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
Jan 23, 2025 • 58min
355: Potluck Discussion: Finding the Right Plan, Virtual Base Training, and U.S. Cyclocross
We discuss how to find the right plan for you, using virtual training platforms in the base season, and the state of U.S. Cyclocross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
354: How Homeostasis Explains Everything
Dr. Brendan Egan, an expert in exercise physiology, dives deep into the concept of homeostasis and its vital role in our bodies. Learn how your body maintains stability while training, how fatigue affects performance, and why overtraining could backfire. Egan also addresses the importance of gut health and diet on athletic performance. He emphasizes the delicate balance between stress and recovery for optimal health, encouraging listeners to prioritize long-term wellness while striving for peak performance.
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h
353: The Power of Motivational Interviewing, with Dr. Jeff Breckon
Dr. Jeff Breckon, an expert in motivational interviewing and Associate Dean at Teesside University, shares insights on empowering athletes through effective communication. He highlights the importance of athlete-driven motivation and a collaborative coach-athlete relationship. Breckon discusses techniques like open-ended questions and positive affirmations to encourage self-discovery and personal growth. The conversation also addresses common communication traps in coaching, emphasizing empathy and reflective practices to foster a supportive environment for athletic development.
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 17min
352: The Four Fitness Foundations of Mobility, Flexibility, Stability, and Strength
Join Dr. Stacey Brickson, an exercise physiology professor and founder of Draft Responsibly Coaching, as she shares her expertise on enhancing endurance athletes' performance and longevity. She discusses the crucial role of off-the-bike work, including cross-training, to prevent injuries. Dive into the four foundational elements—mobility, flexibility, stability, and strength—and discover how they interconnect to optimize athletic function. Learn about the science behind stretching and the importance of tailored strength training throughout the aging process.
Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
351: Drawing Ethical Boundaries in the Coach-Athlete Relationship
Dr. Kate Bennett, a clinical psychologist and founder of Athlete Insight, specializes in the psychological needs of athletes. She dives into the importance of ethical boundaries in coach-athlete relationships, examining power dynamics and the implications of dual roles. The conversation highlights the necessity of clear communication to foster trust and ensure safe environments. Dr. Bennett also discusses the challenges athletes face when balancing multiple responsibilities and emphasizes the need for written codes of conduct to navigate ethical complexities.
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 8min
350: How to Set Strava Records on the Most Famous Climbs in the World
Jack Burke, a former aspiring world tour cyclist and record-holder on iconic climbs, shares his journey from the pressures of professional racing to embracing the joy of cycling. He discusses training strategies for record-breaking climbs like Alpe d'Huez and the Stelvio, highlighting the emotional challenges and triumphs along the way. Burke emphasizes the importance of building a strong aerobic base, mastering pacing for Strava climbs, and finding a balance between ambition and enjoyment in cycling. His insights inspire cyclists to pursue both performance and passion.
Dec 12, 2024 • 54min
349: Potluck Discussion: Sacrifices, Initial Season Workouts, and Over-Communication
Our hosts talk about whether it is better to be balanced or pursue something fully, good workouts to start the season out, and how much communication is too much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 4min
348: How to Find Your Motivation in the Early Season
Professional cyclist Noah Granigan races with the Denver Disruptors, while Madigan Munro is a national champion mountain biker for Trek Factory Racing. They share personal insights on maintaining motivation during the off-season, discussing the psychological challenges athletes face in early training. Strategies include individualized training plans and the importance of balancing fitness with personal life. The duo also jokes about transitioning sports and adapting to outdoor cycling in winter, making for a light-hearted yet insightful conversation.
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.
