
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS
Coach Adam Pulford delivers actionable training advice and answers your questions in short weekly episodes for time-crunched cyclists looking to improve their cycling performance. The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast (formerly The TrainRight Podcast) is brought to you by the team at CTS - the leading endurance coaching company since 2000. Coach Adam pulls from over a decade of coaching experience and the collective knowledge of over 50+ CTS Coaches to help you cut throught the noise of training information and implement proven training strategies that’ll take your performance to the next level.
Latest episodes

Dec 22, 2022 • 1h
Why Chris Carmichael Stepped Down and What's Next for CTS and Coaching Industry
Topics Covered In This Episode:Why Chris Carmichael stepped down as CEO of CTSIntroduction to Jeff Pierce, the new CEO of CTSA brief history of the Endurance Coaching Industry in the USThe future of personal coaching as AI and machine learning increase availability of dynamic training plans HostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 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.Guest BiosChris Carmichael and Jeff Pierce were rivals leading up to the 1984 Olympic Team selection, then teammates on the 7-Eleven Pro Cycling Team. Later they both held High Performance Director positions at USA Cycling and played roles in the selection of Team USA cyclists for several Olympic Games, World Championships, and other major international competitions. Chris founded CTS in 2000 and led the company until stepping down in August 2022. Jeff spent more than 13 years as an executive for T-Mobile in telecommunications before returning to USA Cycling as VP of Athletics. He was selected to take over the CEO role at CTS and started in August 2022.Links:About CTS StoryChris's BioJeff's BioChris's IG: https://www.instagram.com/chriscarmichael1960/ 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

Dec 8, 2022 • 1h 11min
Fueling Performance with Joy, ft. Pro Cyclist and Social Media Sensation Alison Jackson
Topics Covered In This Episode:Recounting the highs and lows of 2021 and 2022Staying motivated through illness and injuryPractical tips for training through adversityHow joy (and dancing) create balance with tough trainingHostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 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.Guest BioAlison Jackson is one of the most recognizable Canadian professional cyclists, not only because wins races all over the world, but also because her dance moves have made her a social media sensation. An Olympian and multi-time Canadian National Champion, also Jackson finished 6th at the UCI Road Race World Championships in 2022. For 2023, she will race for the EF Education-TIBCO-SVB Pro Cycling Team. Alison works with CTS Coach Adam Pulford.More About Alison Jackson:IG: https://www.instagram.com/aliactionjackson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliactionjackson?lang=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/alisonactionjackson Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliACTIONjackso Team: https://efeducationtibcosvb.comArticle: https://efeducationtibcosvb.com/racing/alison-jackson-signs-with-ef-education-tibco-svb/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

Nov 24, 2022 • 1h 27min
Off-the-Bike Training: Body, Brain, and Breath Training with Erin Carson
Topics Covered In This Episode:Absolute strength vs. Resilient strengthThe principles of Foundation TrainingThe differences between Foundation Training and Yoga for performanceFoam rolling (does it work and should you do it?)The role of movement in hydrating tissuesGetting stronger and faster without increasing muscle sizeIncreasing 'rate of force production'Breath work for spinal stabilization and expansion of rib cageBelly breathing vs. decompression breathingHostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 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.Guest BioErin Carson is co-owner and operator of RallySport, a Boulder, Colorado training facility and health club. As the head coach for ECFIT she provides strength training programs for endurance athletes seeking to perform at their very best in triathlons, marathons, and cycling events. Her clients include world champions and Olympians as well as everyday athletes seeking excellence.Erin has also found success as a triathlete, highlighted by her 6th place age group finish at the 2016 70.3 World Championships in Maloolooba, Australia, as well as multiple podium finishes over the last 5 years. Erin is a life-long athlete who attended The University of Colorado on a basketball scholarship where she was one of the top NCAA D1 basketball players. Erin’s Credentials:B.S. Kinesiology, University of ColoradoM.S. Administration, University of NebraskaMasters Studies, Tulane UniversityNSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistEXOS Performance Coach (pending)Titleist Performance Coach L2NASM Certified Personal TrainerNASM Performance Enhancement SpecialistNASM Corrective Exercise SpecialistPTA Global Certified Personal TrainerPTA Global Advanced Personal TrainerFoundations Instructor L2 30 Days Free of ECFit On DemandUse Code: TRAINRIGHThttps://ondemand.ecfitstrength.com/Email Erin at erin@ecfitstrength.com for 30 days access to Premium Read More About Erin Carson:Website: https://ecfitstrength.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecfit_strength/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecfitstrength/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecfitstrengthListen 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

8 snips
Nov 2, 2022 • 48min
How to Include Strength Training in Your Cycling Training Plan
Topics Covered In This Episode:Benefits of Strength TrainingWhy strength training shouldn't be just off-season or cross trainingIf you’re going to do strength training, it's best to do it year roundA Simple Process to Follow:4 Strength Training Levels we use at CTS to identify where to startHow to use these levels throughout the seasonBest Practices to keep addressing strength all season longHostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 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.Guest BioSarah Scozzaro is a CTS Coach who specializes in ultrarunning and has an extensive strength training background. Sarah has her Masters’s degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention and has a long list of qualifications and certifications after her name including being a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified personal trainer and National Academy of Sports Medicine performance enhancement specialist.Guest Links:Coach Bio: https://trainright.com/coaches/sarah-scozzaro/IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtyrunner/Show LinksPodcast: Strength Training for Ultrarunners 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

