Tailwind Coaching Resources<\/h1>\n
I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always come to for all of your coaching and training needs. I\u2019ll add to it as I learn more, but you\u2019ll notice that in the future I will reference this page quite often. I recommend bookmarking it for your reference and convenience. Enjoy!<\/p>\n
Disclosure: \u00a0Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you<\/strong>, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. \u00a0Please understand that I have experience with all of these products, and I recommend them because they are high quality products that can further your training goals, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. \u00a0Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your training goals.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> Quick jump:<\/p>\n Affiliates<\/a> \u00a0– \u00a0Power Training Resources<\/a> \u00a0– \u00a0Beginner Cycling Resources<\/a> \u00a0– \u00a0Cycling Fitness Resources<\/a> \u00a0– \u00a0Cycling Strength Training Resources<\/a>\u00a0– Zwift Cycling Training Resources<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Here you'll find a listing of the affiliate sites and sponsors that I am associated with. \u00a0Each of these companies produces products that I stand behind and use on a regular basis, so you can rest assured that I have tried and tested the products they offer. \u00a0I'm confident in recommending them to you, my listeners, readers and clients because I rely on them in my own athletic pursuits.<\/p>\n<\/div> Stages Cycling is one of the pioneers of the compact, affordable power meter.<\/p>\n I have more than 3 years experience with Stages power meters. \u00a0I use them on the majority of my bikes and have come to rely on them for their simplicity of use and robustness. \u00a0I highly recommend them if you're in the market for a power measuring device.<\/p>\n<\/div> I've always been a proponent of supporting your local bike shop where available. \u00a0But your local shop doesn't always have the selection of parts, clothing and equipment you need to make the most of your riding, training, and racing.<\/p>\n Enter Amazon.com.<\/p>\n It's true that you can find almost anything on Amazon, and cycling equipment is no exception. \u00a0In my Amazon Store, you'll find a selection of the most commonly asked for pieces of cycling equipment around. \u00a0From Garmin devices to helmets to chamois cream, you'll find many of the essentials necessary for success on the bike.<\/p>\n<\/div> Wahoo Fitness has created an “ecosystem” of sensors, devices and training tools. \u00a0This ecosystem allows athletes to capture and measure their workout data with stunning accuracy.<\/p>\n From speed and cadence sensors to heart rate monitors and smart phone software, Wahoo has made measuring physiological parameters a snap.<\/p>\n<\/div> Power Meter City focuses on ONE area and one area only: bicycle power meters. They don\u2019t deal with other bike parts or components, clothing, coaching (that's MY job) or anything else that can distract them from what they love \u2013 power meters!<\/p>\n Their singular focus means they are your power meter specialists \u2013 and can offer you the best possible advice and service.\u00a0From SRM to Rotor, they have something to fit every budget. \u00a0Check them out and tell them Coach Rob from Tailwind Coaching sent you!<\/p>\n<\/div> Power meters have given cyclists the ability to record huge amounts of data. \u00a0Unfortunately, most people aren't entirely sure how to use that data efficiently. \u00a0This collection of articles represents some of my most valuable resources on training with power.<\/p>\n<\/div> If you're looking for a way to measure, record and evaluate your training efforts, you're probably in the market for a power meter. \u00a0This episode of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast covers the major players in the power meter market, including the pros and cons of each and their best applications. \u00a0Ultimately, this podcast will help you evaluate your needs and make an educated choice as to which power meter will work the best for you.<\/p>\n Choosing A Power Meter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> If you're looking for a way to determine how effective your Zone 5, 6 and 7 workouts are, look no further than a metric called W'. \u00a0Pronounced “W Prime”, it's a measure of your anaerobic work capacity. \u00a0I'll explain how to use it to analyze your workouts and plan future workouts to get the biggest bang for your buck.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Thinking about taking the plunge and starting to train with power? \u00a0Wondering if that big investment will pay dividends? \u00a0Worried that you're not going to know how to use that fancy piece of tech you'd be bolting to your bike?<\/p>\n Riding and training with a power meter will open up new doors in your quest to build fitness. \u00a0You'll be able to quantify every pedal stroke and evaluate if your training is really working or if you're simply treading water.<\/p>\n If you're still on the fence, in this podcast, I'll talk you through 10 reasons why a power meter should be your next big investment.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Zwift has revolutionized the way we train indoors. \u00a0With support for rides, races, FTP testing, custom workouts and smart trainer compatibility, it is the most complete indoor training platform available. \u00a0I've got a collection of great articles to help you get started with Zwift and get the most out of your Zwift training.<\/p>\n<\/div> If you're looking for a way to add a little something extra to your training, look no further than my library of Zwift Workouts! \u00a0These are some of my favorite workouts performed on an indoor trainer. \u00a0Some of them are also building blocks for my training systems, forming the core of what I plan for my athletes.<\/p>\n If you want to add some stress to your indoor training program or you're just bored of the same old workouts, give these a shot. \u00a0All you have to do is download them, move them to your Zwift workouts folder and get riding.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Zwift is the training \u201cvideo game\u201d that has taken the cycling world by storm. \u00a0The Zwift app allows cyclists from around the world to connect with one another. \u00a0They can ride alongside each other from all corners of the globe, and the virtual environment allows people of very different fitness levels to ride together. \u00a0With the right equipment, your indoor training can closely mimic an outdoor ride without the cars, bugs or potential for crashing.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Indoor cycling training has been changed forever since the introduction of Zwift. \u00a0For those of you who are unaware, Zwift is an online platform for \u201cvirtual\u201d riding and training. \u00a0It is set in a variety of places, from the London and Richmond UCI World Championships courses to an island in the south pacific known as \u201cWatopia.\u201d \u00a0Wherever you end up riding, you'll be thrown together with thousands of other cyclists from around the world. \u00a0It only takes a few cheap pieces of technology to interface with the program. \u00a0Once connected, each cyclist can pedal on their own or join friends from around the world in a virtual training environment.