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Reviewed- The TB12 Method: How To Achieve A Lifetime Of Sustained Peak Performance

10/25/2018

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Tom Brady, the legendary football Quarterback for the New England Patriots, likely needs no introduction, as he is one of the most famous names in professional sport.

Mr. Brady is one of only two players to win five Super Bowl Championships, and the only football player in the history of the sport to Quarterback in eight-editions of the Super Bowl. 

What’s more, at 40+ years old, Mr. Brady is the oldest Quarterback to win a Super Bowl Championship.

Thus it is obvious that Tom Brady is in a league of his own when it comes to understanding what it takes to be a high-performing Athlete.

But what ‘cross-overs’ or parallels could there be to Endurance Sport as Mr. Brady makes his living one 6-10sec. ‘play’ at a time?
​

And how can his approach to “sustained peak performance” be applicable to cyclists and other Endurance Athletes?
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Tom Brady is a widely considered one of the greatest football players of all times, and at 41-years old, he knows a thing or two about peak performance. Photo Credit: PatriotWire.com

To explore those questions we read his manuscript and found there to be numerous valuable “takeaways” from a book that is sometimes heavy on personal promotion.

First, the book begins with a premise that is intriguing for a sport like cycling that sees Athletes performing optimally, well beyond the physical maturity we experience in our early 20’s.

The TB12 book premise states that when we are young, our muscles are “pliable”, a state that allows them to be long and supple. 

But in order to build adequate strength and endurance to be competitive in sport we embark upon training routines that both shorten and tighten our muscles.

This often leads to acute or over-use injuries that decrease our ability to sustain peak performance.

Although this notion is mostly applicable to “impact sports”, which cycling is not, it is still relevant to Endurance Athletes in one major way:

 It is common for Endurance Athletes, of all levels, to emphasize hard workouts that will increase performance without balancing them with rejuvenative activities needed to restore our bodies ability to perform optimally.

What’s more, this is true regardless of the reality that the sport of cycling is steeped in a culture that emphasizes recovery as a method to achieve our highest capacities.

In his book, Mr. Brady outlines 12 areas that have helped him achieve “sustained peak performance” at the highest levels of sport into his 40’s.

Of those twelve, we have outlined the most relevant topics that apply to Endurance Athletes:

#1: Pliability Is The Missing ‘Leg’ Of Performance Training
Mr. Brady states that “pliability” is the least understood aspect of sustaining peak performance beyond our physical peak.

By “lengthening” and “softening” muscles throughout the body, but especially the areas necessary to perform our daily tasks, we can achieve a better balance of strength and conditioning as well as superior longterm health.
​

In practice, we suggest incorporating yoga or stretching routines into weekly training regimens as well as a proper warm-up and cool-down with every ride.
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Tom Brady hopes to share his unique methodologies of preparation through his TB12 Method Book and help everyone thrive.Photo Credit: SimonAndSchuster.com

#2: Balance And Moderation In All Things

Mr. Brady opens this section with the notion that “to much of a good thing is no longer a good thing.”

We couldn’t agree more, although we live in a world in which extremes are lauded, it is moderation that can create abundance.

By balancing hard-work and proper rest, an Endurance Athlete can continue to pursue peak-performance well beyond their physical ‘peak’ that takes place very early in adulthood.

#3: Hydration, Nutrition, & Supplementation
In this section, Mr. Brady outlines what we all know, but often lack the discipline to follow through with…

Namely, we should drink more water, fuel our bodies with high-quality food, and utilize supplementation as a way to amplify our nutrition choices. 

In practice, the book recommends consuming half of our body-weight in ounces of water every day, but it was the notion of supplementation ‘amplifying’ nutrition that caught our attention.

This means knowing of any deficiencies you might have through proper blood-work. 

It is not uncommon for Endurance Athletes to be ‘low’ on iron or Vitamin D due to the high-stress and continuous nature of our workouts, thus it might be necessary, even with a good diet to supplement with these nutrients.

