Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for MTB and Gravel Cycling
55 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratingsUnlock 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.
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Episodes
Fast Physiology with Dr. Phil: Muscle Fiber Types
May 08, 2024 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBSummary In this episode, Dave Schell and Dr. Phil Batterson discuss fiber types in muscles and their relationship to endurance training. They explain the different types of muscle fibers, including type 1 (slow twitch), type 2a (fast twitch with some aerobic capacity), and type 2x (fast twitch with non-aerobic capacity). They also discuss the history of how these fiber types have been described and identified. The conversation delves into the energy systems used during different types of exe...
The Player Mindset and the Need for More Female Coaches with Olympic MTBer Lea Davison
May 01, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBSummary Join Coach Dave Schell on the Training Babble podcast as he welcomes Olympic mountain biker Lea Davison. In this engaging episode, Lea shares her transition from downhill skiing to becoming a top mountain biker, discussing the evolution of training techniques from heart rate monitoring to power meters. She highlights the crucial role of mental resilience, the impact of social media on athletes, and the pressures of maintaining a public image. Lea also addresses the challenges female...
Fast Physiology with Dr. Phil: Periodization
April 24, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBSummary In this episode of Fast Physiology, Dave and Phil discuss periodization in training. They explore different approaches to periodization, including linear, reverse, and block periodization. They also emphasize the importance of touching on all aspects of physiology throughout the year, while gradually increasing specificity as races approach. The taper phase is discussed, with the focus on reducing volume while maintaining intensity to keep athletes sharp and ready for race day. They...
You're Training Too Hard!!! with Gravel God, Matti Rowe
April 16, 2024 15:23 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this conversation, Dave and Matti discuss the effectiveness of training by max heart rate. Matti shares his experience with using max heart rate as a measure of training intensity and explains how it can help athletes avoid overtraining and improve their performance. They also discuss the challenges and pushback that athletes may have when transitioning to training by max heart rate. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance of stress and recovery in training...
Fast Physiology with Dr. Phil: Mastering VO2 Max for Peak Athletic Performance
April 09, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBSummary In this episode of Fast Physiology, Dave and Dr. Phil Batterson discuss VO2Max and its importance in endurance performance. They define VO2Max as the maximal rate of oxygen consumption during high-intensity exercise and explain its components, including cardiac output and arterial venous oxygen difference. They explore the limitations of VO2Max and its role in predicting endurance performance. The conversation also covers field tests for approximating VO2Max and different training pr...
Fast Physiology with Dr. Phil: W'(prime), Functional Reserve Capacity, and Vlamax
February 26, 2024 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this episode of the Training Babble podcast, host Dave Shell is joined by exercise physiologist Dr. Phil Batterson for an in-depth discussion about key physiological concepts and their relevance to endurance training. Dave and Phil dive into topics including: W'(prime), also known as functional reserve capacity VLamax, the maximal rate of lactate production in the blood The relationship and differences between anaerobic work capacity and glycolytic capacity How these metrics relate to...
Fast Physiology with Dr. Phil: Training Principles
February 26, 2024 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBUnlock The Secrets to Coaching Peak Athletic Performance All coaches want to push their athletes to sustain higher levels of performance. But building a training plan that fuels consistent growth AND prevents burnout or injury is an intricate dance. Join Dave Schell and Phil Batterson as they break down the essential pillars for optimizing an athlete's development. In this 20-minute deep dive, you'll learn: Progressive Overload Demystified - It's not just adding more weight or volume. Phi...
Maximizing Endurance Training: Volume vs. Intensity, Tech Insights, and AI's Future in Coaching with Jason Koop
February 17, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBUnlock the full potential of your endurance training with Jason Koop, the renowned head coach of CTS Ultra Running, as we examine the pivotal role of training volume and debunk common misconceptions in athletic preparation. Grappling with a packed schedule? Koop serves up expert strategies for squeezing every drop of progress from your limited training hours and setting realistic goals. Our robust discussion doesn't shy away from tackling the big questions - can intensity really replace volu...
