Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

Standing vs. seated climbing, what it takes to go sub-8 at Leadville, peaking more than once & more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • What it's like to ride at professional team camps • Tactics or power to weight – which matters most? • How pro cyclists eat • How to beat a strong racer in a crit • How to train for Leadville • Why TT racers should race leadville • What it takes to go under 8 hours at Leadville • How to build useful sprint power • Is chloride bad for cyclists? • What to look for in an electrolyte drink • How to train between goal events • Differentiating between physical and psychological fatigue • How to use RPE to train • Ventilatory thresholds explained • Should you not stand on the trainer? • Which is faster: seated or standing pedaling? • How to reduce anterior pelvic tilt • Why cyclists need to loosen their hips ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

What most people don't understand about attacks, how to make Sweetspot work easier, supplements for cyclists & more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (9:30) The best way to ease into long intervals • (15:00) How early should you start pre-race nutrition? • Are attacks more mental than physical? • How to carry more corner speed • How to pick races that make you faster •(30:40) How to time nutrition with racing • What type of food is best before a race? • (40:35) Why VO2max intervals are more complex than you think • (43:30) How the same workout can deliver different benefits • (45:25)How to warm up for a sprint triathlon • (53:00) How to pace a time trial • How to train for short time trials • (1:00:00) How to use your power meter and smart trainer • (1:06:10) Are anti-oxidants bad for cyclists? • (1:12:40)How much water is needed to store glycogen • (1:14:10) Why cyclists shouldn't take creatine ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

What changes happen in your body at different intensities, how to match nutrition with your workouts, a coach's guide to using TrainerRoad & more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • TrainerRoad workouts now have thumbnail images in Strava! • Why you should consider refining your pedaling technique • Aero positioning and its affect on performance • Ketosis and cycling – are they a good match? • What happens to your body during a sweetspot interval • Should your nutrition change as intensity increases? • How much fluid does it take to digest food while riding? • How to warmup for short triathlons • How to use TrainerRoad with a coach • A coach's guide to using TrainerRoad ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Does foam rolling actually work, the real reason why triathlon times are getting faster, how much of performance is due to genetics & more! Join us live for this week's episode of the Ask a Cycling coach Podcast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (4:30) How to know when you should upgrade categories • How to Coach Yourself to Peak Fitness: blog.trainerroad.com/training-plan-guide/ • (14:35) The science behind foam rolling • (30:25) Is non-alcoholic beer bad for recovery too? • (34:25) Are plyometrics good for cyclists? • (44:55) Should you gain weight to be a better time trialist? • (50:50) Genetics vs. talent and how they affect cyclists • (1:02:50) Why triathlon times are getting faster • (1:12:10) Facebook Live Questions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

How age affects performance, can time trialists sprint, why average power is so low in cyclocross & more in this week's episode of the Ask a Cycling coach Podcast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (6:20) TrainerRoad's Facebook Beta Group • (7:20) What DEXA scans tell you about your body • (20:00) Do I need to replicate the distance of my goal event in training? • How to troubleshoot trainer problems • (25:25) How does age affect cyclists • Why old age isn't an excuse for declining performance • (33:40) How to train for criterium racing • (44:40) How do you incorporate group rides into a training plan • (50:15) How to train for ultra distance for triathletes • (54:20) How to tell if you lack muscular endurance or not • (1:02:20) Why is average power low in CX? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

