Cycling Tips - Increasing your ability to suffer

[@PeterLarsenJr]

Tyler I got to tell you thank you so much for this video. In 2019 I was a B+ tempo road cyclist. Riding a Cannondale CAAD 12. Did a metric century averaging 18.8 mph. I was on fire! Then the Covid pandemic came and the group ride stopped, and I lost motivation. For like two years dude. Your video is exactly what I need to get back into the sport that I once loved. Embracing the pain. Believing that I can go farther than what my mind tells me. This is your greatest video and I thank you so much.

[@Zeptinn]

I believe (and I know I'm not that special) that I have some kind of "brutal" mentality where I can just go until I literally drop. I've only done it a few times, during a race and sometimes during training when I feel especially pumped. After watching this video, I also realize that that's when I've felt the most pain - but also the most improvement afterwards. I've been kind of keeping away form pushing into that mentality thinking it's a limited resource, but after seeing this video it's really opened my eyes and I now believe that's the way for me to push forward into becoming a better cyclist. Thank you very much for this video! All of your videos are great, I keep watching them for tips and I feel like they are well-structured and have an experienced cyclist as their source. Oh, and to bring up the literal worst pain I've ever felt (although afterwards I felt amazing and badass) was when I was joining the fastest group of riders in my hometown. They were doing hill intervals, and I believe I got dropped something like 4-5 times, luckily they assigned a rider to make sure I didn't get lost and got back on track. I was once so in the red I thought I was going to puke and of course I had to get a fly in my mouth right then... yes I did throw up, although I hope none of them noticed haha. I'm only 18 years old, birthday in november last year, and I actually started a bit earlier during 2015. So this year will be my first "real" season of cycling and I couldn't be more hyped about it, and your videos have made my motivation grow even more than it already had. Once again thank you for the videos, they're amazing. Keep it up man, you're awesome!

[@iamrobin7175]

you are so much cooler than durianrider, he always says "you might not agree with me but you re still fu***g wrong" and you are so friendly dude!! "hey we can't always agree on everything ... " REALLY NICE BRO

[@TheVCAdventures]

+IamRobin lol, thanks man. DR is pretty aggressive with his view points but that's how became famous. Thanks for the support bro!

[@veganathleteforlife5993]

DR=aggressive or passionate? ;)

[@cruzer6181]

Thanks for the video. I think we all know this but it really helps to hear it and see it in your video. It turned the pain into a mental positive for me! When I'm suffering, I just think, "This is your improvement zone!" Instead of focusing on others, it made me focus on doing my best. Thanks!

[@nqphoto]

Wow dude, the exact thing you just talked about I experienced today in the group. I'm there, it's about a 10-15 rider group and they're getting on it 26mph+ average. And there I am, second to the front and he lets off, and now I'm pulling this group and I honesty cannot believe what's happening. Hurting so much, but blocking it out and just going. Never experienced that much pain before, great video man.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Nelson Queralta Pain sucks, but once its gone, it leaves room for some some pretty cool feelings. Like I am sure you were at home just crushed, but had a smile and the thought of triumph over advisory. Thanks for the support bro!

[@tphongsy]

"i rode so hard, i dropped myself."

[@antonygonzalez1672]

Did he really say that😭

[@xlr8442]

This is why Tony Martin is probably my favorite racer. I'm always in awe when i watch someone willingly tear their body apart in order to go as hard as possible

[@stithis]

Mental fatigue is my worst enemy, I have a problem overcoming that enemy! This video is inspirational, even tho I'm quite upset that I've got dropped at a climb and the rest of the ride today.

[@badasssalsa]

I agree completely! I'm 51 haven't raced in decades and currently ride a heavy sport/tour bike. I also pull a BOB Trailer during most of my rides. 20-60 lbs. When I suffer in the Arizona heat I know that my perceived "Wall" is so much more into the Red than a CAT 3-5 rider has ever bothered to hit. I'll hang with them, annoy them . . . but mostly Push others to dig deeper. That's what I ask of my 'Peeps' in my SPINN classes. No demands, simply dig deeper, hurt a little more obtain a personal best and perhaps bragging rights. Cripes! Now, if I could only apply that dedication to becoming a Vegan once again! Your Hero status Bro!

[@mightymouse4143]

I know this is an old video but seriously good content! As soon as you started talking about muscle failure it took me back to weight training in school. I found I could do crazy things like bench press 195lbs when I weighed 115lbs or curl 105lbs and the whole time before I started lifting my dad would say work till muscle failure. Nuts...but it works!

