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
Aug 21, 2025 • 46min
385: Potluck Discussion - Fatigue Training, Impact of Pregnancy, and Athlete Parents
In this week’s potluck episode, we discuss the value of training fatigued, how to support a pregnant athlete, and what we can learn from parents who are professional athletes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 14, 2025 • 59min
384: The State of Gravel Racing, with Alexey Vermeulen and Ben Delaney
We’re joined by the Michigan-born gravel racer and the longtime cycling journalist to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of gravel racing and riding in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 7, 2025 • 40min
383: Longevity and Biomarkers of Performance
Dive into the world of longevity, where it's not just about living longer but living better. Discover the vital biomarkers that can enhance athletic performance, from telomere length to oxidative stress. Learn how hybrid training—combining sprinting and endurance—can boost health and longevity. Nutrition's critical role in biological aging takes center stage, alongside innovative technologies like continuous glucose monitors that help track athletes' well-being. Personalization in health metrics remains essential, urging caution against misleading trends.
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 8min
382: Can We Resurrect the American Road Race Scene?
Levi Leipheimer, a former professional cyclist and organizer of Levi's Gran Fondo, joins Fred Dreier, an experienced cycling journalist, to discuss revitalizing the American road race scene. They explore innovative racing models and how grassroots participation is vital for sustaining elite competition. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, diverse funding, and nurturing young talent while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in cycling today. Together, they envision a brighter future through collaboration and fresh ideas.
10 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
381: The Synergistic Power of Training Your Brain, with Dr. Scott Frey
Dr. Scott Frey, a neuroscientist and the founder of Cerebral Performance, dives into how mental fatigue affects athletic performance and the revolutionary concept of brain endurance training. He discusses the synergy between mental and physical training, emphasizing that cognitive readiness is vital for athletes. Frey also explores cognitive load management and its impact on performance, offering strategies to enhance efficiency. He highlights the importance of integrating cognitive tasks into physical training to boost resilience and overall capabilities.
13 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
380: Durability: The Fourth Pillar of Aerobic Fitness
Discover why durability is deemed the fourth pillar of aerobic fitness. Coaches have long recognized its significance, but research is catching up. Learn how durability influences fatigue and performance metrics in athletes. The episode contrasts the needs of cyclists versus runners and delves into the role of weight training in enhancing endurance. Nutritional strategies, particularly carbohydrate intake, also take the spotlight. Explore the dynamic nature of durability and its vital importance for long-term athletic success.
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
379: Why Researchers, Coaches, and Athletes Need to Work Closely Together
Dr. Michael Kennedy, a researcher at the University of Alberta, discusses the crucial collaboration needed between researchers and sports practitioners. He highlights the historical disconnect and the importance of applying research to real-world training. Kennedy emphasizes individual variability among athletes and the need for personalized training approaches. He advocates for improved communication and information sharing, urging coaches to adopt a proactive role in integrating research insights for enhanced athletic performance.
5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 56min
378: Potluck Discussion - Lessons Learned, Comparing Intervals, and Is All Base the Same?
Dive into a lively discussion about lessons learned from major events and the different types of interval training. The hosts humorously explore the balance of training and life, sharing insights on aging athletes competing against younger rivals. Discover the unique joys and challenges of bikepacking and its impact on endurance. Learn how terrain affects training intensity while dissecting the nuances of base training. Finally, gain valuable tips on mastering discomfort during high-intensity workouts.
17 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 10min
377: When Is Our Interval Work Too Much?
Brent Bookwalter, a mental performance coach and former pro cyclist with a background in sports psychology, shares insights on balancing physical and mental training. He emphasizes the risks of overtraining and the need for tailored coaching strategies that respect individual athlete's needs. Brent discusses the role of teamwork and mental clarity in effective workouts while highlighting the importance of enjoyment in sports. He also notes the value of sustainable training methods and the impact of personalized feedback on performance.
19 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 35min
376: Too Little Protein? Too Much Sodium?
This discussion dives into the vital roles of protein and sodium in athletic performance and overall health. Listeners will learn how protein is crucial not just for muscle but for recovery and immune support, especially for endurance athletes. The podcast also tackles the complexity of sodium intake, emphasizing the need for balance amidst rising consumption in modern diets. Furthermore, it uncovers the challenges athletes face in interpreting their nutritional needs, stressing the importance of whole foods over processed options.