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Zwift has revolutionized the way we train indoors with a trainer. \u00a0The emergence of smart trainers has turned Zwift<\/a> into an immersive virtual riding experience. \u00a0Muscular endurance (ME) is one of the basic fundamental skills that create a well-rounded cyclist, but it can be boring to accomplish on a trainer. \u00a0Combining the two together provides you the opportunity to get tons of high-quality training and keep things from getting stale. \u00a0But before you can go about building a ton of muscular endurance and making your body bulletproof, you have to understand what the goal of a ME interval is.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> The virtual training paradise known as Zwift Island (also called \u201cWatopia\u201d) has recently gotten a little bit bigger. \u00a0On Monday, January 23rd, the Zwift island volcano expansion dropped. \u00a0An entirely new route has become available, offering yet another training ground option for riders to conquer.<\/p>\n After riding the route several times, I've got a few tips to help you get the most fitness possible out of the volcano loop.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Beginning to train on a bike can be a daunting task. \u00a0There's a lot to learn about intervals, threshold and skills, and without direction, it can take a long time to figure these things out. \u00a0This section contains a few resources to help beginners figure out how to start training on their bike.<\/p>\n<\/div> Beginner cyclists often make a lot of mistakes when it comes to training and improving their fitness. \u00a0But that doesn't mean that seasoned cyclists can't run into these pitfalls, too. \u00a0If you're new to training, this podcast is a must listen to prevent you from getting stuck in a rut. \u00a0If you're an advanced cyclist, give it a listen and see if you're making one of these critical training mistakes.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Group riding can be tough for even the most veteran cyclists. \u00a0For beginners, it can be downright scary.<\/p>\n Between drafting, making sure you don't half wheel the guy in front of you, taking the right pulls, pointing out obstacles and general etiquette, navigating a group ride can be a minefield. \u00a0There are tons of ways to do something wrong and that's the last thing someone wants to do in a group ride situation.<\/p>\n I'll demystify the group ride for you and give you some tips and skills that you can apply the next time you go out with a group.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Whether you're just beginning your quest to build better fitness or you've been following training plans for years, you can always count on your base training to see you through a season.<\/p>\n The problem is, most people don't build a proper base. \u00a0They simply ride a bunch of miles and hope that it will keep them from breaking down throughout the season. \u00a0This simply isn't the case.<\/p>\n In this post\/podcast, I'll outline 5 tips to build a bigger, stronger base and get more out of your season.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> This section contains some of my most popular and most relevant general cycling fitness articles. \u00a0You'll find information about intervals, VO2 Max, threshold and generally anything you may need to enchance your training.<\/p>\n<\/div> If you're looking to get some big adaptations to your fitness in as little time as possible, consider piling on some sweet spot training. \u00a0In this post, I'll teach you what sweet spot training is, why it works so well and how you can use it to your benefit.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Zone 5 (or VO2 max level) workouts form the core of a good high intensity interval training program. \u00a0In fact, Zone 5 efforts are NECESSARY to stimulate your body to adapt and change so you can build fitness. \u00a0Without these kinds of efforts, the body will stagnate, fitness will plateau and you'll be depressed by your lack of progression.<\/p>\n In this post I'll describe some of the science behind these Zone 5 workouts. \u00a0I'll also give you a couple of workouts that you can add to your training routine and use to jumpstart your fitness gains.<\/p>\n Read the article here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>Affiliate Sites and Sponsors<\/h2>\n
![\"Stages](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Stageslogostacked_300C-copy-2.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>![\"Coach](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/amazon-logo_white.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>![\"Wahoo](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/WahooFitnessLogo.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>![\"Power](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Power-Meter-City-Large.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>Power Meter Training Resources<\/h2>\n
![\"Cycling](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Tips-for-Choosing-a-power-meter-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Choosing A Power Meter<\/h2>\n
![\"W](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Get-More-Fitness-With-Watt-Prime-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>W' Power and Effective Workouts<\/h2>\n
![\"Why](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Ten-Reasons-to-use-a-power-meter-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>10 Reasons to Use a Power Meter<\/h2>\n
Zwift Cycling Training Resources<\/h2>\n
![\"Tailwind](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Tailwind-Coaching-zwift-workouts-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Tailwind Coaching's Zwift Workouts<\/h2>\n
![\"Zwift](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-getting-started-with-Zwift-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Zwift<\/h2>\n
![\"ultimate](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/ultimate-guide-to-indoor-cycling-training-with-Zwift-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Cycling Training with Zwift<\/h2>\n
![\"Muscular](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Muscular-Endurance-Training-with-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Muscular Endurance Cycling Training with Zwift<\/h2>\n
![\"Training](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/zwiftislandvolcanoexpansiontraining-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>The Best Training For The Zwift Island Volcano<\/h2>\n
Beginner Cyclist Training Resources<\/h2>\n
![\"Eight](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Eight-beginner-Cyclist-Training-Mistakes-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Beginner Cyclist Training Mistakes<\/h2>\n
![\"Beginner's](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Beginners-group-ride-skills-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Beginner\u00a0Group Riding Skills<\/h2>\n
![\"5](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/see-our-facebook-page-for-details-300x300.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>5 Secrets to Build A Functional Cycling Base<\/h2>\n
Cycling Fitness Resources<\/h2>\n
![\"Sweet](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Get-Big-Fitness-Gains-With-Sweetspot-Training-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Sweet Spot Training<\/h2>\n
![\"3](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/VO2-Max-Workouts-300x202.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>VO2 Max Workouts<\/h2>\n