Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

Keegan Swenson breaks down his Marathon World Championships victory in this in-depth Cycling Podcast episode. From the decisive hike-a-bike to his 6-hour effort at 5 W/kg, Keegan shares the race strategy, fueling for endurance, and power data cycling insights that led him to the rainbow jersey. We dive into his bike setup—including running a hardtail MTB—and how he balanced speed, comfort, and control across technical terrain.Whether you’re into MTB Marathon Worlds, Marathon MTB, or just love mountain bike racing, this conversation is packed with takeaways for every rider. Keegan also reflects on years of preparation, the highs and lows of racing in Europe, and what this win means for his future in endurance racing.If you geek out on W/kg cycling, training details, or want to learn how the world’s best tackle brutal courses, this one’s for you.#KeeganSwenson #MTBMarathon #MarathonWorlds #MountainBike #CyclingPodcast #BikeSetup #RaceStrategy #EnduranceCycling #PowerData🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🏁 Race with us in the TrainerRoad Throwdown Series!: https://trainerroad.cc/TRrace 🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Keegan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keegels99 - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) How Do I Get Better at the Process of Training?(00:01:06) How Do You Balance Full-Time Work and High-Level Training?(00:04:23) When Should I Stick to the Plan vs Adjust a Workout?(00:07:08) Should I Ever Push Harder Than My Workout Prescribes?(00:11:43) Is Consistency More Important Than Training Volume?(00:15:33) Do Big Training Camps Actually Make Me Fitter?(00:18:11) Why Are My Key Workouts Getting Worse?(00:22:49) What Does “Listen to Your Body” Actually Mean?(00:25:26) How Should I Adjust Training on a Bad Day?(00:26:19) What Metrics Should I Focus on During Workouts?(00:34:11) How Do I Mentally Handle Hard Intervals?(00:40:24) How Do I Pace Intervals Outside Without Chasing Watts?(00:44:06) How Do I Stay Disciplined on Long Endurance Rides?(00:48:01) Do I Need to Ride Race Distance to Prepare for Long Gravel Events?(00:53:13) How Do I Survive the Early Attacks in Gravel Races?(00:56:11) Where Can I Follow Zach + Start Structured Training?In this episode, Coach Jonathan sits down with gravel pro cyclist Zach Calton for a detailed discussion on how pros approach endurance training differently than amateurs. They break down the specific habits that make professionals better at the process of training—protecting key interval sessions, resisting the urge to add junk miles, prioritizing consistency over massive volume spikes, and using tools like RPE, heart rate, and repeat workout benchmarks to measure real progress. Zach also shares how he adapts structured workouts for gravel racing, manages fatigue, and builds race-ready fitness for long events like Unbound. If you want to train smarter, execute your plan better, and think like a pro cyclist, this episode delivers the blueprint.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Zach Calton’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachcalton - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Sub-7 Leadville 100 Plan(00:01:30) Training Plan + FTP Progress(00:09:54) Weight Loss + Nutrition Strategy(00:16:39) Leadville Gear + Aero Upgrades(00:22:25) Leadville Charity FundraiserCoach Jonathan is chasing a sub-7-hour Leadville 100 MTB finish and shares his Week 4 training update using TrainerRoad. He breaks down how he’s building FTP from 289 to 299 watts while dropping weight from 156 to 154 lbs, with the long-term goal of ~320w and ~147 lbs. You’ll hear his weekly structure of sweet spot, over-unders, and endurance volume, how AI FTP Detection keeps workouts “appropriately difficult,” and the nutrition plan behind it: a small ~250-calorie deficit, 90g carbs/hour during rides, and consistent post-workout recovery to avoid under-fueling. He also covers Leadville race strategy and gear upgrades—aero positioning, skinsuit options, helmet and pedal changes, and tire testing—plus his charity fundraising for the Life Time Foundation.