Endurance Unlimited

Hear how structured workouts, virtual communities, and game-changing tech combine for authentic, effective winter training — or cycling in general. George Gilbert and Tim Cusick join host Dirk Friel for a look into the shift of virtual training and how purposeful, science-backed structure can help both athletes and coaches make the most of winter (or year-round) workouts. George, TrainingPeaks’ VP of Virtual Platforms and the mind behind TrainingPeaks Virtual, pulls back the curtain on the fast pace of innovation in the virtual cycling world. From supporting completely custom GPX route uploads, called GPXplore, to immersive, realistic physics for cornering and drafting, the focus is on making indoor training both motivating and specific to real-world cycling. George emphasizes the value of credibility and seamless integration — your outdoor and indoor data, preferences, and progress are all in sync for an experience that works as hard as you do. Tim, founder of Basecamp Coaching and TrainingPeaks WKO product lead, shares how his holistic approach unites expert coaching, nutrition, strength, and mental skills. By leveraging technology and community-driven group workouts, Basecamp delivers individualized plans that encourage consistency and bring the camaraderie of a training camp right to your room or pain cave. Tim urges coaches to lean into building engaging communities, use technology to scale their expertise, and focus on process-oriented growth rather than endless racing or chasing every metric. Key takeaways: Successful indoor training isn’t about generic "spin classes" or chasing the latest trend — it’s about purposeful structure, real-world specificity, and the power of community. Learn about features like Zen mode for focused training, heart rate-based ERG workouts, and dynamic challenge events. Listen in for a fresh look at how tech, expert guidance, and meaningful connection can help you nail your goals — whether you’re prepping for your first century, a bucket-list crit, or want to start your season stronger than ever.

Scott Johnston, coach of both the men’s and women’s winners of UTMB, dives into his personalized training philosophy. He stresses the importance of disciplined, science-based approaches tailored to each athlete’s needs, like Ruth Croft and Tom Evans. Johnston shares insights on balancing speed and endurance, utilizing steep treadmill workouts for fatigue resistance, and the necessity of effective communication between athlete and coach. He also highlights how life changes can reshape training focus and the value of adaptability in challenging conditions.

Iñigo San-Millán, a world-renowned exercise physiology expert and director of high performance with Team UAE, discusses the future of cycling nutrition. He elaborates on how TrainingPeaks' Fueling Insights feature transforms carbohydrate intake strategies for cyclists. Iñigo reveals the importance of metabolic flexibility and personalizing race-day nutrition, while debunking fat oxidation misconceptions. He also emphasizes the evolution of dietary guidelines and offers valuable insights into managing glycogen for optimal performance.

The evolution of paddle sport racing is pushing the limits of endurance competition, where training technology and data-driven coaching play a significant role. April Zilg, world champion paddle athlete, joins the show to share her journey from "couch potato" to the top of the stand up paddle board (SUP) world—all powered by smart training, dedication and data. In this episode, April reveals how technique-focused coaching, a science-based approach to training and leveraging TrainingPeaks shapes her work with athletes of all levels. Get a crash course in the many flavors of paddle sports—from lightning-fast sprints to epic 1,000-mile adventures—and how race type, equipment and environment shape effective training strategies. April stresses the importance of tracking progress, balancing intensity and recovery, and being open to new technology, including heart rate and (soon) power meters on the water. Whether you're curious about SUP racing, endurance coaching, or just want a peek behind the paddle, this episode is full of valuable coaching and training tips.

In this episode, host Dirk Friel sits down with professional gravel racer and Ignition Coaching coach Dylan Johnson to dig into all things gravel. They break down the cutting-edge equipment trends seen at the 2025 edition of Unbound Gravel, as well as training trends, nutrition and training tips for both amateurs and pros. Hear why mountain bike tires are dominating the scene, the evolving role of aerodynamics in the sport, and the reasons behind faster race times over the last few years. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a gravel-curious newcomer, you'll hear expert advice on your next gravel race and the new "Unbound Block" approach to training. Dylan also offers a glimpse into the future of even faster gravel racing. To learn more about Dylan Johnson, check out his training plans or follow him on YouTube and Instagram.

Kristen Arnold, a registered dietitian and elite cycling coach, joins the conversation to redefine food culture in endurance sports. She discusses the hidden disordered eating patterns athletes face and offers practical strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with food. Kristen emphasizes the importance of viewing nutrition as fuel, not a punishment, and encourages coaches to create supportive environments. She also highlights the crucial influence of parents in shaping young athletes' body image and nutritional habits, advocating for compassion and balance in performance.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Martin, a former pro motocross and supercross racer turned marathon coach, shares his inspiring journey. He reveals how he seamlessly transitioned to running, recently finishing the Boston Marathon in under three hours. Alex explores the unique blend of motocross performance with endurance training, emphasizing the impact of structured coaching. He also discusses nutrition, heat training, and adapting techniques for athletes recovering from injuries, showcasing his innovative approach at Troll Training.

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.