#4: Brain Exercises 
Mr. Brady introduces the concept that our brains need to be trained just like our muscles do, which is a novel idea.

It is said that reading, learning, and otherwise stimulating our brains, as we age, is absolutely critical to keep our minds sharp. 

So why not incorporate regular study-sessions about your sport, activity, or goal-event to help keep you stay sharp and feeling focused on your upcoming event?

#5: Rest, Recenter, & Recover
In order to give our bodies the best opportunity to rejuvenate, Mr. Brady believes that Athletes should emphasize sleep, meditation, and even technology enhanced “sleep-wear” to effectively recover from training sessions and prepare for optimal performance.

If there is one thing on this list that we hope will resonate with Endurance Athletes, it is the need to emphasize the “re-center” component of recovery. 
​

By exploring meditation, “sound bath” sessions, or a restorative yoga practice our bodies and minds can properly reset allowing us to perform optimally at our next event or training session.
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The TB12 Method: How To Achieve A Lifetime Of Sustained Peak Performance is a book that transcends traditional "stick and ball" sports and covers topics that can be applied to Endurance Athletes too. Photo Credit: TB12Sports.com

Summary: 

Although Tom Brady has become somewhat of a polarizing figure for his unconventional approach to training and preparation, one thing is for sure, he is actively achieving his highest potential. 

Despite the sometimes heavy promotion of his TB12 brand of products throughout the book it is worth understanding Mr. Brady’s training methodologies so that Athletes of all levels, but especially those past their physical prime, can consistently achieve their best, or what Mr. Brady would call...

A Lifetime Of Sustained Peak Performance!

#TrainYourPotential
Until Next Time, Be Safe, Train Hard, & Have Fun!
​

-Brian and Joy McCulloch
Big Wheel Coaching
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Flying To A Fine Finish At Fiesta Island: 4-Questions With Jordi Conrado

10/19/2018

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Time-trials are a special component of cycling known as the ‘race of truth’.

For every cyclist “TT day” is one that will be filled with suffering as they battle their bodies telling them, through burning lungs and legs, to slow the pace and go-easy.

There is no question that every cyclist will suffer in a time-trial, but a rare few actually thrive in them.

Jordi Conrado is one of these Athletes, having focused on the time-trial discipline throughout the 2018 season as well as in previous seasons. 

As the 2018/2019 SoCal TT Series got underway two weeks ago at the Piru 20KM TT, Jordi recorded a hard-fought second place finish.

The very next week took the competitors to the Fiesta Island 20KM TT in San Diego, a notoriously fast, yet very demanding course.

We are excited to report that Jordi again stepped onto the podium at the end of the day, but this time it was the top step as the winner of his category!

What’s more, Jordi managed to cover the course in the fastest recorded time, for his category, in all of 2018, which is an incredible accomplishment.
​

Following his Fiesta Island performance, and ahead of a number of Fall events on the SoCall TT Series calendar, we caught up with Jordi to talk time-trialing and what lies ahead for 2019 in this weeks BWC Athlete Profile. Enjoy!
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Jordi powered to a season-best performance, in his category, in his first race on the Fiesta Island course! Photo Credit: Jordi Conrado

Athlete Bio:

Primary Sport/Discipline: Road Cycling
Average Hours of Training Per Week: 12-15hrs
Upcoming Goals: The SoCal TT Series & The 2019 Road Season

Interview:
Question #1: Congratulations on winning the Fiesta Island 20Km TT, Jordi!  En route to the win you put-down the fastest time this year in your category, going sub-27min. How did the race unfold and how did you pace yourself during the three-lap event?

Jordi Conrado:I drove the course the day before to look for any sketchy spots, poor road conditions, and tricky points. 

This course is pretty flat, so my strategy was to set a fast pace from the start, and keep it steady until about 2km ‘to go’ where I would go as hard as possible to ‘empty the tank’ before the finish. 

On the day, I found myself having good stretches on course in which my breathing, cadence, and power were “just right” and I tried to keep that momentum going as long as I could. 