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Lifetime Foundation Donation Link: https://give.ltfoundation.org/fundraiser/6845358 - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome + Why We’re Talking About AI in Cycling Training(00:00:30) Environmental Impact of AI: Water Usage and Perspective(00:06:15) Where TrainerRoad Uses AI (and Where It Doesn’t)(00:09:30) TrainerRoad AI Results: Fewer Failed Workouts & Early Feedback(00:14:40) Power Records Chart: A Better Way to Understand Your Workouts(00:17:30) Why FTP Isn’t Driving the Model (and What Actually Is)(00:31:00) Group Workouts Return + Fatigue Detection Toggles(00:40:20) Failure Rates, Workout Difficulty, and Why Some Failure Is Good(00:43:36) Why Your FTP Prediction Changes (and How to Think About It)(00:53:03) Triathlon Support + Workout Scoring Updates(01:00:22) Wrap-Up + Leadville UpdateIn this episode, TrainerRoad CEO Nate Pearson and Coach Jonathan Lee explain how TrainerRoad uses AI in training—what it does (like improving workout recommendations and predictions) and what it doesn’t do (it’s not a chat-style LLM running the whole app). They address environmental impact concerns, clear up common misconceptions around FTP and AI, and share recent updates like the Power Records Chart, group workouts returning, and new controls for fatigue detection and workout scoring—ultimately focusing on how these changes help athletes get more consistent, achievable training and better results.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome & Why Recovery Between Hard Workouts Matters More Than You Think(00:02:00) How Training Timing and Recovery Windows Affect Performance(00:06:25) Listener Question: Why Am I Struggling With Body Composition Despite Training?(00:07:55) The Biggest Reason Athletes Don’t See Nutrition Results: Inconsistency(00:11:40) When Underfueling and Hormonal Stress Stall Fat Loss(00:13:20) Why Daily Weight Fluctuations Can Derail Progress(00:15:30) Practical Nutrition Habits That Actually Work Long-Term(00:17:10) Building “Minimal Effort” Meals for Busy Training Weeks(00:20:55) How Meal Prep and Portion Awareness Prevent Missed Fueling(00:23:05) Managing Hidden Calories From Oils, Fats, and Cooking Methods(00:27:55) Fueling Workouts to Control Hunger and Improve Body Composition(00:31:10) Why Carbs During Training Improve Both Performance and Recovery(00:36:30) How to Support Friends Working on Nutrition and Weight Goals(00:44:05) The High-Carb Fueling Debate: Is 90–120g per Hour Safe?(00:49:00) Individual Carb Tolerance and Why Fueling Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All(00:57:20) Jonathan’s Leadville Weight, Power, and Nutrition Strategy Breakdown(01:08:45) Making Nutrition Sustainable Without Perfect Meal Prep(01:18:10) Setting Calories, Protein, and Macros Without Chronic Hunger(01:24:35) Final Takeaways: Performance First, Weight FollowsIn this episode, Alex Larsen and Coach Jonathan focus on fueling, recovery, and consistency as the real drivers of endurance performance and body composition. They explain why underfueling, poor carbohydrate intake, and not allowing enough recovery time leave athletes feeling flat, and how high-carb fueling, smarter meal planning, and simple, repeatable nutrition habits improve workout quality and long-term progress. The discussion covers weight management without obsession, scale fluctuations, busy-athlete nutrition strategies, and how to fuel training and racing properly so workouts feel sustainable, productive, and repeatable. At the end they go over Jonathan’s Leadville plan and what he’ll need to do from a nutrition front to make his goal of 7hrs.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Alex’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlarsonnutrition - Alex’s Nutrition Coaching Services: https://alexlarsonnutrition.com - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome & Hannah Otto Joins the Podcast(00:01:30) Why My FTP Dropped — And Why That’s Not a Bad Thing(00:04:03) Listener Question: Are 20-Minute Threshold Intervals Still the Gold Standard?(00:07:47) What FTP Is Actually For (And What It Isn’t)(00:12:24) Why Different FTP Tests Give Different Numbers(00:18:10) Why FTP Is a Poor Predictor of Race Performance(00:23:07) Training for Unbound vs. Training to Win Races(00:25:28) Listener Question: Core Training Principles After Your First Big Fitness Gains(00:28:02) Train Your Weaknesses, Race Your Strengths(00:36:34) Consistency Matters More Than Training Hard(00:42:52) Listener Question: Drop Bars at Leadville — Faster or Safer?(00:46:04) Why Drop Bars Reduce Handling (Even for the Best Riders)(00:53:44) Will Aero Trends Actually Change Gravel Racing?