The Mental Game of Gravel: How to Keep Going When the Race Gets Hard
At some point in a long gravel race, you’ve wanted to quit. Your legs felt terrible. Nothing was feeling good. Most gravel racers have felt this: Maybe you’ve had three flat tires, your shifting isn’t working correctly, and the group you were riding with disappeared up the road 20 minutes ago. Or maybe nothing is […]
When Gravel Motivation Gets Muddy: How to Keep Training When You Don’t Feel Like It
Gravel racing is supposed to be fun. That might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget when the alarm goes off early, the workout says “VO2max intervals,” your legs feel heavy, the weather is terrible, and the couch is whispering your name. Motivation is one of those things athletes think they either have or don’t […]
When Your Gut Rebels on the Run: Why GI Distress Happens—and What You Can Do About It
by Coach Nicole Ford Here are Three Things to Know About GI Distress During Running 1. GI distress is common and multifactorialUp to half of endurance runners experience GI symptoms, especially in long ultramarathons. Causes include reduced gut blood flow, heat stress, mechanical jostling, and certain fueling or hydration strategies. 2. Training the gut is […]
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 […]
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. […]
Stronger Breathing, Better Racing: The Benefits of IMT and Breath-Hold Training
As a lifelong asthmatic, I’ve always had to work on my breathing—mostly with medications that helped sometimes, but not always. Asthma has unquestionably limited my ability to reach my peak performance on the bike. Lately, I’ve been exploring new approaches that are gaining traction: breath restriction tools like the Powerbreathe and breath-hold training techniques. Both […]
Halfway Through the Comeback: Three Lessons from the Heart and Gravel Tour
by Coach Paul Warloski We’re now midway through the 2025 Heart and Gravel Comeback Tour, and I’ve learned a few powerful lessons. This year, I’ve committed to racing 10 gravel events across the Midwest on the road to Gravel Nationals in September—all while raising funds and awareness for pediatric heart care. Here are three takeaways […]
