OVERVIEWShould you perform your interval efforts at the beginning or end of your workout? In most cases, doing hard efforts early, when you are freshest, increases power output and time-at-intensity for those intervals. In this episode, Coach Adam Pulford provides the rationale behind this structure and shares the three specific scenarios when he has athletes ride in Zone 2 for most of the ride and execute hard efforts at the end.TOPICS COVEREDWhy you should do intervals in the first third of your workout.How early intervals improve Zone 2 training effect afterwardIntervals at the end for competition specificityIntervals at the end for fatigue resistance training/durabilityInterval timing advice for Time-Crunched AthleteASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTLINKS/RESOURCESWorkout & Interval Structure: Decoding Interval Workouts: How to determine the number and duration of intervalsThe Science of Training Your Durability and Fatigue Resistance: https://youtu.be/8-RRwmlErDI or https://www.buzzsprout.com/813266/episodes/15275108 Fatigue Resistance Training and Testing: https://youtu.be/556YzqceA9E or https://www.buzzsprout.com/813266/episodes/15507165 Knowledge is Watt: DURABILITY: THE FOURTH DIMENSION OF ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE: HOSTAdam 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

Join ultrarunning expert Jason Koop, Head Coach of CTS Ultrarunning, as he shares his insights on meaningful goal setting and athlete-coach collaboration. He challenges traditional forecasting methods, suggesting that granular annual plans can sometimes hinder progress. The conversation dives into the emotional aspects of recovery from injury and coaching elite athletes, emphasizing the balance between outcome and process goals. Koop also highlights the power of personal goals in driving intrinsic motivation for both coaches and athletes.

Overview: Coach Renee Eastman joins Adam Pulford to provide wisdom, guidance, and actionable tips for thriving through the week between Christmas and New Year's. For some, it's an opportunity for a big training block (e.g., Rapha's Festive 500). Others struggle to train at all because of family trips. And still others get anxious about indulging in holiday meals. Renee and Adam have common-sense tips for all these scenarios and more. Topics Covered In This Episode:Strategies for Time-Crunched vs. Time-Rich AthletesWill taking two weeks off hurt your fitness?Alternative exercises that count for trainingHealthy perspectives on Holiday eatingAre week-long fitness challenges a good idea?How to execute a week-long challenge if you chooseGuest:Renee Eastman is a CTS Premier Level Coach and has been coaching with the company for more than 20 years. She has been a professional bike fitter for 15 years and was one of the first fitters to use the Retül bike fit system. She has a master's degree in exercise science, has worked for USA Cycling, and is a 6-time Masters National Champion.Show Links:Renee Eastman bio: https://trainright.com/coaches/renee-eastman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee.eastman/?hl=enDetraining Effects Prevention: A New Rising Challenge for Athletes - PMC (PDF) The Effects of Detraining on Cardiovascular Parameters in Distance RunnersVacations: Remarkably Valuable for Athlete Fitness and Life-Balance The Rapha Festive 500Detraining Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-time-crunched-cyclist-podcast-by-cts/id1494799053?i=1000583323375ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 14 years and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEWWarmup routines change based on the physical and mental demands of a competition or training session. There are general rules of thumb like, "The shorter the race the long the warmup", but Coach Adam Pulford dives deeper and describes exactly how long to warm up on the bike and with what range of intensities, along with dynamic activities cyclists can do off the bike - or in the start corral - to compete or train at your best. TOPICS COVEREDWarm up rules of thumbThe Short warmup (7-10 minutes)Medium warmup (20 minutes)Long warmups (30-45 minutes)Example: Long warmup before hard training (25-30 minutes)Example: Race warmup (45 minutes)Example: Alternative short race warmup (20 minutes)Dynamic Warmup and Activation ExercisesDo Masters athletes need a longer warmup?Creating a good dynamic warmupTime-Crunched Warmups and Race Start CorralsASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTRESOURCESEXAMPLE Warm up before hard Training: ~25-30min10-15min of easy endurance spinning3x1min FastPedals (high cadence, moderate power) with 1min RBI, spin easy for 2-3min then move on to2x20s openers with 2-3min RBIBuild into your main set, and have at it! Good for a 90min session with hard, zone 4+ intervalsEXAMPLERace Warm Up: 45min10-15min of easy endurance spinning3x1min FastPedals (high cadence, moderate power) with 1min RBI2x4min Threshold efforts with 3min RBI2x20s openers with 2-3min RBI5-10min easy spinningEXAMPLE Simple Race Warm Up: 20min7-10min easy endurance spinning 3min build from Tempo to Threshold2min easy 1x20s Opener3-5min easy spinning LINKSNSCA General and Specific Warm Up Golden Rule of Running: Never Skip the Warm-upHOSTAdam 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEWSometimes your exercise heart rate seems higher than normal for a given power output and perceived exertion. Beyond the standard variables that affect heart rate, like caffeine, dehydration, anxiety, and fatigue, there are other training and nervous system related factors that may elevate exercise heart rates for a few days or up to two weeks. Coach Adam Pulford examines three common scenarios that can temporarily jack up your exercise heart rate. TOPICS COVEREDWhat influences heart rateScenario 1 - first indoor trainer sessionHeat training for indoor cyclingScenario 2 - time away from trainingHow to mitigate elevated HR issues when returning to trainingHeat exposure to mitigate elevated HRScenario 3 - long steady rides vs. hilly ridesHR response to cold vs. heatMTB Tip - using hrTSS to evaluate technical terrainASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTLINKS/RESOURCESEvidence and possible mechanisms of altered maximum heart rate with endurance training and tapering - PubMedDo You Have An Elevated Heart Rate After Exercise? Here's WhyEffects of Exercise on the Resting Heart Rate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventional StudiesUnlocking Peak Performance: Heat Training Science with Lindsay Golich (EP #214)Autonomic Nervous System: What It Is, Function & Disorders Recovery from sauna bathing favorably modulates cardiac autonomic nervous system - ScienceDirectHOSTAdam 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

