to know more.  I hope you find our conversation insightful. We have been intending to have a discussion for a long time, and I enjoyed it very much.  Links: Menachem's Podcast ►► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strong-savvy-cyclist-triathlete-podcast/id1452580151  

Relationship to Cycling - Ep151 In this final walking podcast for this year, I ask you to consider what your relationship is to cycling, and does this relationship serve you? I unpack a few archetypes of riders I have worked with and raced with over the years.  Everyone has their own relationship to the sport. From my perspective, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to relate to cycling, this is a child's perspective. We can think past The Disney Bias, everything in life is not good or bad. In fact, most things aren't. That said, I think some people are likely playing out unconscious programming while they practice sport. This won't lead to anything good in and of itself usually, although it can medicate your problems to some degree.  I would offer that most will be served by looking inwards at the true reason why the practice cycling, or any sport. The only way to do anything properly is with presence, which gives reverence, and with consciousness. Otherwise, you might as well just live someone else's dream. 

More Thoughts on Shoes and Feet - Ep150 This walking podcast is a bit of a rambling pile of thoughts on shoes and feet, in relation or response to some discussions I have had recently including feedback from my audience.  Specifically, I address the commonly held belief that in cycling, the best way to have good “power transfer” is to immobilize the foot in a rigid cocoon of carbon fiber and thermoplastic. This is incorrect.  The human foot is not meant to be locked in place, and while this may result in good performance in the short term, over any length of notable time, the performance of the athlete will suffer.  To hear me slay this sacred cow, go forth and make the keyboard mudras to play my thoughts in your mind palace. 

The Two Fulcrum Problem of Cycling - Ep149 In this walking pod, I talk about the Two Fulcrum Problem of Cycling, which is a term I made up during the walk to encapsulate the challenges many riders face in their relationship to this relentlessly symmetrical machine.  I also offer a few short rants on various topics related to modern life. Hopefully these don't distract too much from the bigger points I am trying to convey.  Pedal consciously, think critically, act intuitively.   

Reflections on the 2004 Olympics - Ep148 In this walking soliloquy, I share some reflections on the 20 year anniversary of the Olympics in Athens, Greece, which I attended as a member of the US team. I competed in the 40KM points race, finishing 14th out of 24 competitors.  Being on the Olympic team is something I can be proud of, but at the same time something I don't feel compelled to talk about often. While it is certainly a significant landmark in my cycling history, it is also simply another experience that has shaped my perspective on sport and life. In both senses, I am grateful to be an Olympian [as they say, there is no such thing a “former Olympian”, you earn the title for life].  “You are looking at the world without time, Neo.”    

Why Bike Fitting is Stupid - Ep147 On this episode I thought I would just dive in and stab a sacred cow in the face.  I share my thoughts on why bike fitting is “stupid” and by that, I really mean what a few of the challenges are in bike fitting.  Perhaps you agree or perhaps you do not. Either is OK but if the latter, I hope it is with good critical reasoning instead of someone else's regurgitated opinion.  I look forward to your comments and thoughts, and as always, thank you for listening.   

Michael Holt: Always the Middle Path - Ep146 This discussion is with Micheal Holt, whom I regard as a friend, teacher, and colleague. I first met Michael at a course at the Chek Institute about five years ago, where I learned he had been teaching meditation for many years. I ended up studying with him online and in person, and I have learned a tremendous amount from his curriculum.  In our discussion today we speak about his new email course, which will be released shortly and details Five Indispensable Skills. I think this course will be invaluable for anyone in my audience.  We also speak about Michael's free online meditation course, which can be found on YouTube.  Links: Michael's Savage And Saint Website ►► https://savageandsaint.com/ Micheal's YouTube Course ►► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIeRtRkxvQ8&t=1357s    

Thoughts on Sounds - Ep145 In this episode I discuss the relationship between music, health, and athletic performance. Some of my ideas and experiences are pretty orbital so fasten your cosmic seatbelt, or whatever, and then enjoy some tunes.  I made a playlist on Spotify of my of my most recent played tracks. These probably all fall in the category of Conscious Hip Hop. I am not really sure what that means but I vibe with it.  Links: My Spotify Playlist ►► https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6go2ZDpt8KlFh5n3EwILnO?si=53b250a1b2f14856 Follow-up on Steamboat GRVL ►► https://youtu.be/4Pbaxrlo7G8?si=o-yDwvmihoGUuA8t    

