
Fast Talk
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.
Latest episodes

Nov 28, 2024 • 39min
347: Favorite Workouts—Off-the-Bike Edition!
We hear from Fast Talk all-star guests like Dr. Andy Pruitt and Stacey Brickson about their favorite off-the-bike workouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 8min
346: The Effect of Virtual Training on Coaches and Athletes, with Robbie Ventura
Robbie Ventura, a former pro cyclist and owner of the virtual coaching platform Velocity, dives into the evolution of athlete training through digital platforms. He highlights the balance between personal connections and virtual coaching, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie for enhanced athlete performance. Robbie discusses the power of collaboration among coaches and the innovative features of Velocity that allow for real-time interaction. The conversation reveals how technology is revolutionizing training, making it more engaging yet mindful of the need for in-person experiences.

Nov 14, 2024 • 57min
345: Why Our Gut Microbiome Is Important for Performance and Recovery
We talk with Julie Ann Davey about the bacteria in our gut and how the composition of our microflora affects everything in our bodies, including our performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7, 2024 • 54min
344: The Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Mental Performance
Dr. Kate Kresge, a licensed naturopathic doctor and head of medical education at Rupa Health, delves into the intersection of nutrition and mental performance for endurance athletes. She highlights the crucial link between specific nutrients, hydration, and cognitive function, debunking myths about quick fixes like stimulants. The discussion emphasizes personalized dietary approaches based on individual needs and gut health, while advocating for the importance of hydration and essential micronutrients in optimizing both mental clarity and overall athletic performance.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 9min
343: How to Fuel for Health
Dr. Mikki Williden, a sports nutrition expert and host of the Mickeypedia podcast, teams up with Dr. Paul Laursen, owner of athletica.ai and a researcher in sports nutrition. They discuss the crucial difference between fueling for performance and fueling for health. Key topics include the pitfalls of high simple sugar consumption for athletes, the importance of high-quality food sources, strategic carbohydrate management, and practical meal prep to enhance recovery. The conversation also touches on personalized nutrition and nutritious snack options for optimal athletic training.

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 9min
342: How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful New Season
Dr. Andy Pruitt, the inventor of the BG Fit System, and Ryan Ignatz, a master fitter at Full Cycles, dive into essential off-season preparations for cyclists. They discuss the significance of optimal bike fitting and gear upgrades to enhance performance. Listeners learn about the joy and safety of nighttime cycling with modern lighting systems. The duo emphasizes functional strength training and the need for regular bike fit assessments to adapt to physical changes, ensuring cyclists gear up effectively for the new season.

Oct 17, 2024 • 52min
341: Potluck Discussion: Hobbies as Training, Returning from Injury, and Off-Season Workouts
Our host regulars discuss when an unplanned activity—such as commuting—becomes training, how to adjust for an event when returning from injury, and what training to do in the off season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 8min
340: Norwegian Method or Just Good Holistic Practice? With Dr. Stephen Seiler
Dr. Seiler explains what we can and can’t take from the Ingebrigtsen brothers and from the Norwegian approach to training in general. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 7min
339: How Our Muscles Adapt, with Dr. Brendan Egan
Dr. Brendan Egan, a physician specializing in muscle adaptation and performance, shares fascinating insights on how our muscles respond to training. He discusses the biological processes behind strength and endurance enhancement, highlighting the essential roles of proteins in muscle building and overall athletic performance. Egan also explores the complexities of muscle adaptation, including the impact of different training types and the intriguing balance of NAD in metabolism. This conversation demystifies the science behind becoming stronger and faster.

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 8min
338: Nutrition Needs of Junior Endurance Athletes
In this lively discussion, expert Jared Berg shares valuable insights into the unique nutritional needs of junior endurance athletes. He highlights the importance of energy balance and diverse whole foods over supplements. The conversation touches on how parental influence and social media can shape young athletes' eating habits, while stressing the risks of extreme diets. Additionally, Jared explores the role of bioactive compounds in enhancing cognitive function and the need for moderation in sodium intake. A must-listen for parents and coaches!