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Summary
In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, Coach Dave Schell speaks with Jen Kates, a strength and cycling coach, about the importance of strength training for cyclists. They discuss how to simplify strength training, key movement patterns, the significance of core strength, and effective strategies for training. Jen shares her background in strength training, seasonal training considerations, and how to build power and resilience. They also touch on home gym essentials, common mistakes in strength training, and the importance of motivation and goal-setting for athletes.

Takeaways

• Strength training can be simplified for cyclists.
• Durability and resilience are crucial for off-road cyclists.
• Movement snacks can be effective for busy schedules.
• Focus on six key movement patterns for strength training.
• Core strength includes more than just abs.
• Proper rest periods are essential for effective training.
• Form is critical to prevent injuries during strength training.
• Home gym essentials can be minimal yet effective.
• Setting clear goals can enhance motivation.
• Strength training contributes to overall health and functionality.

Shift Human Performance

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Summary

In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, host Dave Schell interviews Hunter Allen, a leading expert in the field of athletic performance and nutrition. They discuss the evolution of training tools from power meters to Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and how these devices can provide athletes with critical insights into their glucose levels and overall performance. Hunter shares his journey of experimenting with CGMs, the variability of glucose responses among athletes, and the importance of nutrition in managing these levels. The conversation also gets into the role of insulin, strategies for optimizing glucose during workouts, and how athletes can use CGMs for weight management and performance enhancement.

Takeaways

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) provides valuable insights for athletes.
• Understanding glucose variability is crucial for performance.
• Nutrition significantly impacts glucose levels during workouts.
• Athletes can be categorized as fast, medium, or slow responders to glucose intake.
• Experimentation with glucose responses can enhance training strategies.
• Choosing the right CGM is essential for accurate readings.
• Real-time glucose monitoring can optimize race performance.
• Insulin plays a key role in glucose management and energy utilization.
• Managing glucose spikes is important for overall health and performance.
• CGMs can assist in weight management by tracking glucose responses.

Training and Competing with a CGM

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Summary
In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell talks to sports dietician, Uri Carlson from Inner Wild Nutrition. The conversation discusses how to navigate the holidays, healthy weight loss for endurance athletes, and how to fuel before, during and after your workouts.  Uri dives into the ingrained belief that eating less is the key to weight loss and exploring how this perspective can hinder performance and overall health. Uri also emphasizes the complexity of metabolism and the body's response to dietary changes, arguing that simply eating less can lead to negative outcomes such as fatigue and decreased performance. The discussion encourages a reevaluation of traditional weight loss strategies and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of nutrition and metabolism.

Takeaways

• Why “eating is not cheating” — the shift toward actually fueling performance.
• Yuri’s simple philosophy: science + the human element, not rigid macros.
• Easy framework for fueling before, during, and after your rides.
• Fasted training myths — when it works and why it usually doesn’t.
• How to avoid GI distress and find your personal carb tolerance.
• Signs you’re underfueling (and why evening cravings are a big clue).
• Protein reality check: it’s a daily target, not an immediate post-ride rule.
• Holiday strategies: enjoy the food without guilt or restriction.
• The biggest mindset shift: eat enough to improve performance and body composition.
• Real-food fueling options that work as well as sports nutrition products.

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Summary
In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, host Dave Schell interviews John Karrasch, a bike fitter and coach who has ventured into tire rolling resistance testing. They discuss John's journey into bike fitting, the importance of real-world testing versus lab testing, and the complexities of rolling resistance and tire performance. John shares insights on tire selection, width, pressure, and compounds, as well as advice for conducting personal tire tests. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding tire characteristics to enhance cycling performance.



Takeaways

• Real-world testing provides more applicable results than lab tests.
• Rolling resistance is crucial for understanding tire performance.
• Tire width and pressure significantly affect speed and handling.
• Tire compounds play a vital role in performance and durability.
• Different tire brands can have varying performance characteristics.
• Selecting the right tire involves understanding local conditions.
• Conducting personal tire tests can yield valuable insights.

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JohnKarrash.com

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Summary
In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell speaks with coach Simon Kessler about the complexities of the off-season for cyclists. They discuss the importance of mental resets, the need for tailored off-season plans based on individual athlete needs, and the significance of setting both process and outcome goals. Kessler shares insights from his extensive coaching experience, emphasizing the importance of consistency, managing burnout, and the role of social aspects in cycling. The conversation also touches on planning for the next season and how to help athletes achieve personal success beyond just winning races.

Takeaways

• The off-season can be a mental reset for athletes.
• Different athletes require different off-season strategies.
• Mental health is as important as physical fitness in cycling.
• Setting process goals can lead to better outcomes.
• Consistency in training is crucial for success.
• Burnout can be managed with proper planning and energy management.
• Group rides provide social motivation and training benefits.
• Athletes should focus on their personal journey, not just results.
• Basic habits like nutrition and sleep are foundational for performance.
• Goal setting should include emotional and experiential aspects. 