** THIS IS PART 2 OF THIS EPISODE ** More with Dr. Courtney Conley. We Continue our discussion about all things feet including toe spacers, cycling shoes, and how to help me with my hallux limitus. Isn't Latin great? Dr Courtney is endlessly passionate about the human foot and I am grateful she took the time to come and nerd out with me on this topic. I am sure you will find our conversation interesting, in particular if you have ever been challenged by your own feet during riding or off the bike. Which is pretty much every human on earth.  Links: Courtney's Website ►► https://gaithappens.com

The Fractal of the Feet with Dr Courtney Conley - Part 1 - Ep143 This conversation with Dr Courtney takes place in my fit studio. We speak about all things feet including toe spacers, cycling shoes, and how to help me with my hallux limitus. Isn't Latin great? Dr Courtney is endlessly passionate about the human foot and I am grateful she took the time to come and nerd out with me on this topic. I am sure you will find our conversation interesting, in particular if you have ever been challenged by your own feet during riding or off the bike. Which is pretty much every human on earth.  Links: Courtney's Website ►► https://gaithappens.com

SBT RDX - Ep142 In this walking pod I offer some lessons I learned during the 2024 SBT GRVL race. I competed on the Black course and suffered epic cramps with about 35KM to go in the race, something I have never experienced in over 35 years of bike racing.  I discuss some hypothetical explanations for this outcome and also share thoughts on the race load for someone such as myself who trains a reasonable amount by normal person standards,  but arguably not enough to race a 200KM gravel race.  In the end, I conclude that I simply overcooked myself heading into this event. Being fresh is critical for any race that will eventually bring you to your knees. Somehow after all this time showing up for bike races, I managed to miss the mark on this one. Hopefully my experience illustrates how easy it is to do this, even for someone as experienced as I am at playing stretchy bike time. 

Michael O'Brien We Are Kintsugi -  Part 2 - Ep141  This is Part 2. This episode is a discussion with cyclist Michael Obrien, who had a transformational life experience in 2001 when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike.    We speak about the Japanese form of pottery known as Kintsugi, in which a broken bowl or vessel is repaired, and the glue is layered in gold leaf. Rather than attempting to conceal old wounds, traumas or fractures, this method seeks to highlight the returning to wholeness that happens in the process of healing.  I am sure you will enjoy our discussion which centers more on philosophy, meditation and tribal relations than cycling performance, directly. However, as you know, health is the foundation of optimal athletic performance.  Links: Michael's Website ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/ Michael's Podcast ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/kintsugi-podcast/

Michael O'brien We Are Kintsugi - Ep140 This episode is a discussion with cyclist Michael Obrien, who had a transformational life experience in 2001 when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike.    We speak about the Japanese form of pottery known as Kintsugi, in which a broken bowl or vessel is repaired, and the glue is layered in gold leaf. Rather than attempting to conceal old wounds, traumas or fractures, this method seeks to highlight the returning to wholeness that happens in the process of healing.  I am sure you will enjoy our discussion which centers more on philosophy, meditation and tribal relations than cycling performance, directly. However, as you know, health is the foundation of optimal athletic performance.  Links: Michael's Website ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/ Michael's Podcast ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/kintsugi-podcast/    

Movement is a River  - Ep 139 During this walking podcast I discuss the idea that all movement is like a river. I offer that we must direct and cultivate the qualities of the river of our movement with a specific intent, or this river will be wild, untamed, and end up in the wrong place.  I offer this analogy to help people understand that their daily movement patterns impact their movement in sports, and their movement in all of life.  I also offer some practical takeaways to help direct the river of movement into a more optimal fashion.  Movement is a daily practice that requires attention, embodiment and awareness. 

