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Fast Talk

Fast Talk Labswww.fasttalklabs.com
The Fast Talk podcast offers the best guides to cycling performance and endurance sports training from world-class experts. Cohosted by cycling coaches and sport scientists Trevor Connor and Rob Pickels, Fast Talk episodes feature fascinating conversations with world-class experts discussing the endurance sports topics they know best: the best ways to train, effective workouts, questions on polarized and interval training, sports nutrition, physiology and recovery, and sport psychology. Fast Talk guests and regular contributors include Dr. Stephen Seiler, Joe Friel, Dr. Asker Jeukendrup, Sebastian Weber, Jim Miller, Dr. Andy Pruitt, Dr. Timothy Noakes, and elite professional athletes like Kristin Armstrong, Sepp Kuss, Brent Bookwalter, Kate Courtney, and many more. Fast Talk is part of Fast Talk Laboratories, a new endurance sports knowledgebase for endurance racers and adventurers.
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Episodes

87: Preventing injuries through strength and conditioning with Jess Elliott

In this episode of Fast Talk, we’re going to discuss four of the most common overuse and imbalance injuries in cyclists and how to address them with off-the-bike work and proper bike fit. Patellar tendinitis, pelvic obliquity, back pain, and thoracic kyphosis, are fancy terms that our today's guest, Jess Elliott, the owner of Tag Performance and University of Denver faculty member in Human Performance and Sports, will help you understand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Nov 11, 20191 hr 46 minEp. 87

86: Listener Questions On Inflammation, Cardiac Drift, and Much More

We’ve received so many intriguing questions from our listeners, it was time to devote an entire episode to answering them. We appreciate the feedback, and generate many future podcast topics from your questions, so please keep them coming. You can always email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 25, 20191 hr 5 minEp. 86

85: Learning to trust the science with Dr. Jim Peterman

In this episode of Fast Talk, we're going to cover: • Basic structure of a research study • Concepts needed to understand scientific research • Understanding scientific methods • Preferences among researchers • A study’s endpoints • The concept of the false null hypothesis Our primary guests are Dr. Jim Peterman, a professor of exercise physiology at Ball State University & Nate Wilson, a former elite U23 racer & head coach at Catalyst Coaching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Oct 11, 20191 hr 45 minEp. 85

84: Pro training tips with George Bennett

We sit down with George Bennett of the Jumbo-Visma WorldTour team to get a better understanding of how pros at the highest level of the sport train, and what amateurs can learn from those methods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 20191 hr 4 minEp. 84

83: Training the Gut with Asker Jeukendrup

Today on Fast talk we’re diving into nutritional training: 1. Scientific approach to figuring out carb needs 2. G.I. distress 3. Race nutrition 4. Why most people can only absorb 60g of carbs/hour 5. Best mix of carbs to improve absorption 6. Dedicating time every week to training your gut 7. Potential health concerns, microbiome, and l-glutamine We're joined by Dr. Asker Jeukendrup, as well as Katie Compton, Colby Pearce & Ryan Kohler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...

Sep 13, 20191 hr 28 minEp. 83

82: The importance of adaptations, with George Bennett

There’s a critical distinction between adaptation and recovery. In fact, sometimes what helps one, hurts the other. Recovery is about doing what you can so the legs are ready for your next workout. Adaptation is about the body repairing the damage caused by training—if the training provides enough stress, it will repair the system to come back stronger. But what’s good for that repair process may have you feeling less than perfect on the bike the next day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Aug 31, 20191 hr 30 minEp. 82

81: The Cyclocross episode with Coach Holicky, Katie Compton, Ellen Noble, and Maxx Chance

It’s been a long time coming, but Fast Talk is finally taking on cyclocross! Today on the pod: - Why cyclocross is so unique to the cycling world - What assets you need to be a good ‘cross rider - The short race season in cyclocross - Unique training side of cyclocross - ‘cross races - strategy, course inspection, & selecting gear Our primary guests today are Grant Holicky, one of his athletes Maxx Chance, Ellen Noble, and Katie Compton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

Aug 16, 20191 hr 44 minEp. 81

80: Properly executing intervals is hard; keep your training plan simple

Complex training prescriptions are becoming increasingly popular. In this episode, we ask the question: Does it really need to be that complex? What do you gain from this complexity? With the help of seven different experts — coaches, scientists, and athletes — we’re going to try to make three key points: 1) human physiology is very complex; 2) properly executing intervals is very difficult; 3) but, the prescription should be simple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 02, 20191 hr 50 minEp. 80

79: Playing the Energy Game with Colby Pearce

In this episode, we discuss how to use energy most effectively. We’ll define energy and discuss the pros and cons of trying to measure it. We’ll dive into all the ways you can unnecessarily waste energy including responding to every move, riding in the washing machine, poor positioning, and riding on the front for no reason. After we talk about all the ways you can waste energy, we’ll flip it around and talk about ways to save energy! Our guests today are Colby Pearce, Sepp Kuss, and Bruce Bird....