I was ‘in the zone’ so the three laps went by very quickly!

Coaches Perspective/Coach Brian: Leading into the Fiesta Island TT Jordi and I made time to debrief about his previous TT effort at Piru one week before.

From that conversation and the data review we did, we were able to hone in on some key ‘takeaways’ regarding his pacing, one of which was that he could ‘empty the tank’ a bit earlier than expected. 

Taking the time to both debrief about Piru, where he got second, and then outline a plan for Fiesta was time well spent as it gave Jordi extra confidence with how to execute his race strategy. 

From there it was all about “clocking in” and “getting it done”, so to speak. 
​

And I am so proud of Jordi for his great result. He definitely “got it done!” 
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Jordi was second at Piru the week before, but Fiesta Island was the win he was looking for! Photo Credit: Fiesta Island TT Series

Question #2: 
You have been riding your TT-Bike regularly throughout the race season and now it is paying dividends this offseason with a podium and a win in just two-races. What are your time-trial aspirations for next year?

JC:Winning the California State Championship 40km TT is a great goal!

I finished second there in 2018 and I'm sure with the right preparation I can improve my time to fight for the win. 

Other than that, I would like to have good results in the TT stages of the  Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Phoenix as well as the San Dimas Stage Race.

Coach Brian: During the springtime and early summer Jordi regularly attended the El Dorado Park Tuesday TT & Criterium Series.

These were more than great workouts. We discussed the importance of making these efforts as ‘race-like’ as possible. 

They were not worth all the effort if he was not fully committed to performing optimally.

Luckily, Jordi knows no other way than full-commitment!

The pacing lessons learned and time spent on the TT bike each week paid dividends that are coming to fruition now in the SoCal TT Series.
​

So you can imagine my excitement seeing all Jordi’s hard work come together these past two-weeks!
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The San Dimas Stage Race is one of the most competitive Stage Races in California. Jordi's excellent TT-skils set him up to earn a well deserved 4th place overall finish. Photo Credit: The San Dimas Stage Race

Question #3: 
Looking back on the 2018 road race season, you did a lot of racing, what was your biggest highlight, and are there any events you have “unfinished business” with that you are targeting in 2019?

JC:The result that marked my racing this year was finishing 4th overall at the San Dimas Stage Race.

I have done this race several times, and this was my best result!

As for next year, I have been thinking about heading out to the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico for a couple of years now, and I think this is the year to try…

Also, the UCLA Road Race, which is quite hilly, is something I have unfinished business with. Last year I got dropped very quickly, so it is a race I'll be looking to target in 2019!

Coach Brian: It is exciting to hear that Jordi is contemplating an assault on the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico. This is one of the most challenging Stage Races in the country, so it is without question a worthy goal!

As for Jordi’s comments about San Dimas and the UCLA Road Race, I did not have the privilege of working with him at that time…
​

So you can bet that I am looking forward to crafting a plan with him so he can both continue his string of excellent performances at SDSR and climb like a beast at the UCLA Road Race!
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Jordi likes to take his recovery seriously and that usually entails complete rest, as in a day away from the bike, or it could be coffee-spin, depending on the day.Photo Credit: Jordi Conrado

Question #4: 
What is/are your favorite workout(s) in your training program? Also, please share a ‘knowledge-bomb’ you have learned while training with BWC.

JC:My two favorite workouts are #1- Climbing Repeats, the short version that are 3-5 min. long at an increasing pace and finish with an “all out” sprint to the top!

#2) Long endurance rides where an "easy" and steady endurance pace is kept for a long time. I like these rides to be about 4hrs, or so, in duration and love it when I get home really hungry! 

As for a ‘knowledge-bomb’, what I am learning from Coach Brian is to take it really easy on easy days, letting my body fully recover from the work performed so I can ‘go hard’ on the next workout. 

It seems like obvious advice, but I think many Athletes just don't recover properly and therefore can’t push hard enough when needed because they are overly tired.

