The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

Topics covered in this episode:Prioritize fitness before obsessing on tire choice, etc.Training intensity distribution for epic endurance eventsWhy VO2 max matters for ultra eventsBenefits of building durability through Zone 3/Tempo/Low Threshold workTaper tantrums and going in to the race freshTrain for the technical aspects of adventure racesWorking on training that can't measured (skills, techniques, mental fortitude) improves performances that can be measuredRace day fueling to access your fitnessHydration packs vs. bottles in epic eventsASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTGuest: Maddison RussellMaddison Russell has been an endurance athlete for over fifteen years. He started as a competitive runner throughout high school and a few years racing club collegiate at Indiana University. From there, he got onto a bike and has been a dedicated cyclist ever since, with a focus on gravel and road racing. He graduated from Indiana University with a major in Exercise Science, and minors in Coaching and Psychology. 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.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

Topics covered in this episode:What is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and what does it have to do with athletic performance?How has bicarb been used to improve performance historically?How athletes can improve performance with bicarb supplementation. Limitations and value proposition of bicarb supplementationDrawbacks and risks associated with bicarb supplementationWhat kind of workouts and competitions are well suited for bicarb supplementation and which are not?ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTGuest: Jason KoopJason Koop is the Head Coach of CTS Ultrarunning, author of "Training Essentials for Ultrarunning, 2nd Ed", creator of the "Research Essentials for Ultrarunning" monthly newsletter, and host of "The Koopcast" podcast. He is one of the most sought-after coaches in ultrarunning, and for many years he was the CTS Coaching Director in charge of coaching education and ongoing mentoring of CTS Coaches across all sports. Find Jason on Instagram, Twitter, or his website: https://jasonkoop.com  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.Links2020 Study on Individualization of Sodium Bicarb Ingestion: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/855283/is-individualization-of-sodium-bicarbonate-ingestion-based-on-time-to-peak-necessaryMeta Analysis: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01575-xAsker Jeukedrup Summary: https://www.mysportscience.com/post/sodium-bicarbonate-cheap-and-effectiveRedBull Study with PR Lotion: https://training.tower26.com/training-tips/red-bull-study-pr-lotion-amp-power-outputListen 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

Looking to conquer the heat during your next race? Today's episode shares valuable strategies for heat acclimation to help you perform at your best in hot and humid conditions like Ken, who's preparing for an August race in Augusta, Georgia. From saunas and hot baths to steam baths and heat exposure, we've got you covered with a range of techniques for both active and passive heat training.We also uncover the differences between how men and women respond to heat acclimation and provide specific protocols for each gender, including a primer method for women in their low hormone phase. Moreover, we discuss the benefits of heat acclimation and how to maintain it by using sauna protocols every other day and doing high-quality training sessions in the cooler parts of the day. So tune in and get ready to beat the heat in your next race!Topics covered in this episode:Active vs. passive heat trainingBenefits and limitations of active heat trainingActive heat protocols (with Zone 2 endurance training)Passive heat training (with purposeful workouts)Recommended duration and frequency of heat exposuresWomen-specific considerations for heat trainingWhen to schedule heat training ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam 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.LinksBeat the Heat: https://www.drstacysims.com/blog/beat-the-heatDealing with Heat: https://bikerumor.com/physiology-and-nutrition-dealing-with-the-heat/Hot Bath and Performance: https://www.mysportscience.com/post/2016/06/15/hot-bath-and-performance-practical-guidelinesResearch on Application of HA: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6422510/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

Key topics in this episode:General nutrition guidelines for endurance cyclingNutrition differences for dynamic vs. steady cycling events (e.g. road/crit vs. gravel/ultraendurance)Fueling and hydration tips for short vs. long vs. ultra distancesRoles of intensity, temperature, distance, and technical courses on nutrition and hydration strategiesTips for eating and drinking while riding on unstable surfacesCarrying food vs. aid station stop strategies during gravel racesASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTGuestJason Siegle has quietly become one of the top cycling coaches at CTS and in the cycling coaching profession. As an athlete he was a professional mountain bike racer and road racer. He has been a CTS Coach for more than 10 years, working with a diverse set of athletes that range from beginners to professionals. One of Jason's higher profile athletes is Olympian and NBA Hall of Fame inductee, Reggie Miller.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.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

Questions and topics covered in this episode:How can I improve sleep quality and stop waking up multiple times per nightCan I split a 4-hour ride into two 2-hour rides or should I keep it one long rideHow can I increase flexibility in my low back and hips for improved bike fitDo the principles of training density apply outside of cycling-specific training?ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam 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.LinksEpisode 135 on Training DensityCoach Jason Koop's article on Training DensityEpisode 123: Off-the-Bike Training: Body, Brain, and Breath Training with Erin Carson 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

Key topics in this episode:What is a Zone 2 plateau?What's happening when CTL and Ramp Rate flatten?How long does it take for a Zone 2 plateau to develop?What to do once you plateau from Zone 2 training?ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam 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.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

Key topics in this episode:What are the meaningful differences, from a training perspective, between gravel and road racing?Pacing and effort characteristics between gravel and road racingNutrition and support differences between gravel and road racesTime-Crunched training for road races vs. gravel racesKey Time-Crunched Cyclist workouts for developing gravel-specific fitnessKey Time-Crunched Cyclist workouts for developing road racing fitnessASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTGuestJason Siegle has quietly become one of the top cycling coaches at CTS and in the cycling coaching profession. As an athlete he was a professional mountain bike racer and road racer. He has been a CTS Coach for more than 10 years, working with a diverse set of athletes that range from beginners to professionals. One of Jason's higher profile athletes is Olympian and NBA Hall of Fame inductee, Reggie Miller.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.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

Key topics in this episode:Prioritizing training frequency vs. duration vs. intensityKey workouts for maintaining fitness while travelingKey training zones for preventing loss of aerobic fitness during periods of severely reduced training availability ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam 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.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

Key topics in this episode:Focus on fitness and power side of the equation firstTrain for increasing Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and increased Time to Exhaustion (TTE)Extensive (training to extend efforts) vs. Intensive (training to increase power at an intensity) trainingExample WorkoutsClimbingRepeats: 3x8min with 4 minutes spinning between them. ClimbingRepeats are top end of threshold range, bordering on VO2 max intensity, RPE of 9/10.HillAccelerations: 3 x 8min. Efforts start at SteadyState intensity (RPE of 7/10) for 7 minutes and then accelerate to  RPE 10/10 for final minute.SteadyState Intervals: 2 x 20min at 91-105% of FTP. For these longer ones, aim for the lower end of the range (91% of FTP)When you focus on fitness and good habits (sleep, recovery, reducing stress), body weight and body composition often take care of themselves.If you need proactive weight loss, aim to reduce caloric intake by about 500 calories per day through portion control. ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam 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.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

Key topics in this episode:Sleep: the master recovery toolWhy you should pause between training and the rest of your dayPost-workout nutrition for Time-Crunched CyclistsThe value of doing fewer recovery-oriented activitiesASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHostAdam 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.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