Jul 19, 20191 hr 37 minEp. 79

78: The demands of the Tour de France with Ciaran O'Grady

For three weeks every July we watch the best bike racers in the world tear themselves apart for four-plus hours per day at the Tour de France. Could we ever do something like that? What exactly does it take to race the Tour — physiologically, mentally, spiritually? Each day these phenomenal athletes race an event that would shatter most of us in just one day. It’s a feat that’s hard to comprehend, so today we’ll try to give a sense of what it takes to race the Tour. Learn more about your ad choi...

Jul 12, 20191 hr 19 minEp. 78

77: Avoiding the big mistakes even pros make, with Dr. Andy Pruitt and Frankie Andreu

We all make mistakes. No one trains and races perfectly, which can be frustrating when so often those mistakes are made out of honest effort and a desire to perform at our best. In episode 77, we’re going to talk about some of the most common mistakes that we see in athletes — even pros. And we’re going to hear from a variety of athletes, coaches, and experts who have been around the block a few times. They know all the mistakes, but more importantly they know what to do about them. Learn more a...

Jun 28, 20191 hr 36 minEp. 77

76: When to push and when to pull the plug, with Kate Courtney and Whoop

Effective training is a balance between stressing our systems and recovery. While training does damage, it’s in recovery that we repair and get stronger. We dive into the recovery side of the training-recovery concept and talk about, first, the fundamental principle of training called super-compensation. Then, how to know when the balance between training and recovery goes too far. Then we’ll discuss ways of measuring recovery, including resting heart rate and heart rate variability. Learn more ...

Jun 14, 20191 hr 32 minEp. 76

75: High intensity training, with Dr. Stephen Seiler

In episode 75, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Seiler, one of the top exercise physiologists working today. Dr. Seiler has talked with us previously about the polarized, or 80/20, model of endurance training. He’s shared his thoughts on zone models, and he’s helped us understand how slow your “slow” should be. You’ve sent us more questions about those two episodes than any other episodes we’ve done, but the most common question has been “when’s part 3?” Well, this is that episode on the othe Learn m...

May 31, 20191 hr 37 minEp. 75

74: Why women are not small men, with Dr. Stacy Sims

In episode 74, we speak with Dr. Stacy Sims about the numerous and complex differences between male and female physiology, and the significant impact that has on women's training and performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 17, 20191 hr 17 minEp. 74

73: How to balance your VLamax, with Sebastian Weber

In episode 73, we talk about the important balance between our aerobic and glycolytic energy systems and why they may require a little give and take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 03, 20191 hr 19 minEp. 73

70: Finding your strengths through failure, with Armando Mastracci

The days when training software simply showed a power & heart rate curve are a distant memory. Whether you use TrainingPeaks, Golden Cheetah, or some other software, you’ll know that nowadays basic data is mined to reveal a wealth of information about your physiology, strengths, and training. All software packages have moved beyond FTP as the sole parameter used to define an athlete, which we get into today. Our primary guest is Armando Mastracci, joined by Colby Pearce, Brent Bookwalter &am...

Mar 22, 20191 hr 20 minEp. 70

69: Functional training with Menachem Brodie

What is functional training? And why this buzz phrase is often misunderstood, and why cycling seems to be way behind the curve. We get into the two main benefits of functional work: improving your neuromuscular performance on the bike and preventing injury. Next, we discuss how to evaluate functional fitness and why you should consider having the help of an expert. Our primary guest today is Menachem Brodie, joined later by Jess Elliot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

Mar 08, 20191 hr 27 minEp. 69

68: The big picture — the three types of rides you should do

In this episode we're playing the humble role of science communicators, to make sure we get the message right. We’ve also sifted through hours of Fast Talk recordings with our many distinguished guests to bring context to what we hope is a simplified, unified message about the fundamental principles of these previous shows: there are just three types of rides. We’ll hear several times from experts Dr. Stephen Seiler, Dr. John Hawley, Grant Holicky, and finally Joe Friel. Learn more about your ad...

Feb 22, 20191 hr 36 minEp. 68

67: What is VLamax? With Sebastian Weber

Today we take a close look at physiological testing and we address ways it can have a significant impact on how you train, and how quickly you progress. First, we define FTP, and why it may not be the be-all-end-all of training. If you have an FTP of 350 watts, you should be proud. We talk also about VO2max testing and most importantly, how to apply all of these tests to improve your ride. Our primary guest today is physiologist Sebastian Weber, Armando Mastracci, Neal Henderson, and Rebecca Rus...

