What is Cardiac Drift? A guide for athletes
Cardiac drift refers to increasing heart rate despite constant intensity over prolonged exercise. What causes it? In a nutshell HR rises in order to maintain cardiac output despite a decline …
Cycling in the Heat: The Science
We all struggle in hot temperatures. Cycling and running in the heat is much harder than running in cooler temperatures. In this blog I will consider why; and in part …
New take on the classic “Power Zone Calculator”
Everyone has seen the pretty images of power zones; you may have even created one as they are based on simple percentages. A “zone” simply means a band of power …
Can Science find the Optimal Interval Session?
Previously I wrote about why HIT or HIIT training beats threshold and tempo work on a like-for-like basis. You can read that blog here. I also explained why HIT has …
What is the secret underlying the benefits of HIIT?
Today we look at the physiology underlying HIIT training with the aim of finding out the secret of why HIIT appears superior to many other training distributions. Background HIT stands …
Coach: Is Anaerobic Power more trainable than Aerobic Power?
old_but_not_dead_yet asked me about an interesting observation that the power-curve is more highly variable at short durations (eg 10s) than at longer durations (eg 10min) when it looks more concentrated. …
Redefining Exhaustion and TTE
How hard do you find the famous 60m FTP test? Have you ever tried it? Popular opinion is it is horribly difficult. So much so most people are scared to …
Coach: how do I improve my FTP? (A Simplified Approach)
This is probably at the top of the FAQs. I was asked again today by Jake a beginner: “How do I improve my FTP via training?” Rather than go deep …
Training Readiness
On the science of achieving your goals. Did you ever look up the stats on gym goers? Everyone signs up in January but what happens by July? 80% have stopped …
Coach am I stuck in a training rut or normal plateau? (on the science of gains)
Do you feel like you might be stuck in a training rut? Yes, its possible, we have all been there, but other options are also likely. Let’s have a look …
Coach, how do I stay fit whilst locked-down or on vacation?
Most of us have been locked down for months, and some people are finally planning a holiday. So lets look at how you can stay fit whilst you are on …
Coached vs Self-Coached: Is there any real difference?
Today let’s examine whether you should get a coach or go it alone. OK, I am a coach, so I may not be 100% independent on this topic but actually …
How precise is my FTP?
Trouble pinning down your FTP?….this could be why Over on the intervals.icu forum (https://forum.intervals.icu/t/inaccurate-power-meter-or-anaerobic-contribution/1062) Benjamin_Turner asks: “I was l aid off at the start of the pandemic so I’ve had …
Can you cycle AND run (brilliantly)? …on the Science of cross-training
Ask any triathlete and they will tell you…….yes and…..no A regular coached cyclist, with cycling goals…..asked me how much will running harm his cycling (if at all) and can both …
The Magic of Interval Training (HIT or HIIT)
Just how good is high Intensity interval training compared to other types of exercise? Name a fitness trend. Chances are you will mention HIIT training. High intensity interval training (HIIT) …
Sweetspot or Sourspot?
Is sweetspot really the best training method for 99%? Sometimes you can be wrong without even knowing it. You might believe in something 100% and your friends might believe it …
Is FTP physiologically real…or does it exist only in Coggan’s imagination? (updated 2022)
Background Everyone has an opinion on FTP, their own FTP, your FTP, my FTP, their dog’s FTP. There is no denying that FTP has been a success in the sense …
Coach how do I rate as a cyclist from 0–100?!
Have you heard of the Dunning-Kruger Effect? Basically when you have little knowledge you can overestimate your ability but the more you find out the more you realize you don’t know that …
Coach, how much better are Pros and regular guys like me?
Greg Lemond …. Tour Winner 1986, 1989, 1990 I was wondering recently whether Greg Lemond’s famous quote is really true……do pros struggle as much as beginners? Obviously with decades …
Coach, is 1 hour on the indoor turbo worth 2 hrs outdoors?
Today let’s dig into the major differences of riding indoors vs outdoors Following a recent video one of our viewers Curtis M wrote: “Is there any difference in benefit between …
Coach, should I *only* train at base intensity over the off-season?
Over on intervals.icu forum Clive King Asked: “ your analysis for Polarised is very interesting even if I struggle to stay in the Polarised zone in any week (the lure …