The Many Short Coming and Pitfalls of AI
January 26, 2024 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBPeeling back the curtain on AI's allure, we're taking you on a trek through its limitations. Joined by Cooper Bott, we recount tales from our forays into AI-generated podcasting - a venture that sometimes had us chuckling at the language model's poetic flubs and unwavering (if misplaced) confidence. We'll arm you with a healthy dose of skepticism, as we delve into the ironies and inaccuracies of AI, and emphasize the irreplaceable value of human expertise. Especially for those of you who lov...
Unlocking Your True Cycling Potential: Is ERG Mode Holding You Back?
January 21, 2024 16:00 - 3 minutes - 2.33 MBAre you truly tapping into your potential on the bike, or has ERG mode taken the wheel? Unshackle your training on the latest Training Babble as I, Dave Bott, share my unfiltered opinion on why ERG mode could be stifling your ride. Throughout this episode, we scrutinize the allure of consistent power output and expose the potential pitfalls of letting technology dictate the pace. By shedding light on how this popular smart trainer feature may lead to a disconnect between rider and ride, we c...
Conquering High Altitude: Mastering the Leadville 100 with Science, Strategy, and Mental Grit with the Dave and Ryan Bots
January 09, 2024 18:00 - 12 minutes - 8.45 MBAs we gear up for an exhilarating journey into the thin air of the Leadville 100, Ryan Cooper from Best Bike Split and USA Cycling joins me, Dave Schell, to unveil the tactics that help athletes tackle this colossal mountain bike challenge. Ever wonder how high altitude affects your muscle power and endurance? This episode dives into the science of racing above the tree line, where oxygen is scarce, and every pedal stroke counts. We dissect the transformation of functional threshold power at...
Revolutionizing Endurance Sports: The Rise of AI Coaching and Performance Optimization with Ryan Cooper
January 05, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBDiscover the revolutionary ways artificial intelligence is transforming the world of endurance sports with our special guest, Ryan Cooper, founder of Best Bike Split. Imagine having your own AI coach, crafting hyper-personalized training programs, nutrition plans, and race strategies just for you—whether you're a cyclist, triathlete, or runner. This episode peels back the layers of data and technology to show how AI is not only optimizing performance but also making elite-level coaching acce...
Demystifying Thresholds with Dr. Phil Batterson
December 16, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBDave talks to Integrative Physiologist, Dr. Phil Batterson about which thresholds we can actually measure, why they matter, and how you can use them to get faster. Critical Oxygen Instagram
Gravel in 3 Acts with The Gravel God: Recap of Matti's Unbound and STBT GRVL
August 29, 2023 16:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the power of skills work in racing. Dave and Matti take us through their journey of honing those critical skills and how it translated into a game-changer for Matti's racing performance. From conquering technical sections to mastering descents, get ready for some insightful takeaways that can level up your racing game too. We also dive into the heart of gravel races, dissecting them into 3 unique acts. Dave and Matti break down the dynamics...
Beyond the Numbers: The Role of Specificity in Training, or How to Pee off the bike with Matti Rowe
May 02, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBMatti Rowe of Gravel God Cycling returns to talk about training beyond the numbers and the importance of specificity in your training.
The Ugly Truths of Setting Big Goals with Jeff Lukich
April 06, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBDave talks to endurance performance coach Jeff Lukich about the reality of setting big goals for ultra-endurance events. In this insightful conversation, Dave and Jeff discuss the challenges that come with setting big goals for ultra-endurance events such as Leadville, Unbound, and Ironman triathlons, and ultra-marathons. They explore the importance of setting realistic goals, the mindset needed to achieve these goals and the role of perseverance and discipline in endurance sports. Jeff sh...
Power Metric TLAs Part 3: TSS and the PMC
March 21, 2023 10:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBDave and Ryan bring it all together discussing how FTP, NP, and IF come together to make TSS and the PMC.
