How to Plan a Cyclocross Season Without Burning Out: A Smarter Cyclocross Race Schedule for Peak Performance
Cyclocross season is exciting because there is almost always another race next weekend. That also creates one of the biggest mistakes riders make. They race every weekend, travel every chance they get, push every event as if it’s the most important race of the year, and wonder why they feel flat when championship season arrives. […]
Why You’re Not Getting Faster After 40 (And What Your Body Actually Needs)
You aren’t getting slower because you’re over 40. You’re getting slower because your body is asking for something different than it did when you were 25. I see it all the time. A gravel cyclist comes to me frustrated because they’ve been riding more than ever, yet they don’t seem to be making progress. A […]
Do Hard Efforts “Ruin” an Endurance Ride? What Every Cyclist Needs to Know
You head out for a Zone 2 ride. Then a hill shows up. You push a little harder. Maybe into threshold. Maybe you sprint over the top. And then the question hits: “Did I just ruin the purpose of this ride?” It’s a common concern—especially with all the talk about Zone 2, polarized training, and […]
Racing on Empty: What I Learned About Training, Fatigue, and Gratitude at Gravel Nationals
by Coach Paul Warloski Three Things to Know About Gravel Nationals 2025 1. Even an A Race Can Go Sideways — and Still Be ValuableDespite not having the result I trained for, Gravel Nationals was still a meaningful experience, offering challenge, camaraderie, and perspective. Success isn’t always measured by a finish place. 2. Fatigue and […]
Fuel for the Work Required: A Periodized Nutrition Approach for Everyday Endurance Athletes
Training is periodized for a reason—you manipulate load, intensity, and recovery to maximize adaptation. Your nutrition or fueling should work the same way. “Fuel for the work required” means aligning energy and carbohydrate availability with the demands and goals of each training session. This approach improves training quality, supports targeted adaptation, and manages recovery, without […]
Why Am I Still Gaining Belly Fat If I’m Training So Much?
As an older athlete, you ride, you run. You train almost every day. And yet… the belly fat seems to be sticking around—or even growing. What gives? You’re not alone. Many middle-aged endurance athletes experience this frustrating phenomenon. Several of my athletes have asked about weight loss, so I did some reading into the research […]
How to Fuel, Warm Up, and Recover Between Two Cyclocross Races in One Day
For many cyclocross racers—especially juniors, masters, or those chasing series points—doing two races in one day can be part of the experience. Whether it’s a back-to-back doubleheader or a morning and afternoon event, racing twice in a day presents unique physical and mental challenges. So, how do you prepare, fuel, and recover to optimize both […]
The Power & Pitfalls of Group Endurance Workouts: Why Riding or Running Together Can Make—or Break—Your Training
It’s mid-summer, and that means you’ve likely been getting out with your friends for group rides or runs. Group exercise isn’t just about fitness—it’s a complex blend of physiological, psychological, and social factors that shape your performance, enjoyment, and consistency. Whether you’re in a peloton, a running club, or a spin class, group workouts offer […]
Heart Rate Training for Endurance Athletes: Is It Still a Valuable Metric in 2025?
I still remember getting my first heart rate monitor back in the late 1980s. It was a watch that I wrapped around my handlebars and included a chest strap. The heart rate monitor changed everything about how I was training at the time. And I remember the beginning of the power meter in cycling, when […]
Train for the Heat: How Everyday Endurance Athletes Can Adapt and Perform in Hot Conditions
by Coach Paul Warloski As summer races heat up, so should your training—literally. Whether you’re a runner grinding out tempo miles or a cyclist pushing through long rides, training in hot conditions can feel like a slog. But if you’re not adapted to the heat, it’s more than just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous and performance-limiting. […]
