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Training Babble

Author: Dave Schell

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Unlock your endurance potential. The Training Babble Podcast takes a deep dive into the strategy and science behind training for off-road cycling like mountain biking and gravel racing. Host Dave Schell brings over 20 years of coaching and racing experience, including as former Director of Education at TrainingPeaks.

Each episode features interviews with experts and insiders to inform your training on topics like physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, equipment selection, and race tactics. Expect an informative yet lighthearted conversation filled with practical tips to up your performance. Special guests from across the cycling world join to share their hard-earned wisdom.

Whether you're an amateur looking to reach new heights or a coach wanting to refine your craft, The Training Babble Podcast offers a master-class in endurance training. Challenging conventional methods, busting myths, and digging into the latest research, this show equips you with the knowledge to train smarter and unlock your full athletic potential.



Subscribe to the Training Babble Podcast and join our community of passionate off-road cyclists. With tips, stories, and advice from leading figures in gravel and mountain biking, we're here to support your journey to peak performance and beyond. Elevate your off-road cycling experience with us.

44 Episodes
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Unlock the full potential of your endurance training with Jason Koop, the renowned head coach of CTS Ultra Running, as we examine the pivotal role of training volume and debunk common misconceptions in athletic preparation. Grappling with a packed schedule? Koop serves up expert strategies for squeezing every drop of progress from your limited training hours and setting realistic goals. Our robust discussion doesn't shy away from tackling the big questions - can intensity really replace volume, and how does one navigate the cyclical waves of training philosophies? Whether you're an Olympic hopeful or a weekend warrior, discover the unchanging principles that could make or break your performance.Ever felt overwhelmed by the flood of fitness trackers and supplements on the market? This episode cuts through the confusion, offering coaches a critical evaluation framework to discern the truly useful from the trendy gimmicks. From deciphering sleep tracking to the complexities of heart rate variability, our conversation arms you with the knowledge to steer your athletes toward informed choices, maximizing the benefits of tech advancements. Plus, get a glimpse into a future where AI might just revolutionize the way we approach coaching and training.Dive deep into the nuances of training volume, as I share my tried-and-tested methods for optimizing an athlete's routine for long-term success. We discuss not just how to adjust volume for peak performance, but also the insights gleaned from patterns of past training. Meanwhile, my book "Training Essentials for Ultra Running" gets a spotlight, showcasing its versatility across various formats—the audio edition even includes exclusive podcast-style interviews! And don't miss the teaser on an exciting AI coaching project, poised to reshape our understanding and application of training methodologies. Tune in for these invaluable insights and more, all in this episode of the Training Babble Podcast.
Peeling back the curtain on AI's allure, we're taking you on a trek through its limitations. Joined by Cooper Bott, we recount tales from our forays into AI-generated podcasting - a venture that sometimes had us chuckling at the language model's poetic flubs and unwavering (if misplaced) confidence. We'll arm you with a healthy dose of skepticism, as we delve into the ironies and inaccuracies of AI, and emphasize the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Especially for those of you who love data and precision, this episode is a must-listen – don't be fooled by an AI's assertive facade!Imagine a world where your every move on the web is subtly shaped by AI. With Ryan's wisdom lighting the way, we probe the potential for a monochrome internet, designed by reinforcement learning's penchant for sameness. From the muddy waters of misinformation to the sanctity of scientific equations, our voyage underscores the necessity for human oversight in the age of automated language models. If you're bent on staying ahead in the digital space, this conversation will equip you with the critical eye needed to discern the gold from the glitter in AI's outputs.As we cycle through the episode, we're not just cautioning you; we're also celebrating AI's transformative power. The 'Run with Hal' app gets a spotlight as a game-changer in adaptive training, offering a glimpse into AI's ability to personalize and revolutionize the way we prepare for endurance feats. Whether you're a data geek, a curious blogger, or a podcaster in search of scripting shortcuts, our insights on fine-tuning AI to suit individual needs will inspire your own journey. Strap in for a ride that explores the fine line between AI's limitations and its promise, leaving you primed to navigate the evolving landscape of endurance sports and technology.
