Base Training for Cyclists, Runners, and Triathletes: How to Build Endurance, Strength, and Recovery for a Successful 2025 Season

As we look toward the 2025 season, it’s time to lay the foundation for your best year yet. This begins with a structured base period, a crucial phase in any endurance athlete’s training plan. Base training builds the aerobic endurance, strength, and durability needed to handle more intense phases later on and helps you perform […]
Sodium Intake for Endurance Athletes: How Much Is Too Much?

I’m working with one of my junior athletes who’s been struggling to eat enough calories to fuel his riding. We tracked his intake through a fitness app, and one of the surprising things we found was some very high sodium levels from processed foods. As an endurance athlete, you know the importance of hydration and […]
How Cyclists Over 50 Can Maximize Their Online Training

As cyclists age, staying fit and strong on the bike requires a more strategic approach to training. For cyclists over 50, using online training platforms like Zwift, My Whoosh, and Rouvy can be a game-changer. These platforms offer a variety of training tools to help maintain fitness, improve performance, and keep the love of cycling […]
Recovery Strategies For Endurance Athletes: Balancing Training Plans With Daily Readiness

In endurance sports, recovery is a non-negotiable component of the training process. It’s what allows athletes to adapt to the stress of training, repair muscle damage, and prepare for future workouts. However, the way recovery is scheduled can vary significantly. Two main approaches dominate the discussion: the structured training plan with scheduled rest weeks and […]
Adopting a Pro Athlete Mindset: How Making Key Lifestyle Changes Can Bring Success for Everyday Endurance Athletes

One of my junior clients texted me from St. Louis after one of the Gateway Cup crits didn’t go very well. “I’m actually so done. I’ll do anything to get better. I will not complain, I will do everything this winter.” The junior had done well in Cat. 4s in the Chicago Grit series, but […]
The Truth About Protein: Debunking Misconceptions and Maximizing Benefits for Endurance Athletes

Very few supplements on the market actually work for everyday endurance athletes. Protein is one of them. However, there are many misconceptions around getting enough protein. Jose Antonio is a nutrition scientist who has done a series of reviews into supplements that work (protein, caffeine, and creatine). We will go through his review and summarize […]
Elevate Your Trail Running Endurance: Proven Strategies for Lasting Performance

by Coach Nicole Ford Trail running offers a unique and exhilarating challenge for runners, combining the beauty of nature with the physical demands of uneven terrain. To truly excel in trail running, building endurance is essential. This post will explore effective strategies to enhance your endurance, ensuring you can tackle any trail with confidence. Understanding […]
Master Your Endurance Workout Intensity and Breathing with the Simple Talk Test

The Talk Test is a simple yet powerful tool for cyclists, runners, and triathletes to monitor exercise intensity and improve breathing during endurance training. Research suggests that it’s an effective method for gauging how hard you’re working based on your ability to speak during physical activity. Understanding the Talk Test The Talk Test categorizes exercise […]
Get Race-Ready: A Six-Week Cyclocross Training Plan for Peak Performance

Cyclocross training requires a unique blend of skills, speed work, endurance, and recovery. The cyclocross season is almost upon us, and managing your training load right before and during the season is crucial. The first race in Wisconsin and the national cyclocross series is on Sept. 7 and 8 at the Englewood CX in Fall […]
Something is Always Better Than Nothing in Your Endurance Sports Training

As everyday endurance athletes, our sports are not our primary job. And sometimes life gets in the way of training. So what do you do if you have a two-hour workout scheduled but there’s no way you’ll be able to complete the whole thing? Adapt and do part of it. Something is always better than […]