(01:03:47) Listener Question: Best Mountain Bike Technique for Trail Speed(01:06:11) Loose Hips, Strong Arms, and Outside Foot Pressure Explained(01:14:36) Final Thoughts: Enjoying Training and Long-Term Progress(30:12) Nutrition and Hydration Plans for Endurance EventsIn this episode, Coach Jonathan sits down with pro cyclist Hannah Otto to dig into how pros do Threshold training, what FTP really represents, why a lower FTP number can actually lead to better training, and how using a truly functional anchor improves long-term progress. They explore threshold training, progressive overload, and why starting with shorter, achievable intervals often produces better results than forcing long, maximal efforts too early. Hannah shares perspective from years at the elite level on training for the demands of your events, developing weaknesses in training while racing strengths, and why patience, consistency, and enjoyment matter more than chasing perfect numbers. The conversation also covers real-world racing considerations, evolving equipment trends and safety in gravel racing, and practical technique cues for riding with more control and confidence — reinforcing that the goal of training isn’t a single metric, but sustainable fitness and performance you can rely on.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahotto - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

Learn more about TrainerRoad AI: ⁠https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/introducing-trainerroad-ai/⁠Learn more about the updated AI FTP Detection: ⁠https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/why-is-ai-ftp-detecting-an-ftp-change/⁠// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome! TrainerRoad AI Q&A with Nate Pearson(00:00:54) How is TrainerRoad actually using AI (and what it’s not doing)(00:05:26) Why TrainerRoad uses custom AI instead of ChatGPT-style models(00:10:11) How TrainerRoad AI really uses FTP (and why FTP is “functional”)(00:13:08) The biggest misconceptions about FTP testing and accuracy(00:22:31) Why TrainerRoad AI doesn’t rely on FTP or progression levels internally(00:28:52) Why your FTP might go down with AI Detection (and why that’s OK)(00:36:55) Why more training doesn’t always make you faster(00:42:19) Why your predicted FTP can change suddenly after a workout(00:50:47) How to use progression levels and workout levels with AI training(00:56:24) Do post-workout surveys still matter with TrainerRoad AI?(01:01:26) Can TrainerRoad tell if you barely survived a workout?(01:03:28) Why your workouts keep changing on the calendar(01:08:12) What AI Predicted Difficulty and failure percentage actually mean(01:16:30) How long it takes TrainerRoad AI to feel dialed in(01:18:43) What yellow and red days mean (and when to ignore them)(01:20:50) How to use workout alternates with TrainerRoad AI(01:21:10) What to do if you miss workouts or get sickCoach Jonathan sits down with CEO Nate Pearson to answer the biggest questions athletes have about TrainerRoad AI, pulling back the curtain on how it actually works and what it means for your training. They explain why TrainerRoad’s AI isn’t a chatbot or large language model, but a purpose-built system trained on tens of millions of workouts and rides to predict the right workout for the right day, with guardrails that avoid “AI slop.” The conversation dives deep into FTP—why the AI doesn’t truly use FTP the way athletes think, why FTP can go down without fitness going down, and how precision and consistency matter more than chasing a number. They also cover progression levels, post-workout surveys, predicted difficulty, yellow and red days, missed workouts, illness, and why plans change dynamically as you train. Throughout, the focus stays on what matters most: progressive overload, recovery, and building fitness you can actually use, with practical advice to help athletes trust the system, train smarter, and keep getting faster over time.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

Learn more about TrainerRoad AI: https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/introducing-trainerroad-ai/Learn more about the updated AI FTP Detection: https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/why-is-ai-ftp-detecting-an-ftp-change/// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome & Why TrainerRoad AI Is a Major Update(00:02:00) How TrainerRoad AI Has Evolved Over Time(00:04:00) Why TrainerRoad AI Isn’t Just a Chatbot or LLM(00:06:30) How TrainerRoad AI Simulates and Selects Workouts(00:10:30) How TrainerRoad AI Replaces Static Training Plans(00:15:00) How TrainerRoad AI Reduces Failed Workouts and Burnout(00:20:40) How TrainerRoad AI Adjusts for Fatigue and Big