

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad
TrainerRoad
The only podcast dedicated to making you a faster cyclist. TrainerRoad's Ask a Cycling Coach podcast gives you the chance to get answers to your cycling and triathlon training questions with USAC/USAT certified coaches, pro athletes, and other special guests.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2022 • 1h 19min
XTERRA Lake Tahoe, More Hot Takes, and the Return of Pete Morris - Ask a Cycling Coach 378
Our good friend Pete Morris returns to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast this week and joins Ivy, Nate, and Chad for an in-depth analysis of Coach Jonathan’s first XTERRA race. We also dive into another round of spicy hot takes on American criteriums, intermittent fasting, gravel race feed zone attacks, repeatability vs FTP, and more! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (8:16) Jonathan’s XTERRA Lake Tahoe Experience (41:05) Hot Takes with Ivy, Pete, Chad and Nate RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3Cxy7co TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5 Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Aug 18, 2022 • 1h 35min
Leadville Trail 100 Winners Hannah Otto and Keegan Swenson - Ask a Cycling Coach 377
With Coach Jonathan out on paternity leave, TrainerRoad CEO Nate Pearson hosts the podcast this week to interview two of the biggest names in gravel: 2022 Leadville Trail 100 winner Hannah Otto and 2022 Leadville Trail 100 and SBT GRVL winner Keegan Swenson. We learn about everything that went into their incredible wins—from training, equipment, and race day preparation, to tactics, pack dynamics, and more! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:12) Keegan's Leadville Win (36:38) Hannah Leadville Win (01:19:09) Keegan SBT Gravel RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3AtUgH9 TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5 Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Aug 11, 2022 • 1h 43min
Hot Takes: Recovery Hacks, Group Rides, Calorie Counting, and More - Ask a Cycling Coach 376
Coach Jonathan is out on paternity leave, so the rest of the podcast crew will be hosting for the next month. This week? We’ve got some hot takes with Ivy! We’ll cover the best and worst recovery hacks, discuss if group rides are even worth it, if gravel is just worse than cyclocross and should cyclists shave their legs. Tune in to Episode 376 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast for discussions on these topics and much more! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE - How to Find the Motivation to Train - How to Tell the Difference Between DOMS and Fatigue - Maximizing Training When You’re Time-Crunched - Best and Worst Recovery Hacks - Are There Disadvantages to ‘Over-Hydrating’? - Solo vs. Group Rides: Which is Better? - Reasons You’re Not Getting Faster - Is Gravel Just Worse than Cyclocross? - Pros and Cons of Training Rides with Pros - Is Carbon Fiber Overrated? - How to Deal with Non-Cycling Daily Stress - What Causes You to Lose Power - How to Fix a Broken Heart - Should Cyclists Shave Their Legs? RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3vXtXGQ TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5 Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Aug 4, 2022 • 1h 37min
Coffee & Dehydration, Poor Sleep Quality, Getting Dropped, and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 375
Coach Jonathan is out on paternity leave, so the rest of the podcast crew will be hosting for the next month. Up first? Our very own Coach Chad! We’ll cover whether coffee drinkers should manage their hydration differently, whether recovery days hurt sleep quality, and why you are getting dropped even when you’re fit. Tune in to Episode 375 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast for discussions on these topics and much more! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (4:28) Coach Chad's TdF 2022 Observations (13:20) Should coffee drinkers hydrate differently (26:15) Why are you getting dropped (38:15) Do recovery days hurt sleep quality? (52:40) When you do and don’t need to fuel workouts (1:14:30) How to return to training when motivation is low RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3bAc2Pk TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5 Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Jul 28, 2022 • 41sec
A Special Message From Coach Jonathan – Ask a Cycling Coach 374
Coach Jonathan's having a baby, so we're off this week and the rest of the podcast crew will be hosting for the next month. Keep sharing the podcast with your friends, rating the podcast, and submitting your questions at www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast, and we'll see you next week with Coach Chad as our host! TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5 Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Jul 21, 2022 • 1h 55min
Training in the Heat, Fat Burning, and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 373
Does spending time outside in the heat cause heat adaptation, what can you do to lower RPE in the heat, and does training in the heat cause swelling? We’ll cover this as well as a discussion on fat burning for endurance athletes, the aerodynamic implications of out-of-the-saddle pedaling, and much more in Episode 373 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (15:57) Why does standing require more power? (41:19) Should ultra-endurance athletes eat less carbs? (01:02:12) Should every training session make you faster? (01:31:04) Does working outside in hot conditions cause heat adaptation? How to lower RPE in the heat (01:50:01) Does training in the heat cause swelling? RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3PMgRDA TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3BasfTM Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/3rF5Cnp ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/34MIniq MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/34MGKkO Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3HKPExQ STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Jul 14, 2022 • 1h 48min
