Train Smart, Race Strong: Matching Your Training to Your A-Race Profile
The difference between a good race and a breakthrough performance often isn’t talent—it’s training specificity. When a rider crushes gravel nationals or when cyclocross racers dominate technical courses, they’re not just fitter than their competition. They’re specifically prepared for the exact demands of their target event. Here’s the truth: Generic training gets generic results. If […]
Conquer the Ups and Downs: How to Train and Race Smarter on Trail Hills
by Coach Nicole Ford Hills define trail running. They’re the soul of the sport, the grinding climbs that spike your heart rate and the quad-pounding descents that test your control. But hills are also where many runners blow up, twist an ankle, or shred their legs before the finish line. A smarter approach, one that […]
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 […]
Caffeine Supplementation: Debunking Myths and Uncovering the Truth for Endurance Athletes
Caffeine is one of the few supplements that work. For most people, caffeine supplementation seems to benefit aerobic endurance the most, which is great for runners, cyclists, and triathletes. For most people, 3 to 6mg per kg of body weight is the dosage recommendation with more than 9mg possibly causing adverse side effects, like the […]
When Trail Runners Should Hit the Road: Balancing Trails and Pavement for Optimal Training
By Coach Nicole Ford Trail runners love the feeling of dirt and grass beneath their feet, but there are times when running on the road can be advantageous. While the allure of the trails is strong, road running can enhance your training in several key ways. To explore when it might be beneficial to hit […]
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 […]
7 Ways HIIT Supercharges Your Heart, Muscles, and Metabolism for Peak Performance
For everyday endurance athletes, the quest for improved performance like in gravel racing, trail running, and cyclocross, often focuses on long Zone 2 workouts that build stamina, durability, and endurance. However, incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) into your training regimen is as important as Zone 2 work. HIIT, characterized by short bursts of intense activity […]
Boost Your Aerobic Power: Mastering VO2max with HIIT and Long, Slow Distance Training
Your VO2max – or the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise – is a measure of your aerobic fitness and endurance. The higher your VO2max, the more oxygen your body can take in and use, which means you can exercise harder and longer without getting as tired. It’s like your […]
Your Guide to Train and Prepare For Your Best Trail Running Performance
Are you ready to lace up your running shoes and hit the trails? Trail running is not only a fantastic way to stay fit and active, but it also offers a thrilling change of scenery from pounding the pavement. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take on an ultra-distance event, this blog post […]
