podcast Archives - Page 18 of 19

Spring Training Myths (Podcast #9)

Spring has sprung in the northeast, and that means forums are humming with training discussions and group rides are filled with chatter of “how have you been training?” There's a lot of talk about sweet spots, hill repeats and base miles. If you dissect those conversations, how many of them contain legitimate information and how many are just stuffed with buzz words and poor implementation of (misunderstood) concepts?

In today's podcast, we'll discuss a few training concepts that I've seen talked about recently, what people are saying (incorrectly) about implementing them, and how you can avoid those pitfalls.

We'll cover:

I also hope everyone notices that the Tailwind Coaching podcast is now on STITCHER and PODBEAN. Check it out there for mobile options and more download options.

Questions or comments? Post below and start the discussion.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:22 — 24.0MB)

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Tags: Coaching, podcast, training|

Taking Your Training Plan Outside! (Podcast #8)

I've heard a lot of discussion and received a number of emails lately, all with basically the same question: the weather is nice and I want to get outside again, but I'm following this training plan. How do I convert these intervals to my outdoor rides?

It's really not as hard as you would think, but there are a few concepts that you need to keep in mind when you're converting those neatly designed intervals into outdoor rides. In today's podcast we'll discuss:

How training plans are written/developed for indoor use
What you've been working on for the past two training cycles (hint: FUNDAMENTALS!)
How to use/apply those fundamentals outside
Breaking up your intervals, but still getting the right amount of work done
Using terrain, wind and groups to help you accomplish your interval goals
Learning when to apply those fundamental principles out on the road in order to see the most benefit
Understanding that it's perfectly ok to crack or fail once in a while

Enjoy, and as always, feel free to post any questions, comments or tips of your own in the comments.

BONUS: Included in today's podcast is a coupon code for 20% off my pre-built training plans and HIT workouts. Don't give up your fitness for Lent (give up the Doritos instead!) Take advantage of this offer and get stronger and faster in March!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:58 — 14.6MB)

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Tags: Coaching, podcast, training|

Strava, Challenges and Training (Podcast #7)

Unless you've been living under a rock recently, you've heard of Strava. But just in case you HAVE been one of those sub-rock-dwellers, let's review:

Strava ia a social media based site in which cyclists can upload their GPS recorded rides. Not only are they able to see their rides along with other “friends” (much like Facebook in this regard) but they are also able to compete for King Of the Mountain (KOM) segments on various stretches of road. Usually hill climbs, but there are certain downhills and sprints that are contested as well.

In any case, Strava has been hard at work trying to increase the interactivity and utility of their site. They've added tools to allow you to analyze power meter numbers (premium subscription, of course) and they've ramped up the number of challenges they're offering lately.

Now, I understand that a “challenge” shouldn't be something easy. But in many cases, I've seen athletes want to take on these challenges and end up wrecking their training plans because of it. So without further ado, let's talk about Strava, challenges and training…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.9KB)

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Tags: Coaching, Motivation, podcast|

New Year, BETTER You (Podcast #6)

Perhaps you've seen the oft-repeated “New Year, New You” headline on the cover of Bicycling Magazine. It's so predictable that even Peloton Magazine said “you'll never see this on our cover.”

While you may not be able to completely transform yourself into a new person, you can always improve on what you've got, and that's what today's podcast focuses on; taking your successes from last year and building on them. What do you want to be? Stronger? Faster? Leaner? A better hill climber? All of the above?

While nobody is going to become a “new you” unless you're suddenly reincarnated as a ProTour rider, we can certainly make you a “better you.” Learn which facets of your body and fitness are trainable, which you're just going to have to live with, how to turn your weaknesses into strengths and how to maximize your strengths.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (21.4MB)

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Tags: Coaching, physiology, podcast, training|

Functional Threshold Power: What Is It and How Do We Train With It?
Functional Threshold Power: What Is It and How Do We Train With It?

Coaching discussion, Power training and discussion, Tailwind Coaching Podcast

Functional Threshold Power: What Is It and How Do We Train With It?

Functional Threshold Power is better known as FTP. What is it? What do we do with it? Why is it so important to my cycling?

Athletes almost always have these questions when they begin training with power. When an athlete begins their training plans to prepare for next season's goal races, gran fondos and centuries, they need to address this metric. They're looking for the best and quickest ways to improve their performances, but many seem to be having trouble with the training concepts behind FTP. Questions have predominated about what it is, why we use it and how we calculate it for a long time.

In this latest edition of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast, I attempt to dispel some of the myths behind FTP: how we test it, why we need to know it and how we use it.

After the jump, look into functional threshold power a little more and learn how you can use it to enhance your training.

(more…)

Tags: Coaching, podcast, power|