The Power of Cross-Training: Why Winter Is Your Secret Weapon for Gravel Racing Success
Cross-training isn’t just about staying fit when snow hits the ground. It’s about becoming a more complete, resilient athlete. Gravel racing, mountain biking, cyclocross, and trail running demands everything: endurance, technical skills, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt to whatever nature throws at you. Yet most endurance athletes approach winter training like they’re still […]
Consistency Is King: Why Showing Up Beats Going Hard in Endurance Training
by Coach Paul Warloski You can have the best training plan, the smartest coach, and the fanciest gear. But none of it matters if you’re not consistent with your training, even if your schedule is extra busy. Consistency in triathlon, gravel racing, cyclocross, or trail running is the quiet, unglamorous key to endurance success, more […]
Optimal Cadence for Cyclists: What the Research Says About Power, Efficiency, and Fatigue
by Coach Paul Warloski If you’ve ever ridden with a group, you’ve probably noticed everyone pedals at a slightly different rhythm. Some spin at 100+ rpm (revolutions per minute), others grind away in the 70s. So, what’s the “best” cadence for cycling performance? A great Twitter thread from sports scientist Rod Siegel led me to […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Debunking Creatine Myths: A Safe, Effective, and Beneficial Supplement for All Athletes
Creatine is another ergogenic aid that can boost performance, lean muscle mass, and recovery at the recommended dose of 3 to 5g/day Nutrition researcher Jose Antonio did a third review (see earlier articles on protein and caffeine) on misconceptions about creatine, typically obtained from meat and supplements.. I grew up with the idea that creatine […]
Fuel Your Endurance: How to Choose the Right Protein Supplement for Everyday Endurance Athletes
Endurance athletes, like cyclocross racers, gravel racers, and trail runners, need roughly one gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. Are you getting that much? Consuming that much protein can be a challenge, and sometimes, drinking a protein supplement provides the necessary amount. This article will be the first in a series […]