Are you truly tapping into your potential on the bike, or has ERG mode taken the wheel? Unshackle your training on the latest Training Babble as I, Dave Bott, share my unfiltered opinion on why ERG mode could be stifling your ride. Throughout this episode, we scrutinize the allure of consistent power output and expose the potential pitfalls of letting technology dictate the pace. By shedding light on how this popular smart trainer feature may lead to a disconnect between rider and ride, we challenge you to consider if it's really serving your quest for peak performance.Get ready for an energizing discussion that champions a return to the fundamentals of cycling, where perceived effort and active participation reign supreme. We dissect alternatives to ERG mode that encourage you to mimic the dynamic conditions of outdoor cycling, ensuring your training is as impactful and variable as the terrain you conquer. Whether you're gearing up for your next race or simply looking to enhance your cycling journey, this episode is your invitation to redefine the role of technology in your training and reconnect with the essence of the ride. Subscribe and share Training Babble for more provocative insights that will push your boundaries and pedal your passion to new heights.
As we gear up for an exhilarating journey into the thin air of the Leadville 100, Ryan Cooper from Best Bike Split and USA Cycling joins me, Dave Schell, to unveil the tactics that help athletes tackle this colossal mountain bike challenge. Ever wonder how high altitude affects your muscle power and endurance? This episode dives into the science of racing above the tree line, where oxygen is scarce, and every pedal stroke counts. We dissect the transformation of functional threshold power at elevation and reveal how a 60-year-old rider named Brandon redefined what's possible through meticulous training and strategy. You'll learn about pacing with the Intensity Factor, taming the Variability Index, and why descending skills are your secret weapon – plus, we crack the code on how to use Best Bike Split for crafting a dynamic game plan, even when drafting plays a negligible role.But it's not just about the climb; our conversation also navigates the psychological peaks and valleys of endurance racing. As we recount tales of perseverance and adaptability, you'll be equipped with sage advice on setting realistic FTP targets, elevating your nutrition game, and fostering an ironclad mental fortitude. Drawing from Brandon's story and our own racing experiences, we stress the profound impact of proper preparation – not just in its physical form, but as a defining measure of character. Whether you're a seasoned vet or a newcomer to the sport, this episode is your roadmap to turning endurance race dreams into reality, leaving you inspired and ready to tackle your own Leadville-sized ambitions.
Discover the revolutionary ways artificial intelligence is transforming the world of endurance sports with our special guest, Ryan Cooper, founder of Best Bike Split. Imagine having your own AI coach, crafting hyper-personalized training programs, nutrition plans, and race strategies just for you—whether you're a cyclist, triathlete, or runner. This episode peels back the layers of data and technology to show how AI is not only optimizing performance but also making elite-level coaching accessible to athletes everywhere. Ryan shares an inspiring tale of a triathlete who shattered personal records by embracing an AI-driven nutrition plan, exemplifying the powerful blend of technology and human determination.Feel the pulse of the future as we explore the burgeoning role of AI in endurance sports, from its ability to bring in newcomers to creating entirely new competitive landscapes. With AI's potential to further our understanding of human capability and redefine training and competition, we stand on the precipice of a new era. Yet, amidst the tech talk, we keep the human spirit alive, celebrating the essential partnership between man and machine. As you listen, you'll come to realize that this episode itself is a testament to the sophisticated reach of AI in media, capturing the innovative spirit that drives athletes and coaches in the relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us for a conversation that promises to challenge your views and inspire your training journey.
Dave talks to Integrative Physiologist, Dr. Phil Batterson about which thresholds we can actually measure, why they matter, and how you can use them to get faster. Critical OxygenInstagram
