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REACH YOUR APEX

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Introducing The Reach Your APEX Podcast – A New Era in Coaching and Performance


Welcome to The Reach Your APEX Podcast—where cutting-edge sports science meets real-world training insights, brought to you by one of the most respected coaches in endurance sports, Neal Henderson.


From the creator of some of the cycling world’s most influential podcasts and the return of the most successful sports science podcast team, this show is designed to help athletes of all levels push their limits, train smarter, and unlock peak performance.


In our pilot episode, we set the foundation for what’s to come—deep dives into training methodologies, high-performance coaching strategies, and real conversations about what it truly takes to excel in endurance sports. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, an aspiring athlete, or just someone who loves the science behind human performance, this podcast delivers practical, actionable insights straight from the experts.


Expect:



  • Elite-level coaching insights from one of the world’s top sport science minds


  • Training strategies that actually work, backed by data and experience


  • The science of performance explained in a way that’s both engaging and applicable


  • Unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and realities of training at the highest level



It’s time to challenge conventional wisdom, embrace the journey, and reach your APEX.


🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential.

11 Episodes
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A quiet reset with big stakes—Ben Kanute rethinks training, life, and legacy with a new coach and a fresh start.What happens when an Olympian decides to start over? In this episode, Neal sits down with long-course triathlete Ben Kanute, who recently relocated to Boulder and joined Neal’s coaching program. Together, they talk about what it takes to shift gears mid-career, rework your training from the ground up, and keep the fire burning while raising a young family and racing at the highest level. With Ironman Frankfurt on the horizon, this is a timely and honest look at the journey behind the jersey.In this episode:– Why Ben hit reset after over a decade of pro racing– The shift from chasing power numbers to training with intention– Life in Boulder and adjusting to altitude, parenting, and priorities– How Neal’s coaching approach is evolving with athletes like Ben– What to expect heading into Ironman Frankfurt and beyondFollow us:@apexcoachingco on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSkyapexcoachingco.com | estranyoleft.com🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more athletes find the show.
Taylor phinney