Coach Brian: That is a great ‘knowledge-bomb’ Jordi, well said!

Rest is such a key component of performance, but it is somewhat misunderstood.

So many Athletes are willing to do all the hard-work and tough workouts necessary to be fit, but few are willing to rest enough to get the fitness gains they have worked hard to receive.

By appropriately balancing workload with rest it is possible to see significant performance increases.

On the other hand, when recovery is neglected, adaptation to training-stress can be limited substantially.
 

Helping our BWC family of Athletes find that balance of work, rest, and performance is something that I really enjoy!

Summary:
We hope you have enjoyed reading about Jordi Conrado’s TT success and that it has inspired you to reach for some late season goals of your own!

But is Jordi’s recent TT success coming on the heels of a great season of training and racing, or is it really a sign that he is already starting to do the work necessary for a great 2019 race season?

We’ll let you decide…

But either way, what we can learn from his success is that with purposeful practice and a diligent focus on details, success is never far away, regardless of the time of year!

#TrainYourPotential
Until Next Time, Be Safe, Train Hard, & Have Fun!
​

-Brian & Joy McCulloch
Big Wheel Coaching
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Wet Weather Training & Racing Tips, Episode 2: The Post Session Clean-Up

10/11/2018

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As an avid cyclist and Athlete, there is little doubt that you have seen or can visualize professional cyclists (as well as other Endurance Athletes) racing in cold and wet conditions. 

And depending on your outlook, that image can intimidate or inspire you.

Take a moment to think about it - does the visualization of ‘toughing-it-out' in wet and windy conditions stir positive emotions of commitment, drive, and perseverance?

Or does it make you cringe and wince, as the idea of being soggy sends shivers down your spine? 

No matter what you think about training or racing in the rain, it is normal to prefer training in comfortable weather conditions. It’s just easier.

However, due to the reality that participating in an outdoor sport ‘year-round’ means making peace with all seasons, as well as the idea that at some point wet weather will make an impact on your preparation for, or even your participation in, your goal event it is important to know how to cope with these conditions.

It is with that in mind that we created this two-part series on Wet Weather Riding.

In this episode of “Wet Weather Riding” we will cover the post ride clean-up process. 

Regardless of whether your soggy riding extravaganza is a result of completing your goal event or simply a training ride in the journey to it, there are a few things that can be done at the completion of your ride to make the experience better. 

Note: In case you missed the first episode in our Wet Weather Riding Series, on clothing and preparation for the elements, you can check it out here-
​

https://www.bigwheelcoaching.com/training-articles/training-when-its-wet-tips-to-make-riding-in-the-rain-more-bearable
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Riding in wet and cold conditions leaves most Athletes with one thing on their mind, getting dry and warm after the ride! Photo Credit: Danny Munson

Five Post Rain Ride Clean-Up Tips

1: Get Warm & Dry ASAP!
Although it may seem obvious to get warm and dry ASAP, it is not always easy to achieve. 

Riding in inclement weather conditions can be very challenging and even overwhelming depending on the severity of the weather. 

Many times, following rain races, or riding in severe weather, Athletes simply want a chance to ‘catch their breath’ before cleaning-up. 

Although it is normal to take a moment of relaxation after completing an epic race or training day, we cannot stress enough how important it is to get warm and dry following a ride in inclement weather. 

The reason for this is that prolonged exposure to cold or wet weather will lower an Athletes’ core temperature. And if the exposure is long enough, or severe enough, it can spur the onset of illness. 

Thus, it is important to get dry and layer-up the clothing to get warm as soon as possible.

The simple suggestion here is to get dry and warm, in that order, as quickly as possible in order to avoid prolonged exposure to the elements.

2: Rinse Your Bike Off When Possible
‘Hosing-down’ your bicycle with a quick spray of the hose, immediately following a race or training session, will make your equipment clean-up process a lot easier. 