Rides(00:32:00) Why Most AI Training Tools Don’t Validate Workouts(00:36:10) TrainerRoad AI Training Forecasts and Simulations(00:49:40) TrainerRoad AI Workout Alternatives Explained(01:03:20) Why Long Rides Can Undermine Progress(01:17:20) Conservative vs Aggressive Training in TrainerRoad AI(01:37:30) How TrainerRoad AI Changes How Athletes Get FasterIn this episode, Nate and Coach Jonathan explain all the details behind TrainerRoad AI, the biggest evolution yet in TrainerRoad’s training system, walking through how the new AI-driven approach goes far beyond static plans to dynamically simulate, predict, and personalize every workout on your calendar. They explain how years of performance data, workout feedback, power and heart rate, and progression history now power a system that actively chooses the right workout for the day, reduces burnout, cuts down workouts that are too hard or too easy, and helps athletes recover faster from missed sessions or failures. The conversation dives into how simulations work behind the scenes, why long rides and “hidden fatigue” can quietly sabotage progress, and how features like AI Predicted Difficulty, AI Training Simulation, Dynamic Duration, and Training Approach sliders give athletes confidence that every session is worth their time. The result is training that feels consistently “just right,” adapts to real life, and helps athletes get faster with less wasted effort and fewer mistakes along the way.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00) Welcome!(02:46) Research Insights on Breath Training(06:00) Implications for Cyclists(08:49) Training for Leadville: Sub Nine Strategy(12:03) Key Components for Successful Training(14:51) Managing Fatigue for Stage Races(19:54) Returning to Fitness Post-Transplant(26:02) Positioning Strategies for New Racers(30:12) Nutrition and Hydration Plans for Endurance EventsIn this episode of the podcast, Coach Jonathan Lee discusses the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training for cyclists, exploring recent research and its implications for performance. He addresses various listener questions, including strategies for training for the Leadville race, managing fatigue during stage races, and returning to fitness after a medical procedure. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalized training plans, nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies for optimal performance.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Performance in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses, Bahareh, et al., 2013 ( https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/toc/2013/06000 )- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00) Welcome!(01:23) Carbohydrate Distribution in Cycling Performance(05:32) Training Strategies of World Tour Cyclists(21:24) Understanding Recovery in Interval Training(32:50) How This Athlete Increased Their FTP(39:57) Why Making Your Training Harder Makes You SlowIn this episode, Coach Jonathan Lee discusses recent studies on cycling performance, focusing on carbohydrate distribution and training strategies of professional cyclists. He emphasizes the importance of structured training and recovery, addressing listener questions about interval training and performance optimization.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- No Performance Effects of Altered Carbohydrate Distribution During Intense Cycling. Podlogar. et al., 2025 ( https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/aop/article-10.1123-ijsnem.2025-0059/article-10.1123-ijsnem.2025-0059.xml )- Training Strategies of World Tour Cyclists: Periodization and Load Distribution Across a Competitive Season. Meteo-March, et al., 2025 ( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.70153 )- Training Periodization, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review, Galán Rioja, et al., 2023 ( https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367128907_Training_Periodization_Intensity_Distribution_and_Volume_in_Trained_Cyclists_A_Systematic_Review )- Moderate intensity active recovery improves performance in a second wingate test in cyclists. Gervasi, et al., 2023 ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10366462/pdf/main.pdf )- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:00) Welcome + SFR training overview(00:00:33) TrainerRoad AI announcement(00:02:05) Why TrainerRoad AI ≠ chatbot coaching(00:06:03) What SFR training is(00:09:15) Force vs cadence & muscle fiber recruitment(00:14:16) Why the research