In this episode of Dialed Health, I am joined by the 2021 Unbound XL Gravel winner, Taylor Lideen. Although this is a huge accomplish for Taylor, this is actually not what we dive into in this episode. So, what do we chat about? Mental health. Taylor personally struggles with anxiety and depression on and off the bike, and together we chat about the mental obstacles he’s had to overcome, as well as the mindset shifts and tools he uses to successfully keep pushing forward.

Later in the episode, we do ease up the conversation with some lighthearted talk about his nutrition stops on his 350 mile races at gas stations and some strategy tips you’ll find helpful for building up your gut microbiome. But, all in all, the main takeaway from this episode is really going to impact your mental health and well-being both on and off the bike. After our awesome conversation with Taylor, we jump into member questions: Is it worth it to use Whoop and other HRV monitors to increase strength and how to juggle family, life, work, self care, with riding?

What we discuss:

5:00 - Being “stoic” vs. experiencing the highs and lows on the bike

10:00 - Dealing with anxiety on/off the bike

20:00 - Dealing with depression from a young age

29:00 - Training your gut to fuel your performance

40:00 - Overcoming mental battles

50:00 - Avoiding burnout on the bike

53:00 - Getting metabolically flexible for endurance rides

57:00 - Listener question: What are your thoughts on Whoop straps?

1:08:00 - Listener question: How to juggle family, life, work, self care, with riding?

1:20:00 - Announcements

Find more from Taylor: @tlideen

Get tips from me daily: @dialedhealth

Start your training plan: www.dialedhealth.com