Saddle Forward! - Episode 138 This walking podcast is a commentary on two different perspectives about forward saddle positions that have been floating around in the intersphere. They got me thinking so I figured I would drop some thoughts on this topic.  The first discussion is around an article Dan Empfield posted on his website slow twitch dot com. I agree with some of what Dan says, and some of it I don't. I am glad he wrote the article as it helped clarify some ideas in my mind.  The second is a video on you tube on a channel called Peak Torque. This guy has some wid theories about why Pogacar has his saddle so forward and I think he is pretty off base. He also explains why he likes to put his saddle nose down and has been telling other people to put their saddle nose down. There are multiple logical fallacies in his reasoning. I call it like I see it.  I hope you find this discussion useful.  Thoughts? Hit me below. Let's have a discourse.   Links: Dan Empfield's Article ►► https://www.slowtwitch.com/Bike_Fit/Road_Bike_Fit/Have_You_Noticed_Hips_Moving_Forward_in_the_Peloton__8986.html Peak Torque Video ►► https://youtu.be/9n6nTNiacm8    

Three Attributes of Cyclists - Ep 137 In this night time walking adventure I speak about the three characteristics a cyclist must have in order to express their highest potential as an athlete. The episode is inspired by conversations with Jonathan Vaughters about what it takes to be good. His list included 1) Marathoner 2) F1 Driver. He has a video about this in our Team EF Coaching education portal.  JV says you have to have a big engine, and be able to drive a bike. I agree, and I would offer a 3rd item to this list: 3D chess.  Meaning: a cyclist can't just corner like a maniac and drop watt bombs. They have to selectively, intelligently choose when to utilize their strength. This is what differentiates cycling from Marathon running or swimming events: cycling is a sport that is heavily influenced by the size of the athlete's engine, but it is also influenced heavily by physics and terrain [read: mostly draft effect and hills] which change the weight of the variables that influence performance.  My gripe with many modern coaches and athletes is that they over train the engine and neglect the other aspects. Even worse, they really only focus on one particular aspect of the engine. This makes you one dimensional and opens numerous possibilities for race day failure.  These concepts don't only apply to competitive elite or World Tour riders; they apply to all riders at every level.  A bit of artwork is included to help you conceptualize these ideas as I am teaching them.  Do you agree? Think I am wrong? Did I miss a major attribute? Comment and let the world know.  LINKS:  Team EF Coaching ►► https://www.teamefcoaching.com Peter Defty Episode on YouTube ►► https://youtu.be/PrPdlT3apT8

Forest Walking in Japan - Episode 136   In this discussion I speak to my audience of somanauts about impressions Japan has left on me and how these concepts can help us in our practice of sport and life.  Wandering through the forest, I discuss cleaning your room, respect for other humans and reverence for nature.  As always, I hope you find this discussion helpful.  Questions or comments? Hit me.  Move with intent, be present, listen to intuition. 

Locavore - Episode 135 Today's conversation is with Craig Taber from Locavore Delivery. Locavore works with the highest quality farms across the front range of Colorado to deliver meat to your doorstep.  We speak about the relationship between scale and environmental impact in an economically driven market, the convenience of Amazon, and the boundaries and belief systems people put around meat. Craig unpacks some of the misunderstandings around store bought meats and the challenges of being a consumer who shops at modern super markets.  We offer some practical takeaways for shoppers and some philosophical nuggets about health and wellness that you will hopefully find insightful for you and your family.  About Locavore: “We offer pastured meats from a growing community of local ranchers that really do things the right way. We are proud to offer farm tours to all of our suppliers on a regular basis, so you can see for yourself how we do things. That is a level of transparency that mail order meat companies just can't offer and a level of quality that grocery stores can't touch.” Links: Locovore Website ►► https://locavoredelivery.com/ Locavore on Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/locavoredelivery/  

The Cold is my Teacher - Ep134 Grandpa Pearce is here to tell you a walking story again. The story is about cold.  Cold can teach you a lot about yourself. It is an opportunity to work with the breath and to have an alternative means of generating a focused state.  It also brings about an experience of equanimity following the event.  Do you work with cold to enhance your durability or health? What has your experience been? Share in the comments.  As always, thanks for listening.  

Dr. Allen Lim: All About Salt - Ep133 This conversation with Dr Allen Lim covers a broad range of topics including heat stress adaptation, handing up water bottles and driving busses when you have a doctorate, salt and the sodium - potassium balance.     

Go For A Walk - Ep132 This episode of Cycling in Alignment is about the most fundamental pattern of human movement: Walking. Old school cycling would command that riders stay off their feet but I would offer that this is an old ideal that should be lit on fire and kicked off a cliff.  Walking is an absolutely essential aspect of the human experience and one that is easily taken for granted. Without proper gait patterns, many basic movement are compromised and at best daily life becomes impractical; at worst, it becomes impossible.  Cycling makes us bad walkers but lots of walking will help your cycling. 