is mixed(00:15:18) Study: Low cadence maximal intervals (Paton 2009)(00:18:06) Study: Low cadence climbing & TT transfer(00:19:53) Study: Low cadence HIIT in female cyclists(00:22:21) Studies showing no added benefit(00:26:02) Injury risk & knee stress considerations(00:29:09) When and how to use SFR safely(00:33:08) Key takeaways & final adviceIn this special episode, Coach Jonathan digs into SFR or low cadence, high torque training, explaining where it came from, why elite cyclists still use it, and why the research around its benefits remains mixed. He walks through the underlying physiology, reviews studies that both support and refute performance gains, and explains why any potential upside appears small, highly context dependent, and often linked to higher intensity work. Coach Jonathan also highlights the real risks, especially knee and joint stress, and offers practical guidance on if, when, and how to experiment with SFR safely, emphasizing that it is a marginal gains tool best suited to base training and never worth compromising power targets or consistency. The episode opens with a major TrainerRoad update, previewing TrainerRoad AI, the company’s biggest release ever, which replaces Adaptive Training with new in house AI models designed to deliver better workout selection, fewer misses, and more FTP and power gains, setting the stage for a new era of data driven coaching.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- TrainerRoad’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahotto - TrainerRoad AI Blog Post: https://www.trainerroad.com/blog/trainerroads-biggest-update-ever-is-coming-%f0%9f%91%80/ - TrainerRoad AI Forum Post: https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/trainerroad-s-biggest-update-ever-is-coming/107205/26 - Paton, et al., 2009 Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19675486/ - Nimmerichter, et al., 2012 Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21479957/ - Hebisz, et al., 2024 Study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0311833 - Kristoffersen, et al., 2014 Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3907705/pdf/fphys-05-00034.pdf - Hansen, et al., 2017 Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28095074/ - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(00:00:01) Welcome!(00:00:29) Which wearable data points matter, and how do you use them?(00:07:03) Hannah’s take on data and wearables(00:10:23) Sleep tracking reality check(00:14:30) HRV/readiness scores(00:19:00) Steps/calories/strain(00:23:19) Continuous glucose monitors(00:25:41) Hydration + sodium(00:31:13) Recap: what’s useful vs. noise(00:33:12) The best “data” you can collect(00:35:58) Indoor training priorities(00:41:59) Fueling indoors(00:45:11) Workout execution hierarchy(00:49:55) Power vs heart rate(00:55:48) Balancing Zwift racing with structured training(00:58:35) How racing can stall fitness(01:05:59) 2026 Lifetime Grand Prix rosterIn this episode, Hannah and Coach Jonathan dig into the messy middle of wearables and training metrics, what is genuinely useful, what is mostly noise, and how to keep data from hijacking your confidence before you even start a workout. They unpack why metrics like HRV, readiness scores, sleep stages, and body battery style numbers can be wildly inconsistent across devices, and why those numbers work best as retrospective context that confirms what you already feel rather than daily go or no go decision makers. From there, the conversation turns practical, focusing on what actually drives performance, executing the plan, fueling well (especially indoors), and recovering consistently, then using data only if it supports adherence instead of adding friction. They also highlight underrated but far more actionable tools like post ride notes and long term patterns, with a clear warning not to let a watch seal the fate of your day before you have given the workout an honest shot.