Granted, no one likes being cold and miserable any longer than they have to, but using a hose to spray-off the heavy grit and grime from your bike immediately following wet weather training or racing is very beneficial. 

It is particularly important to clean and remove mud or grit from the wheels, derailleurs, chain and other drivetrain parts. 

Basically any part of your bicycle that has bearings, bushings, or hinges is important to have the grit and grime sprayed off. 

When left on the bicycle, this grit and grime dries causing corrosion or rust that attacks expensive parts. This corrosion and rust can severely impair your bicycles performance on the next ride.

We suggest a quick rinse (not a full cleaning), with a regular hose immediately following any wet weather training or racing session. 

It only takes a few minutes of time, but can save a lot of clean-up later as dried mud and grime is much more difficult to remove.

3: Removal Of Embrocation Cream
If your outdoor adventure warranted application of Embrocation Cream, your post ride shower may be a surprise!

For anyone who has used ‘embro’ cream in the past, they already know that the warm tingle that characterizes Embrocation Cream can turn into a burning sensation (or worse) in the shower. 

That is why we suggest using dish-soap, a product like Chamois Butt’r Skin Wash, or at least a towel, to remove the build up of ‘embro’ on your legs before showering. 

Be sure to scrub all areas of skin thoroughly in order to minimize the temperature increase felt when in the shower. 

For those Athletes that regularly use Embrocation Cream, or anyone that cannot stand the fiery feeling of burning legs, we suggest using a dedicated product like Chamois Butt’r Skin Wash. 
​

It is very effective at reducing the burning sensation that can make a post rain ride shower miserable. Simply spray it on “embro’d” legs and wipe them down with a towel, then hit the shower to warm up!
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Getting your shoes dry after riding in the rain can be a difficult task, but is made many times easier with the help of newspaper and a fireplace! Photo Credit: Brian McCulloch

4: Dry Your Cycling Shoes With Newspaper
There are few things more miserable than soggy shoes, but what is undoubtedly worse than wet feet is having to wear wet cycling shoes on your next ride!

There is a simple solution to cure soggy-shoe syndrome…newspaper.

Following any riding in the rain we recommend that insoles be removed from your cycling shoes, then stuff each shoe with plenty of newspaper.

The newspaper pages will soak-up the water in the shoe and help dry them prior to your next ride. 

It should be noted that, depending on the type of shoe and the material it is constructed from, it may take more than one round of newspaper to adequately dry your cycling shoes. 

As a bonus, we suggest placing shoes near heater vents and/or a fire place to speed the drying process.

5: Avoid A Rusty Chain With An Extra Application Of Chain Lube
Rust and corrosion are the enemy of moving parts and can greatly shorten the life-span of a bicycle chain.
 

Because both rust and corrosion start when water settles on metal parts, we suggest applying a liberal coat of high-quality chain lube or WD-40 to your bicycle chain following any rain ride. 

Applying chain lube after the ride, or preferably following the quick clean-up described above, is sure to make your next training ride much better. 

The gunk and grime that comes along with a rain ride is easily combatted with an application of chain lube or WD-40, which prevents the build-up of rust and corrosion. 
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This also helps avoid the annoying sound of a ‘dry’ chain on your next training ride. 
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Training and racing in the rain is one thing, but snow is a whole beast unto itself. It may be better to enjoy snowy conditions sitting by the fireplace with a hot cup of tea instead of from your bicycle saddle. Photo Credit: Brian McCulloch

Post Rain Ride Bonus: Enjoy A Warm Coffee Or Tea
If riding or training in the rain leaves you with the chills, a warm-shower and dry clothes may not be enough to warm you up. 

If that is the case, we suggest a hot cup of coffee or tea, to warm you up from the inside!

Also, a good bowl of your favorite soup is another great suggestion to help warm-up following any training or racing in the rain!

Summary: 
Training or racing in the rain may sound like an unsavory affair, initially, but with the tips provided in parts 1 & 2 of our Wet Weather Riding series, you will be able to train outdoors, even when the weather is damp. 