[@MrAndypree]

When I did a century ride over like 11k feet of climbing waaaay before I was ready to do it, I finished but started crying in pain near the end. I wanted to cycle into a hole and die. But the feeling at the end was elation and the biggest high ever!

[@TheVCAdventures]

With growing your spectrum of pain, so does your spectrum of joy. Good job bro!

[@ByGraceThroughFaithHomestead]

Absolutely, once you've hit that high of a pain threshold there is no limit to the pain you can endure!

[@darrendandridge8786]

I have to watch this every year!!! It makes so much since to me.

[@fitzy4578]

Seriously I can't express this enough, your videos are so sick!!

[@Brian-pk1ol]

So brah. I've decided to start racing for real this coming spring. I've taken your advice and hired a coach, got a power meter, and stayed dedicated to my diet. After a month and a half I am seeing crazy results already in my fitness and tolerance to pain. I've also found a team to take me in. Keep your info coming. It helps.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Bro! That's awesome! Definitely keep me updated with your program through Facebook. I really want to do a video with pictures that get sent to me from all over the world of racing.

[@user-rc8eq9jq4f]

I really can relate to what your talking about, I used to get drop on the Saturday group ride, I was ok climber but I would give when the pain was to much, so I worked on each weekend ride to stay a little closer to the group each weekend, plus I lost like 15lbs and it gave me so much confidence, now i'am staying with the strong guys. you what I mean, when they start asking your name you know your with them now it's a great feeing, I follow your videos dude, and it helps. thank you my brother!

[@gowman813]

Good stuff. Gotta push through & beyond the limits ... which are only set by oneself. Gonna be a cool day tomorrow - cold actually - but I'm suiting up, settin' out & Gonna push through a bit of a pain barrier. Thx for the inspiration

[@timothymaley7472]

Ive never "felt" (as in the feeling not your bike) obligated to leave a comment on youtube until just now... very well done videos and this one was surprisingly insightful! I don't ever expect to learn this much on a familiar topic! Bavo brah!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Well you just made my day ! Thank you so much for the praise bro! I try to get a video out every 10 days -ish so stay tuned for more .

[@dpw420]

I am new to cycling, and have recently found your channel. It's the best out there for tips, even better than GCN with there budget. Thank you!

[@montyknight9404]

3:37 You can't sprint past a 'Stop' sign... its a stop sign... you have to stop.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Monty Knight I meant the stop ahead sign that comes before a the intersection. Obviously you don't want to go sprinting into traffic LOL

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Monty Knight I meant the stop ahead sign that comes before a the intersection. Obviously you don't want to go sprinting into traffic LOL

[@porumb07]

lol

[@calebpetrick4819]

Maybe the stop sign is on like a T intersection and you have the right of way ;)

[@HooxNZ]

actual lol

[@MB-tf9zl]

Been watching your videos for about a month and I love the content! It's actually helped me out a ton on the bike!

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Morgan Burk Thats so cool to hear. I remember when I first got bit by the cycling bug, I was on youtube like ALL DAY just watching videos about it. So I try to make stuff that I would want to watch, glad you like them!

[@thomasslater6490]

this is the thing I find hardest I think, some guys are just so good at pushing their limits and that attitude over a few years of riding makes lethal bike racers.

[@JavierVazquezkmkzy]

wow ...this video could not come in a better time ...Thank you so much

[@ultralighthelicopter]

Im training for a hill-climb bike race in summer and find this video very helpful…. No pain- no gain…..

[@phucngoduy8543]

Great advice! I tried harder and harder to catch up the strongest guy in the riding group, beyond my limit. That's great!

[@ptadam22]

You have great potential to write a book on cycling, but also on success principles in general. A lot of your videos have a high correlation to the entrepreneurial mentality. Your illustrations would make for an awesome read if I found it on the shelf. Just found you on Strava, happy riding!

[@SeeShellSinging]

Hey. This was great and fun to watch!I'm a born again cyclist at 44 and although I struggle to do any more than 20 reasonably flat miles at 14mph, I still find this applies to me! It always hurts! Haha.but 4 months ago I struggled with 10mph. I love it and I find this sort of thing motivating. Thankyou :)

[@marcelomalta3640]

Thank you Man. Your videos are helping me to restructure my training program. You are really helping a lot. Best Regards 🇧🇷!! 👉🚴💪🤙

[@johnlynch6341]

Thank you so much for sharing your own experience.very helpful. Youve given me motivation to push on through, cheers from NZ

[@Yosser70]

Great video man! Only one I've seen explaining the suffering side of training, really got me thinking. Thanks dude :)

[@antoniomura1458]

Nice video! I certainly am modest enough to admit I'm nowhere near that perfect mental state for exercise, but over the years I've had a slightly different experience from you it seems. Rather than feeling I need to suffer more, to reach those higher power zones, heart rates, for longer times, ive experienced it as stretching what my mind can do for the same suffering. I think everyone can suffer when exercising, it's just that depending on experience we reach different levels of physical intensity in exchange for that suffering, that commitment. Perhaps pain or suffering in general is a subjective response to an objective physical stimulus. What we both agree on of course is that it's all about stretching our habits!

[@RoadconePhoto]

i've only been riding for a year and during my past two big rides i've gone until my legs just refused to go during a climb. i unlocked a ton of power mentally like you said over about a 2 month period recently... i went from 146w ftp to 203w just by learning to dig like you said... its CRAZY how much farther you can go when you just turn your brain off and dig and dig...

[@heatthexsjado]

Love your videos dude. Gives me such a stoke to keep riding and training.

[@Jimidan1000]

My old football coach taught me about mental fatigue...but blacking out on a moving bicycle (seeing stars) should be reserved for stress tests in a cardiologist's office. Blood doping helps I guess, although I have never tried such a thing. At my age, I am much more likely to go into cardiac infarction than develop new thresholds for pain.

[@leedorney]

The local fast rides in the Summer can be on the limit and over... I've a 60mlr left in yr - oct 10th and I'm still doing the 4hr rides, weekly and shorter in week... #exerciseosgood

[@greyninja88]

really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@lecheck]

Great video!!! I totally needed this haha! Love your channel, keep up the good job!

[@noko1146]

Great advice, dude. Never saw it like this and I will now be training differently because of it.

[@satpalmodinagar7172]

Really nice video, yes it's not easy to push the limit of pain endure but its right we have to push to get improvement 💋💋🚵🚵🚵

[@miguelverdegaymanas2122]

Very cool Stuff. Good communicator, good speaker. Great metaphores! I will look for your info in The future.

[@bpatient2day]

Ha ha, good stuff again...I definitely plan on getting there in these next 3 months that I will be doing my indoor cycling due to this now snowy cold winter.

[@Kyrazlan]

Damn! That balance at the end!!

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Kyrazlan Thanks bro, practice practice practice. its not the hard once you get the hang of it.

[@xTrackStar17]

Thanks for the video.. I'm inspired to go suffer now! See you on strava!

[@germanmartinez1994]

awesome editing and music, love your videos!

[@jmflynn87]

Love your videos man, super informative and inspiring.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Jason Flynn Thanks bro!

[@lookylooish]

great video, this has been my struggle and will continue to be.

[@CARBDOPING]

Great details! I ordered the jawbreakers last week! Super stoked!! Thanks for the recommendation! See you out there racing next year!!

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Shawn Remy Did you get yours?

[@atrapasuenosdream3017]

Ive seen several of your videos i dont like anyof them but this one i enjoyed

[@clemenshartmann5260]

The Navy Seals saying: "Pain is weakness that leaves the Body" Helped me a lot ;)

[@patriceparent8673]

New Horizons of Pain! What a LIFE GOAL !

[@shoofitalje755]

I’ve done cryotherapy multiple times. I pay $20 a session. It makes you feel better and better the more you use it but the first time does make you feel good and totally worth it. Ice baths are way to cold and painful in my opinion and this things is an awesome solution.

[@stuartmclean3843]

I'm.really struggling with threshold and above, the issue is my mind checks out before my body does, this is mainly down to the fact I have asthma and my mind constantly tells me I'm having a asthma attack when in reality it's just the effort that's making breathing difficult, it sometimes causes me to have a panic attack where I have to stop the effort completely, this is something I'm trying to work through, I hope I can get there

[@jakeanderson5879]

I'm about to go out riding, thanks for the tips!

[@BrianJNoah]

I've got quite a lot more suffering to experience.... 😳

[@kaoserdnase]

so i quit smoking may 4 andgot back on my old school road bike A 1984 lotus pro and after pedaling in fla for 35 years now live in ga so how do i get used to climbs

[@tool5150]

i would say that your motor does get better the more you work at max pain the easier that same effort will become.

[@rv3089]

It works for me when I'm on a climb; i just won't look at it and try to think of something else besides pain (maybe Mikel Landa's relaxed face?) and try to keep a good pace.

[@veganliving1319]

I'm going to come back and watch this video later! it looks like it ll help

[@freshstart6]

Wow , great coaching,,!

[@georgegilles9008]

Great perspectives.

[@mindciller]

good points. I'm different. I WON'T pass a sign if that's what I commit to-a way of allowing myself to go 100% That way I'll do what I say and my brain won't revolt

[@jimpark9712]

Love your vids, bro!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks bro! I work on hard on them for sure!

[@CatalinBadea]

Hi, can you do a video on common knee injuries and how to avoid them? Cheers!

[@Buck2901]

Ya well, I was expecting all of this video done on a track stand :-) Just kidding, as always, very informative and well delivered.

[@SolarEatsPlants]

those graphics at the bottom were super cool!

[@TheVCAdventures]

+SolarEatsPlants Thanks! I tried messing around with some easing and smooth motion stuff. It will get better with time. ALSO, I have the puppy video uploading, so by the end of the day.....THERE.....WILL.....BE.....PUPPIES.

[@user-rc8eq9jq4f]

do you have any videos on how to be a great descender?

[@Uncle_Herman]

Can you make a video on how to get into the 30mph and above zone on your he flats? I know there are variables but my top speed on the flats with no wind is 28mph. Thanks

[@angeloviray4916]

This is a Great Video to be a Strong Cyclist.. Ride Safe IDOL

[@s4ms4r4]

The example video was a marathon runner hitting the wall. I've been there, after 38k it happened and that requires some serious mental stamina to keep going.

[@byejason]

I always get cramp long before I've hit my sufferance limit. All fired up in a race I can endure the pain of cramp, but once it gets to the point where my legs won't actually respond to command due to cramp i'm kind of stuffed. I've yet to find a solution to that problem.

[@Unwavering137]

Self massage it out while on the bike if possible. I've done it many times.

[@peterbimm7984]

really interesting perspective :) will take it on board next time im out with the boys

[@mikemyk]

Shut up lungs. hahaha Thanks for this!

[@cookiesinspace9236]

This seriously helped a lot, thank you

[@michaelhardie9193]

The Goggins 40% rule. If you haven't dove into his world I highly suggest. Not specific to cycling but totally transferable

[@briansamuel5670]

I don't perceive riding hard as painful. Its just the effect of going hard. I just think about happy moments get my mind off the burning legs and it works. And remeber its only for a while.

[@barefeg]

I think I've experienced some anaerobic pain I felt my chest was getting warmer and warmer my HR was ~190 but I didn't keep pushing as I was doing some TT effort. It felt very good after that. Looking forward to getting into the higher suffer levels. BTW can you make a tutorial on track stand?

[@luciennegabrielhonz1]

But how can I train for this without a power meter?

[@ridesantacruzbikes]

Nice balance, Bro

[@TheDarkerAges]

subscribed! awesome videos bro

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Yemi2009 SWEET BRO! Thanks for the support!

[@oli-a2765]

cab you do more reviews and how to enter races and maybe you routine plz thnkx

[@J-Post86]

+Oli - A To get into races, go here: www.usacycling.org/events/ Create an account, and sign up for some local events. Note that the season is pretty much over now, so there are not much events left this year. You start at Cat 5, after 10 races (some races give double points, read more on that website) you can upgrade to Cat 4, and then the fun starts. Make sure you are comfortable riding in a group (do some local group rides), and be careful in the Cat 5 races, especially criteriums, as there tend to be a lot of crashes... Good luck!

[@jackharley8564]

"New horizons of pain" - Vegan Cyclist.

[@aaron___6014]

Lemond spoke a little about motor-pacing. I don't have that option, but what do you think about using aero-bars to reach higher top speeds? Anyone

[@TheVCAdventures]

No, aero bars will change your position on the bike and use slightly different muscles. You only need motor pacing if you are doing races that are that speed. I wouldnt worry about it at all.

[@andrejdjordjevic4320]

Hey man can you please tell me the name of the song? Btw huge fan and I absolutely love your videos they helped me a LOT!

[@APere047]

Great vids man. I am a weak cyclist and these vids are helping me out a lot! Ive been doing sprint/olympics triathlons for almost two years now and had no previous experience with endurance sports. Maybe you or some other cyclist can give me some advice. I'm noticing I'm not able to get my cycling hr up as high as I can when running. During hard intervals I only get up to the 150s but during running training I get in the 170s-180s. My Average resting heart rate it around 50. I notice my legs fatigue before I can actually redline my heart rate. Is this normal? I was thinking it was a strength issue so I've incorporated strength training twice a week but I haven't seen any major improvements. Do you think I just need more time in the saddle? I usually ride 3-4 times a week. Usually as one interval session, one 1hr recovery ride, one interval ride before my bricks (bike run work outs) and one 2 to 2-:30 long ride on the weekend. I also ride to power. Any advice would be great! Thanks

[@cyclejockey4397]

Good tips VC !

[@chrisjo0707]

I'm totally agree with this, to improve in cycling (and many others sports) pain is the only way. With that way pain no longer exist, the effort we used to suffered so hard become more friendly. Would you mind to check my video ? it's a time trial race with my team. I'm absolutely in pain and red in that race, you could easy from my heart rate there. but i didn't look at it (at all), the pain really worth it because we won the race :D

[@jsbo9336]

Merci beaucoup!! Very nice

[@carlofino4666]

Hi mate, Love your videos and your energy so keep it up!! I wanted to ask you a simple question on how often you do intervals. In my routine (in the oading weeks( I tend to do interval sessions (z4 or z5) Tuesday and Thursday and then at least one day in the weekend (if I can I do 2). I have found that training indoors I cannot sustain 2 days in a row of intervals. I need a recovery ride in between on Wednesday. Outdoor instead I manage also 2/3 days in a row... Did you find the same difference between indoor and outdoor interval training? Do you reckon 3 to 4 sessions a week with 2 easy rides and a day off the bike is a good enough routine or is it not enough? (or is it too much)? Thanks again!!! Ciao!!

[@rmonwfh1402]

Awesome video as always! btw what is the name of the background music? :DD

[@andrejdjordjevic4320]

Does somebody tell me the name of the song please?

[@KA0007]

mind over matter surely that applies to the muscle failure stage too? Or no?

[@TheVCAdventures]

Well you can see here - 5:20 where an athlete takes themselves to complete failure. At a certain point it doesnt matter how much you want it, your body just simply shuts down. Not with the right mind set you can get closer to ACTUAL failure vs just quitting, but you cant will yourself past muscular failure.

[@veganozaur1200]

Freakin sweet vid man!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks bro! What part of the world do you call home?

[@VHSHackerMusic]

+The Vegan Cyclist Ima french canadian from the province Québec! I consider myself a really enthusiast (and knowledgeable) cyclist yet, I'm still learning interesting stuff from your tips and advices. Thanks

[@RepublicanJesusthe2nd]

I don't mind suffering but isn't that a conflict of proper training.For example I recently started riding again after 3 years,I'm like 30 lbs heavier now (195) at 5'9.I wan't to get to 155 lbs. So the other day I went on a 2.5 hr ride with some long steep hills.It was hard for me plus I didn't carry enough fluids anf I got dehydrated (it was kinda hot out that day)The next day I did a 4 hour ride with some longer but not so steep hills.My leggs were fatigued from the day before so I basically took it easy. today I basically sat around the house and ate.Tomorrow I do not plan on riding either to allow my leggs to recover.Also I switched to a compact crank because if I didn't I probably wouldn't get my fat ass up some of these hills.The compact allows me to spin a little more than if I had the standard crank.Since I got back on the bike and trained consistently I have about 400 miles.Not much but a start. good day!

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Richard Fernandez Yo dont want to hammer yourself every ride for sure. I was trying to say that to increase your mental suffer limiter, you will need to go past it. But I by no means try to black out out every ride. Try not to ride big for 2 days then rest for 2-3 days, because you will end up eating yourself into a surplus of calories. I always do that, ride big then eat so much but then getting back on the bike after 2-3 days is hard. Try to take a small recovery spin, even if its just around the block, for me it helps get me back on the bike after a big day.

[@RepublicanJesusthe2nd]

+The Vegan Cyclist Thanks VC!

[@tepoztlanunido904]

A word of advice: It is absolutely true that one can endure more pain and perform better. But you must differentiate the types of pain to avoid injury. Pain from lactic acid is OK. But do not push it if there's a particular acute pain in your joints or tendons. Cheers

[@TheVCAdventures]

man, that is super good advice. i should have made that clear.

[@Unwavering137]

I will never forget one day when I had a personal crisis and went on a ride to work shit out in my head. I was essentially time trialing my bike while doing the primal scream and howl. I got my best time ever over one of my more challenging routes(Dry Creek Rd and Oakville Grade in Napa, CA.). I was unable to walk for awhile and had intense knee problems for months afterwards. The knee problems self-resolved eventually. I put myself through intense pain to eliviate my emotional pain. I have never pushed myself that hard before.

[@checkoayala]

John Stossel, are you guys related?

[@techblokk8537]

i like your videos. they help me alot. barvo.

[@sinhchiem]

Good stuff , Thank You!

[@ellisrasmussen4193]

Awesome video! What's the song name??

[@123456783987]

very interesting video!

[@jordanwalker445]

Really helpful!!!

[@jaxjackson5202]

Thanks Man!