What we learned watching and racing cyclocross for 7 days straight, how to get the best TT bike fit, how to use extra weight to your advantage & more in this week's episode of the Ask a Cycling coach Podcast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (00:20) What we learned from CX Nationals • (14:20) How to get the best TT bike fit • (34:00) UCI TT regulations • (42:00) What makes a good TT saddle? • (51:30) Should you skip your taper? • (54:15) How to utilize extra weight in a bike race • Can heavy athletes be good cyclists? • (1:01:20) How to increase training load without too much fatigue • (1:04:10) Tubulars vs. Clinchers • How to fix a flat in a hurry on the trail • (1:11:45) How does cold weather affect performance? • How cold does it need to be to use warmers or embrocation? • (1:19:10) How to refine your pedaling technique ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Cyclocross pros Cody Kaiser and Courtenay McFadden stopped by TrainerRoad HQ for a deep dive on cyclocross training and racing in front of an in-studio audience during Cyclocross National Championships. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • Dismounting tips from the pros • Should you do a step-through or not? • How often should you practice dismounting and remounting? • How to maintain momentum in the sand • How to ride an off-camber section • How to decide if you should ride an obstacle or run it • Tips for learning to bunnyhop barriers • How to pre-ride a course properly • How to ride Belgian Steps • Should you wear a GPS watch or use a head unit? • How do pro cyclocross racers eat? • Taper strategies before a big cyclocross race • Pre-race meals for cyclocross racers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPIC TIMESTAMPS (00:35) Athlete Introductions (03:10) Barriers (12:55) Getting clipped back in (14:15) Bunny hopping barriers (18:45) Pre-riding the course (25:35) Sand (29:05) Mud & off camber (33:45) Ruts (35:05) Garmin/head units (37:35) Track walk (41:55) Race week nutrition (44:20) Race day nutrition (45:25) Mechanics (47:10) Tires and pressures (49:50) Warm ups (52:45) Call ups and start strategy (55:35) Passing (58:20) Etiquette (59:25) Crashing Questions: (1:02:35) How much do you incorporate strength training? (1:05:55) How do you float up Belgian stairs? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

What happens to your body during a warmup, the do's and don'ts of pre-workout nutrition, why you may reconsider your next recovery drink & more in this week's episode of the Ask a Cycling coach Podcast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (04:45) TrainerRoad CX Nationals Athlete Panel Event • We're hiring three software engineers! ( www.TrainerRoad.com/jobs) • (6:20) Why you should sync Strava and Garmin Connect to TrainerRoad • (9:05) The science behind warmups • What actually happens during a warmup? • How to know when you should warm up • (16:35) What type of warmup is best for your next race • (24:30) Should you train while you are sick? • (25:50) How to come back to training after illness • (30:25) Do smart trainers and power meters measure power differently? • (34:55) Can upper body mass make you a faster cyclist? • (45:10) How to time your strength training • (46:40) Is heat training discipline specific? • (48:50) Pre-workout nutrition to fuel your workouts • (57:35) What you should think of before taking in a recovery drink • (1:05:00) How to become a better climber ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

A complete guide to planning your training for the year, power vs. heart rate and indoor training tips and gear we're loving right now. All of this and more in Episode 134 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (00:30)TrainerRoad CX Nationals Athlete Panel Event • (01:17)We're hiring three software engineers! ( www.TrainerRoad.com/jobs) • (02:15) Why you should sync Strava and Garmin Connect to TrainerRoad • (02:40)How to plan your year of training • (03:15)How to set proper goals • (11:55)How to make sure you peak at the right time • (13:20)How to prioritize your races: A, B and C races • (14:35)How to adjust your training plan • (19:10)Dealing with multiple A Races • (25:10)Adjusting plan when you don't have enough time • (25:55)Adjusting plan when you have extra time • (31:30)Definition of A, B and C Races • (35:45)Adjusting training plan for illness • (37:40)Adjusting training plan for business trips or vacation • (41:40)Battling mental/physical fatigue and burnout • (49:20)Do you really need an offseason? • (56:10)Power vs. Heart Rate: Is heart rate still relevant? • (1:00:00)Tips and tricks for getting started with indoor training • (1:18:40)Are tubeless tires best for road too? • (1:29:05)What is "going into the red" and should you actually avoid it? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

