Cycling in Alignment with Colby Pearce

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 

RPE is Fundamental - Ep173 Riders use P as a goal and think it is an objective. It is not an objective, it is a measure of output. It is an artificial construct, a mathematical calculation.  The objective of training is physiological load: SAID principle. It does not matter how many watts you do, what matters is, did you load the system appropriately given the context of your training?  The objective racing is not P. It is speed. In mass start racing, it is speed at the right time. In time trialling, it is also speed at the right time.  RPE is primary to power in the hierarchy of relationship to the sport of cycling. Unfortunately, many modern riders misunderstand this. We might say their entire relationship with the sport is upside down.  In this walking podcast, I discuss the proper relationship of Power and Relative Perceived Exertion.

The False Glorification of Suffering - Ep172 The culture in our sport often glorifies suffering as though it were a badge of honor or something to aspire towards. This is incorrect. In this walking podcast, I explain why. Thank you for listening. Smash and subscribe!

Delve into the complex emotion of shame and how it multiplies in our lives. Explore the fascinating connection between the lunar cycle and our breathing patterns. Experience the intriguing intersection of cycling and personal growth, as body posture reflects emotional states. Discover the essential role of self-love in nurturing relationships and breaking codependency cycles. The importance of open dialogue in sports and everyday life is also highlighted, promoting mindful exchanges that lead to self-discovery.

Nathan Hass: SBTGRVLRDX - Ep170 What the heck does NHSBTGRVLRDX stand for?  Why, it stands for Nathan Haas Steamboat Gravel Redux of course. I thought that would be obvious.  I am sure you will be captivated stupendified by our post race banter on the 2025 Steamboat Gravel race, where vowels are so 2018.  Fun was had and gravel cornering shall be discussed.  Enjoy. 

Nathan Haas: Cycling is like Fishing - Ep169 In this episode of Cycling in Alignment Nathan Haas and I drive to Steamboat for the SBT GRVL race. As a former World Tour professional and seasoned gravel veteran, Nathan has some great perspectives to offer on the newest addition to the cycling world. In cased you missed the memo, this is gravel [no, e-bikes don’t count].  We do speak a bit about the upcoming SBT race, and also take a bit to unpack Nathan’s analogy that in fact, cycling resembles fishing in many ways.  I won’t spoil the analogy by giving away all juicy bits in a social post, go listen to the podcast you lazy sod.  All humor aside, I am sure you will enjoy Nathan’s thoughts, as he is indeed a philosophical and reflective person.  “I see you have found a sense of humor. If only just a sense.”

Discover the intriguing differences between road and gravel biking techniques, focusing on rider position and center of gravity. Explore how keeping personal boundaries is essential for navigating relationships in life and cycling. Learn the importance of achieving balance and centeredness through practical drills and mindfulness techniques, including meditation. Uncover the calming parallels between the meditative state of cycling and a dedicated meditation practice, enhancing both athletic performance and inner peace.

The Great Illusion: Dr Scott Frey and Brent Bookwalter - Ep167 In this episode my discussion with Dr Frey and former World Tour rider Brent Bookwalter is about training the mind to better handle the demands of sport. Rather than simply leaving race day flow state or a high level of motivation to chance, Dr Frey has developed tools that athletes can use to condition their minds in a way that cultivates a state of high performance with intent. Brent has used many of these tools and proven their efficacy.  The conversation may offer the audience a perspective on how it is possible to train in more ways than simply pedaling harder.  To find out more, search Dr Scott Frey and you will find his site.  Links: Cerebral Performance Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/cerebral_performance/ Brent Bookwalter's Instagram►► https://www.instagram.com/brentbookwalter/

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.