IN THIS EPISODEQuestion: Is one long ride better than two shorter ones?3 Strategies for Double DaysWhen to use double daysAre Double Days always good/better?Risks associated with Double DaysIs a double day better than a single long ride?LINKS- Benefits and Risks of Two-a-Day Training for Cyclists - Two Shorter Rides or One Really Long Ride: Which is better for training?- Do's and Don'ts of Double Day Training for Ultrarunners ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a...

IN THIS EPISODEQuestion 1: Should I add potassium to my sports drink?Natriuresis from overconsumption of potassiumQuestion 2: How can I keep my job and get enough recovery while training as a Time-Crunched Cyclist?How to recover well when you have limited time for recovery4 Steps to scheduling sleep, rest between workouts, training intensity, and training volume.ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiol...

IN THIS EPISODEQuestion 1: How to incorporate Zwift racing into a Time-Crunched Cyclist's training plan?Three priorities for including Zwift races in your training planTraining schedule examples with Zwift races includedQuestion 2: How can I incorporate a rowing ergometer into my cycling trainingUsing variety to improve training consistencyWorkout examples for rowing machine ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. i...

Unlock the secrets of sports nutrition as we explore the often-confused sugars—glucose and dextrose—with insights from nutrition expert Kristen Arnold, MS, RDN, CSSD. Then we'll delve deeper into the world of maltodextrin and learn how mixing carbohydrate sources can drastically enhance your athletic performance. As a bonus, we'll provide Kristen's recipe for a homemade sports drink that's easy to make, features inexpensive ingredients, and is easily customizable. IN THIS EPISODEAre Glucose v...

In Episode 195, we answer a listener question about using power, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion and the talk test to gauge if you're hitting your Zone 2 or creeping out of it. CTS Coach and physiologist Renee Eastman talks with Host Adam Pulford about which metrics to prioritize during specific training rides. They also discuss aerobic decoupling and the ways that changes in relationship between power and heart rate can indicate changes in aerobic fitness and durability.Topics Covered...

Topics Covered In This Episode: Why shorter cranks and narrower bars?Determining the right road, gravel, MTB handlebar widthRecommendations for amateur and time-crunched cyclistsWhat is crank length and why it mattersBenefits of shorter cranksShould cranks on all your bikes be the same length?Bonus: How do you choose a good saddle?Guest:Renee Eastman is a CTS Premier Level Coach and has been coaching with the company for more than 20 years. She has been a professional bike fitter for 15 ...

Questions/Topics Covered In This Episode:Strategy #1: General fitness, picking from a "workout buffet"Strategy #2: Performance training, specific duration/workout goalsThreshold workouts: ~30-60min of Time in Zone (TiZ), 8-60min interval durations, 2:1 work to rest ratios, 91-105% FTP, RPE: 7-8, extensive or intensive VO2 Max Workouts: 10-25min of Time in Zone, 1.5-5min interval durations, 1:1 work to rest ratios, 106-121% of FTP, RPE: 9Extensive Anaerobic Capacity workouts: 4-12min of t...

The pros are eating 120 grams of carbohydrate per hour in some races and hard training sessions. Should you consume that much? Would you perform better if you did? In Episode 192 of The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast, Outside Magazine's Sweat Science columnist Alex Hutchinson joins Host Adam Pulford to discuss the latest trend toward super-high carbohydrate intakes during exercise.  Topics in this Episode: History of carbohydrate fueling recommendationsEndogenous vs. Exogenous fuelingWhen...

In Episode 191 of The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast, Outside Magazine's Sweatscience columnist Alex Hutchinson joins Host Adam Pulford to discuss the keys to long term success as an athlete. In particular, they draw on skills acquisition research from Mark Williams of the Institute of Human and Machine Cognition in Florida and Nicola Hodges of the University of British Columbia.  5 Keys to Long Term Success in Endurance Training: Balancing Performance with LearningChoosing Quality over...

Questions/Topics Covered In This Episode: How much difference will it make if I train on a heavy bike and race on a light bikeWhy Total System Weight mattersCheapest way to lower total system weightHow do I know if I've maxed out my Functional Threshold Power?Have you maxed out training volume or intensity?How to lengthen rides and use mini-campsWhat to do when you can't add more timePolarized training to pull FTP upRESOURCES - Total System Weight Calculator:...

In Episode 189 of The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast, Outside Magazine's Sweatscience columnist Alex Hutchinson joins Host Adam Pulford to discuss the details that separate crappy training from high-quality training. Whether you're balancing your passion for cycling with a demanding schedule or aiming to refine your training routine, this conversation offers invaluable insights into achieving peak performance. Key topics in this episode: What is "training quality"?The role of device data in...

Questions/Topics Covered In This Episode: 00:45 - How can I strength train my legs with less stress on my hips, post surgery? 03:20 - Isometric holds (wall sits) for leg strength 04:52 - Lunge complex for mobility and strength 09:32 - Coming back from surgery, my cardiovascular system is good, but my leg strength needs work. How do I get both back on track? 11:33 - Sample workout for increasing strength training  ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST Host Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for...