What to do when you miss a workout, Garmin data fields you need for racing, and when should you have a recovery drink & more. All of this and more in Episode 133 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • (00:25) TrainerRoad CX Nationals Athlete Panel Event • (01:20) We're hiring three software engineers! ( www.TrainerRoad.com/jobs) • (10:45) Why you should sync Strava and Garmin Connect to TrainerRoad • (11:04) Consistent-Quality • (12:05) Why your body build is not an excuse • (17:50) How to be a good racer when the odds are against you • How triathletes can use road racing for training • (30:40) CX Tire discussion • (37:35) Does your trainer have too much resistance? • (50:40) What data fields you need to have on your Garmin • (1:11:25) How to adjust your training for missing a workout • (1:11:25) What to keep in mind when training twice per day • (1:15:40) How to properly calibrate a power meter • (1:20:15) How soon after a workout should you have a recovery drink? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Tactics and etiquette to help you own your next group ride, what cyclists should know about cross-training, and how to rebound from a disappointing result. All of this and more in Episode 132 of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • TrainerRoad Party at Cyclocross National Championships! • We're hiring software engineers! www.TrainerRoad.com/jobs • Why you should sync Strava and Garmin Connect to TrainerRoad • What every racer should know about number pinning • Dealing with doctors as an endurance athlete • How important is power/weight? • Should you use your TT bike on the trainer? • How to use cross-training for cyclists • How to nail interval workouts outside • Can long course triathletes use MTB for training? • Your guide to nailing an FTP test • How to avoid hand pain for cyclists • How to deal with disappointing results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Are wider tires really better, what intensity is best for fat burning and can you brick strength training and cycling workouts? Get the answers in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • TrainerRoad Party at Cyclocross National Championships! • We're hiring software engineers! Apply here. • Why you should sync Strava and Garmin Connect to TrainerRoad • Training entertainment suggestions • How to manage motivation when life won't let you train • Which Build Phase training plan is best for time trialists • Why you shouldn't copy other's training • Are wider tires better? • What size tire should you be running on your rims? • How to make your current wheelset more aero • How to avoid weight gain when you can't train • Why do triathletes always keep their shoes clipped in? • Are road shoes faster than MTB shoes? • Should you pick road shoes or triathlon shoes? • Do low intensity workouts really burn more fat? • How to train for Leadville and Epic Rides • Is it bad to do strength training right after a cycling workout? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad trainerroadask a cycling coachcyclingtriathlon

How to upgrade categories faster, getting rid of saddle discomfort, and how giving blood affects fitness. All of this and more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE • TrainerRoad Party at Cyclocross National Championships! • We're hiring software engineers! Apply here: trainerroad.recruiterbox.com/ • Why you should sync Strava and Garmin Connect to TrainerRoad • Everything you need to know about category upgrades in road racing • How many points do you need to upgrade to the next category? • Do you get more points for a road race than a crit? • How to upgrade road race categories faster • What is a good FTP? • How fit are professional motorcycle racers? • How to fit big weekend rides into your training plan • What to carry with you on long rides • Should you carry your spares in your jersey or saddle bag? • How to extend base training • How to extend your training plan • Why your saddle is uncomfortable • How to find the right saddle • Why your saddle isn't the cause of your discomfort • What makes a good saddle • What makes a good bibshort • Stretches and exercises to fix saddle discomfort • How to maintain cycling fitness while training for a marathon • Does giving blood make you slower? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GET FASTER WITH TRAINERROAD Every indoor workout you complete using the TrainerRoad app is based on power and calibrated to your personal fitness level. Along with a vast library of structured workouts, you also get access to training plans that tell you exactly what to do to achieve your unique fitness and race goals. It’s power-based training in its most sophisticated and guided form. • Get started today: bit.ly/Get-Faster-TrainerRoad • Download the TrainerRoad app: bit.ly/Download-TrainerRoad • Browse training plans: bit.ly/TR-Training-Plans THE ONLY PODCAST DEDICATED TO MAKING YOU A FASTER CYCLIST Each week Coach Chad Timmerman, Coach Jonathan and TrainerRoad’s CEO Nate Pearson gathers to answer queries submitted from athletes around the globe, as well as dish about their latest training experiments, discoveries and tips. • Subscribe to the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast: www.trainerroad.com/podcast FOLLOW TRAINERROAD • Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrainerRd • Instagram: www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad • Twitter: twitter.com/TrainerRoad