GOATA: Ricky Stanzi - Ep131 This conversation is with GOATA Movement coach Ricky Stanzi. In our discussion, we unpack the philosophy of GOATA movement, what it is and the origin of this philosophy. GOATA stands for Greatest Of All Time Athletes. It is a movement education system that is based on movement principles observed in young children, tribal peoples, and the best movers in many different sports. From these observations, seven global laws were created. To hear more about this system of movement, enjoy our conversation. Links: GOATA Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/goata_movement/ GOATA Website ►► https://goatamovement.com/  

Shop Local and Organic / Birdwatching for Cyclists – Ep130 One more solo walking podcast in which I tell you a story, grandpa Pearce is here to tell you about the way things used to be.  The point I am making specifically is about how modern training has become dictated by head units and power zones, and why this is problematic.  Riders assume that they are more productive or will make greater gains by following a precise workout plan or description but I would offer this is incorrect. Training is best guided by sensation and intuition, based on understanding of the athlete's goals and objectives. Many modern riders don't like this because this method is perceived as nebulous or imprecise.  Links: Contribute! ►► https://www.colbypearce.com/podcast/    

Forging, hardening, quenching, sharpening – Ep129 This episode is a discussion of how the creation and construction of a Japanese samurai sword, or katana, is an excellent analogy for training in cycling. I break down these concepts in parallel so we can have a better understanding of how cycling training is performed in the proper sequence, and I explain how and why modern cycling is attempting to bypass this sequence to the detriment of the athlete.  Phase 1 Initiation:  Start with sand: this is you at the start. Raw material.  Apply heat. Heat is the equivalent of intention. A dream, goal or objective. Yin vs Yang. Heat is masculine, cool is feminine. The dream is what gives drive to the training, it crystalizes intent. Shape the dream. Phase 2 Hardening:  Hammer molten steel.  The initial training: repetition. Not super hard, but hard enough to shape. Too hard and you will shatter the molten steel or flatten it. You want to shape it, not shatter it. This is endurance training.  Cover with mud to prevent oxidation.  Smelt - stick pieces together. You can't see the metal, you judge when it's' ready from the color of the fire and from intuition.  The color of the fire is training intensity - Intuition = feeling of when it is time to remove from the flame Phase 3 Purification:  Fold the steel many times to get out the impurities. Folding = intervals. “Strike while the iron is hot”. Adjust the carbon content of the steel. This takes lots of work and power. At lunch, the sword makers hands may be shaking. If you stop half way through, the sword will break. The process must be complete. It's a battle against the heat: heat is the dream, you are shaping the dream and working with it. “Pray and move your feet” “Dream and move your ass” If you miss a hit on a thin sword, it becomes dented and damaged. You must strike with precision.  Final shape is decided so concentration is required.  Finish with clay - this is applied to form the Hamon pattern, which comes out when the tempering is done. Apply the clay to the metal, this creates the Hamon pattern, which indicates the hardened steel from the spine of the sword, the cutting edge. Each Hamon pattern is unique to each sword. This is your exact expression of fitness in a given race: your speed, reactivity, ability to execute tactics, corner, sprint, climb, endure. The clay is heated to 720-800 degrees C, then plunged in water repeatedly. This is when the soul is infused in the sword. The curved nature comes out, as the sword warps during quenching. This is the final process that makes the sword both flexible and unyielding, the blend of these two attributes gives it true cutting power.  Phase 4 Sharpening: Blade is sharpened. Final step. A sword sharpener studies for 10 years under his master. It takes 2 months, 8 hrs / day for 6 days/ week to complete one Katana. It is a difficult, honorable task.     