By utilizing proper clothing and equipment you will be able to insulate yourself from inclement conditions, while developing a quick post-ride routine is sure to help protect your equipment from long-term damage.

One of the draws of cycling, for most Athletes, is that the sport challenges us to push our limits and get outside our comfort zone. 

It is with this in mind that we hope these tips can help you push your own limits so that you can emerge from this winter stronger and better prepared for your spring and summer goals!

#TrainYourPotential
Until Next Time, Be Safe, Train Hard, & Have Fun!
​

-Brian and Joy McCulloch
Big Wheel Coaching
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Training When It’s Wet: Tips To Make Riding In The Rain More Bearable

10/4/2018

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It is no secret that the chilly Fall and Winter months are a difficult time to be an Endurance Athlete. With unpredictable weather patterns, wet or snowy conditions, and gusty winds a plenty the thought of getting outdoors for a workout is often daunting. 

At Big Wheel Coaching, we are very attune to how local weather patterns, throughout the country, affect our Athletes ability to put together a successful off-season of training and prepare for their upcoming goals. 

Given our daily interactions with their training, coupled with the notion that many of our Athletes hold-down full-time jobs or educational commitments, we understand the difficulty of “squeezing-in” a training session before or after work when confronted by adverse or unpredictable weather.

It is with this fact in mind that we are dedicating two episodes of the BWC Coaches Corner to preparing-for, dealing with, and cleaning-up from wet weather riding. 
​

Whether this years’ Fall and Winter seasons bring wet weather, increased winds, chilling temperatures, or "all of the above" you can use the following tips to survive and thrive in the wet and wintery conditions.
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Competing in the rain is tough, but is significantly more difficult if you have not previously trained in the wet conditions. Photo Credit: Danny Munson, DMunsonPhoto.com

5 Essential Tips For Training & Competing In Wet Conditions:

1- Wear A Rain Cape
A high-quality Rain Cape is arguably the most important article of clothing for any Athlete brave enough to race or train in soggy weather conditions.

A dry upper-body and torso is essential for any Athlete that is planning on exercising in inclement weather.
 

Utilizing a water-proof and breathable rain-cape is the first line of defense to making cold and dreary conditions more manageable. 

We suggest a rain-cape that is both water and wind-proof. 

Most often these jackets are also very light-weight and compact for easy storage in a jersey pocket, in the event it must be taken off while riding. 

The importance of having a clear rain jacket becomes apparent when an Athlete must compete in the rain. Having a clear or ‘see-through’ jacket allows for race-numbers to be visible while keeping the Athlete protected from the elements. 

And let’s face it, no one wants to spend big-money on a nice jacket and then pin a number to it!

2- Accessories For The Upper-Body
Besides wearing a rain cape, there are two different articles of clothing that we consider mandatory for wet weather training. 

First is a nice pair of gloves. Frozen fingers are “the worst” and can be a safety hazard if they compromise your ability to control your bike. 

Because of that, we suggest a glove that is both water-proof and wind-proof. 

The trick with gloves is finding a set that also allows for ample finger-dexterity for shifting/braking. 

Don’t make the mistake of getting bulky gloves! Thin, well insulated, and water/wind proof gloves are the way to go.

Second, be sure to wear a cycling-cap or helmet-cover! 

A cycling-cap will help keep the rain and wind off your face, while a helmet-cover ensures rain does not soak your head, neck, and shoulders… 
​

Just the thought of rain water getting between our rain-cape and base-layer gives us the chills!
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This Fall and Winter will bring cold and wet weather to all parts of the country. As a goal-oriented, driven, Endurance Athlete, it is important to adapt and prepare for these weather conditions. Photo Credit: Brian McCulloch

3-Clothing For The Lower Extremities

Although layering-up for the upper-body is mandatory for wet weather training or racing, the lower-body is nearly opposite. 