How to Do a 4hr Century, Training Zones, and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 372
Ice Friction / The Feed’s Alex Wild and Squid Bikes’ Ivy Audrain join us to discuss how to achieve your fastest 100mi possible, whether training at the bottom or top of a zone really makes a difference, and much more in Episode 372 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:39) Alex’s learnings from Crusher in The Tushar (17:21) Does training at the top or bottom of a zone make a difference? (25:55) Singlespeed training, and how it can help geared athletes (36:43) How to ride the fastest 100mi possible (01:03:40) A pro’s perspective on standing vs. seated climbing (01:24:56) What factors you should consider when deciding to use an aero helmet (01:45:06) Live Questions RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3IF7rYz TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3BasfTM Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/3rF5Cnp ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/34MIniq MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/34MGKkO Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3HKPExQ STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Jul 7, 2022 • 1h 30min
Pro Racing, Counterattacks, Weight and TTs, and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 371
What would you change about pro cycling, when are counterattacks bad form, how to prepare for counterattacks and respond to them, and when does weight stop mattering for time trialists. We’ll cover all of this and more in Episode 371 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (7:24) What would you change about pro racing? (35:04) What does your power meter calibration number mean? (43:03) How to prepare for and respond to counterattacks (58:08) Which training metrics are non-zero averages? (1:11:34) When weight does and does not matter in cycling (1:20:56) Managing a post-race disappointment RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3PdhCpj TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3BasfTM Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/3rF5Cnp ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/34MIniq MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/34MGKkO Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3HKPExQ STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Jun 30, 2022 • 2h 19min
Sprinting, Excessive Sugar, Active Recovery, and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 370
There’s a common mistake that many cyclists make that could be hurting their sprint power. Join Coach Chad, Ivy Audrain, Nate Pearson, and Coach Jonathan for a discussion on this, when should you launch your sprint, what happens when you take in too much sugar on the bike, the scientific research on whether it’s better to spin lightly or stop pedaling between intervals, and more in Episode 370 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (23:16) Does spinning between intervals really help? (38:37) Best and worst upgrade ROIs for cyclists (01:16:55) What happens when you take in too much sugar on the bike? (01:46:56) Is it bad to be the first to sprint? (01:58:46) An easy way to raise your sprint power RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3y5cWea TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3BasfTM Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/3rF5Cnp ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/34MIniq MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/34MGKkO Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3HKPExQ STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Jun 23, 2022 • 1h 37min
Carbs & Fat, Interval Recovery, Technical Skills, and More – Ask a Cycling Coach 369
Pivot Cycles’ and DT Swiss’ Hannah Otto joins us to discuss her learnings from her recent UCI XC MTB wins in Montana and Alberta, as well as discussions on substrate utilization at different intensities, what research says about the effectiveness of spinning between intervals, her tips for muddy riding conditions, and much more in Episode 369 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (7:08) Substrate utilization at different intensities (46:46) Hannah Otto’s feed zone tips (1:24:32) Hannah’s tips for riding in muddy conditions RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://trainerroad.cc/3A35iU2 TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS! TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 13,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating. Adaptive Training from TrainerRoad uses machine learning and science-based coaching principles to continually assess your performance and intelligently adjust your training plan. It trains you as an individual and makes you a faster cyclist. Learn more about TrainerRoad: https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur Learn more about Adaptive Training: https://trainerroad.cc/35Tqtea ABOUT THE ASK A CYCLING COACH PODCAST Ask a Cycling Coach podcast is a cycling and triathlon training podcast. Each week USAC/USAT Level I certified coach Chad Timmerman, pro athletes, and other special guests answer your cycling and triathlon questions. Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi MORE PODCASTS FROM TRAINERROAD Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5 Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP STAY IN TOUCH Training Blog: https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN TrainerRoad Forum: https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/ Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrainerRoad