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Endurance Unlimited

TrainingPeaks

The training podcast for serious endurance athletes and coaches — powered by TrainingPeaks. Each episode, we dive deep with elite cyclists, runners, triathletes, ultramarathon athletes, and the coaches who train them, pulling out the science, strategy, and real-world insights that actually move the needle on performance. If you're training for your next race — or coaching athletes who are — this is where you come to analyze how you're training.

To learn more about how TrainingPeaks can help you achieve your training goals, visit us at trainingpeaks.com.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 49 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S8 · E8
    August 19 · 1 hr 6 min

    What Sets Elite Athletes Apart | Scott Johnston - Season 8 Episode 8

    Ultra running and mountain athlete coaching redefined: discover Scott Johnston’s trusted training secrets for building champions at UTMB, Hardrock, and Western States. Legendary coach Scott Johnston unpacks the real art of endurance coaching—where customized plans, day-to-day communication, and tough-love honesty shape trail legends. This episode goes beyond the X's and O's, revealing what it really takes to get athletes to the start line confident and ready to perform—whether you’re a first-timer or gunning for the win. Dive deep into elite endurance tactics, mental game mastery, and the data-driven approach powering the world’s podium finishers. Key takeaways include: - Trust and Intimacy: Why effective coaching is built on deep, evolving relationships, not just spreadsheets or AI. - The Process Over the Outcome: How process goals, consistency, and embracing the daily grind move athletes from doubt and DNF to the top of the sport. - Data + Feedback: Leveraging platforms like TrainingPeaks for daily insight, real-time adjustments, and athlete-coach connection—even from miles away. - Specialization and Specificity: How the best runners prep for wildly different races, and why smart periodization beats “just running more.” - Bouncing Back: Turning defeat and DNFs into powerful learning moments that fuel future breakthroughs. Start your 14-day Free Trial of TrainingPeaks: https://www.trainingpeaks.comBrowse Performance-Focused Training Plans: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/training-plans/

  • August 7 · 49 min

    Peak Access Episode 6 — Taking Women's Cycling to a New Level – 2026 Tour de France Femmes

    Join pro cyclist Ruth Edwards and host Joe Lewis as they pull back the curtain on the 2026 Tour de France Femmes—every dramatic stage, gritty comeback, and the crucial behind-the-scenes support that’s powering a new wave of champions. You’ll get the inside scoop on game-changing workouts, the impact of investment and equality, and the data-driven tools elevating the women’s peloton to its fastest, deepest level ever. Get Tour de France Femmes secrets: Pro coaching insights, real peloton power files, and the scientific training breakthroughs fueling women’s cycling’s explosive rise. Discover how sponsor power, maternity support, and next-gen sports science are transforming the Tour and the women athletes leading it.

  • July 30 · 33 min

    Closing Cycling's Data Gap for Women with Callum McQueen

    Ahead of the longest, most mountainous Tour de France Femmes in the race's five-year history, Human Powered Health Cycling Head of Performance Callum McQueen joins Endurance Unlimited to talk preparation. From individualized workload design to closing the research gaps still facing women's cycling, Callum breaks down how his team translates data into decisions for one of the sport's toughest stages yet.

  • S8 · E5
    July 7 · 37 min

    Coaching WorldTour Riders to Peak at the Right Time | Koen Pelgrim - Season 8 Episode 7

    Go inside the mind of WorldTour coach, Koen Pelgrim, as the episode traces the journey from the physiology lab to the chaos of racing. You’ll get an inside look at what it takes to build a champion—from altitude camps and heat training protocols to how gym and strength work have become non-negotiables for today’s sprinters. The discussion digs deep into balancing “the art and science” of coaching, sharing actionable insights on tapering, team communication, and why trusting data (like heart rate and strain metrics) is key—but personal connection comes first. Key takeaways in this episode: Elite Prep: How sprinters and GC riders train differently for the Tour de France Altitude + Heat: Extend performance gains with modern adaptation strategies Strength & Conditioning: Why gym work is a pillar in today’s cycling programs Data in Action: How daily recovery, RPE, and metrics drive real-time decisions Art vs. Science: Why true coaching blends analytics and human intuition Learn how top coaches prepare elite sprinters for the Tour and use cutting-edge altitude and heat adaptation hacks. Discover proven performance analytics and real athlete-coach conversations that make the difference at the world's biggest races. Chapters: 00:00 – Altitude & Heat Training: Boosting Endurance for the Tour 00:53 – Training Differences: Sprinters vs. GC Riders 01:13 – Meet Koen: Coaching Roots & Early Influence 02:01 – Recent Wins & Prepping for the Tour de France 02:24 – From University Researcher to World Tour Coach 05:16 – Coaching Lessons: Lab to Real-World Application 06:04 – Culture Shift: Structured Plans in Pro Cycling 08:21 – Sprinter Preparation: Specific Workouts & Stage Simulation 09:05 – Altitude Camps for Sprinters: Aerobic & Anaerobic Focus 10:26 – Practicing Lead-Out Trains & Team Dynamics 11:55 – Strength Training: How Gym Work Evolved in Cycling 14:34 – Tapering: Differences for Sprinters and Climbers 16:29 – The Rise of Young Talent: Paul Magnier’s Development 19:32 – Balancing Sprint Power & Classic Ambitions 20:02 – Analyzing Race Data: Daily Effort, Heart Rate, and Recovery 23:43 – Heat Adaptation: Protocols Leading to the Tour 27:47 – Monitoring Subjective Data: Conversations Over Metrics 30:13 – Adaptive Training Plans & Athlete Autonomy 33:33 – Preventing Overtraining: Keeping Riders Controlled 35:08 – Art vs. Science: The Human Side of Coaching 36:43 – Closing Thoughts & Tour de France Preview

  • S8 · E6
    June 3 · 48 min

    Multi-Sport Olympian: Her 6-Month Training Gamble | Anna Gibson Season 8 Episode 6

    Multi-sport training secrets, Olympic mindset shifts, and the art of balancing endurance sports—discover how to build unstoppable athletic versatility. Elevate your coaching or racing with power-packed tips from an Olympian who breaks all the rules. World-class athlete Anna Gibson joins Dirk on Endurance Unlimited to share her roller-coaster journey from track running and alpine skiing to trail, skimo, and elite gravel and mountain biking—often flipping the script on traditional training wisdom. You’ll get actionable insights into how being a multi-sport athlete can supercharge your competitive edge, why chasing curiosity fuels elite performance, and how to strategically blend volume, intensity, and rest when balancing several disciplines at once. Chapters: 00:00 – Anna Gibson’s Olympic Skimo Leap: The Unexpected Journey 01:46 – Building a Multi-Sport Engine: Running, Skiing, and Biking 03:54 – Life After the Olympics: Motivation, Mental Health & Reset 06:47 – From Alpine and Nordic to Trail: Early Athletic Foundations 10:30 – Closet Skimo Training and the Road to Team USA 12:26 – Saying Yes: Olympic Skimo Commitment and Qualification 15:17 – The Role of Camps and Community in Rising Fast 17:01 – Blending Training: Off-Season Recovery and Rapid Skill Development 19:44 – Confidence, Resilience, and Takeaways From Multi-Sport Racing 21:45 – Optimizing Cross-Training: Interplay Between Running, Biking & Skiing 24:18 – Future Goals: Big Mountain Events and Staying Curious 28:06 – Challenging Specialization: Lessons From Racing and Experimenting 29:55 – Leadville 100 Prep: Structure, Weaknesses, and Training Philosophy 35:39 – Sponsorships and Career Balance in a Multi-Sport Life 38:08 – Managing Workouts, Recovery, and Strength Across Disciplines 43:19 – Coaching Multi-Sport Athletes and Advice for Beginners 46:30 – Embracing Uncertainty, Staying Curious, and the Road Ahead

  • S8 · E5
    May 6 · 1 hr 4 min

    The Real Story: Coaching, Contracts, & Pregnancy in Elite Cycling | Sarah Sturm & Dennis van Winden - Season 8 Episode 5

    Pregnancy and Elite Athletic Performance: How Pro Cyclist Sarah Sturm and Coach Dennis Van Winden Redefine Training for Mom Athletes. Discover top pregnancy-safe training tips, real athlete-coach strategies, and how to navigate racing, metrics, mental health, and sponsorships, without missing a beat. Elite cyclist Sarah Sturm and her coach Dennis Van Winden break new ground with a candid look at what it takes to maintain consistency, motivation, and health throughout pregnancy as a professional athlete. From adapting the athlete’s mindset to rethinking metrics and embracing Rate of Perceived Exertion, this episode delivers essential insights for female athletes (and coaches) facing the unknowns of pregnancy and postpartum return to racing. 00:00 – Mindset Shift: From Performance to Health in Pregnancy 04:07 – When Career Meets Family: Planning for Pregnancy 10:17 – Stress, Racing Seasons, and Conceiving as an Athlete 14:56 – Privacy, Career Impact, and the Athlete Mindset 17:33 – Letting Go of FTP: Embracing RPE and Subjective Training 21:02 – Nutrition & Fueling: Adapting Intake for Pregnancy Needs 22:36 – Flexible Programming: Communication and Weekly Check-ins 29:10 – Grand Prix Notification: Navigating Pregnancy in Pro Competition 31:15 – Pioneering Deferrals: Advocating for Maternity Policies 33:14 – Sponsor Support: Contracts, Clauses, and Progressive Change 35:35 – Identity Shifts: Psychological and Emotional Dynamics 38:12 – Planning the Comeback: Hopes and Unknowns for 2027 43:02 – The Coach-Athlete Relationship: Trust, Adaptability, and Support 49:03 – Data Gaps and Experimentation: Building Knowledge for Future Athletes 54:38 – Comparing Experiences: Each Pregnancy is Unique 59:46 – Postpartum Roadmap: Day-by-Day Planning for the Comeback 1:02:02 – Advice for Athletes: Building a Support System Before and During Pregnancy 1:02:41 – Closing Thoughts: Changing the Conversation about Pregnancy, Athletics, and Support

  • S8 · E4
    April 2 · 47 min

    Can You Transform Your Fitness in Just 14 Days? | Ben Day - Season 8 Episode 4

    Heat Adaptation Hacks for Cyclists: How the Pros Master Sauna Protocols, Active Heat Training & Performance Gains. Discover the power of heat acclimatization to boost resilience, race readiness, and recovery in any climate. Pro coach Ben Day unleashes the secrets of modern endurance training through practical protocols and behind-the-scenes stories from Girona, Boulder, and the pro peloton. This episode peels back the science of heat training—from sauna and hot tub sessions to sweat-inducing paint suits and indoor trainer hacks—and reveals how every athlete, from ambitious amateurs to WorldTour contenders, can unlock cardiovascular and performance gains with just 7-14 days of heat exposure. Learn how to: Integrate heat training into your annual plan for serious marginal gains without burning out Dial in the balance between active (trainer, paint suit) and passive (sauna, hot tubs) protocols to match your schedule Track adaptation using heart rate, power, core temperature, and good old-fashioned athlete feedback for a complete picture Avoid common mistakes—why “more is not better” and the art of nailing your heat adaptation window for race day Whether you’re prepping for a midsummer gran fondo, an early Tour Down Under, or just want a physiological edge, you’ll hear exactly how the world’s best apply cutting-edge research and TrainingPeaks tools to bring it all together. Consistency, structured feedback, and smart scheduling are the name of the game—get the pro tips to adapt faster, recover better, and take your performance into the red-hot zone.

  • S8 · E3
    March 4 · 50 min

    Building America’s Dream Cycling Team with George Hincapie and Bobby Julich Season 8 Ep. 3

    In this episode, George Hincapie and Bobby Julich joins host Dirk Friel to dive into the ambitious launch of Modern Adventure Cycling—a new American cycling team that’s already making waves on the international stage. With decades of experience racing and leading teams, George Hincapie and Bobby Julich share what inspired them to tackle this monumental project, how they overcame challenges in building their roster, and why fostering a positive team culture matters more than chasing results. From candid stories about assembling their squad to detailing their unique approach to high performance and athlete development, this episode is a masterclass on leadership, adaptability, and what it means to create opportunities for the next generation of American cyclists. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes moments from training camps in Girona, their unexpected invitations to world-class races, and the philosophy that guides them as they strive not only for podiums, but for lasting impact in the cycling community. 00:00 Power Analysis and Lap Comparison 03:09 "New Devices, Metrics, Automation" 07:50 "Inside Modern Adventure Pro Cycling" 12:04 "Securing the Deal to Start" 13:43 "Selecting Young Cyclists Wisely" 18:14 Supporting Riders, Building Futures 21:40 "Building a Team We Wanted" 24:26 Teamwork Boosts Morale 27:52 "Coaching: Data vs. Connection" 31:58 "Adjusting Plans for Race Invites" 33:11 American Cycling's Ambitious Revival 36:04 "Performance Priorities and Future Goals" 40:20 Emerging American Cyclists in Spotlight 42:54 "Team Unity Drives Success" 47:51 "Maintaining American Presence Abroad" 50:42 "Endurance Unlimited Podcast Sign-Off"

  • S8 · E1
    January 14 · 55 min

    Transform Your Training with Smarter Sleep: Insights with Charlotte Edelsten - Season 8 Ep 1

    Host Dirk Friel is joined by sleep researcher and sleep coach Charlotte Edelsten, whose expertise is backed by over two decades of research on sleep and performance. Together, they dive deep into the science behind sleep for endurance athletes—addressing why sleep is a true foundation for training adaptations, injury prevention, and race-day performance. Charlotte Edelsten shares insights from her years conducting research at high-profile endurance events like UTMB Mont Blanc, unpacks why many athletes struggle with sleep quality (even Olympians!), and dispels myths about supplements and wearables. She discusses practical strategies for managing sleep during training and competition, including napping protocols, sleep banking, and how to optimize rest at altitude or before an ultra-endurance race. 00:00 "Endurance Training & Sleep Insights" 03:37 Sleep Disturbances in Athletes 09:10 Caffeine: Adenosine Blocker Explained 11:10 Limitations of Sleep-Tracking Devices 13:21 "Sleep's Impact on Athletic Performance" 18:46 "Understanding Sleep Through Sleep Diaries" 20:54 "Supplements Won't Cure Sleep Issues" 26:07 "Pre-Race Sleep and Mindset" 29:18 "Sleep Strategies and Performance" 31:01 "Gradual Sleep Extension for Athletes" 33:39 "Strategic Napping in Sports" 37:39 "Optimizing Sleep for Best Rest" 42:09 Sleep's Role in UTMB Success 43:49 "Fatigue Management for Runners" 47:42 "Caffeine Strategies in Training" 50:51 "Hallucinations From Extreme Sleep Deprivation" 55:12 "Endurance Unlimited: Follow & Train"

  • S7 · E19
    Dec 3, 2025 · 50 min

    Making the Most of the Off-Season: Habits, Strength, and Mindset - Season 7 Ep 19

    In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for an athlete-focused episode on the off-season, including practical strategies to help athletes integrate their training with work, family, and life, as well as building systems that drive long-term success. Instead of chasing peak fitness or pushing for higher power numbers, Matt urges athletes to focus on rejuvenation, consistency, and building foundational habits that set the stage for breakthroughs later in the season. He makes it clear: the off-season is not about piling on more work, but fine-tuning the invisible groundwork, like sleep, nutrition, strength training, and skill development. Whether you’re a dedicated competitor or just striving to be your best, tune in for expert tips and actionable advice that will help you come back stronger, faster, and ready to tackle your goals head-on. If you’re wondering how to structure your downtime for maximum gain, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom on building consistency, adopting a “challenge mindset,” and making off-season training not just effective, but fun and fulfilling.