In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the power of skills work in racing. Dave and Matti take us through their journey of honing those critical skills and how it translated into a game-changer for Matti's racing performance. From conquering technical sections to mastering descents, get ready for some insightful takeaways that can level up your racing game too.We also dive into the heart of gravel races, dissecting them into 3 unique acts. Dave and Matti break down the dynamics of these races, from the thrilling start to the strategic middle, and all the way to the decisive end. It's like unraveling a gripping drama, but on two wheels!And what's a race without the right fueling strategy? Matti spills the beans on how he powers through those challenging miles. From nutrition tips to hydration hacks, you're in for a feast of practical advice that can transform your endurance game.
Matti Rowe of Gravel God Cycling returns to talk about training beyond the numbers and the importance of specificity in your training. 
Dave talks to endurance performance coach Jeff Lukich about the reality of setting big goals for ultra-endurance events.In this insightful conversation, Dave and Jeff discuss the challenges that come with setting big goals for ultra-endurance events such as Leadville, Unbound, and Ironman triathlons, and ultra-marathons. They explore the importance of setting realistic goals, the mindset needed to achieve these goals and the role of perseverance and discipline in endurance sports.Jeff shares his personal experiences as an endurance coach and athlete, and offers practical tips and advice on how to set achievable goals and maintain motivation during the grueling training process. Jeff LukichOriginally from Charleston, SC, Jeff Lukich has worked inchild welfare for the past 33 years.  In addition to his work in child welfare, Jeff has a passion for endurance sports.Owner and head coach of Drive Multisport, LLC., Jeff is a veteran short and long-course triathlete, marathoner, and endurance performance coach providingtriathletes, distance runners, and other endurance athletes with exceptional,service-oriented coaching experience focused on communication and feedback.10x Ironman Finisher and Boston Marathon Qualifier. His coaching philosophycenters around thoughtful goal setting, acting on available performanceinformation and feedback, and creating shared accountability between the athleteand the coach.
Dave and Ryan bring it all together discussing how FTP, NP, and IF come together to make TSS and the PMC.
Dave and Ryan continue their power TLA discussion with NP and IF. 
Dave sits down with  Matti Rowe, the Gravel God, to discuss some of the top indoor training mistakes they see and how to avoid them, but ultimately ends up going on lots of tangents. 
Dave and Ryan set out to discuss the list of power metrics and three letter acronyms you find on your head unit, training software, and basically anywhere else you read about cycling... they only get through 1.  They discuss what Functional Threshold Power is, and isn't, how to test, and why context matters. 
Dave sits down with mental skills coach, Carrie Jackson, to discuss the importance of self talk in sport and life. They also discuss dealing with setbacks such as injury and illness, and some of the tools you can use to shift the narrative. CarrieJackson.comThe Psychology of Suffering
Dave and Ryan discuss some commonly held cycling myths, then go off on tangents about other related training practice misconceptions 
Coach, and Elite MTB and CX Racer, Chris Baddick returns to the podcast to try to convince us to run year round. Insta - @CbaddickChrisBaddick.ComRevo Walking Series: Full Body Warm Up and Post Ride Mobility Bone mineral density of competitive male mountain and road cyclists
Dave and Ryan discuss the importance of restoring balance during the offseason, getting creative with specificity, and Ryan questions whether or not gravy is a viable recovery drink.
In this episode of Training Babble I finally sat down with my good friend Ryan Cooper to discuss what goes into creating an optimization model, how off-road cyclists can use it, and what is on the horizon for the future. BestBikeSplit.comCase Study: using BBS to prepare for the LT 100 
Liz and I chat about some of the bad nutrition advice that just won't die, general guidance on fueling your workouts and races, individualizing your nutrition strategy, and the 5 R's of recovery.Follow Liz on InstagramLizFood.comAthlete Eating GuidelinesMySportScience.comCarbohydrate Intake Recommendations during Exercise
On this episode I sit down with friend, fellow coach, and former professional cyclist, Chris Baddick. We discuss the importance motivation, making the most of limited training time, and training beyond metrics. Coaching inquiries: Coaching@ChrisBaddick.comInstagram @Cbaddick
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