FasCat Cycling Training Tips Podcast

To sweet spot or not to sweet spot - that is NOT the question! Of course you should sweet spot. Everybody does - whether they are doing so consciously or not. But WHEN to sweet spot, and WHEN NOT to sweet spot,  THAT is the question. And that is the subject of today’s podcast. If you don’t have time to listen to the entire pod, or you get interrupted, the takeaway here is that most of you should be sweetspotting now, during the winter and early spring, and then when you switch from base to race, that’s when you should stop sweet spotting and focus on your intervals. --- Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast.

Training is more fun and effective when you’re comfortable and stoked on your gear.  Sure, you could train like Rocky in cotton sweats in the freezing cold of a Philadelphia winter, or stare at the wall of a basement on a trainer like Graeme Obree, but for most of us, having good gear makes a world of difference, whether in clothing or digital measurement and entertainment. So on this podcast we are talking about gear! We’ve got all the coaches cued up with hot picks, we are talking gear we know and love and recommend, as well as some pieces we do not own but are coveting. We’re talking about clothing. power meters, heart rate monitors, wearables, outside bikes, inside bikes, smart trainers, tires, software and more. And, we’re talking about great products from our partners where you get discounts on everything as a subscriber to Optimize - including Castelli, Stages, Ventum, Hammerhead, and Whoop.   --- Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast.

What, when and how much - those are the three big questions of training.  We dig into that question for our second podcast in an 8-pod series on Sweet Spot: How much Sweet Spot should you do? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, of course, and how much Sweet Spot you should do depends on: Your ability level The time of year The type and duration of the event you are training for Your training progression from week to week In this podcast we break down several scenarios so we can leave you with a good understanding of the what, the when, and the how much. Here is a link to the chart by ability, discipline and time of year that we reference in the pod: https://fascatcoaching.com/blogs/training-tips/how-much-sweet-spot-training --- Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast.

This podcast explores Sweet Spot training in cycling, its definition and origins, and its role in improving power, endurance, and durability. They discuss the importance of individualization in sweet spot training, when to use it, and when to avoid it. The chapter also touches on optimized training stress rides and the benefits of sweet spot training for older athletes. Overall, the podcast provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and advantages of incorporating Sweet Spot training into your cycling regimen.

This podcast explores the benefits of gratitude on mental and physical well-being. They discuss 'grateful intervals' and express gratitude towards the podcast community. They also announce a Black Friday sale and a new training camp in Tucson, Arizona. The efficiency of pedal systems and the impact on performance are explored. Experts find no measurable difference in power transfer despite increased pedal stiffness. The benefits of using mountain bike pedals and shoes are discussed. The hosts share their experience using Fastcat's training plans and coaches, and introduce the topic of intervals. They express gratitude for various aspects of their lives and work. Finally, they discuss taking things one step at a time to achieve long-term goals and the benefits of gratitude.

From the Flanders Sportive to the Leadville Trail 100 to Unbound Gravel to just being fit for the group ride, riders have a wide variety of cycling goals for 2024. But how do you get there? How do you time and stack up your various training plans and goals to arrive at your event primed and ready to go?  That’s exactly what this podcast is all about. We’ll talk about the three main elements of training you need, and how to work your way backwards from your target to right here, right now.  Those three elements are: Off season training - with weights, or not Base training - with Sweet Spot Interval training / event-specific plans - with long endurance training   On this podcast we walk you through four goal scenarios, to help you understand how to tweak the training process to get where you want to go. And we’re going to tell you about how our Optimize app can automate and simplify this whole process for you - all while tracking your progress and your training-to-recovery balance. --- Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast.

1,200 kilometers, or 745 miles. That's a long distance for an unsupported event! But that's exactly what Lisa Charlesbois did this year at Paris-Brest-Paris, arguably the oldest bicycle race in the world. She finished in 78 hours and 27 minutes, sleeping 9 hours in total during that time. On this podcast, Lisa chats with her coach Allie Legg and host Ben Delaney about training and preparing for such a monster event — and the excitement and nervousness and motivation for completing such a daunting task in another country.  --- FasCat has a new Zwift racing training plan, centered around racing on Tuesday for all you WTRL and ZRL racers out there. The plan includes the all-important race warm-up protocol on Tuesday. SBT GRVL is one of our favorite gravel events on the calendar, but getting in is tough as spots sell out via lottery in a flash. This year, we have a limited number of guaranteed entries that you can purchase with a one-on-one coaching package. Already a coached athlete? Then you can purchase a guaranteed entry here. Come train with us in April in Santa Ynez! Join the FasCat Coaches for a 5 night, 4 day training camp! Includes lodging, chef-prepared meals, Coach-led rides, airport pickup, sag support and more. --- Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast.

Coach and three-time U.S. MTB national champion Elliott Baring has raced all the main cycling disciplines and coaches his athletes in a wide variety of pursuits. On this podcast, he explains his Top 5 Training Tips that apply to athletes of all levels.  More is not always better, but 'more' is a theme for his top tips. Take on more carbs in races and hard training sessions. The optimal amount varies by person, but you're likely underfueling, which compromises not only that day's effort but the next day's as well. Rely on RPE (rate of perceived exertion) and speed instead of power when racing. And practice pacing with RPE in training, too! Keep things fun. Pay attention to motivation and drive, take breaks, and switch things up.  Be flexible. Going with the flow with decrease mental and physical stress, and make you a more effective athlete and a happier person.  Always be learning. Cycling's various categories are constantly evolving, as is our understanding of nutrition, training and equipment. Also, just because a pro or pro team does or uses something doesn't meant that is ideal for you. Study, test and trial new things. Announcements! FasCat has a new Zwift racing training plan, centered around racing on Tuesday for all you WTRL and ZRL racers out there. The plan includes the all-important race warm-up protocol on Tuesday. SBT GRVL is one of our favorite gravel events on the calendar, but getting in is tough as spots sell out via lottery in a flash. This year, we have a limited number of guaranteed entries that you can purchase with a one-on-one coaching package. Already a coached athlete? Then you can purchase a guaranteed entry here. Come train with us in April in Santa Ynez! Join the FasCat Coaches for a 5 night, 4 day training camp! Includes lodging, chef-prepared meals, Coach-led rides, airport pickup, sag support and more.   Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast.  

Cycling clothing has come a long way in the last few years, both in terms of comfortable construction and our understanding of how it can speed us up or slow us down. On this podcast, Castelli team liaison Alvin Nordell joins Ben Delaney to talk about what the world's best athletes use now and when, and also what all of us cyclists can and should do for clothing in various conditions. In warm weather, it's pretty easy: get a snug-fitting jersey and bibs. (Although there are tradeoffs for ultimate speed vs breathability.) In cold weather, it's a bit trickier, and Alvin shares some tips from his decade-plus of experience in the clothing industry, including working with teams like Soudal—Quick-Step. Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast. https://fascatcoaching.com/pages/app  

You've got training questions; we've got answers! In fact, you had so many questions last week that we extended Ask A FasCat into a two-pod series.  On this podcast, Director of Coaching Isaiah Newkirk fields an array of your questions on subjects like balancing fitness gains with losing weight, maintaining muscle and bone density as we age, rescheduling workouts during the week, indoor racing, and much more. Have you been enjoying the FasCat Podcast? Please leave us a review on the App Store or Google Play. Thanks! You can save 25% off your subscription to Optimize — your year-round training solution with unlimited training plans, meal plans and strength and conditioning videos — with the code 25podcast. https://fascatcoaching.com/pages/app