Standing vs. seated climbing, what it takes to go sub-8 at Leadville, peaking more than once & more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast. Topics covered in this episode What it’s like to ride at professional team camps Tactics or power to weight – which matters most? How pro cyclists…
Training Plan Guide: How to Coach Yourself to Peak Fitness
No time, no coach, no problem. Coach Chad shares his proven, science-backed training process that takes busy athletes from base to peak. Table of Contents This guide was written with order in mind, but if you want to jump around feel free to do so by clicking on the hyperlinked questions below. Base Phase Training:…
Warmup Science, Pre-Workout Nutrition, Recovery Drinks & More – Ask a Cycling Coach 135
What happens to your body during a warmup, the do’s and don’ts of pre-workout nutrition, why you may reconsider your next recovery drink & more in this week’s episode of the Ask a Cycling coach Podcast. Topics covered in this episode TrainerRoad CX Nationals Athlete Panel Event We’re hiring three software engineers! (www.TrainerRoad.com/jobs) Why…
Can I Skip Base Training?
It may seem counterintuitive to revert to base training every year after reaching new heights of performance, but this strategy pays dividends come race season. What is Base Fitness? Base fitness is synonymous with aerobic-base fitness, and this type of fitness is achieved via specific training that spurs particular physiological adaptations. Much like the name…
Mauna Kea, Training While Traveling, Strength Training & More
The podcast hosts are back from Kona and share everything you need to know before climbing Mauna Kea. As Nate gets ready for another long trip overseas, we share the best on-the-go training setups, tips for how to keep your training on track while traveling, and 5 strength training exercises for cyclists. Topics covered in…
How Do I Achieve the Proper Balance of Power, Aerodynamics, and Sustainability?
Answer: It’s a process, and every rider will come to a different balance that suits them. Every step in the process can yield more power, greater aerodynamics, and/or higher levels of sustainability. Who Knew There Was So Much to Time Trialing!? Going fast in a time trial is a marriage, if a polygamous one, of…
How Do I Train After I Finish My Specialty Plan and Have No Upcoming Events?
Answer: Typically two weeks of recovery is recommended, but that timeframe could vary depending on your level of fatigue and motivation. Based on the amount of downtime you take, you can restart a Base or Build plan. Decide How Much Downtime You Need If you’ve just completed a Specialty plan and are focused now on…
Get Faster Now Without Aero Equipment
Faster time trials doesn’t mean you need the most aerodynamic equipment. Getting faster starts with doing the right things with what you already have. Not everyone is ready to invest in the TT bike, the aero helmet, the aero bars, the aero everything … We’re here to tell you that purchasing all the aero gear isn’t…
Why Did My FTP Go Down Between Training Phases?
Answer: Testing days aren’t always your best days. Muscle fatigue, unpreparedness for the discomfort of testing, poor pacing, or low motivation can all lend to a lower FTP result. When you test at a lower FTP, it commonly comes down to one, or a combination, of four things: 1. You weren’t sufficiently recovered following your…
Why Is There a TSS Drop from High-Volume Sweet Spot Base to My Build Plan?
Answer: The High-Volume Sweet Spot Base plan has a very specific training load, in both volume and intensity. This allows for a very high TSS relative to all other training plans. This high training stress score does not translate directly to other plans, including those in the Build Phase. High-Volume Sweet Spot Base is in…