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahotto - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Alex Drops a Big Announcement (0:08:19) Why Threshold Feels Brutal (Even When Fitness Is Up) (0:10:21) The Indoor Setup Fix Most People Miss (Match) (0:11:30) The Hidden Reason You’re Stuck: No Real Cycles (0:18:18) Stop Guessing: Rate Workouts the Right Way (0:24:37) The #1 Endurance Mistake: “Easy” Rides Too Hard (0:36:11) Race Pacing Autopsy: Where It Was Won (and Lost) (0:41:27) Rapid-Fire Answers You’ll Actually Use(0:49:27) Plans for your event (gravel, Zwift racing, touring, more) (0:51:22) “My longest workout is 1:30… is that enough for a long race?” (0:56:23) How many intensity days per week should you do? (0:56:53) “Which plan should I pick?” (custom plan vs presets) (0:57:17) “I don’t want to follow a plan” (how to train without feeling boxed in) (0:58:49) When to add strength training (without wrecking key workouts) (0:59:33) Cross-training: “I also do another sport” (how the plan accounts for it) (1:01:58) Vacation, sickness, missed days: “Will it adjust when life happens?” (1:06:55) Quick edits: swap to a shorter or longer workout on the fly (1:03:58) “I already know my FTP… do I need AI FTP Detection?” (1:05:42) Training outside: how to execute workouts outdoors (1:03:36) “Is this only for serious racers?” (training for fun still works) (1:07:31) “Is it going to be boring?” (how people actually do it) (1:09:08) “What makes TrainerRoad different?” (1:15:14) “Can I talk to someone if I have questions?” (coaches + help)In this episode, Alex Wild and Coach Jonathan break down why your workouts can feel way too hard even when your fitness is improving, and the culprit usually isn’t motivation or toughness, it’s how the week is structured. They unpack an athlete calendar to show how intensity can quietly creep in on “easy” days, why that makes threshold feel brutal, and how better training cycles, real recovery space, and honest post-workout ratings get progress moving again. The final portion turns into a rapid-fire TrainerRoad FAQ, covering every question you could have prior to signing up.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Alex’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexwildmtb - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: https://www.TrainerRoad.com/podcast - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:01) Intro(0:01:29) Offseason reset and avoiding burnout(0:04:02) The “year-long offseason” trap: trying to maintain fitness(0:07:39) Athlete calendar review: big training, no real breaks(0:10:00) Why recovery weeks fail (weekend overreaches)(0:14:30) Reframing rest: creating space for adaptation(0:32:25) Perimenopause training: strength, fueling, flexibility, more recovery(0:48:03) Easy endurance should feel easy (stop “suffering to suffer”)(0:51:57) Fueling focus: carbs and planning hard days (less room for error)(1:04:59) Gift guide begins (budget friendly picks and practical favorites)(1:18:10) Experience gifts, trips, and adventure ideasIn this episode, Coach Jonathan sits down with pro cyclist Hannah Otto to break down a common training trap: not respecting rest and recovery. They talk through the mindset side of recovery, why many athletes never fully bounce back when they keep stacking “productive” weeks without real space, and how weekend overreaches can quietly derail an entire training block. The conversation also covers choosing bucket list events that keep training fun and sustainable, plus practical considerations for perimenopause training including strength work, fueling, flexibility, and the need for more recovery.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahotto - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Intro – Ruth Holcomb on Balancing School, Training and Big Goals  (0:14:42) Coaching Young Riders – Avoiding Burnout and Keeping Cycling Fun  (0:25:37) How Ruth Learned to Pace Long Races vs Short, Punchy Efforts  (0:27:16) Race File Analysis – Why This Athlete Is Blowing Up Mid-Race  (0:30:40) Understanding “Matches” – How Every Spike Hurts Late Performance  (0:33:01) How Lower Threshold Riders Should Pace Cyclocross Starts  (0:40:43) Peaking, Rest and Why You Only Get Faster When You Recover  (1:10:31) Warming Up the Right Way – Avoiding the “Cooked Before the Start” Trap  Pro cyclist Ruth Holcomb joins Coach Jonathan to talk about what it takes to develop as a young rider without burning out, how to balance school with high performance, and what she learned transitioning from XCO racing to long gravel events. Together they break down an athlete’s cyclocross race files to show why so many riders blow up early, how pacing and power spikes drain your matchbook, and what smarter strategy looks like when your threshold isn’t the highest in the field. Ruth also shares practical advice on peaking, rest, warming up effectively, and keeping cycling fun for long term success.