Welcome to another potluck conversation with Grant Holicky, Rob Pickels, Trevor Connor, and Dr. Griffin McMath. In these discussions, we pick topics that we find interesting and break them apart using a mix of science, humor, and our own experience.
When Does Gear Innovation Go Too Far?
If you’ve watched a professional time trial lately you’ve likely noticed some odd-looking helmets. Are they faster? Absolutely. That’s not the question. The question is whether gear like this is a good or bad thing for the sport and should we put limits on “buying speed?” This is the question posed by Coach Pickels. Surprisingly, Coach Holicky and Coach Connor have strong opinions on the topic and it may very well be the same opinion.
Can Your Body Handle VO2max Work All Year Long?
In our recent episode on VO2max intervals, Coach Holicky and Neal Henderson talked about starting high intensity work in December or January. This led Coach Connor to a question he wasn’t able to ask on the episode, so he’s asking it on the potluck. Very high intensity work can push us into overtraining, so how do you do this work all year round and not overtrain? Our team not only answers the question, but debates about VO2max intervals and what they mean.
How Do Experienced Athletes and Coaches Balance Training and Life?
Dr. Griffin is still new to cycling and started her own adventure getting ready for a big event this summer. But she’s also a busy professional with a long commute. So, she asks how athletes balance work, life, family, and training. Do you need to make the sacrifices to get 14 hours in each week, or are you better off just training eight hours and getting more rest?
Buckle in for another potluck and let’s make you fast!
REFERENCES
Nimmerichter, A., Eston, R., Bachl, N., & Williams, C. (2012). Effects of low and high cadence interval training on power output in flat and uphill cycling time-trials. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(1), 69–78. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-1957-5
