Fast Talk
Fast Talk Labs
The Fast Talk podcast offers the best guides to cycling performance and endurance sports training from world-class experts.Cohosted by cycling coaches and sport scientists Trevor Connor and Rob Pickels, Fast Talk episodes feature fascinating conversations with world-class experts discussing the endurance sports topics they know best: the best ways to train, effective workouts, questions on polarized and interval training, sports nutrition, physiology and recovery, and sport psychology.Fast Talk guests and regular contributors include Dr. Stephen Seiler, Joe Friel, Dr. Asker Jeukendrup, Sebastian Weber, Jim Miller, Dr. Andy Pruitt, Dr. Timothy Noakes, and elite professional athletes like Kristin Armstrong, Sepp Kuss, Brent Bookwalter, Kate Courtney, and many more.Fast Talk is part of Fast Talk Laboratories, a new endurance sports knowledgebase for endurance racers and adventurers.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 13, 2025 • 38min
397: Fast Chats: Rethinking Injury Risk and Longevity—Evidence That Defies Convention
Two new studies challenge common assumptions: intensity may matter more than volume for healthy aging, and triathlete injury patterns aren’t what most coaches would predict. We unpack what this means for training prescription, and why neuromuscular and strength work belong in every plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 19min
396: Neck Pain in Cyclists - Mechanics, Fit, and Clinical Insight
Experts in medicine, biomechanics, and physical therapy join Dr. Griffin McMath and Trevor Connor to decode the causes of neck pain in cyclists and the strategies that keep athletes strong, steady, and pain-free over the long haul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
395: The Difference Between Efficiency and Economy, and Why You Should Care
Dr. Ray Browning, an exercise scientist and biomechanist who co-founded Biomodem and played a key role in Nike's Breaking2 project, dives into the crucial distinction between efficiency and economy in sports. He explains efficiency as energy output versus input, while economy focuses on energy required per velocity. Browning shares insights from the Breaking2 project, highlighting how footwear innovations enhanced running economy. He also discusses the importance of improving economy for better performance and offers actionable strategies to optimize training.
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
394: Teaching Parents to Better Support Their Child-Athletes
We talk with Dr. Jennifer Harris about the critical role that parents play in junior athlete development, and why that role is too often ignored or left undefined. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 16, 2025 • 37min
393: Fast Chats - How Endurance Athletes Cope with Pain
Dive into the fascinating world of endurance sports and discover how ultra-athletes manage pain. Learn how interoception and mental toughness bolster resilience. The hosts reveal mindfulness and visualization techniques that help athletes finish races stronger. Explore the intriguing comparison of elite athletes and those with chronic pain. Unpack the strategic use of painkillers and how reframing pain can enhance performance. Plus, uncover the role of confidence and stoicism in overcoming challenges. Equip yourself with practical pain coping strategies!
Oct 9, 2025 • 36min
392: Potluck Discussion - Altitude Downsides, Fatigue Weeks with Limited Time, and the Auto-Pause Debate
Explore the challenges of returning to sea level after training at altitude, including individual responses and the risks involved. Delve into how life stress impacts training, particularly during fatigue weeks, and discover strategies for optimizing workouts under time constraints. The debate over using auto-pause on bike computers heats up as hosts weigh the pros and cons of accurate ride metrics against potential data inflation. Learn how to find the right routes for uninterrupted riding to enhance training efficacy.
10 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 11min
391: How to Use Physiological Data to Determine the Work You Should Do
Jared Berg, an experienced physiologist with over 20 years in athlete testing, shares insights on using lab and field data to optimize training. He discusses the significance of specificity in interval training and how running and cycling adapt differently. Jared explains VO2 max and lactate testing, highlighting how these metrics inform athlete profiles. He emphasizes the importance of endurance work and how to use lactate feedback for interval control. Finally, he touches on common training mistakes and the next frontier in precise physiological control.
Sep 25, 2025 • 54min
390: Exploring the Mindset and Training of America’s Most Accomplished Nordic Skier, Jessie Diggins
No American skier has rewritten the record books like Jessie Diggins. She’s figured out how to take down the Norwegians at their strongest sport—and she shares how she did it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 44min
389: Fast Chats - Should We Be Reconsidering Zone 2 Training
Zone 2 training is being critically reevaluated as new research questions its effectiveness. The discussion delves into how previous reviews differ, especially in defining true Zone 2 efforts. They explore the biological pathways involved and how intensity affects these interactions. Practical advice for athletes includes balancing various training intensities while recognizing the need for more long-term studies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the field and a humble approach to understanding exercise physiology.
12 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 22min
388: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Trends in Training Software
Lee Gerakos, CEO of TrainingPeaks and an endurance sports enthusiast, shares his insights on the evolution of training software. He discusses the exciting advancements in AI and gamification, emphasizing their role in enhancing motivation while also maintaining the importance of personal coaching. Gerakos reflects on the balance between data-driven insights and human connections in training, warning against the overwhelming nature of data. He also addresses the need for inclusivity and personalization in sports technology to truly support athletes.