8-Time US National Champion and CTS Coach John Croom is the anaerobic king. His power numbers and FRC (functional reserve capacity) were phenomenal at the height of his career. In this episode of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", he reveals the techniques and workouts he uses to help athletes unlock the power of anaerobic capacity for race-winning performance. And anaerobic capacity is not just for racers... AC is the power all cyclists rely on for sharp accelerations in a group ride, to...

Episode 186 features a fascinating conversation with CTS Coach John Croom, who defied norms to make the leap from a team sport heavyweight to a professional track cyclist and now an America's Cup sailor with  the American Magic team. This episode chronicles Croom's physical transformation and mental fortitude, providing a goldmine of motivation and insight for heavier cyclists looking to leverage their size rather feel ostracized or disadvantaged because of it.  Topics in this episode: John...

Episode 185 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast" is a quick one, at just about 11 minutes, but it's packed with great, practical information about checking and confirming your bike fit. Questions in this episode: How often should cyclists redo bike fits?How do you translate bike fit measurements from bike to bike?ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST Host Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 years and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached...

Topics in This Episode: Recap of "Science of a Great Pedal Stroke" podcast (Episode 183)Why cyclists should train the full range of cadences"Normal" cadence ranges for different types of cyclingHow to train different cadences (low, high, high + high power)Fast Pedal workout (high cadence, low power)Muscle Tension workout (low cadence, high torque)Power Intervals (high cadence, high power)Sprinting!Resources: Youtube video of this episodeYoutube video of episode 183  (includes visuals...

Key topics in this episode: How power is produced through the pedal strokeThe muscle used for producing power on the bikeTorque effectiveness and the creation of an effective pedal strokeSynchronizing the top and bottom of your pedal stroke Resources: Youtube video of this episode  (includes visuals described in audio version)Articles: Everything to Know About Pedaling to Maximize Your Cycling PowerWhy and When to Use Low-Cadence Intervals in Cycling Training Cycling Cadence: How Fast Should...

Key topics in this episode: Review of Velocity-Based TrainingCoach Kellie's process for starting a programEstablishing good formWhen to add speed and load componentsKeys to building a programThree main movementsDesigning a weekly programResources: Kellie Moylan: Coach Profile: Kellie Moylan - CTS Cycling CoachArticles for Further Research::Researched Applications of Velocity Based Strength TrainingVelocity-Based Training: From Theory to ApplicationVBT Manipulation & PrescriptionMore Great...

Key topics in this episode: Weightlifting vs. Strength TrainingHow do we develop strength and power in an athlete at the gym?How does Velocity-Based Training (VBT) work?Kellie's "Train fast to be fast" methodResources: Kellie Moylan: Coach Profile: Kellie Moylan - CTS Cycling CoachArticles for Further Research::Researched Applications of Velocity Based Strength TrainingVelocity-Based Training: From Theory to ApplicationVBT Manipulation & PrescriptionMore Great...

Questions in this episode: How should I incorporate running with primary cycling training plan (without getting injured)?Should high-intensity anaerobic intervals be done year round, even occasionally, or only during event-specific buildup?Addressing the numbering of podcast episodes for easier searchingASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST Host Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for more than 13 years and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes...

In Episode 179, CTS Coach Adam Pulford and Ryan Kohler from Fast Talk Labs  dissect the art and science of breathing techniques for cyclists. They discuss ways athletes should be aware of their breathing patterns, how and when to manipulate them, and the pros and cons of breath training techniques and devices for cyclists. Key topics in this episode: What does 'breath work' really mean?Is the purpose of breath work to improve performance metrics, change lung physiology, or optimize mind-body...

Prepare to turbocharge your cycling performance and vitality as we team up with physiologist Ryan Kohler to unravel the secrets of VO2 max. Discover how pushing your limits can not only advance your endurance on the bike but also fortify your health for a long and vigorous life. Host Adam Pulford and Ryan Kohler also discuss how to design and execute VO2 max intervals  in your training, and how Junior (U19) cyclists should approach high intensity interval training. Key topics in this...

Discover the liberating truth that you can boost your cycling fitness without being shackled by specific goals. For all you goal enthusiasts, fear not. Your goals are worthy of your dedication. But if you don't have big goals right now, embrace the perspective that progress isn't solely powered by ticking off checkboxes. You can and should get started on your training journey - whether for the first time or for your next season - even if you don't have a whole plan worked out. Key topics in...

Hold onto your handlebars! We're veering off the beaten path with CTS Coach Jason Siegle to explore absurd cycling challenges. He's days away from completing a 120-day challenge to ride a mile for every 100 Instagram followers. He's here to share the highs and lows of his journey, what he's learned, and how absurd challenges can be helpful to other cyclists. Key topics in this episode: Jason Siegle's cycling challengeWhy cyclists embark on challenges that don't make much sense from a fitness...

Learn the art and science of training readiness with Coach Adam Pulford and special guest, CTS Coach Jim Rutberg. Ever wonder if your wearable is telling you the full story about your readiness to train? This episode offers insights into readiness scores, tools like TrainingPeaks and WKO, and your own subjective assessments to truly understand if and when you're ready for substantial training. Key topics in this episode: What is "Training Readiness" and how is it measured?Are Training...