Knowledge Base

Training

Cycling training is a science and an art. How endurance athletes train, when they train, and the intensity and duration of that training all affect the gains and adaptations they see.

Proper interval execution is essential to see the expected progress. How you analyze and interpret all that data is equally valuable. Of course, training needs to be planned so it fits into any given season, race schedule, and lifestyle. Off the bike, the importance of strength and conditioning is often neglected.

This is training. This process is what athletes live for.

Featured Content

Cyclists using the polarized training method or 80/30 training

Polarized Training Pathway

In collaboration with Dr. Stephen Seiler, the “father of polarized training,” we have curated everything you need to know about the 80/20 training method.

Alan Couzens, MSc, Chris Case, et. al.
Competitive road cyclists doing cycling interval workouts from the Fast Talk Labs Cycling Interval Training Pathway

Cycling Interval Training Pathway

Interval workouts are a fundamental part of any endurance training program. Learn exactly what intervals are, why they are so important, and how to properly execute interval workouts with the help of Sebastian Weber, Neal Henderson, and Dr. Stephen Seiler.

Chris Case, Dr. Stephen Cheung, et. al.
How to Build an Annual Training Plan

How to Develop a Yearly Training Plan

We review the art and science of developing and maintaining an annual training plan, which helps athletes progress and perform at their best.

Houshang Amiri
group of cyclists

Base Training for Time-Crunched Athletes

It’s hard to find time to fit in the long, slow miles that traditionally comprise the base season. Coach Trevor Connor offers suggestions for improving life-training balance, understanding quality versus quantity, and more.

Trevor Connor
Subtopic Filter

Training > Long Slow Distance

The Science Behind Going Slow to Be Fast

The concepts of central and peripheral conditioning help explain why an effective training base period leads to speed and durability in the race season.

Trevor Connor
A cyclist rides a bicycle near Boulder Reservoir in Niwot with trees and Haystack Mountain

Cycling Base Training Pathway

The concept of base training has been a part of endurance training for decades. Laying a foundation of fitness early in the season sets the stage for success later on. With the help of Joe Friel, Dr. Stephen Seiler, and Dr. Andy Pruitt, we explore the how and why of this fundamental aspect of endurance training.

Chris Case, Dr. Andy Pruitt, EdD, et. al.
Two cyclists ride into the distance on dirt roads in North Boulder, Colorado.

The Importance of the Long Ride

Are you tempted to throw out those five-hour rides—not enough time or willpower, or maybe you find them boring? Don’t do it! Trevor Connor explores the adaptations that can only be gained from long, slow miles.

Trevor Connor
Long Slow Distance Ride Analysis in TrainingPeaks WKO

What Exactly Is a Long Slow Distance Ride?

Coaches Trevor Connor and Ryan Kohler analyze ride data from one of Trevor’s LSD (long, slow distance) rides in order to explain the correct execution of one of these fundamental rides.

Ryan Kohler and Trevor Connor
Fast Talk Podcast Q&A

Q&A on LSD Rides, Topical Bicarbonates, Group Rides, and Sugar

in Q&A episode, we cover a broad spectrum of topics including sugar consumption and its health effects, safe rates to increase volume, the pros and cons of group rides, the efficacy of topical bicarbonate products, and much more.

Fast Talk Podcast Episode 114