

FasCat Cycling Training Tips Podcast
FasCat Cycling Training Tips Podcast
The official podcast of FasCat Coaching, based in Boulder, CO. Coach Frank "Big Cat" Overton shares his extensive experience as a cycling coach to help you ride faster through training and racing tips, nutrition, and beyond.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 12min
Start Training by these 3 Fundamentals
Start training for your first time with these 3 easy steps. Watch this podcast on our youTube channel for a more immersive visual experience: https://youtu.be/mWbzHdGuT00 If you've caught the cycling 'bug', maybe you’ve signed up for a group ride, a charity event, or even your first race and now you’re wondering how to actually start training. In this video, Coach Frank shares three simple steps to start cycling training. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Use your Why ✅ Get a Training Plan that fits your schedule ✅ Track Your Progress to see real improvement Cycling is a sport where you get back what you put in and when you train with purpose, the results are motivating and fun. Follow these steps and turn your casual rides into real fitness gains and a lifetime of cycling enjoyment.

Jul 30, 2025 • 12min
How to Taper and Peak, the Right WAY
Peaking is about resting more and riding less while maintaining intensity. When done properly you can "Peak" and achieve up to a 6% increase in FTP ! Watch this podcast on our youTube channel https://youtu.be/RI2-T-evi7k Coach Frank (a.k.a. the BigCat) breaks down exactly how to taper for your A race and how to avoid the #1 mistake that leaves power on the table. Learn the two-step formula of Overload + Taper, based on 20 years of coaching experience and proven sports science. Whether you're racing Leadville, chasing Strava PRs, or aiming for your best local group ride yet, this is how you ride faster by riding less. We're talking up to a 6% increase in FTP with the right taper. In this training tip you'll learn Two Steps to PEAK Taper Definition - the Science The Proper Taper Length The ART of the TAPER What a 2 Week Taper Looks Like 📲 Start your taper the smart way: 👉 Download the Two-Week Taper to Peak Plan in the CoachCat app 👉 Or build your custom plan with CoachCat AI at https://fascatcoaching.com/pages/coachcat 💬 Tell us in the comments what goal event you'd like to peak for (it can even be your local ride) and Coach Frank will reply with advice to help you peak!

Jul 22, 2025 • 21min
How Much Sweet Spot You Should Do (to do it RIGHT)
Sweet Spot Training, one of the most effective ways to improve FTP, increase endurance & build durability. Follow our Sweet Spot Plans for FREE https://fascatcoaching.com/app Watch this training tip on our youTube channel https://youtu.be/rWehU8_YcZk In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ How much Sweet Spot at what time of the year ✅ How your discipline, Road, Gravel, MTB, Fondo and More affects Sweet Spot volume ✅ How to progress your workload safely and efficiently ✅ Real-world examples of how we prescribe Sweet Spot Whether you’re training 4 hours a week or 12+, this video will help you train smarter—not just harder. 🚴♂️ Ready to start training with Sweet Spot? Try the CoachCat app free for 30 days — no credit card required: 👉 https://fascatcoaching.com/app

10 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 17min
Lose Weight like a Ferrari
Struggling with weight loss despite your cycling efforts? Discover why 'Winning in the Kitchen' is key to achieving your goals. The focus is on nutrition strategies tailored for cyclists over 40. Learn what to eat and when to fuel your rides for maximum performance. Explore meal preparation tips that lead to sustainable fat loss without sacrificing energy. Plus, get insights on hydration and meal timing to enhance recovery. It's a smarter way to balance your power-to-weight ratio and overall health.

Jul 11, 2025 • 18min
Setting Up Your Power-Based Zones & Training Guide
Learn How to Setup and Use Your Power Training Zones with your Powermeter. Take the guesswork out your power-based training using CoachCat where the 1st Month is FREE ➡️ https://fascatcoaching.com/app Coach Frank breaks down how to train with power by understanding and applying cycling power zones Whether you're brand new to using a power meter or looking to fine-tune your training, this video will help you ride smarter and get faster. You'll learn: ✅ What each power zone means and the physiological benefits ✅ How to test for your FTP and set your personalized training zones ✅ How to actually use Zones 1–7 in your training to improve endurance, increase FTP, and get more out of every ride. From Zone 1 recovery rides to Zone 5 VO2 Max intervals and Sprint efforts in Zone 7, you'll see how to apply power-based training like a pro. 🚴♂️ Ready to train with purpose? Check out the CoachCat app, which automatically calculates your zones, prescribes daily workouts, and adapts your training plan when life happens: 👉 https://fascatcoaching.com/app

9 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 17min
Training Year-Round without Burning Out: using our 365 ATP
Discover how to stop plateauing and start progressing with a year-round training plan designed for cyclists. Learn the key phases of a structured program, including breaks, foundational work, and race prep. Coach Frank emphasizes the importance of adaptability to prevent burnout while staying on track with your fitness goals. Plus, get tips on how to adjust your training schedule when life throws you curveballs. This insightful discussion offers practical advice to maximize your cycling performance without the risk of exhaustion.