How to Pedal a Bike V3.0  - Ep128   In this pod, I discuss the importance of proper and correct form again. I get a lot of questions on this topic, so thought I'd revisit it.   SEATED: Like you are on a flat pedal. Push early in power phase. Do not pull up.  Axial extension of the spine. Feel shoulders depressed and retracted. Vertical movement of diaphragm, 360 deg expansion of lower ribs.  Head over foot during periods of higher torque. Less head over food during higher cadence.  Rotary model: IABH, lateral aspect of the foot. Fifth metatarsal. Not done with orthotics or support, tension must be intrinsic to the system. Otherwise we are isolating joints. All prostethic devices weaken the system. All human movement is rotary.   STANDING: Head over foot. This rocks the bike. Narrow bars ruin head over foot. Trainer riding ruins head over foot. Push early in power phase. Do not pull up except in a sprint.  Pull on ipsilateral bar. Hips and shoulders are relatively quiet. Bike moves under the body. when this doesn't happen, you look like you are on a stair master.  Weight is more forward over BB. Arms may be bent more or less, depending on intensity, grade, cadence.  Standing can be used for increased power or recovery. In order to use it for recovery, weight must fall on the pedal. See point #1.   Links:   My Website/Podcast Page ►► https://colbypearce.com/podcast    

Training in the Rain and Running from Thanos - Ep127 This episode is about a client who has undergone significant life and health challenges. We have exchanged several emails about his situation and had very honest discussions regarding his choices and trajectory in the sport of cycling. He has given me permission to share his story with my audience, we agree it may be of value for others to hear our discussion. This client's name is Josh and he has experienced significant trauma in his life. His response to this trauma has included an expression of extreme behavior in his practice of cycling. The results of this evolution have led him to a state of health that involves multiple complications including episodes of anxiety, low hormone levels, and sensations of extreme duress during training and racing. I hope you find this direct and honest discussion of the events in Josh's life helpful. One person's healing is all people's healing.     

Ideas to Restore Health - Ep126 This episode is a discussion about restoration of health when you are not feeling quite so perfect. Here, I reflect on my own state of health and strategies I have employed with myself and my athletes to spring back to full vital capacity.  Understand that illness is usually a sign that you have done too much and are in a depleted state, rather than an indication of exposure. Both can be factors in illness, however a person with robust physical health and life force energy can  stay healthy even in an environment with multiple challenges.  Links: Wim Hoff video on YouTube ►► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-LxehFFqiQ

Moon Walk - Ep125 Well here I am wandering around my neighborhood in the dark with a microphone like a crazy person. Or someone who has lot of thoughts.  On this moon walk I take some time to answer a few comments and questions from my audience.  Discussion points include the relativity of diet, errors in logic and dictation of intensity using RPE, heart rate and power.  Go forth, make the listen, make the comments. Thank you for your attention to the discussion.  Move with presence. 

Grant Thomas: Finding Center Through Primal Movement - Ep124 This episode of Cycling in Alignment is a conversation with natural movement practitioner Grant Thomas. We had an excellent conversation about his journey of integrating primal movement and animal flow in his movement practice. We also spoke quite a bit about the concept of finding center, from the lens of movement as well as the lens of energetic or philosophical points of view.    Grant shares some of the challenges he has faced as a creative entrepreneur who builds content. We also talk about the synthesis of knowledge and the value it has towards an audience. Grant also shares some of the daily practices he integrates in his own life. As someone who has studied and taught movement for over a decade, his answers provide insight that may be helpful for the audience.  Thank you for listening.  Links: Grant's Website ►► https://www.smoovmoves.com Grant's Links ►► https://linktr.ee/grantsthomas Grant's Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/smoovmoves/    

Random Thoughts on Feet, Power and Racing - Ep123 Hello there, Space Monkeys. It's been a minute since my last recording, things have been busy. But here we are kicking off the 2024 podcast season and here I am with some thoughts on various topics, including feet, wedging, power meters, RPE and racing tactics. You know, the usual stuff, except that it is peppered with my sarcastic wit and slightly jaded perspective. Hopefully just enough to really get you thinking about your paradigm and rototill a few of your superficial perspectives, so we can plant some new fresh ideas. Spring is around the corner after all, and spring is when we plant seeds.  I hope you enjoy these thoughts and rest assured, there will be more Q+A style podcasts in the future.  Thanks for listening as always. Pedal smooth, pedal conscious. In fact, don't just pedal with these concepts in mind, I recommend you use them in all things.   