Oct 27, 2022 • 21min
The One About "Screaming Barfies" and Other Ailments From Cold Weather Training
Topics Covered In This Episode:The "Screaming Barfies" - yes, it's a real thing.Reynaud's PhenomenonNon-temperature related causes of Reynaud's PhenomenonPrimary and Secondary Reynaud's PhenomenonIncreased risks for womenTreating and preventing the effects of Reynaud's Phenomenon and other cold-related injuriesHost Bio:Corrine Malcolm has been a CTS Coach for more than 5 years and holds a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. She's a professional ultrarunner, a top ten Western States finisher, and a former U.S. Biathlon National Team member.Have questions you want Corrine to cover in a podcast? Email her at cmalcolm@trainright.com.Article LinksWinter Running Tips for Training in the ColdCan Training in Extreme Cold Permanently Hurt Your Lungs?Layering for Ultrarunning Training in Cold WeatherListen 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

10 snips
Oct 20, 2022 • 25min
Off-Season Training: Why and How You Should Detrain on Purpose
Topics Covered In This Episode:What detraining is and why you need itWhat happens when you lighten your training loadHow to detrain correctlyAbsolute vs. Relative Chronic Training Load (CTL)Physical and psychological consequences of lowering CTLCoach AP's Recipe for DetrainingHow much CTL should be lost during detraining phase?HostAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 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.Show Links Detraining chapter from Bosquet & Mujika Article/Podcast: What Is Chronic Training Load (CTL) And How To Use It To Improve PerformanceListen 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

Oct 14, 2022 • 20min
Ultraendurance-Specific Guide to Protein
Topics Covered In This Episode:What you need to know about proteinHow much protein athletes need dailyWhy ultradistance athletes should ingest protein DURING runs and racesPurposes and recommendations for post-workout protein intakeImportance of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) for endurance athletesFood sources of leucineHost Bio:Corrine Malcolm has been a CTS Coach for more than 5 years and holds a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. She's a professional ultrarunner, a top ten Western States finisher, and a former U.S. Biathlon National Team member.Have questions you want Corrine to cover in a podcast? Email her at cmalcolm@trainright.com.Article LinksProtein: Why Athletes Struggle to Get The Right AmountEating at Night: Nutrition Strategies to Improve Your Sleep, Recovery, and PerformanceNutrient Timing: Updated Science for Cyclists, Triathletes, and RunnersListen 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

Oct 6, 2022 • 1h 5min
How To Choose The Best Coach For You
Topics Covered In This Episode:What you should think about before hiring a coachSome of the biggest benefits athletes see working with a coachHow the coach-athlete match process worksHow to know if a coach is a good fit for youPros and cons of having a local coachGuestDominic Guinto has been the CTS Athlete Services Director for nearly ten years and has successfully matched thousands of athletes with coaches during that time.Show LinksSign up for a CTS Coach Consultation hereArticle - The Benefits Of Working With A CoachListen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform

Sep 29, 2022 • 22min
22-Minute Athlete's Guide to Better Sleep
Topics Covered In This Episode:Stages of sleepnREM vs. REM sleepHow you sleep when physically tired vs. emotionally fatiguedHealth implications of sleep deprivationRole of sleep in injury preventionHow do you know if you're getting enough sleepKeys for optimizing sleep hygieneHost Bio:Corrine Malcolm has been a CTS Coach for more than 5 years and holds a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. She's a professional ultrarunner, a top ten Western States finisher, and a former U.S. Biathlon National Team member.Have questions you want Corrine to cover in a podcast? Email her at cmalcolm@trainright.com.Article LinksSleep and Athletes: How to Optimize Sleep to Boost PerformanceA Smarter Way for Ultrarunners to Combat Sleep DeprivationWhy Can’t I Sleep After a Hard Workout or Race?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

Sep 25, 2022 • 1h 1min
How to Get Faster on the Bike - Part 3, The Climbing Episode w/ Nat'l Champion Jill Patterson
Topics Covered In This Episode:Top 5 factors for faster climbing: pacing, increasing power to weight ratio, wise equipment choices, course intel, personal intelHow to use Strava as a pacing and KOM/QOM planning toolUsing RPE to gauge pacing and sustainabilityAre you a Steady or Punchy climber?Pacing for climbs you have never climbed beforeKeeping your mind in the game on difficult climbsSafe and effective ways to target power-to-weight ratioBest hill climbing workouts for novice ridersBest hill climbing workouts for advanced ridersGuest Bio:Jill started road biking when she was living in Japan as an English teacher. After doing well in local races she was recruited by a women’s team, Asahi Muur Zero (now disbanded). She rode with them for three years and did several international UCI stage races in China, Thailand, and the US (Joe Martin Stage Race and Tour of the Gila, 2016). After returning to the US at the end of 2016 she followed a more structured training program and experienced big increases in my endurance, power and fitness. I prefer long and hilly gran fondo and road race courses, and in 2021 also started riding gravel. Jill is coached by CTS Coach Adam Pulford and won the 2022 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship.Show LinksJill Patterson on Instagramjillpattersoncycling.comPower to Weight Ratio for Cyclists: How to calculate, take advantage of, and increase it.How to Increase VO2 max Power and Duration for CyclistsThree Best Climbing Workouts for Sustained Power, Surge Strength, and Winning AttacksCycling Tips to Ride Uphill FasterListen 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
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