Training Concepts

Periodization, polarized training, interval workouts—your performance depends on how you train. Master the key training concepts in endurance sports and you will look at every workout with new eyes.

Featured

A group of cyclists rides through forest

Forget Marginal Gains and Focus on the Fundamentals

In an age when athletes often focus on the specifics, we address the importance of focusing on the fundamentals: training, recovery, and functioning gear—the things that will bring you the greatest return for your investment of time, sweat, and energy.
Fast Talk Episode 153

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
training bible

Demystifying Periodization, with Joe Friel

Cycling coach Joe Friel explores endurance periodization and its four core concepts: overload, specificity, reversibility, and individualization.
Fast Talk Episode 66
Dr. Stephen Seiler

Applying the Polarized Training Model, with Dr. Stephen Seiler

Dr. Stephen Seiler breaks down the application of the polarized training model, addressing what is meant by the two thresholds — LT1 and LT2 — how to determine yours. We also discuss why it’s important not to over-estimate LT1 or LT2, and how to use them to determine your zones in a three-zone model.
Fast Talk Episode 54

Latest

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
high intensity runner in the mountains

Nerd Lab: Are All High-Intensity Intervals Created Equal?

Physiologist Rob Pickels nerds out with Trevor Connor on four recent studies that span a wide range of topics, from the benefits of percussive massagers for strength work to the impact of pregnancy on elite runners. Tune in to find out more.
Fast Talk Episode 234
what it takes to succeed Julie young

What It Takes to Succeed

To achieve a top performance an athlete must be both physically and mentally prepared. It's the mental piece that can be the toughest to coach. Joe Friel talks with Coach Julie Young about how she develops athletic potential and resilience over the course of training her athletes.
Julie Young
Athlete Centric Training Plan

The Athlete-Centric Training Plan

There are some tough conversations early in the athlete-coach relationship as you identify where the athlete stands in relation to their goal. Coach Dave Schell talks with Joe Friel about how he gets buy-in from athletes, and creates a dynamic training plan specific to their individual needs.
athlete-needs-to-rethink-training

Do You Need to Rethink Your Training?

Intensity can be a slippery slope for endurance athletes—there is a temptation to push harder and longer. The real recipe for performance might entail some new priorities.
Dr. Stephen Seiler

Creating a Race Plan to Guide Training

Work with your athlete to create a race plan for the season—and then build your training plan from there, but remember there's plenty to factor in.
Joe Friel