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Ruth’s’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woofholcomb - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Intro – Anders Johnson: World-Class Track Pursuit Specialist  (0:01:58) Track Cycling 101: Pursuit, Madison & Sprint vs. Endurance  (0:08:47) What 4km Pursuits Demand – Speed, Power & Aerodynamics  (0:16:27) Getting Aero vs. Losing Power – Position Tradeoffs  (0:21:33) Velodrome vs. Wind Tunnel – How They Really Test Aerodynamics  (0:35:24) Body Type, Weight & Fueling for Track Endurance Events  (0:43:09) How Anders Trains – Volume, Threshold, Gym Work & Torque  (1:09:29) Team Pursuit Strategy – Pull Lengths, Exchanges & Line Holding  (1:13:01) The Olympic Pathway – Qualifying, Funding & the Commitment RequiredCoach Jonathan Lee sits down with elite track cyclist Anders Johnson to unpack the world of track racing and how powerful these athletes are. Anders explains how track events work, what makes pursuit racing so physiologically unique, and why aerodynamics matter more than raw watts. He discusses the training, torque, and gym work required to push massive gears from a standing start, the challenges of optimizing aero position without losing power, and how team pursuit squads synchronize pulls at 60+ kph. Anders also shares insights on body composition, fueling for high-volume training, equipment demands, and what it takes to qualify for the Olympics in one of cycling’s most precise and technical disciplines.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Anders’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersjohnson35 - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Intro – Cramping, Polarized Carbs & Raising FTP in a Deficit(0:02:06) How to Fuel Every Workout and Still Lose Weight(0:05:02) Nutrition Timing & Big Breakfasts for Better Body Composition(0:24:17) Easy Meal Ideas for Hard Days, Normal Days & Recovery Days(0:37:31) Recovery Fueling – Protein Shakes vs Real Food(0:47:46) How Much Caffeine Is Safe on Race Day?(1:06:54) Case Study: Filthy 50 – Cramping Despite “Perfect” Fueling(1:14:02) Why Most Cycling Cramps Are From Pacing, Not SodiumCoach Jonathan Lee and Registered Dietitian Alex Larsen break down how cyclists can raise FTP while improving body composition through smart nutrition timing, proper fueling during workouts, and avoiding common dieting mistakes. They discuss polarized carbohydrate intake, front-loading calories, carb loading before big races, hydration and sodium strategies, and reveal why most cramping isn’t caused by electrolytes. This episode gives cyclists a practical roadmap to fuel better, train stronger, and avoid race-day blowups.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/ - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ - Miller KC, et al. An Evidence-Based Review of the Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps. J Athl Train. 2022 Jan 1;57(1):5-15. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0696.20. PMID: 34185846; PMCID: PMC8775277.- Miller KC, et al. Exercise-associated muscle cramps. Exertional Heat Illness A Clinical and EvidenceBased Guide . 2020. Springer; 117–136.- Miller KC, et al. Sweat characteristics of cramp-prone and cramp-resistant athletes. Int J Sports Nutr Exerc Metab . 2020;30(3):218–228. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0308.- Szymanski M, et al. Sweat characteristics in individuals with varying susceptibilities to exercise associated muscle cramps. J Strength Cond Res . 2020.- Martínez-Navarro I, et al. Muscle cramping in the marathon: dehydration and electrolyte depletion vs. muscle damage. J Strength Cond Res . 2020.- Hoffman MD, et al. Sodium intake during an ultramarathon does not prevent muscle cramping, dehydration, hyponatremia, or nausea. Sports Med Open . 2015;1(1):39–45. doi: 10.1186/s40798-015-0040-x.- Schwellnus MP, et al. Increased running speed and previous cramps rather than dehydration or serum sodium changes predict exercise associated muscle cramping: a prospective cohort study in 210 Ironman triathletes. Br J Sports Med . 2011;45(6):650–656. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2010.078535.// TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Intro – Solo Q&A: Weight Loss, VO₂ Max & More  (0:00:35) Lose Weight Without Losing FTP  (0:05:00) TrainerRoad Plans for Power & Body Comp  (0:06:25) MTB Starts – Aerobic Fitness vs. Explosivity  (0:12:18) VO₂ Slow Component Explained  (0:16:00) Build Muscle Efficiency with Tempo & Sweet Spot  (0:19:32) Heat & PSI – Tire and Suspension Tips  (0:23:56) Power on Technical MTB Courses  (0:31:28) Training for Older Cyclists  (0:34:58) Cape Epic Prep – Running & Heat Adaptation  (0:42:29) Strength Training Integration  (0:46:02) Little Sugar Tire Insights  (0:48:56) Mixing Cycling with Backcountry Skiing  (0:50:53) Leadville Prep & Race Analysis  (0:57:15) Using Goal-Based Plans in Off-Season  (0:58:51) Zone 2 Intensity – Train Smarter  (1:05:21) Frequency vs. Volume for Fitness  (1:08:33) Why Consistency Beats PerfectionCoach Jonathan Lee tackles your top training questions in this solo Q&A episode — from losing weight without sacrificing FTP to mastering VO₂ max, Zone 2, and aerobic fitness. He breaks down how to train smarter for bike races, manage heat and tire pressure, structure off-season plans, and balance strength, cross-training, and cycling for year-round performance.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Follow TrainerRoad on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/TrainerRoad - Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Intro – Strength Training for Cyclists with Derek Teel  (0:01:19) What Pros Actually Do in the Gym  (0:04:15) Should Cyclists Train Their Upper Body?  (0:07:03) The Truth About Gaining Muscle Mass  (0:12:09) Injury Prevention and Why Strength Matters  (0:17:09) How to Periodize Strength Training for Cyclists  (0:24:50) The Right Rep Ranges for Cycling Performance  (0:29:43) Best Strength Movements for Cyclists  (0:43:47) Why Cyclists Need to Lift for Bone Density and Durability  (0:50:44) Core Training That Improves Bike Handling  (0:59:35) Lower Body Strength Without Hurting Ride Quality  (1:08:15) Year-Round Strength Training Tips and TakeawaysLearn how to strength train for cycling with Jonathan Lee and Derek Teel of Dialed Health. They cover how to lift without gaining excess muscle, the best core and leg workouts for cyclists, and how to periodize your gym training for performance, injury prevention, and bone density. Get stronger, ride faster, and stay durable all season long.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Derek’s Strength Training Programs: https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/workout-plan/team/dialed-health - Contact Derek: https://www.dialedhealth.com - Derek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialedhealth  - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🏁 Race with us in the TrainerRoad Throwdown Series!: https://trainerroad.cc/TRrace 🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠Google Podcasts: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠// TOPICS COVERED(0:00:00) Intro – Keegan Swenson on Training and Race Preparation  (0:01:17) Little Sugar Race Strategy and the Importance of the Start  (0:03:06) Keegan’s Post-Worlds Training and Recovery  (0:04:25) Torque Training Explained – Building Strength with Low Cadence  (0:07:24) Physiological Benefits of Torque and VO2 Work  (0:10:15) Why Tempo and Sweet Spot Training Matter  (0:12:25) Fueling for Long Endurance and Tempo Rides  (0:15:05) Combining Intervals with Endurance Training  (0:18:37) The “Gray Zone” Debate – Why Pros Still Train There  (0:20:49) How Pros Structure Base Training with Sweet Spot Work  (0:23:11) Sprint Training and Managing Intensity  (0:24:43) How Hard Should You Train? Knowing When to Back Off  (0:28:02) Group Rides, Motivation, and Mental Training  (0:29:38) Final Takeaways from Keegan Swenson World Champion Keegan Swenson shares his cycling training secrets — from VO₂ intervals and sweet spot training to endurance rides, recovery, and mindset. Learn how he builds world-class power, balances intensity and recovery, and applies proven cycling tips that help him win at the highest level. Whether you’re chasing new FTP gains or just want to train like a pro, this episode of Ask a Cycling Coach shows how to train smarter, not harder.// RESOURCES MENTIONED- Keegan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keegels99 - Sign up for TrainerRoad! ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠- Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ // TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.// HELPFUL LINKS- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ - TrainerRoad on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠- TrainerRoad Forum: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠- TrainerRoad on Strava: ⁠https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠- TrainerRoad on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ - Learn more about TrainerRoad: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠⁠ - Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN