The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Chronic Training Load (CTL)
We examine the pros and cons of using chronic training load (CTL) as well as the ways it can take your endurance sports training off track.
Latest: Page 13
Chronic Training Load (CTL) Isn’t Everything
Coach Connor busts several myths as he discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of CTL.
Workout of the Month: Coach Connor’s 5×5-Minute Intervals
Coach Connor details the best practices for 5×5-minute intervals, from their physiological benefits to how and why you should do them. INCLUDES downloadable workout files.
Exploring Heat Stress and Heat Stroke, with Dr. William Adams
We explore health conditions elicited by heat, including heat stress, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion, with expert guest Dr. William Adams.
How to Do Dr. Stephen Seiler’s 4×8-Minute Interval Workout
Coach Connor details the best practices for 4×8-minute intervals, from their physiological benefits to how and why you should do them. INCLUDES downloadable workout files.
Q&A on Training Zones, Cyclocross, Weekly Planning, and Beer, with Alec Donahue
Coach Alec Donahue of Cycle-Smart helps us answer questions about training zones, cyclocross, weekly planning, and alcohol.
Sports Nutrition Pathway
Sports nutrition for endurance athletes is controversial. With the help of experts like Dr. Asker Jeukendrup, Dr. Timothy Noakes, and Dr. John Hawley, we examine the science of fueling your body for performance and health.
Lessons on Race Targeting, Goal Setting, and Mindset, with Olympians Svein Tuft and Erinne Zarsadias (nee Willock)
Is it better to focus on one big race a year, or have several targets? Is performance or process more important when it comes to goal setting? Two Olympians help us tackle these complex questions.
How to Pin Your Race Number
There are few things that irk Coach Connor more than a poorly pinned bib number. He walks you through the art of pinning—and looking pro.
Q&A on Travel and Training, CTL, Race Prep, and Big Gear LSD Rides, with Kendra Wenzel
Coach Wenzel helps answer questions on travel, final race prep, big gear work on LSD rides, pushing through exhaustion, and training races.
An Introduction to Training Metrics, Part 2
The interrelationship between form, fitness, and fatigue is the basis for quantifying training load. Performance Management Charts help athletes visualize and interpret that balance. Coach Trevor Connor explains the science.
Coach Connor’s Favorite WKO Features
TrainingPeaks is popular, but WKO5 is a much more powerful tool. Coach Trevor Connor has extensive experience with WKO and shares his favorite features.
Is Weight Management as Simple As Calories In, Calories Out? With Dr. Timothy Noakes
For decades, weight management has relied on an assumption: that manipulating calorie intake will predict weight gain or loss. But does it actually work?
An Introduction to Training Metrics, Part 1
Physiologists and coaches have attempted to quantify training through both external and internal measures. We review the primary training metrics and detail the benefits and shortcomings of each.
Recent Research on Sprinting, Overtraining Your Cells, and Durability
Nerd Lab! In this episode, Mr. Pickels nerds out with Coach Trevor Connor for a deep dive into new scientific research findings.
Environmental Pollution, Health, and Performance, with Dr. Michael Koehle
Should we modify how, where, and when we train based on our potential exposure to pollutants?
Polarized Training Throughout the Season
Coach Trevor Connor details how to apply the polarized training method and distribute intensity across your entire season.
Q&A on Returning from Injury, Weight Management, and Fast-Twitch Fibers, with Renee Eastman
With the help of CTS coach Renee Eastman, we field questions on injury, the power of consistency, weight vs. power, and fast-twitch fibers.