Jul 2, 2025 • 14min
The Right and Wrong Way to do Intervals
You’re doing cycling intervals, but are you doing them right? See 'if' your interval training is 'RIGHT' in the CoachCat app where the first month is free ➡️ https://fascatcoaching.com/app In this training tip, Coach Frank (aka the BigCat) breaks down the right way and wrong way to perform power-based interval workouts. Whether you’re training for a crit, fondo, gravel race, group rides, or just chasing PRs, getting your Zone 4, 5, and 6 efforts right is the key to unlocking performance gains. Watch this training tip on our youTube channel: https://youtu.be/-7Ui3MORgbk 🚴♂️ Learn how to: ✅ Pace your VO2 Max, Threshold, and Sweet Spot intervals correctly ✅ Use tools like 3-second power and lap average to guide your effort ✅ Avoid common mistakes like going out too hard, relying on ERG mode, or over-riding Sweet Spot ✅ Take control with the lap button and train with intent—not automation CoachCat helps you dial in your execution with personalized feedback and post-ride analysis. After your workout, tell CoachCat how you felt and get advice on how to improve.

Jun 27, 2025 • 16min
your DIY 🇫🇷 Tour de France Plan
You can ride the Tour de France too with this FREE training plan built for the everyday cyclist with limited time. 💥 🚴♂️ Watch this training tip on our youTube channel https://youtu.be/QC7qfaLdR84 We took the terrain of this year's Tour stages and created at at home version for working athletes who want to push their fitness, add some excitement to their summer training, and ride with purpose. ✅ Weekday workouts are 1 hour and ✅ Weekend rides are up to 3 hours ✅ Built by Coach Jake: a former Pro Cyclist and Current Pro Coach ✅ Includes VO2's for short hilly stages, endurance days for flat stages, and threshold intervals on the Time Trial and Mountain Stages + the Rest Days —just like the pros ✅ you also get Instant AI-powered analysis and recovery insights via CoachCat No massages. No team bus. Just you, your bike, and the power demands as what the Tour riders are doing that day 📈 Track your data, get feedback, and upgrade your training with CoachCat: https://fascatcoaching.com/app

Jun 26, 2025 • 18min
Steamboat Gravel, Blue Course Advice for the First 22.5 miles
🎯 Steamboat Gravel Blue Course Strategy: our Coaching Advice for the First 22 Miles 🚴♂️ The first 22 miles of the Steamboat Gravel Blue Course can make or break your race. Watch is training tip on youTube with course visuals: https://youtu.be/rknsp16bvdI In this episode, Coach Frank and 2023 Blue Course winner Andrew Giniat break down exactly how to pace the opening climbs, avoid the classic early blow-up, and position yourself for success in the second half of the race. Whether you're racing Steamboat for the first time or returning to improve your result, this course intel will help you ride smarter — not just harder. ✅ Key Topics: How to handle the opening 10-mile pack dynamics Power targets (W/kg) for the 4 stair-step climbs What not to do on the descents How to “sag climb” and conserve energy Why mile 22.5 is the most important point of the race Pre-race recon tips to boost confidence on race day 📍 Pro tip: Download the Steamboat Blue course to your head unit and set a target for mile 22.5 — your first big checkpoint. Hire Coach Andrew or Train with CoachCat - the first month is free https://fascatcoaching.com/

Jun 23, 2025 • 12min
Sauna & Heat Training for an 8% Increase in Power Output & VO2 Max
Heat Training has been scientifically shown in cyclists to improve VO₂ max and power by 8%. Train with CoachCat Free for the 1st Month ➡️ https://fascatcoaching.com/app Watch on youTube for visuals: https://youtu.be/l55fzZFPLJs In this video, Coach Frank “BigCat” Overton breaks down the cutting-edge science behind heat training, including the legendary Lorenzo study and real-world sauna-based alternatives that don’t require a heat suits and 104°F pain caves. You’ll learn: ✅ The difference between active and passive heat training ✅ Why 175°F is the critical temperature for heat shock protein activation ✅ A practical 4-week protocol you can start tomorrow ✅ How elite cyclists like Pogacar use heat training to gain an edge ✅ Whether a dry sauna really works—and how to do it at home for under $500