Is a higher cadence actually better, how is crank length affecting your power output, and cornering drills that make you faster. All of this and more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast! Topics Covered in this episode: • How Cyclists Can Avoid Losing Fitness While Traveling • Is a higher cadence actually better? • Cadence myths busted • How to adjust your training as a parent • How to balance life with training • Cornering drills to make you a better bike handler • Do rollers make you a better bike handler? • Your guide to proper line choice for cycling • What is the difference between Normalized and Average Power? • Is it normal to see higher Normalized Power than Average Power? • What does Variability Index mean? • How to use VI for pacing • Are cooldowns necessary? • What effect cooldowns have on your body • How does crank length actually affect power output? • Are longer cranks better? • Why you should consider short cranks for off-road riding

Ryan Cooper is the founder of Best Bike Split, Chief Scientist at Training Peaks, and an expert on all things aerodynamics and pacing. We met up with Ryan in Kona to discuss how to achieve perfect pacing, aerodynamic advantages in time trialing, and triathlon tactics. Topics covered in this episode: • How Ryan Cooper became an expert in TT pacing • Should you go hard or easy on climbs? • How to properly pace a time trial • What cyclists can learn from triathletes • Are bike changes in time trials a good idea? • How much faster one more watt and one less pound can make you • Which is better: lose weight, or gain power? • How to calculate the effect of elevation on aerodynamics and performance • Are deep wheels actually better on a climb? • When do aero helmets become worse than a standard helmet? • Are aero road bikes worth the weight? • How to beat the wind at Kona • Drafting rules and tactics in triathlon • How to use crosswinds to your advantage in triathlon • How to use your starting position to help you in TTs and triathlon • How pros pace differently than amateurs • How to pace the hills on Kona's bike course • What intensity factor is best for a full or half IRONMAN? • One thing you can do to make the biggest aerodynamic gains

The hosts of the Ask a Cycling Coach podcast worked with one of the best MTB skills coaches in the world, Lee McCormack of Lee Likes Bikes, to make you a faster mountain biker. Head over to blog.trainerroad.com to check out the video of this skills clinic. Topics covered in this episode: - How to avoid sketchy moments on the bike - How your knee position on a bike can change everything - How to stay stable in technical terrain - What is the proper body position for descending? - What is rowing and anti-rowing? - How to carry momentum through rough terrain - How to ride pump tracks - How to reduce fear on a mountain bike - How to recondition your instincts on a bike - How to recover from a crash - Why you should not lean back when you are about to crash - How to not skid your tires when braking - How to recognize faster lines in a corner

Nate returns from India with new insight on how to get power data from a gym bike while traveling, Jonathan gives you a complete guide to Cyclocross National Championships, and Chad goes deep into strength training and staying hydrated during late night workouts. Topics covered in this episode: • Live podcast recording w/Matt Fitzgerald November 4 at Rapha San • Francisco, with group ride thereafter! • Which power meter pedals are most flexible? • How to keep your training on track while traveling • How to recover from taxing travel • How to get extra low gearing on a road bike • Direct mount vs. spiderless chainrings • Why cyclists should be using strength training • How to incorporate strength training into a training plan for cyclists • How to train for time trials • What makes a good time trialist? • Complete guide to USAC Cyclocross National Championships in Reno, NV • How pro CX racers pace differently than amateurs • How to pace a cyclocross race • Why you are getting dropped at the end of a race • 24-hour race strategies for success • How to pace an ultra-endurance event • How to train for an IRONMAN 70.3 with a lot of climbing • Why descents are actually a triathlete's best friend • How to lessen the effects of overnight hydration • Should you use hydration mix when training indoors?

The podcast hosts are back from Kona and share everything you need to know before climbing Mauna Kea. As Nate gets ready for another long trip overseas, we share the best on-the-go training setups, tips for how to keep your training on track while traveling, and 5 strength training exercises for cyclists. Topics covered in this episode: • Live podcast recording w/Matt Fitzgerald November 4 at Rapha San Francisco, with group ride thereafter! • What we learned from riding Mauna Kea • How to pace a high elevation climb • What to wear when climbing Mauna Kea • What type of bike to ride for Mauna Kea • Do you need multiple bikes for Mauna Kea? • What gearing is best for Mauna Kea? • Nutrition plan for Mauna Kea • How to avoid back pain when riding • What gearing do you actually “need” for cross racing? • How to follow a training plan when traveling • Which trainer is best to use when traveling? • What power meter is best for traveling? • What workouts maintain fitness when traveling? • Passing and singletrack etiquette for bike racing • Is it okay to bump another racer? • Should you let a faster rider by on single track? • 5 strength training exercises for cycling

