• Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

  • By: Dave Schell
  • Podcast

Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

By: Dave Schell
  • Summary

  • Unlock your endurance potential. The Training Babble Podcast takes a deep dive into the strategy and science behind training for off-road cycling and gravel racing. Host Dave Schell brings over 20 years of coaching and racing experience, including as former Director of Education at TrainingPeaks.

    Each episode features interviews with experts and insiders to inform your training on topics like physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, equipment selection, and race tactics. Expect an informative yet lighthearted conversation filled with practical tips to up your performance. Special guests from across the cycling world join to share their hard-earned wisdom.

    Whether you're an amateur looking to reach new heights or a coach wanting to refine your craft, The Training Babble Podcast offers a master-class in endurance training. Challenging conventional methods, busting myths, and digging into the latest research, this show equips you with the knowledge to train smarter and unlock your full athletic potential.



    Subscribe to the Training Babble Podcast and join our community of passionate off-road cyclists. With tips, stories, and advice from leading figures in gravel and mountain biking, we're here to support your journey to peak performance and beyond. Elevate your off-road cycling experience with us.

    © 2024 Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling
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Episodes
  • Training Check-In with Phil: CRAZY VO2 Max and 5 min power increase
    Jan 14 2025

    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell and Dr. Phil Batterson discuss Phil's training journey as he prepares for an uphill running race. They cover the structure of his training, focusing on VO2 max work, the importance of consistency and adaptation, and the physiological testing that has informed his progress. Phil shares insights on nutrition, health markers from blood tests, and outlines his future training plans leading up to the race.

    Takeaways

    • Consistency is crucial for improvement in training.
    • VO2 max has increased by 10% over the training period.
    • Quality reps are more important than sheer volume.
    • RPE allows flexibility in training intensity.
    • Dogs can be great motivators during workouts.
    • Nutrition plays a significant role in performance.
    • Blood testing can reveal important health markers.
    • Training should adapt based on performance feedback.
    • Physiological testing helps track progress effectively.
    • Future training will focus on race-specific efforts.
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    38 mins
  • End of Year Wrap Up and tips for Kicking off 2025 on the Right Foot
    Dec 31 2024

    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, host Dave Schell reflects on the past year, expressing gratitude to listeners and sharing insights on coaching and training strategies. He emphasizes a minimalist approach to coaching, the importance of flexibility in training plans, and debunks myths surrounding base training and zone two training. Schell advocates for simplicity and effectiveness in workouts, encouraging athletes to focus on performance metrics beyond just FTP.

    Takeaways

    • Focus on doing a small amount of things well.
    • Be flexible with your training plans.
    • Quality time on the trainer is essential.
    • Zone two training should be viewed as endurance work.
    • Simplicity in workouts leads to better tracking of progress.
    • Workouts should be flexible in intensity and volume.
    • FTP is not the only measure of success.
    • Performance at races is the ultimate goal.
    • Consider other metrics like five-hour power.
    • Engage in various aerobic activities during winter.
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    16 mins
  • Healthy Weight Loss for Endurance Athletes with Alex Larson
    Dec 10 2024

    Let's connect! Send me a message at KaizenEndurance

    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, host Dave Schell speaks with registered dietitian Alex Larson about healthy weight loss strategies for endurance athletes. They discuss the importance of nutrition in training, the shift from focusing on weight loss to improving body composition, and personalized nutrition strategies that can enhance performance. Alex emphasizes the significance of protein intake for recovery and performance, common mistakes athletes make in their weight loss approaches, and the concept of healthy caloric deficits. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to nutrition that supports both athletic performance and overall well-being. In this conversation, Alex Larson discusses the critical role of carbohydrates in fueling workouts, the importance of proper nutrition before, during, and after exercise, and strategies for building gut tolerance to higher carbohydrate intake. The discussion also covers considerations for weight loss, age, and gender differences in nutrition, emphasizing the need for patience and consistency in achieving body composition goals.

    Takeaways

    • Nutrition plays a crucial role in endurance training success.
    • Fasted training is not an effective weight loss strategy for athletes.
    • Focus on losing excess body fat while maintaining muscle mass.
    • Personalized nutrition plans are essential for athletes' success.
    • Breakfast is a key meal for regulating hunger and energy levels.
    • Protein intake is vital for recovery and performance enhancement.
    • Avoid overly restrictive diets that can lead to binge eating.
    • Front-loading nutrition can prevent evening cravings and binges.
    • A slight caloric deficit can lead to sustainable body composition changes.
    • Embrace carbohydrates during workouts to fuel performance. Carbohydrates are essential for energy during workouts.
    • Feeling good after a workout boosts confidence and motivation.
    • Proper fueling strategies can enhance workout performance.
    • Building gut tolerance for carbs is crucial for endurance athletes.
    • Nutrition should be optimized for both performance and weight loss.
    • Recovery nutrition should include carbs, protein, and hydration.
    • Age can affect muscle mass and hydration needs.
    • Women may experience slower body composition changes during menopause.
    • Consistency and patience are key to achieving body composition goals.
    • Working with a dietitian can provide personalized nutrition guidance.


    Find Alex at AlexLarsonNutrion.com or follow her on Instagram

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    47 mins

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