Feb 08, 201958 minEp. 67

66: Demystifying periodization with Joe Friel

Periodization is, in many ways, the pinnacle of advanced training. Taking the steps to periodize graduates you to a professional approach, one with purpose, long-term vision &organized planning Today we’ll discuss: - What exactly is periodization? - The history of periodization. - Reverse periodization. - Non-linear forms of periodization - Tips on how to pick a periodization strategy that’s right for you Our guest is coach Joe Friel, author of "The Cyclists Training Bible." Learn more about...

Jan 26, 20191 hr 9 minEp. 66

65: Debunking supplements — what works, and what doesn’t?

In episode 65, we discuss our concerns with supplements, then focus on some foods with proven benefits. Our primary guest is Ryan Kohler, manager of the University of Colorado Sports Medicine & Performance Center. We also talk with coach Joe Friel, author of "The Cyclists Training Bible." Finally, we hear from endurance mountain biker Rebecca Rusch and Apex Coaching owner Neal Henderson. They’ll each give us their thoughts on supplements and a few things they’ve found that work. Learn more a...

Jan 11, 20191 hr 9 minEp. 65

64: Inside the Canadian team’s world championship success, with Mike Woods and Rob Britton

In episode 64, bronze medalist Mike Woods and his teammate Rob Britton share their successes at the Innsbruck world championships. We also got to catch up with Mike's coach Paulo Saldahna. Despite his remarkable coaching success, Paulo points out that coaching is only one of the many hats he wears. He is also the owner of the successful indoor training company PowerWatts and is an endurance sport physiologist by trade in Montreal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 28, 20181 hr 23 minEp. 64

63: Training gift ideas with Colby Pearce and Frank Overton

It’s the holidays and if you’re like us, right about now, you’re scrambling for gift ideas. Today we’ll talk about: - The Whoop recovery strap. - The Normatec recovery system. - Power meters. - The Leomo Type-R. Our guests today are coach Colby Pearce along with FasCat owner and coach Frank Overton. In addition, we’ll talk with professional cyclist Rebecca Rusch and Apex Coaching owner Neal Henderson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 20181 hr 22 minEp. 63

62: Listener questions on short rides, diet, vegetable oils, and training sub-threshold

We’ve been getting a ton of questions from listeners, and many of them have had similar themes. (We appreciate the feedback, look forward to your questions, and generate many future podcast topics from them, so please keep them coming.) While you’re waiting for future episodes with deeper answers, we’d like to give you some short answers now to tide you over. Today we’ll answer questions about diet, the value of short easy rides, sub-threshold work in a polarized training model, and inflammation...

Dec 07, 201838 minEp. 62

61: Do you need a coach? With Neal Henderson and Rebecca Rusch

Do you need a coach? Today we’ll talk about the relationship athletes have with their coaches — what makes a good relationship and what makes a bad one. After we’ve defined that relationship, we’ll ask our panel what to look for in a good coach. And, conversely, how to identify a bad coach. Finally, we’ll talk briefly about how much coaching is worth & whether an athlete should stick with the same coach or change occasionally. Our panelists include coach Neal Henderson & endurance athlet...

Nov 30, 20181 hr 16 minEp. 61

60: Rethinking the science of trainers

In episode 60 we’re discussing trainers… we’ll tell you why you shouldn’t completely ignore them. For those who love them, we’re going to tell you why riding outside every once in a while is a really good thing. For those in between, today’s episode will offer a wealth of knowledge on how to get the very most out of trainer time. Our guests today are Ciaran O’Grady, Tim Johnson. Trevor also caught up with Jacob Fraser from Zwift and Kevin Poulton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Nov 17, 20181 hr 20 minEp. 60

59: Preventing cycling’s most common injuries, with Dr. Andy Pruitt

In this day and age, most of the common overuse injuries in cycling can be addressed and prevented. It just requires the proper precautions — such as getting regular bike fits and doing off-the-bike strength work. Our primary guest today is Dr. Andy Pruitt. He is a bike fit guru who invented the Body Geometry fit system and continues to design ergonomic products for Specialized. He is the author of “Andy Pruitt’s Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists.” We also speak with Evan Huffman & Colby P...

Nov 01, 20181 hr 18 minEp. 59

58: Inside Colby Pearce’s world record hour attempt

In episode 58, we talked with Colby Pearce about what it takes to make an attempt at the hour record on the track. Not long after, Pearce set the master’s 45-49 world record with a scorching 50.245 kilometer effort. For this special episode, we caught up with him to discuss his successful attempt, the training he did, the difficulties of selecting gears and training on a track that was different from the one where he set the record, and how he managed the pain Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Oct 26, 201833 minEp. 58
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