Power Metrics Explained: TSS and PMC (Part 3)
March 21, 2023 10:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBDave and Ryan bring it all together discussing how FTP, NP, and IF come together to make TSS and the PMC.
Power Metrics Explained: NP and IF (Part 2)
January 24, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBDave and Ryan continue their power TLA discussion with NP and IF.
Power Metric TLAs (Three/Two Letter Acronyms) Part 2: NP and IF
January 24, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBDave and Ryan continue their power TLA discussion with NP and IF.
Top Indoor Training Mistakes, or Tangents Galore with The Gravel God
January 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MBDave sits down with Matti Rowe, the Gravel God, to discuss some of the top indoor training mistakes they see and how to avoid them, but ultimately ends up going on lots of tangents.
Power Metric TLAs Part 1: FTP
December 06, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBDave and Ryan set out to discuss the list of power metrics and three letter acronyms you find on your head unit, training software, and basically anywhere else you read about cycling... they only get through 1. They discuss what Functional Threshold Power is, and isn't, how to test, and why context matters.
Power Metrics Explained: FTP (Part 1)
December 06, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBDave and Ryan set out to discuss the list of power metrics and three letter acronyms you find on your head unit, training software, and basically anywhere else you read about cycling... they only get through 1. They discuss what Functional Threshold Power is, and isn't, how to test, and why context matters.
Power Metric TLAs Part 1: FTP
December 06, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBDave and Ryan set out to discuss the list of power metrics and three letter acronyms you find on your head unit, training software, and basically anywhere else you read about cycling... they only get through 1. They discuss what Functional Threshold Power is, and isn't, how to test, and why context matters.
Self Talk With Carrie Jackson
November 15, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBDave sits down with mental skills coach, Carrie Jackson, to discuss the importance of self talk in sport and life. They also discuss dealing with setbacks such as injury and illness, and some of the tools you can use to shift the narrative. CarrieJackson.com The Psychology of Suffering
Cycling Myths we wish would die... and other stuff.
November 01, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBDave and Ryan discuss some commonly held cycling myths, then go off on tangents about other related training practice misconceptions
Cycling Myths we wish would die... and other stuff.
November 01, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBDave and Ryan discuss some commonly held cycling myths, then go off on tangents about other related training practice misconceptions
A case for Running Year-Round with Coach Chris Baddick
October 12, 2022 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBCoach, and Elite MTB and CX Racer, Chris Baddick returns to the podcast to try to convince us to run year round. Insta - @Cbaddick ChrisBaddick.Com Revo Walking Series: Full Body Warm Up and Post Ride Mobility Bone mineral density of competitive male mountain and road cyclists
Restoring Balance During the Offseason
September 23, 2022 12:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBDave and Ryan discuss the importance of restoring balance during the offseason, getting creative with specificity, and Ryan questions whether or not gravy is a viable recovery drink.
Talking Optemization Mathematics with Best Bike Split co-founder Ryan Cooper
September 13, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBIn this episode of Training Babble I finally sat down with my good friend Ryan Cooper to discuss what goes into creating an optimization model, how off-road cyclists can use it, and what is on the horizon for the future. BestBikeSplit.com Case Study: using BBS to prepare for the LT 100
Honoring your Hunger with Liz Fusco MS, RDN, CSSD
March 15, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBLiz and I chat about some of the bad nutrition advice that just won't die, general guidance on fueling your workouts and races, individualizing your nutrition strategy, and the 5 R's of recovery. Follow Liz on Instagram LizFood.com Athlete Eating Guidelines MySportScience.com Carbohydrate Intake Recommendations during Exercise
Beauty in Chaos: The value of messy data with coach Chris Baddick
February 01, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBOn this episode I sit down with friend, fellow coach, and former professional cyclist, Chris Baddick. We discuss the importance motivation, making the most of limited training time, and training beyond metrics. Coaching inquiries: [email protected] Instagram @Cbaddick
Chain Lube Myth Busting with Adam Kerin of Zero Friction Cycling
November 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBYour drive train is one of the most important parts on your bike, and poor maintenance, or a sub standard lube can cost you time, money, and valuable watts! In this episode I sat down with Adam Kerin of Zero Friction Cycling, a pioneer in independent chain wear testing to bust myths and get my questions answered regarding the best lubes, how to prep your chain, and the best options for off-road cyclist going long! Zero Friction Cycling Chain Prep Waxing Follow Adam on Instagram Zero Fri...
