TrainingPeaks CoachCast

In this episode, Dirk Friel talks with Alex Martin, a former professional motocross and supercross racer who spent over 15 years competing at the highest level, earning podiums and top-five finishes. After retiring from racing as a pro, Alex leaned into his passion for training and performance, co-founding Troll Training. His coaching company blends motocross performance with endurance sports methodologies. Alex shares his journey from motocross to recently catching the “running bug” and how structured training, especially via TrainingPeaks, helped him transform his racing career and life after retirement. He just raced the 2025 Boston Marathon, finishing at 2:48:35, just shy of a PR, with plans to run several other big races in the coming months. From building marathon fitness as a busy dad and coach to balancing strength, endurance, and recovery in high-risk motorsports, Alex shares an insider’s look at taking advantage of experience and science to advance the art of coaching unique athletes.

Matt Dixon, Founder and CEO of Purple Patch Fitness and a two-time Olympic trials finalist in swimming, shares insights on coaching for endurance athletes. He discusses the surprising effectiveness of a focused 10-hour weekly training plan, highlighting its success at the IRONMAN World Championship. The conversation covers balancing endurance training with life commitments, the importance of foundational training over technology, and the transformative power of training camps. Dixon emphasizes that stress can drive growth in both sports and professional spheres.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Barrett, head coach of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, shares insights on Functional Reserve Capacity (FRC) and the importance of durability in training. Liam Holohan, performance coach at Israel Premier Tech, reveals innovative concepts like heat training and hypoxic sleeping rooms. Mattia Michelusi from Team Cofidis highlights the distinctions between strength training for sprinters and climbers, along with the role of nutritionists in optimizing athlete performance. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone interested in elite cycling training methods!

Fergus Crawley, co-founder and head coach of Omnia Performance, brings his expertise in hybrid athlete training to the forefront. He reveals the merging of strength and endurance disciplines, sharing tips on balancing training goals. Fergus recounts his impressive feat of squatting 500 pounds and running a mile in under five minutes, emphasizing the mental approach needed for hybrid training. He discusses auto-regulation, personalized coaching strategies, and the importance of adapting to individual athlete needs for optimal performance.

Nell Rojas, a professional marathoner and coach celebrated for her top American finishes in the Boston and New York City Marathons, shares her rich insights on marathon training. She emphasizes the art and science of coaching, balancing individual needs with athletic goals. Nell discusses the importance of tailored nutrition, recovery strategies, and integrating strength training into marathon preparation. Advocating for inclusivity in running, she inspires athletes with her journey from competitor to coach, highlighting the joy of empowering others in the sport.

Scott Johnston, co-author of renowned endurance training books and founder of Evoke Endurance Coaching, shares his expertise on recovery strategies for ultramarathon runners. He emphasizes the need to balance rest and performance, considering factors like CNS fatigue and motivation. Listeners learn about actionable tactics such as tracking subjective feedback, implementing active recovery, and the importance of personalized recovery timelines. Johnston also discusses the mental aspects of recovery and the role of nutrition in enhancing performance longevity.

George Gilbert, Founder of IndieVelo and VP at TrainingPeaks, joins Lee Gerakos, TrainingPeaks President, to discuss the acquisition of IndieVelo and the launch of TrainingPeaks Virtual. They dive into how community feedback is shaping this innovative platform for indoor cycling. The duo highlights the importance of creating credible virtual races and diverse training environments. Additionally, they explore the seamless integration of athlete accounts and the extensive options for group rides and simulations that empower both coaches and athletes.

Gale Bernhardt, a veteran endurance coach with over 35 years of experience, shares her journey from a mechanical engineer to guiding Olympians. She discusses the importance of continual learning and setting long-term goals, as well as the unique challenges in coaching across different cultures. Gale emphasizes the irreplaceable human touch in coaching despite the rise of AI, and she offers invaluable advice for aspiring coaches on balancing technology with personal connections to athletes.

Kylee Van Horn, CEO of Fly Nutrition and an ultrarunner, dives into the world of sports nutrition tailored for endurance athletes. She explains the concept of RED-S and its impact on performance, stressing the necessity of personalized fueling strategies. Kylee shares invaluable tips for managing nutrition, overcoming common fueling challenges, and the importance of micronutrient density. Listeners gain insights into the collaborative approach needed to address both nutrition and mental health in athletic training.

Marco Altini, a scientist and app developer behind HRV4Training, dives into the world of heart rate variability (HRV) and its pivotal role in athletic performance. He clears up misconceptions about HRV, emphasizing that it's a deeply personal metric rather than a one-size-fits-all measurement. Altini highlights the importance of tracking individual trends over time and integrating subjective feedback with objective data for effective training insights. He also discusses the best practices for measuring HRV, ensuring athletes use it as a valuable tool for optimizing their recovery and training efforts.