That’s right, “less is more” when it comes to covering your legs. 
Unless it is bitterly cold, where water proof knickers are a must, we suggest utilizing bare legs with embrocation cream to protect your legs during rainy training or racing.
A couple of notes about embrocation cream: 
First, avoid applying it to the area behind the knee. 
Second, apply it to the top of your feet (but not the bottom). 
Third, use a light application on the entire upper-leg, don’t stop where your cycling shorts start, ‘embro-up’ as high as possible. 
It should also be said that washing your hands immediately after the application of embrocation cream is a must and do NOT touch your eyes or chamois area after applying embrocation cream!
Of equal importance to embrocation cream on the legs are water/wind proof shoe covers. Just as with glove selection, thinner is better, but numb feet are miserable so don’t go too thin. 
It is very important to have a shoe cover that will keep water from ‘pooling’ in your shoes. 
It goes without saying that your feet will likely be wet when riding or racing in the rain, but good shoe covers will make the experience far more manageable.
4- Reduce Tire Pressure
Besides making sure the motor - your body - is capable of operating in the wet, you must ensure your bike can perform well in the rain too. 

In order to add piece of mind, in the form of additional traction, to any wet weather training or racing session, we suggest using a lower tire pressure than normal. 
For road cyclists, the reduction could be as much as 10-20psi, while MTB riders might find that 3-5psi is enough. 
As a side note, cyclocross riders and gravel-grinders will find suitable traction increases by decreasing air pressure by +/- 5psi, depending on the terrain and road/gravel mix.
5- Reduce Overall Exposure & Duration
Exposure to the elements is something that all hikers, campers, and back-packers are familiar with and respect. 

As Athletes and Cyclists, we must also respect Mother Nature and her power. 
In the event that your Coach scheduled a 4hr ride and an unexpected rain storm comes into the area, we recommend reducing overall duration to 50-75% of the prescribed volume. 
That is to say that an hour rain ride is not bad, a two hour ride is fine, but three and four hour rides are not necessary and will leave you with a significantly higher risk of developing sickness following the session. 
Training in the rain is excellent preparation for wet weather competitions, but only in moderation. 
This is where the “less is more” adage comes into play. 
If you have questions about ride duration and training or racing in the rain, talk to your Coach to discuss when, and if, it makes sense given your goals. 
In many cases, it may be better to opt for an indoor trainer session instead or riding in the elements.
Bonus: Consider Installing Fenders
Few riders outside of the Pacific Northwest understand how much better a rain ride can be with the benefit of fenders. 

Fenders, although aesthetically awkward looking, are incredibly useful because the front fender helps keep your feet dry, while a rear fender keeps water from being ‘flung-up’ your backside and soaking your torso. 
If you have ever considered training in the rain, we strongly suggest using fenders. 
Some types install in just five to ten minutes, a time-penalty well worth paying if you are headed out for a two-hour wet weather adventure!
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Training and competing in wet conditions is not for the "fair weather" Athlete, but it's safe to say that if you are reading the BWC Newsletter, you are definitely not a "fair weather" Athlete! Photo Credit: Danny Munson, DMunsonPhoto.com

A Note About These Suggestions:

Riding in inclement conditions is not for everyone. 

Although there is something romantic about training in the wet, the reality is that if your cycling goals do not include the potential for rainy events, there is little good a wet weather training session will do for you. 

If, on the other hand, early season goals include events that could be wet, windy, and/or frigidly cold, it is wise to get outside to practice operating in these conditions.

Summary: 
Training or competing in the rain can be an empowering experience when you are well prepared.

And with the amount of time, energy, and investment our Athletes put into their fitness, it is almost inevitable that they will be confronted with the need to ride in inclement weather. 

Thus we hope these tips can be utilized to help make wet weather riding more manageable and maybe even enjoyable. 

Be sure to stay-tuned to for our next installment of the BWC Coaches Corner that will cover important post-rain-ride tips and tricks!

#TrainYourPotential
Until Next Time, Be Safe, Train Hard, & Have Fun!
​

-Brian and Joy McCulloch
Big Wheel Coaching
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