  • S7 · E18
    Nov 26, 2025 · 53 min

    Building Better Athletes: The Coach's Off-Season Toolkit with Matt Dixon - Season 7 Ep 18

    In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for a masterclass on the offseason—the time of year Matt Dixon boldly claims is the single biggest predictor of athlete breakthroughs. Together, they unpack Matt Dixon’s four-phase coaching model and explore why offseason isn’t just a break, but a critical opportunity for reflection, realignment, and revolutionizing athletic potential. You’ll hear actionable insights on athlete retention, the art of the season review, what mistakes coaches often make, and how to turn downtime into your most powerful training advantage. Plus, discover the holistic habits and “offseason toolkit” that make the difference between a good athlete and a great one—along with practical ways TrainingPeaks brings it all together.

  • S7 · E17
    Nov 20, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

    Neuroplasticity and Brain Fatigue in Endurance Sports with Scott Frey – Season 7 Episode 17

    Host Dirk Friel sits down with Dr. Scott Frey, author, neuroscientist, and psychologist, for a deep dive into the critical role that the brain plays in endurance sports performance. Scott Frey explains how the brain is the "central command and control center" for both physical and cognitive performance, and how neuroplasticity—our brain's ability to change—offers untapped potential for athletes. Scott breaks down how mental fatigue impacts physical output and why neglecting “brain tapering” could be holding you back on race day. Discover the science behind neuroplasticity, actionable strategies to regulate stress and arousal, and why even top performers may be leaving “low-hanging fruit” on the table by not deloading cognitive stress before big events. Whether you’re coaching, competing, or striving for your personal best, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to harness the power of your brain for peak performance. 00:00 From Running to Brain Research 06:11 "From Science to Sport Mastery" 13:48 "Optimizing Performance Through Neuroplasticity" 20:44 "Brain's Role in Workout Performance" 23:13 "Tapering Cognitive Load for Athletes" 27:17 "Training Decision-Making Under Fatigue" 36:13 "Rethinking Brain Training Methods" 38:15 "Training for Resilience and Balance" 44:08 "Brain Signals and Survival" 48:53 Measuring Cognitive Fatigue in Training 56:37 "Concussion Effects and Recovery" 01:00:18 "How Brains Heal Differently"

  • S7 · E16
    Nov 6, 2025 · 46 min

    From Gravel to E-Sports: How Hayden Pucker Found His Edge in Virtual Racing - Season 7 Ep. 16

    TrainingPeaks' Education Specialist, Cody Stephenson, is joined by returning guest and eSport cycling coach Zach Nehr and professional cyclist and esports racer Hayden Pucker—better known as Farm Watts—for an honest, high-energy deep-dive into the world of virtual endurance racing. We’ll hear about Hayden Pucker’s unconventional journey from riding a hundred miles before dawn in Wisconsin to racking up power records and chasing the podium at the esports world championships. Zach Nehr, Hayden Pucker's coach, shares nuts-and-bolts insights on how shifting training toward shorter, high-intensity intervals unlocked Hayden’s next level—and how dialing in things like core strength, fueling, and tactical savvy makes all the difference in esports. The episode tackles everything: race strategy, the key differences between virtual and real-world riding, handling setbacks, and why communication is everything between coaches and athletes. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, coach, or just curious about the future of virtual competition, this episode is packed with empowering takeaways and a wealth of actionable advice.

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