Professional triathlete and IRONMAN commentator, Matt Lieto, and your podcast hosts recorded a special episode to chop up Grinduro, one of the most interesting races on the calendar that you need to know about, and their preparation for one of the toughest climbs on earth, Mauna Kea. Topics covered: • Triathlon and gravel racing • A triathlete’s take on The Downieville Classic • What makes Downieville unique • Why training with bigger tires can make you faster on race day • The thing you should focus on in technical terrain • How triathletes can get more comfortable on the bike • What is Grinduro? • A new racing format we should all know about. • Race strategy for Grinduro • How to pace yourself during Grinduro • What gearing to use for Grinduro? • Which bike is best for Grinduro? • Nutrition tips for Grinduro • What you need to know before racing Grinduro • Paceline etiquette • Raceday morning mistakes to avoid • Why Chad dropped Nate at Grinduro • A trick to getting faster Grinduro stage times • Pros chasing KOMs in The Tour of California • How triathletes have an advantage over cyclists • How to prepare for the longest climb in the world • What you need to know before climbing Mauna Kea • What gearing is best for Mauna Kea • What clothing do you need to bring for Mauna Kea • How to pace yourself for Mauna Kea • How to pace yourself in high elevation • Feeding strategies for Mauna Kea • Do you need ride support for Mauna Kea? • How to avoid dehydration when climbing Mauna Kea

Andrew Talansky is one of the most successful American cyclists in history with a win at The Criterium du Dauphine, top ten Grand Tour finishes, domestic tour wins and national championship titles to his name. At 28 years old, some would say he has his whole road racing career ahead of him, but he's changing gears – the most successful American pro cyclist in recent times is moving sports to triathlon. We sat down with Andrew at the IRONMAN World Championships to discuss what a road cyclist needs to do when he transfers to Triathlon. Topics covered in this episode: • Why Andrew Talansky left pro cycling • The demands on the pro peloton • What it's like to ride in the pro peloton • How to mentally deal with a bad crash • How triathletes can be more valuable for sponsors • Does Andrew expect to have the fastest bike splits in triathlon? • What are Andrew Talansky's running abilities? • How Andrew Talansky plans to become a fast swimmer • How Andrew Talansky plans to build up to IRONMAN full distance races • What triathlons is Andrew Talansky planning on racing? • Why Andrew Talansky has an advantage in triathlon • What cyclists need to consider when moving to triathlon • How to get more comfortable on a TT bike • What bike will Andrew Talansky use in triathlon • Andrew Talansky's nutrition plans for triathlon • Why triathlon is more advanced than road racing • Why having one coach for triathlon is better than three • How cyclists can avoid injury when transferring to triathlon • What Andrew Talansky's diet is like

We sat down with Emmet Kelley, a triathlete from Ireland, to learn every detail about how he trained and qualified for IRONMAN World Championships in Kona. Topics covered in this episode: • How qualifying for Kona works • Which events should you pick to maximize your chances of qualifying • What type of swim, bike and run splits would you need to qualify for Kona • How to optimize your bike equipment • How to follow a training plan with a busy schedule • What made the biggest difference for Emmet

• TrainerRoad's Product Manager mixing it up with the pros! • TrainerRoad athlete Liz Lyles' IM Chattanooga win • IRONMAN World Championships TrainerRoad plans • The podcast hosts are going to climb Mauna Kea! • Levi's Gran Fondo recap • How to train for Levi's Gran Fondo • What to know about the Levi's Gran Fondo course • How to recon a remote course • How to pace a long day in the saddle • What is a "passhole"? • 10 best tips for Levi's Gran Fondo • How to train between back to back big weekends • Cold weather riding footwear options • What causes your peak power to drop? • Why has fasting quit working? • How to change your BMR • Do electronic muscle stimulating systems work? • How to overcome a fear of swimming • Swimming lessons for adults