The Science of Pacing with Matt Miller, MTB Phd
October 05, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBI kick off season 4 with Matt Miller, the MTB Phd, a mountain bike coach, sport scientist and inventor of the Brake Ace, based out on New Zealand. Matt and I discuss, typical vs optimal pacing for MTB and gravel events, how braking can make you faster, and how the vibrations of off-road riding might be detrimental to your health. Follow Matt on Instagram MTBPhd.com Validity of FTP in predicting XCO Performance Brake Ace
Is Technology Killing Your Athletic Potential with Alison Powers and Dr. Nicole Adams
April 20, 2021 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBIs technology killing your athletic potential? I sat down with coaches Dr. Nicole Adams and Alison Powers to discuss how over-reliance on technology and data maybe negatively impacting how athletes train. Is Technology killing your athletic potential blog post Alison on Instagram
Riding Fast Inside After 50 with Joe Friel
December 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBI sat down with my good friend and Training Bible author, Joe Friel, to discuss his latest book Ride Inside. We also discussed Joe's advice for the aging athlete as well as some of Joe's top tips for any endurance athlete looking to optimize performance. Joe's Blog Joe's Books Twitter @jFriel
Common Nutrition Mistakes with Dina Griffin, the Nutrition Mechanic
November 18, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBDina and I continue our talk on sports nutrition and discuss some of the most common nutrition mistakes she sees with the athletes she works with. https://nutritionmechanic.com/
Healthy Weight Loss with Dina Griffin, the Nutrition Mechanic
October 27, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBI sat down with Dina Griffin, the Nutrition Mechanic, a registered dietician and sports nutritionist to discuss some of the common mistakes she sees when she works with new athletes. On this episode we dug into healthy weight loss and body composition change tips for athletes who are actively training. The Nutrition Mechanic MySportScience.com Facebook Instagram
DIY Bike Fit with Yago Alcalde
October 13, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBHow you fit your bike is crucial to your comfort, and power, especially indoors. On this episode of Training Babble I sat down with bike fitter, coach, and author, Yago Alcalde to discuss some adjustments you can do yourself, saddle selection, and aero considerations outside of TT and triathlon.
Flattening the Hype Curve with Jason Koop
September 25, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBIn the the kickoff to Season 3 I sat down with Head Coach of Ultra Running at CTS, Jason Koop. Jason has been coaching for over 20 years and has been responsible for shaping the minds of many a young coach. Never at a loss of words, or short on opinion, Koop discusses flattening the hype curve and gives you a 3 pronged approach to bullshit detection. Be sure to check him out on the Koop Cast and follow him @JasonKoop Recommended Twitter Follows JasonKoop.com Training Essentials for Ultr...
Staying physically and emotionally fit during a pandemic with Dr. Amanda Stevens-Saddler and Dr. Nicole Adams
April 03, 2020 23:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBOur world has been turned upside down over the last couple of months and with that there has been an abundance of guidelines and information, some good, some bad. I sat down with Dr. Amanda Stevens-Sadler, (doctor, coach, and professional athlete) and Dr. Nicole Adams (coach and educational psychologist) to discuss how to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, during these uncertain times. In addition to Dr. Steven-Saddlers tips on reducing the duration and intensity of your workouts ...