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In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, Dave Schell interviews Arnar Larusson, the founder and CEO of Tymeware, about their innovative wearable breathing sensor, the Vital Pro. The discussion covers the technology behind the device, its applications in training, and the importance of understanding breathing and heart rate for optimizing athletic performance. Arnar shares his journey from biotech to developing wearable technology, emphasizing the significance of individualized training and metabolic efficiency. The conversation also highlights the common pitfalls athletes face regarding training intensity and fatigue management, and how Tymeware aims to revolutionize the way athletes approach their training.

Takeaways

• Tymewear's Vital Pro is a wearable breathing sensor.
• Breathing rate and heart rate provide different insights into fitness.
• Understanding metabolic efficiency is crucial for athletes.
• Most athletes overestimate their training zones.
• Breathing rate correlates better with perceived effort than heart rate.
• Individualized training leads to better performance outcomes.
• Fatigue management is essential for sustained athletic performance.
• The best athletes focus on smart training, not just hard training.
• Tymewear aims to provide objective measures for training.
• The future of training lies in personalized data-driven approaches.

Tymewear.com

@Tymewear

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Summary
In this episode, Coach Dave Schell provides a detailed recap of his experience at the Leadville 100, discussing the challenges faced during the event, including traffic, tire choices, and nutrition strategies. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and learning from experiences. Additionally, he explores how athletes can transition their training during the off-season, encouraging adventure rides, skill development, and mental recovery to maintain motivation and fitness.

Takeaways

• Traffic impacts race performance significantly.
• Improving your corral position can enhance your race experience.
• Tire choice can lead to substantial time savings.
• Nutrition strategies should be tailored to individual needs.
• Adventure rides can be beneficial during the off-season.
• Maintaining fitness doesn't require strict training plans.
• Skill development is crucial for off-road cycling.
• Weight management relates to center of mass during riding.
• Vision is key for better control on descents.
• Mental recovery is as important as physical recovery.

Underbiking Your Way to MTB Glory

Fast Tires: Mtb and Gravel Tire Rolling Resistance Podcast

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Summary
 In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast you get to be a fly on the wall and listen in on our team meeting in prep for the Leadville 100. This conversation provides an in-depth overview of strategies and considerations for the LT100 focusing on course details, climbing and descent techniques, weather and nutrition, aid station usage, pacing, and altitude management. 

Takeaways

• The course is 105 miles with significant elevation changes.
• Pacing is crucial, especially in the first hour.
• Climbing techniques can help avoid bottlenecks.
• Descent safety is paramount; choose lines wisely.
• Weather can change rapidly; be prepared with layers.
• Nutrition should be planned and executed carefully.
• Aid stations are for emergencies; have a strategy.
• Crew support can enhance race performance.
• Altitude affects performance; manage your effort accordingly.
• Stay focused and keep pedaling with purpose.

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In this episode, Dave Schell and Dr. Phil Batterson discuss the concept of hyperoptimization in training, exploring its implications and dangers. They emphasize the importance of consistency, practicality, and focusing on fundamental training principles rather than chasing quick fixes or trendy methods. The conversation highlights the psychological impacts of hyperoptimization, the significance of research in training, and the need for skepticism towards new trends. Ultimately, they advocate for a balanced approach to training that prioritizes long-term success over short-term gains.

Takeaways

• Hyperoptimization often leads to disappointment and burnout.
• Practical approaches to training yield better results than idealistic ones.
• Consistency is key to long-term progress in fitness.
• Focus on fundamental training principles rather than quick fixes.
• Evaluate new training methods critically before adopting them.
• Simplicity in training can lead to better outcomes.
• Marginal gains should be pursued only after fundamentals are established.
• Research should inform training but not dictate it blindly.
• Avoid influencers who claim to have all the answers.
• Training should be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

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In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell and guest Matti Rowe dig into the complexities of cycling, racing, and coaching. They discuss Matti's recent experience at Unbound, the importance of supporting athletes, the chaotic nature of racing, and the misconceptions surrounding training metrics like CTL. The conversation emphasizes the significance of recovery, nutrition, mental preparation, and the broader perspective on goals and fulfillment in the sport of cycling.



Takeaways

• Matti shares his experience of racing and the challenges faced during Unbound.
• The importance of supporting athletes as a coach rather than focusing solely on personal performance.
• Racing is inherently chaotic, and crashes are part of the sport.
• The need to differentiate between training and racing, as they require different mindsets.
• Chasing CTL (Chronic Training Load) can lead to misconceptions about fitness and performance.
• Recovery weeks are crucial for long-term performance and should not be overlooked.
• Nutrition plays a vital role in performance, and under-eating can lead to negative consequences.
• Mental preparation is key; athletes should visualize potential race challenges.
• Goals can be misleading; fulfillment comes from the journey, not just achievements.
• Having hobbies outside of cycling can improve overall performance and mental health.