In this special episode we spoke with the God Father of triathlon innovation, Dan Empfield, at Interbike in Las Vegas, NV. Topics covered in this episode: • How triathlon wetsuits came to exist • What caused TT bikes to be designed as they are • The two most important bike fit measurements • How gravel racing could affect triathlon • How to know if a TT bike fits you before you buy it • How to avoid neck pain in aero position

• How to race with a bent derailleur hanger • The one thing you shouldn’t do right before a race • Why your disc brakes may be rubbing • How much aggression is okay in cx? • How to get a good start, even from the back of the pack • How to know when to make passes and when to wait • How to know if you should ride or run stairs? • How to not clip your pedals on stairs • How to remount smoothly in a turn • When bunny hopping barriers is a bad idea • Tips for making it through a sand section • How to drift turns on a CX bike • What your tread can tell you about how your bike will handle • What it takes to get a UCI point in cyclocross • Chad, Nate and Jonathan’s results at Cross Vegas • The key that most amateur CX racers are missing • How to know if your race is over, or if you can salvage it • What makes a good single speed course? • How to beat somebody with a higher power to weight ratio in CX

Keegan Swenson (Cannondale 3Rox), #2 ranked pro XC racer in the USA, joins us for his take on cyclocross and a preview of Cross Vegas. Topics covered in this episode: • What makes pro athletes different from the rest of us • Keegan Swenson's power data • Pre-race warmups for cyclocross • Pre-race "leg openers" for the pros • Tire choice and bike setup for grass cyclocross courses • Pedal setup for cyclocross racing • How to pace Cross Vegas and other cyclocross races • How to know if you should ride or run through obstacles • How to pop a tire onto the bead in an emergency

• Join us and author Matt Fitzgerald in person for a live podcast recording! Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Rapha Cycle Club in San Francisco, CA! • XC MTB suspension setup guide • What motivates you to race? • How to use your off-season wisely • How long does fitness last? • Should you use a full suspension MTB on the trainer? • Which pedals should you get? • How to win a crit for first-time riders

• How more carbohydrate actually improves performance • Updated mobile apps! • Depleted glycogen stores vs. skipping breakfast • What it takes to win Park City Point 2 Point (beat the best XC racers in the country) • Can CX training replace Base training? • Is cold training as important/beneficial as heat training? • Gear and strategies for cold weather riding • What is muscle "activation"? • Is smooth pacing in CX a bad idea?

- Join us and author Matt Fitzgerald in person for a live podcast recording! Saturday, November 4, 2017, @ Rapha Cycle Club in San Francisco, CA - Nate's new MTB - "Park City Point 2 Point" MTB race - New cyclocross plans! - How to fix shifting problems on a smart trainer - Is precision during rest intervals important? - Can you do too many or too few races in a season? - Cyclocross in the Crossfit games!?

• Live podcast recording at Rapha Cycle Club in San Francisco Nov. 4! • Why Breck Epic is one of the hardest races in the world • Nate's new approach to nutrition • Should you have different FTPs for different circumstances? • How focus and motivation can improve your performance • Is visualization damaging or enabling? • How to know if your helmet is ruined • How bike fits work and how to pick the best one • Do sugar coated pills hurt fasted training?

• How to transition to cyclocross season • The effects of humidity on heat training? • Could the Trek Domane be a gravel bike? • Should you maintain your smart trainer? • Can you skip base training if you are fat adapted? • Can you shortcut to peak fitness if a race schedule changes? • Tips for endurance mountain bike racing • Can you use ERG mode during an FTP test? • How to make yourself a sprinter • Are brick workouts really worth it?

The dust has settled and Coach Chad, Jonathan and Nate share their final thoughts on Singletrack 6. Topics covered in this episode: - How to travel to a race on a budget - The effects of a concussion - How to recover from a concussion - Ideal bike setups for cross country racing - What is the best bike for technical XC racing - How to decide between a hardtail or full suspension MTB - What your pace has to do with cramping - How to ramp TSS for a stage race - Marginal gains for Hydration Packs - Does heat training pay off? - Daily pacing for a stage race - The logistics of a stage race - Tire choices for the interior of BC - Should you use a hydration pack for XC racing? - Marginal recovery gains during a stage race - How to recover from a stage race - How MTB recovery differs from road recovery

