Cycling in Alignment with Colby Pearce

Miscellaneous Questions - Ep183 In this walking podcast, I take the opportunity to answer several questions submitted by one of my athletes. The list is pretty solid so I figured I would offer some answers and hopefully more than one person will be helped in this process.  The topics are varied in scope but all offer plenty of opportunities for thoughtful responses, which I have done my best to produce.

Power is not a Goal with Nathan Haas - Ep182 In this episode I recorded a walking podcast with Nathan Haas, in Girona. We discuss Nathan’s coaching philosophy and talk about how power is not a goal of training. This statement flies in the face of just about every conventional paradigm of cycling.  If you are wondering what the hell we are talking about, give it a listen.  Have thoughts to share? Hit me or Nathan on the 'gram.  Links: Nathan's Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/nathanpeterhaas/    

This episode dives deep into why cyclists should never settle for saddle discomfort. Colby challenges the glorification of suffering in cycling, making a case for higher standards. He explores the root causes of discomfort, distinguishing between fitness fatigue and equipment-related issues. Discussions on proper saddle selection and the importance of comfort at contact points take center stage. Listeners learn how to effectively test saddles and shoes, emphasizing that true pain tolerance shouldn't include unnecessary equipment-related pain.

What is Your Orientation in Time? - Ep180 In this walking podcast, I talk about the four orientations we can have in time, and how they impact our relationship in sport.  Without any plot spoilers, the objective, of course, is to be like Neo.  “You are seeing the world without time, Neo. We can never see past the choices we don’t understand. You have already made the choice, you are here now to understand why you made it.”  Go forth and investigate my words. Send comments, questions. 

Lawrence van Lingen: Moving from Center - Ep179 This conversation is with running and movement coach Lawrence van Lingen. We talk about how the psychology of athletes impacts their movement patterns, the concept of movement from center, and force transfer through the ankles in pedaling. Amongst other topics.    Lawrence has worked with professional cyclists and triathletes at the world and olympic level, which has given him an excellent understanding of how these athletes present and move in sport.  I am sure my audience will benefit from the wisdom he shares in our discussion.   Links: Lawrence's Website ►► https://www.lawrencevanlingen.com/ Lawrence's Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/lawrencevanlingen/  

Chris Balser: Your Cranks are Most Likely Too Long - Part B - Ep178 In the continuation of my discussion on crank length with Chris Balser, we talk about factors that may drive a fitter to recommend shorter cranks, pros and cons of shorter cranks, and of course wander off into related topics.  I am sure anyone who is considering crank length as a possible limiting factor in their cycling will benefit from this conversation.  Disclaimer: I made an attempt to keep the language less anatomical as this can be challenging for some listeners but it gets a bit technical here and there.  Chris's Website ►► bicyclefitguru.com Matt Appleman Cranks ►► https://www.applemanbicycles.com/shop/2xr-crankset/

Chris Balser: Your Cranks are Most Likely Too Long - Part A - Ep177 In Part A of this podcast I discuss crank length with Chris Balser. We talk about factors that may drive a fitter to recommend shorter cranks, pros and cons of shorter cranks, and of course wander off into related topics.  I am sure anyone who is considering crank length as a possible limiting factor in their cycling will benefit from this conversation.  Disclaimer: I made an attempt to keep the language less anatomical as this can be challenging for some listeners but it gets a bit technical here and there.  Enjoy.

Tripping over Dollars to Pick up Pennies - Ep176 In this walking podcast I talk about the tension between looking for marginal gains in contrast to focusing on basic principles.  Far too often I see athletes putting carts before horses. Or, tripping over dollars to pick up pennies. Choose your analogy, but the message is: getting lost in details when they don’t have foundational health and sporting principles in order.  Even more controversial: for an athlete who has their 80/20 dialed, rather than occupying time and energy over turning every small stone looking for “more watts”, turn your 80/20 into 85/15. 

Post Script to Finding Dead Space - Ep175   A few more thoughts on finding dead space can be found in this podcast, amongst some random movie quotes, poorly delivered jokes and esoteric analogies. Standard Operating Procedure in my universe. I hope this helps expand on the idea of finding “dead space” in your riding, life, and relationship with sport.     

Finding Dead Space – Ep 174 In this walking podcast I discuss the concept of finding dead space in the breath, and in your life. This is also known as equanimity, or being content with the present moment as it is. It’s a concept that has utility for athletes, as they are often rushing from thing to thing, and this rushing is often a consequence of the mentality that they are not inherently enough.  “The best athlete wants his opponent at his best. The best general enters the mind of his enemy. The best businessman serves the communal good. The best leader follows the will of the people.  All of these embody the virtue of non-competition. Not that they don’t love to compete, but they do it in the spirit of play. In this they are like children and in harmony with the Tao.”  Tao te Ching, Stephen Mitchell translation