The Monotony of Excellence and Machine Learning with Mad Scientist, Alan Couzens
March 11, 2020 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBIn this episode of TrainingBabble I sit down with Boulder-based exercise physiologist and coach Alan Couzens, who also happens to be building an Artificial Intelligence driven software that could help you get faster. We discussed how the most effective training isn't necessarily the sexiest, surprising truths brought to light through machine learning, and why some training methods have stood the test the time while others come and go. AlanCouzens.com @Alan_Couzens
"It should just feel good..." Talking Exercise dependance and perfectionism with Psychologist Dr. Nicole Adams
February 26, 2020 00:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBIn this episode, I talk to triathlon coach and psychologist, Dr. Nicole Adams. We discuss Passion vs Addiction, healthy drive, and what drives athletes to train. Nicole's News Letter
"Rocky gets back up." Talking epic gravel adventures with BWR winner Brian McCulloch
February 04, 2020 20:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBBrian McCulloch of Big Wheel Coaching and Elevate KHS pro cycling team discusses his success and failure at the Belgian Waffle Ride, and how you can set yourself up for success when tackling big goals. Brian's winning power file from 2018 Big Wheel Podcast https://belgianwaffleride.bike/ @BigWheelCoaching @BMConBike Hell of the North (County) Movie
Improving Real World Performance by Racing in the Virtual World with Tim Ballintine.
December 24, 2019 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBTim Ballintine approached me over a year ago wanting to discuss a new thing he was working on around eSports. At that time I thought it was a fad and respectfully declined as I rolled my eyes. Then, last spring Tim posted an image of a standing-room-only crowd cheering on two people on trainers, perhaps Tim was on to something? I reached out to Tim to discuss how eSports has grown and continues to grow, the many opportunities for coaches and athletes to be a part of it, and how racing in th...
Improving Real World Performance by Racing in the Virtual World with Tim Ballintine.
December 24, 2019 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBTim Ballintine approached me over a year ago wanting to discuss a new thing he was working on around eSports. At that time I thought it was a fad and respectfully declined as I rolled my eyes. Then, last spring Tim posted an image of a standing-room-only crowd cheering on two people on trainers, perhaps Tim was on to something? I reached out to Tim to discuss how eSports has grown and continues to grow, the many opportunities for coaches and athletes to be a part of it, and how racing in th...
Dominating Endurance Cycling on 10 Hours a Week with Alex Grant
December 10, 2019 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBAlex Grant is a father to two young girls, a business owner, and closing in on 40 but he is not showing any signs of slowing down. In this episode, I talked to Alex to find out the secret to his success. Alex discusses the importance of strength training, quality over quantity, and prioritizing rest and recovery. After the episode, I followed up with Alex because I still had some questions regarding what his typical training mix might look like. Alex mentioned that lunch rides were central ...
Off Season? We don't need no stinkin' off season!
November 26, 2019 10:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBI sat down with Taylor Thomas, Head coach of Thomas Endurance Coaching and host of the Endurance Minded podcast, to discuss the offseason, reverse periodization, keeping your eye on the prize, and more. ThomasEnduranceCoaching.com Endurance Minded Podcast
Building a Performance Environment by Putting the Rider First with Ben Day
November 12, 2019 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBBen Day is a former professional cyclist of 14 years, owner of Day by Day Coaching, and one of the High-Performance Coaches at Mitchelton Scott. In this episode Ben I discuss what sets his team apart from many pro tour teams, how pros approach the off season, the power of the mind, the importance of strength training for endurance athletes and much, much, more!
Strength Training for the Endurance Athlete with Jess Elliott
October 28, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBOptimizing performance and increasing resilience to the demands of sport and life. In this episode, I sat down with one of my favorite people, Jess Elliott, strength and conditioning coach extraordinaire. We discuss offseason strength training, the case for scheduling strength year-round to avoid the Sisyphus syndrome, not building strength on top of dysfunction, facilitating adaptation, building a strong pillar to act as a conduit for force, and the golden ratio of Push to Pull exercises t...