Stage 5 of Singletrack 6 took an unexpected turn. Tune into this super quick episode to see what we learned. Topics covered in this episode: – Maintaining focus even when the trail is easy – Why you should never feel ashamed of walking a technical section

The Queen Stage is in the books! Only two stages left of Singletrack 6, but does Jonathan have two stages left in him? Topics covered in this episode: • Using a power meter for mountain bike racing • How to deal with blisters on your hands from mountain biking • Why you are getting flat tires • Using the experience of smart trainer on the trail • The aggressive demands of an XC Stage race • How to know when to back off and let a group go • Trusting your strengths on race day • Stage 5 preview

Stage 3 was the highest stage yet and nearly 100% singletrack, and Coach Chad is back! Topics covered in this episode: • Big pre-race breakfast or constant snacking: which is best? • Pacing in a fast group • How to adjust your race strategy for a bad start position • Things to consider when receiving info about a course • How to manage fear in a race • Avoiding flat tires in rocky terrain • How to know when to back off and let a group go • Trusting your strengths on race day • Stage 4 preview

Stage 2 started hard and remained technical throughout with plenty of riders being caught out by rugged terrain and technical climbs. Topics covered in this episode: • How to manage a hard start in a race • Dealing with dusty conditions • Regrouping after a mid-race setback • How to carry momentum in technical terrain • How to pass and get passed on singletrack • A trick to help you gain time on climbs • How to provide good rider support • Chad's plan for cramp management • Stage 3 preview

Stage 1 is done & dusted, and it left its mark with some serious shake-ups moving forward. Topics covered in this episode: • How not to start a race • Is pushing hard for position early in a race really worth it? • Making steep climbs manageable • Things to remember in technical descents • How did Nate's tire choice end up? • How to tackle steep and loose descents • How to change your mental state mid-race • The host's nutrition strategies • Managing cramps, and how to avoid them • Stage 2 preview

• Upcoming daily podcasts! • How training for a technical MTB race is different • How to overcome fear on a mountain bike • Different ways to taper for a race • The best way to fly with your bicycle • How to plan transportation for your stage races • How to recon a foreign route from afar • What tires should you pick for Singletrack 6 or a technical MTB race • How to know if you should carry a hydration pack or not • What are tire plug kits? • Conditions you should monitor for a stage race • How to plan meals & nutrition for a stage race • How to pace a 6-day stage race

• Why maple syrup could be good mid-ride fuel • Pacing a mountain bike TT • How to manage performance on a hot day • Why even XC riders should go ride lifts at a bike park • How to fit training into a busy vacation • The UCI tire width rule that you need to know about • Are night lights keeping you from recovering? • Should you train during high ozone warnings? • Are goosebumps a bad sign when training? • The daily schedules of Nate, Chad and Jonathan • The pros and cons of racing in combined category races • How to read a race and know your competition • How to get upgrade points for your next race

Take a deep dive into heat training to learn how it can make you a faster cyclist in hot and cool conditions. - How much does heat affect cycling performance? - What temperature is ideal for heat training? - How to control the temperature of your training environment - Is it better to heat train in humid or dry environments? - How sweating cools your body and how to increase your sweat rate - Should you train at a lower intensity in the heat? - How heat training improves performance - Can heat training improve VO2max? - How to make your sweat more efficient - Hormonal benefits of heat training - Does a post-ride sauna session have the same effect as heat training? -How long do the effects of heat adaptation training last?

• Why do you want to eat more during rest days or weeks? • Should recovery rides feel hard? • Why are you not good at long climbs? • Bike setup, pacing and technique to make you a faster climber • What is the best way to increase short power? • Is peak power what matters most in a sprint? • Omniums vs. stage races • Omnium strategy • How to fuel during a stage race • Does needing to get out of the saddle mean your workout is too hard? • When is it okay to sprint in the saddle? • How to learn as much as you can while watching the Tour de France. • Is riding zone 2 while watching the tour a waste of time? • Should your workouts be as hard as your races? • Why do you burn more calories when you get fitter?