Taylor phinney

2025-06-1354:36

In this episode of The Reach Your APEX Podcast, Neal Henderson sits down with one of his most accomplished and most personal athletes — Taylor Phinney.From junior world championships, Olympic near-misses, Tour de France breakaways, and career-defining victories — to the hard realities that come after stepping away from professional racing — Taylor opens up about his entire journey.Neal and Taylor talk candidly about coaching, career pressure, reinventing your identity after racing, and finding new meaning in cycling outside of performance. It’s not just a conversation about results — it’s a conversation about what happens after the finish line, and how the bike can still serve a purpose long after the racing ends.For anyone navigating the highs and lows of high performance, this one delivers.Key Topics:Taylor’s early racing years and first connections with NealLife as a young pro and rapid rise through the WorldTourInjuries, setbacks, and managing the mental toll of elite racingRedefining his relationship with cycling after retirementBuilding community, creativity, and adventure into riding todayWhat younger athletes can learn from his career experience
If you’ve been listening from the start—thank you. This little podcast experiment with Neal Henderson started as a way to bottle up decades of coaching wisdom and turn it into something useful for anyone chasing a better version of themselves. But we’re stepping it up now. More guests. More real talk. More episodes that go beyond watts and whoop scores. This week, we’ve got Leah Van der Linden—pro cyclist, coach, and absolute road-trip ninja. She joins Neal for a deep dive on how to travel like a pro and still race like one, too. From busted bikes to burrito mistakes, this episode is equal parts goldmine and group therapy for anyone who's ever tried to fly with a disc brake bike and a dream. We’re making a point with this one: Reach Your APEX isn’t just about training plans and FTP. It’s about showing up, fully. Even if that means floor pumps, air tags, or dodging gas station roulette. 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube—or wherever you tune in. 💡 And if you’ve got ideas or questions you want covered, hit us up. This is your ride too. 👉 Support the network: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mygirona #ReachYourAPEX #Estranyoleft #CyclingLife #GravelTravel #PodcastFuel
Long gravel races test more than just your endurance—they challenge your training methods, bike handling, strength, fueling, and mental toughness. In this episode, coaches Neal Henderson and Jeff Hubler unpack their experiences and insights on training smarter, not harder, for long gravel events like Unbound and Trans Cordillera. Key takeaways include: Why longer training rides aren’t always better (and how to optimize duration) Essential strength training to handle unpredictable gravel terrain Proven fueling strategies that prevent mid-race disasters Crucial bike-handling and mechanical skills every gravel cyclist must master Prepare strategically, train intelligently, and ride your best gravel event yet. Listen now.
Rest isn’t weakness—it’s where the real gains happen. In this episode of Reach Your APEX, coach Neal Henderson is joined by endurance athlete and coach Andrea Deak for a deep dive into why recovery is the most underrated performance tool in the game. They break down: The difference between rest, recovery, and overtraining How to spot the signs of burnout and emotional fatigue Why elite athletes plan rest first—not last Real-world stories from Andrea’s time as a pro cyclist, swimmer, and Unbound finisher What to do when life forces you off the bike If you’re stuck in a plateau, dragging through workouts, or just afraid of taking a day off—this episode is your permission slip to train smarter, not harder.
What makes a gravel race start smooth—or turn instantly chaotic? In this episode of Reach Your APEX, Neal Henderson is joined by APEX Coaching’s Leah Van Der Linden, a former D1 soccer player, ski cross national champ, Ironman finisher, and now pro gravel racer. Together, they break down the start line dynamics that define success or disaster on course. From mass starts at Unbound to rolling timed segments at Paydirt, Leah shares what she’s learned across 50+ races—including how event formats are evolving, why women’s field dynamics matter, and how she plans her nutrition, positioning, and pacing to gain a competitive edge. With practical insight and honest storytelling, this episode maps out what every racer should know before their next gravel start line.
Event Week Planning: Your Blueprint for Race Day SuccessYou’ve logged countless training hours, dialed in your nutrition, and sacrificed to get to this moment. But without careful preparation, race week itself can derail everything you've worked for.In this insightful episode of Reach Your Apex, expert coaches Neal Henderson and Zach offer a detailed, no-nonsense breakdown on mastering the crucial final days before your event. From proper tapering techniques to precise logistical planning, they equip you with essential knowledge to maximize your performance.In this episode you’ll discover:The Science of Tapering:Why it’s more nuanced—and critical—than you might think.A Day-by-Day Plan (Monday to Sunday):How to structure your week to stay sharp, rested, and race-ready.Expert Logistics and Nutrition Tips:Proven strategies to eliminate common mistakes with travel, gear, and fueling.Mental Strategies for Race-Day Excellence:Practical visualization and psychological tools to conquer stress and boost confidence.Whether you're targeting the podium or aiming for a personal best, this episode provides a structured plan to arrive at your start line physically primed and mentally focused.Reach Your Apex is proudly brought to you from Boulder, Colorado, delivering elite-level coaching insights to endurance athletes everywhere.
The Hidden Wins: Maximizing Race Day Performance Without Changing Fitness In this episode, Neal Henderson is joined by elite cyclist Andrea Deák to dismantle the myth that fitness alone determines race outcomes. Drawing on decades of coaching experience and elite-level racing, they explore the true differentiators—technique, strategy, equipment, fueling, group dynamics, and mental mastery. Whether you're targeting your first gravel race or trying to edge out a podium finish, this conversation is your blueprint for extracting every watt of performance you've earned—without changing your FTP. Think of it as your marginal gains masterclass. Expect actionable insights. No fluff. Just real-world wisdom to help you Reach Your Apex.
In this episode of The Reach Your APEX Podcast, Neal Henderson sits down with Jeff Hoobler—expert strength, movement, and mechanics coach—to discuss why strength training is crucial for endurance athletes. They explore why proper technique and consistent, intentional strength training aren't just beneficial for performance, but essential for long-term health, injury prevention, and overall resilience. Discover how to correctly start your strength training journey, why maintaining a neutral spine and proper movement patterns are critical, and how consistent strength work positively impacts everything from injury prevention to bone density. Whether you're new to strength training or refining your current routine, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to enhance your performance and longevity.
Welcome to Reach Your Apex—the podcast where champions are made and limits get left in the dust! In this episode, Neal Henderson (world-renowned cycling coach and human performance guru) teams up with elite cyclist and coach Zack Gregg to dive headfirst into the fascinating, often misunderstood world of physiological testing. Ever wondered why some riders can just push harder, longer, and smarter? Neal and Zack crack open their decades of lab (and saddle) experience to help you unlock your true cycling potential. Whether you're a seasoned racer chasing podiums or just rolling into your cycling journey, this episode will help you navigate the mysteries of FTP, VO2 Max, lactate thresholds, and beyond—without overwhelming you with data you can't use. Expect laughs, real stories from Neal’s time as a self-proclaimed "human guinea pig," and plenty of insights that'll help you understand exactly why testing isn't just for pros—it's your personal blueprint to becoming faster, stronger, and smarter, no matter your starting point. So clip in, crank it up, and let’s crack the code to your true cycling potential! #EatRideSleep #CyclingLife #PerformanceTesting #CyclingCulture #ReachYourApex
ryap pilot episode

ryap pilot episode

2019-05-2801:37

Join world-renowned coach Neal Henderson on The Reach Your APEX Podcast, where cutting-edge sports science meets real-world training insights. Get expert coaching strategies, performance optimization tips, and elite athlete perspectives—all designed to help you train smarter and reach your peak. Listen now on estranyoleft.com.
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