The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS cover image

The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

Beyond Intervals: How to Get Fast Without Interval Training

Apr 23, 2025
29:16

OVERVIEW
Interval training works, but there are ways to get stronger, ride faster, and win races without interval training. There are even aspects of performance that are better suited to no-interval training blocks. In some cases, the structured intensity with planned recovery breaks hinders an athlete's flexibility to use power and fitness spontaneously. Coach Adam Pulford breaks away from the dogma of interval training to show you how to improve your fitness and performance with a period of reduced structure. 

TOPICS COVERED

  • The 5 reasons we do intervals in training
  • 3 Ways to train without intervals
    • Sample workout 1: Hard Climbing Day
    • Sample workout 2: Kilojoules per hour
    • Sample workout 3: Normalized Power Game
  • 3 Ways to use Group Rides for productive training
  • Monitoring your fitness when you're not doing intervals
  • Subjective feedback: "real feel" vs. "should feel"

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HOST
Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

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