Delve into the world of Zone 2 training and discover how the duration of rides varies by experience level. Coach Adam Pulford breaks down minimum ride lengths for beginners, intermediates, and advanced cyclists. Learn why different athletes require distinct training doses to achieve optimal adaptations. This discussion focuses on how consistency and appropriate ride lengths can significantly enhance aerobic development for every type of cyclist.

OVERVIEW: The Breck Epic is the premier mountain bike stage race in the United States, and Race Founder and Director Mike McCormack is a legendary for the ethos and environment he's cultivated around the race. He and Adam Pulford go beyond Breck Epic to talk about what riders get out of doing truly epic endurance events, how to prepare for them, how to have fun during them. Don't miss this inspiring and motivating conversation, and then go sign up for your next big adventure! Key topics in this episode:How Breck Epic worksThe value of creating a great racing experience for ridersBalancing MTB skills and fitness trainingThe effect of Breckenridge's altitude (9400 ft) on performance, nutrition, and recoveryPreparing for racing at altitude when you live at sea levelManaging race week efforts to maximize fun and successGuestMike McCormack founded the Breck Epic MTB Stage Race in 2009, treating its field to a high-alpine tour of Colorado’s secret stashes, hidden gems and historical ghost towns. Committed to big routes with good friends, Epic’s 220-plus miles and 40k of vertical establish its 6 stages as the gold standard of endurance backcountry riding. With a unique cloverleaf format allowing riders from 25 countries and 40+ states to start and finish each day within a mile of the the historical Victorian mining town of Breckenridge, Colorado, Epic is the mountain bike experience of a lifetime.LinksIG: https://www.instagram.com/breckepic/X: https://x.com/BreckEpichttps://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=breck%20epichttps://breckepic.com/HostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEWUnravel the mystery of "junk miles" with as we redefine the controversial concept and dismantle myths surrounding Zone 2, Zone 3, Tempo and Sweet Spot. This episode will help you transform aimless fatigue-inducing rides into purposeful, performance-enhancing sessions. Understanding the art of periodization and the value of each training zone, you’ll learn to strategically align your rides with your fitness goals and maximize your cycling potential.TOPICS COVEREDWhat "Junk Miles" really meansWeekly training pattern to avoid junk milesTips for planning effective workoutsMaking good use of group ridesASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTLINKSPeriodization Theory and Methodology of TrainingMacrocycles, Mesocycles, Microcycles: Periodized Training ExplainedWhat Are Junk Miles and Are They Ruining Your Training? The ScienceChris Carmichael's 5 Most Important Rules for Cycling Training - CTSBlock Periodization for TC Athletes: https://substack.com/home/post/p-139717997HOSTAdam 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEW: Longtime pro cyclist Heather Fischer joins Adam Pulford to discuss short-term and long-term motivation, both what it takes to get out the door today and what it takes to fuel your passion for training year after year. Perfect for the end of the season and the impending winter, this conversation provides insights into how you can make the most of the coming months and put yourself on track for a great season next spring and summer.GuestHeather Fischer has been a professional cyclist for more than 10 years, earning Collegiate and US Pro National Championships, top-10 finishes in UCI World Tour races, and competing in gravel events like Unbound, FNLD GRVL, Crusher in the Tushar, Rock Cobbler, BWR, and The Rad Dirt Fest. A resident of Boulder, CO, Heather works as a cycling coach and is coached by "Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast" host Adam Pulford.LinksHeather's IG: https://www.instagram.com/heather_smash/HostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEW: Kerry Werner has been packing, unpacking, and traveling with bicycles for nearly two decades, and now he advises people on traveling with bicycles for BikeFlights. He talks with Coach Adam Pulford about how to pack a bike, whether to ship or fly with your bike, recommended bike cases and boxes (and cases he doesn't recommend), and much more.Key topics in this episode:How do people travel with their bikes?Top bike case product recommendationsWhat to look for in a bike caseHard shell vs soft sided casesBike cases Kerry does not recommendCardboard bike boxes vs. casesHow BikeFlights worksInternational travel with a bicycleGuestKerry Werner has been at the top of the US cyclocross and mountain bike racing scene for more than 10 years. He has ridden on multiple World Championships teams for XC MTB and Cyclocross. His palmarès includes: 33 UCI wins, U23 XC MTB National Championship, 3 time Division One Collegiate CX National Championships, and a Pan American CX Championship. When he is not racing or producing his very popular vlog content, Kerry is the Event and Marketing Support Specialist for BikeFlights.Links Kerry's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kerryw24/ Kerry's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KerryWernervlog Bike Flights: https://www.bikeflights.com/ Packing videos from BikeFlights: https://www.bikeflights.com/pack/HostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more 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.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete