The Optimal Athlete | 5 Insights That Elevated My Performance Last Week
AR | Race/Workout Report
Off-season ride #1 (100km gravel ride)
Off-season ride #2 (125km gravel ride)
Race/Workout Description:
In my off-season, I’m very strict about not riding my bike unless I’m with friends. The last two weekends were especially memorable—I organized two group rides to make the most of the final few rides without snow on the ground.
For those rides, I used my “fun bike”: my @shimanogravel 1x @feltbicycles Breed Carbon, complemented by 50mm @pirelli_cycling M tires on my @dtswiss GRC 1400 wheels. I can confirm that most are jealous… 🤤
Number Analysis:
No number tracking on both rides; having fun was the only objective
#1 Takeaway: Friends = Fun
Most of the time, I’m willing to trade specificity for more fun. In the short term, maybe the work on the bike is less optimized, but in the long term, I think it’s well worth the tradeoff. Riding with friends means more fun and more memories, and I’m confident it benefits performance in the long run by keeping motivation high.
AR | Energy Tip
I’ve started incorporating fermented foods into my diet for health and performance reasons.
- Better Nutrient Absorption: Fermentation enhances nutrient bioavailability, making vitamins and minerals easier for the body to absorb, which supports energy and recovery.
- Digestive Support: Probiotics in fermented foods promote gut health, improving digestion and metabolic efficiency, which can reduce discomfort from large calorie intake.
- Stronger Immunity: A healthy gut strengthens the immune system, lowering the risk of illness.
- Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties in fermented foods aid recovery by decreasing muscle soreness and inflammation.
- Weight Management: Probiotics support a healthy weight by regulating appetite and boosting metabolism.
- Mood and Mental Health Boost: Research links gut health to mental well-being. By reducing inflammation, fermented foods may help alleviate stress and anxiety.
AR | Book Suggestion
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
3 Quote I’m pondering from the book:
- “I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.” ―
- “The field is level, the professional understands, only in heaven.”
- “Resistance gets us to plunge into a project with an overambitious and unrealistic timetable for its completion. It knows we can’t sustain that level of intensity. We will hit the wall. We will crash.”
AR | Technologie(s) that Enhanced My Work
I’ve been using the brand-new Pirelli P Zero TLR 40c on my Felt VR for two months now since their release, and I’m in love—especially for rides that mix road and gravel (BWR style 🤌). Unfortunately, I’ve only had the chance to use them in one race so far, which was at unPAved. Because this race is mostly hard-packed gravel, these tires were a clear advantage due to their super low rolling resistance and light weight. To me, they feel noticeably faster on the road and smooth gravel compared to almost any other tire in this size.
Contrary to what you might expect, the low rolling resistance and weight of these tires don’t compromise their flat protection. In fact, they’re more puncture-resistant than most gravel tires, which is super important to me for peace of mind during races.
The only downside for me is that, due to their road-oriented shape (more rounded), the tires feel less stable on loose or chunky gravel. However, this is a compromise you have to accept if you want an agile tire on the road.
For those interested, I’m basing my statements about rolling resistance, weight, and puncture resistance on data from this site: Bicycle Rolling Resistance.
AR | Note To Self
Wisdom without execution is merely entertainment. Its value lies in guiding how you live your life. Knowledge that doesn’t guide action loses its worth. The philosopher’s ultimate aim is to better and increasingly embody what he studies.
“Le vrai miroir de nos discours est le cours de nos vies.” (“The conduct of our lives is the true mirror of our doctrine.”) – Montaigne
BONUS: MM… FOOD by MF DOOM
Thank you for your attention, and as always, take care of yourself by making the most optimal choice in every moment and do the same to take care of the ones you love.
