A complete guide to planning your training for the year, power vs. heart rate and indoor training tips and gear we’re loving right now. All of this and more in Episode 134 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! Topics covered in this episode TrainerRoad CX Nationals Athlete Panel Event We’re hiring three software…
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…
What Every Racer Should Know About Number Pinning
Every second counts on race day. Don’t let a poorly pinned race number add time to the clock and get in the way of your next win. How Athletes are Pinning Their Race Number Wrong The most common mistakes racers are making when pinning their race numbers is either positioning the number out of view…
5 Strength Training Exercises for Cyclists to Integrate Into Your Training Plan
Importance of Strength Training for Cyclists The demands of being on the bike for extended durations, coupled with constantly turning over the pedals, brings to light the importance of functional strength for cyclists. Functional strength sounds like a bit of a buzzword, but it has real application in the world of endurance sports. Strength training…
Grinduro, Triathlon, and Mauna Kea with Matt Lieto
Professional triathlete and IRONMAN commentator, Matt Lieto, and your podcast hosts recorded a special episode to chop up Grinduro, one of the most interesting races on the calendar that you need to know about, and their preparation for one of the toughest climbs on earth, Mauna Kea. Topics covered in this episode Triathlon and gravel…
Time Trial Training: Practice Workouts Designed to Make Cyclists Faster
The 40k TT Specialty training plans include dedicated weekly Time Trial workouts to provide riders with opportunities to ride at their time trial pace, in their time trial position, at roughly time trial durations. These TT-focused workouts are specifically designed to help you achieve your fastest outcome on race day. Examples of Time Trial Workouts 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 Much Does Aerodynamic Drag Affect My Speed?
Answer: A lot. Structured training will get you faster, but structured training with a concern for aerodynamic positioning will have the greatest impact on your speed. What is Aerodynamic Drag? Aerodynamic drag, otherwise known as aerodynamic resistance, plays a major role in determining how fast we can push ourselves on our bikes. How much so…
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…