Nathan Haas: Destroying Hyperbole - Ep122 This conversation with Nathan Haas is one in which we attempt to slay the dragon of hyperbole in cycling. And talk about some other stuff.    We cover all sorts of topics from Geraint Thomas' drinking binger, to how to actually pronounce his name, to why watts are not watts. Which leads to some interesting attempts to define a watt.  I am grateful Nathan took the time to have a discussion with me on these topics, his insight and wisdom are always refreshing. Don't forget to check out Nathans podcast, The Gravelogue.  Links: Nathan's Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/nathanpeterhaas/    

Matt Appleman - The Difference Between Perception and Impact- - Ep 121 This episode is a discussion with frame builder and crankset manufacturer Matt Appleman. Matt's story is that of someone who has brought a product to the world as a result of his own need for something in his own life, which has been a running theme on this show for a while. It means someone created something that benefits themselves first, and then other people afterwards. It is the essence of what it means to be a creative and contributing member of society. Matt figured out years ago that running shorter cranks helped him with bilateral knee pain, but he could not find cranks as short as he wanted. His suspicion was that if he went shorter, things would get better, and they did.  Links: Matt's Website ►► https://www.applemanbicycles.com    

Ashleigh Frager: Unleash the Profound Strength of the Body - Ep 120 Today's discussion is with Back to Basics CEO Ashely Frager. Ashleigh has experienced a deep healing journey which led her to create a company that is focused on household cleaning products that are non-toxic, including her own product that offers a unique cleaning solution.  In our discussion, we look at some of the products I use in my own home and Ashleigh gives me her honest opinion of what I have been using. The results might surprise you!  We also speak about the axiom that the body heals itself, that life force creates and restores health. This is a belief Ashleigh and I have in common, but not many people I encounter seem to understand this intuitively.  Links: Back To Basics Website ►► https://backtobasics.shop/ Here's a discount code to share with your listeners for 10% off Cleaner Than Clean: PEARCE10   Back To Basics on Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/backtobasics_shop/   #cleanerthanclean #backtobasics #cleanliving #clean #chemicalfree #fragrancefree #health

Aaron Dunford - Ep119 This episode of Cycling in Alignment is a conversation with Aaron Dunford, a fit colleague who is Steve Hogg certified and works in Sydney, Australia.  Links: Aaron's Website ►► https://fusionpeak.cc/ Aaron's Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/fusion_peak/    

Alyssa Sawyer: Commune with the Inner Voice - Ep118 This episode of Cycling in Alignment is with my Chek Professional colleague Alyssa Sawyer. Our conversation bounces around the concept of holding the tension of the opposites, and we discuss the polarity between the worship of science and the trust of intuition and experiential knowledge.  Alyssa also discusses her own journey as a marathoner and why she chose to quit running. Additionally, she breaks down the menstrual cycle and relates it to the athlete, offering insight and structure for women to work with their monthly rhythm as opposed to against it.  I had intended for our conversation to go a different direction but the flow was happening so we went with it. Hopefully Alyssa will have time for a future episode.  Links: Alyssa's Website ►► https://www.coachsawyersays.com/ Alyssa's Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/coachsawyersays/ #holisticcoaching #womenshealth #respectthecycle #innervoice #chekinstitute 

What is your Myth and what are the belief systems that comprise it? How do these mental constructs impact your relationship to sport and health? I discuss these topics in episode XX of Cycling in Alignment on my return from attending my final course at the Chek Institute, Integrated Movement Specialist level 5, where we studied these topics.  #chekinstitute #holisticcoaching 

Part 2 - PETER DEFTY: THE INTUITIVE ATHLETE - Ep116   This is PART TWO of a two part conversation is with Peter Defty. Peter is the General Manager at Vespa Power Performance and a graduate of UC Davis with a degree in plant biology.    Our conversation included a broad range of topics including:  •The limited capacity of carbohydrate metabolism and the virtually unlimited capacity of fat metabolism  •The concept of metabolic flexibility  •How snacking is insidious  •The strategic use of carbohydrate to fuel performance  •Dogmatic thinking around Keto and High Carb diet philosophies  •The Optimized Fat Metabolism pyramid  •Exogenous vs endogenous energy production  •Using intuition as a feedback mechanism to direct training  •Living in a world with many unintended consequences to technology •Peter educates us on the historic run of Pheidippides    I hope you enjoy this conversation. Peter offered to answer more questions on a future episode so if you have them, speak up!    Links:   Vespa 25% Savings Offer ►► https://vespapower.com/coupon/alignment25/   Vespa Free Sampler Offer ►► https://vespapower.com/triathlon-special/   Vespa Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/vespa_endurance/   Vespa Website ►► https://vespapower.com/   Optimized Fat Metabolism Website ►► https://ofm.io/