• Epic Rides Carson City Off-Road recap • How to pace a long MTB race • How to save energy in a mountain bike race • The effects of extreme heat on human performance • How to rebound from overheating • Hydration strategies with aid stations • How to avoid cramps on the bike

• Epic Rides Carson City Off-Road course preview • How to prioritize races • How to set a time goal for an MTB race • What to know before you pre-ride a course • When should you time your course recon? • What is "sessioning" and how to use it • How to find good lines through a turn or obstacle • Is carb loading effective? • How to fuel before a race • How to stay positive during a tricky course recon

• Will taking 3 days off in a row hurt your fitness? • Can you fit two weeks worth of training into one? • Why you can't complete long intervals • Sleep hacks • How much does elevation really affect you? • Can you take a week off between training phases? • Does your training improve with a more expensive trainer? • How to treat saddle soreness • What is the difference between saddle sores and saddle soreness

• What to know before you race the Lost & Found Gravel Grinder • Should you warm up before a gravel race? • How to know if positioning is key for your race • How to improve your positioning quickly • What bike should you use for gravel racing? • Accessories and tools to carry in a gravel race • How to pace a gravel race that starts with hard climbs • What tires are best for gravel racing? • How much pressure to run in your tires for gravel racing • Are dropper posts valuable in gravel racing? • How to know if you should stop at aid stations or not • Group tactics in gravel racing • Should your nutrition plan change for gravel racing? • How to race a criterium with a lot of turns • How to "feel out" a pack of unfamiliar racers

• What Coach Chad learned from his trip to The Giro • What Nate has learned about geometry and bike setup • How to build corner speed • How to pace an XC race • Lost & Found Gravel Grinder preview • What to carry with you during a gravel race • Best bike setup for a technical gravel course • The coach's strategies for race day • Nate's calorie counting tips

• Is walking your dog recovery? • Is a carbon, full-suspension XC bike worth the cost? • How to fit your training into lunch breaks • Is active recovery actually better than complete rest? • How to train for “Knife Fights”, or how to be a serious threat in criteriums • How to adjust your plan to fit in big weekend workouts • What metrics should you track in a mountain bike race? • How to break through a wall of resistance on a smart trainer • How to train for TTs, The Coach’s TT challenge • Are warm downs effective? • Will taking 3 days off in a row really hurt your fitness?

• How to train for criteriums • The best way to train for cyclocross • How to pace a long time trial or bike split • Does riding the trainer cause unique injuries • How to mix low-volume and high-volume training plans • What the coaches look for in their power files • Aerodynamic advantages for triathlon • How to use road shoes in triathlon • Nate, Chad and Jonathan's TT challenge • Are cool downs beneficial?

• DEXA vs. BodPod • Knee pain rehabilitation for cyclists • Coach Chad is going to The Giro! • Is lactate a myth? • What causes pain during a hard effort? • Is it more important to hit your power goals, or stay in aero position? • How to train indoors in a hot environment • Should you wait to take an FTP test after rehabbing from an injury? • Do smart trainers measure power differently than power meters? • Should triathletes train like roadies in the off season? • How to balance massive weekend rides/races with a training plan

• Coach Chad's fasted training • Why just riding inside or just riding outside is not the best approach • Nate's high calorie experiment • Counting calories for cyclists • Why replicating your event's distance is not necessary, but can be beneficial • Nutrition's role on long rides • How to pace a road race that starts with a long climb • How to stay strong during a hard workout • How to psychologically prepare yourself for a hard workout • Does coffee dehydrate you? • Should you skip base if you have already been riding a lot?

• Nate's sleep study results • How sleep can affect your performance on the bike • Are allergy drops worth it? • Muscle biopsy update • Lost & Found Gravel Grinder race plans • DEXA body fat scan results • How to know if you should keep losing weight or just focus on raising power • What to do if you don't have enough time to complete your scheduled workout • How to cram for a Half IRONMAN • How to prepare for Silver King Leadville • Should you follow a high volume plan? • How to balance running and cycling • How to break through a plateau in fitness • Are group rides bad for your training? • The benefits and drawbacks of endurance bikes • Should you adjust your FTP depending on the workout? • How to get better at VO2 and high intensity workouts • How to psychologically train for hard workouts