The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

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Coach Adam Pulford delivers actionable training advice and answers your questions in short weekly episodes for time-crunched cyclists looking to improve their cycling performance. The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast (formerly The TrainRight Podcast) is brought to you by the team at CTS - the leading endurance coaching company since 2000. Coach Adam pulls from over a decade of coaching experience and the collective knowledge of over 50+ CTS Coaches to help you cut throught the noise of training information and implement proven training strategies that’ll take your performance to the next level. 

  1. 7H AGO

    Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Annual Strength Training Plan (#289)

    OVERVIEW Endurance athletes are accustomed to building Annual Training Plans for the phases of their sport-specific training, but are less familiar with building annual training plans for strength training.  If this is you, Episode 289 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast" features Coach Adam Pulford taking you through the steps of creating and managing your annual strength training plan. He breaks it down for novices/beginners, cyclists who are familiar/experienced in the gym, and athletes who do not have access to gym facilities. He also reveals what not to do in various parts of the season.  TOPICS COVERED Three types of strength training for cyclists:Novice/BeginnerAdvanced, for Endurance Performance with GymAdvanced, Endurance Performance, Limited Gym EquipmentStrength training phases with recommended set and rep rangesRecommended strength exercise categoriesWhy cyclists shouldn't get stuck in a hypertrophy phaseWhat not to do when planning strength training as a cyclist RESOURCES Concurrent exercise training: do opposites distract? - PMC Community Resource Center | NASM Heavy strength training effects on physiological determinants of endurance cyclist performance: a systematic review with meta-analysisStrength training strategies to improve endurance performance | miun.se TCC Episodes on Strength Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000587336891https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-time-crunched-cyclist-podcast-by-cts/id1494799053?i=1000509610032https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000728212907ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    31 min

  2. JAN 7

    Step-by-Step Guide to Building An Annual Training Plan (#288)

    OVERVIEW Annual Training Plans are big-picture, long term plans that map out training phases to bring the athlete into key races, events, or time periods with peak form and freshness, which helps optimize performance. For some, these can be fun to map out, especially if you like spreadsheets and planning. Others find it boring, confusing, time-consuming. Either way, in Episode 288 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford takes you through the steps of creating and managing your annual training plan, and also reveals tricks of the trade to speed up the process and avoid common pitfalls. TOPICS COVERED Mapping out your annual training planUnderstanding periodization in trainingUtilizing TrainingPeaks for planningCommon pitfalls in annual training plansRESOURCES The Comprehensive Guide to Creating an Annual Training Plan | TrainingPeaksAnnual Training Plan Methodologies – TrainingPeaks Help CenterPast Episode Explanations:Episode #46 = Periodization, Training Modalties & Planning https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-time-crunched-cyclist-podcast-by-cts/id1494799053?i=1000514294530  Episode #212 - SweetSpot vs Polarized Training (and other Modalities) Explained: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000668322894ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    24 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    Down to Earth New Year's Fitness Advice (#287)

    OVERVIEW The Holidays are just about over and the New Year is about to begin. If you had a ton of fun over the Holidays and you're feeling a bit soft around the middle and bit slower than you'd like, Coach Adam Pulford has some good news! You're fitness didn't disappear and those couple of extra pounds will likely melt away pretty quickly once you get back to normal training. If you've been piling on the miles over the past few weeks, he has some advice for how to start your year, too! All that, and a preview of what to expect in 2026 from CTS! TOPICS COVERED Highlights of the 2025 Time-Crunched Cyclist PodcastsThe truth about detraining and weight gain over the holidaysWhat to do in the New Year if you just completed a big year-end training blockWhat's changing with The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast for 2026!RESOURCES Trainright Membership:https://trainright.com/membership/Coaching Consults:https://trainright.com/coaching-consultation/#Detraining Episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000632564156Detraining Articles:https://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/the-science-of-detraining-and-retrainingMental Health Episode(s):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000555032338https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000555032338About CTS:https://trainright.com/about/ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    15 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    How to Train Anaerobic Capacity to Go Fast and Win, with Coach Tim Cusick (#286)

    OVERVIEW Anaerobic capacity is the work you can do above your lactate threshold. Another term for it is Functional Reserve Capacity (FRC), and it acts like a battery that contains a finite amount of energy that runs out quickly and must be recharged before a subsequent use. FRC is your high-intensity, explosive power for winning sprints, creating breakaways, closing gaps, and riding competitors off your wheel. In the final episode in this series with WKO Data Leader and Coach Tim Cusick, Tim and CTS Coach Adam Pulford discuss what FRC is, how to train it, the consequences of focusing on FRC (you may have to sacrifice some FTP for it), and therefore when and how much FRC work to incorporate into your training plan. Topics Covered In This Episode: Definitions of anaerobic capacity and functional reserve capacity (FRC)Anaerobic Capacity adaptation from 1-2 weeks of trainingAnaerobic Capacity adaptation from 2-5 weeks of trainingWhy FRC training intensities must be SUPER HARD!Recommended interval workouts for FRC trainingWhen to incorporate FRC workouts into your trainingResources Tim at Basecamp: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/tim-cusick Tim on IG https://www.instagram.com/tim.cusick_coach/Stress vs Strain: Difference Between Stress and Strain - GeeksforGeeks https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/physics/difference-between-stress-and-strain/Guest Bio: Tim Cusick is a world-class cycling coach, a leader in data analytics for endurance sports, an educator, and an innovative business leader. Tim works with Olympians, world champions, and more, including Amber Neben and Rebecca Rusch. As a data analytics leader, Tim is an acknowledged expert in the field for endurance athletes. He is the TrainingPeaks WKO product leader,  codeveloper of WKO5, and Instructor: Advanced Training with Data. As an educator, Tim has presented at USA Cycling summits, TrainingPeaks Endurance Summits, TrainingPeaks University, and more. Tim is also the founder of BaseCamp, which is driven by Tim’s philosophy of bringing together the science of data and the art of coaching. His values-based approach focusing on shared vision and team building allows for the construction of dynamic and purposeful organization development. HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    47 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    How Quickly Can VO2 max Increase in Cyclists? with Tim Cusick (#285)

    OVERVIEW VO2 max or maximum aerobic capacity is your performance ceiling, but it is trainable and you can not only increase your VO2 max, but also the power you can produce at VO2 max, how long you can sustain that power, and the amount of work you can accomplish between lactate threshold and VO2 max. In Episode #285 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", coaches Adam Pulford and Basecamp's Tim Cusick discuss how VO2 max training works, the workout specifics necessary to increase VO2 max, and how to turn training into speed for real-world performance.  Topics Covered In This Episode: How VO2 max responds to trainingThe relationship between lactate threshold, FTP, and VO2 maxWhat to expect after 1-2 weeks of VO2 max trainingWhat to expect after 2-4 weeks and 4-8 weeks of VO2 max trainingHow to know when you've done enough VO2 max trainingVO2 max workout structure: interval duration, total time-in-zone, frequencyResources Tim at Basecamp: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/tim-cusick Tim on IG https://www.instagram.com/tim.cusick_coach/Stress vs Strain: Difference Between Stress and Strain - GeeksforGeeks https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/physics/difference-between-stress-and-strain/Guest Bio: Tim Cusick is a world-class cycling coach, a leader in data analytics for endurance sports, an educator, and an innovative business leader. Tim works with Olympians, world champions, and more, including Amber Neben and Rebecca Rusch. As a data analytics leader, Tim is an acknowledged expert in the field for endurance athletes. He is the TrainingPeaks WKO product leader,  codeveloper of WKO5, and Instructor: Advanced Training with Data. As an educator, Tim has presented at USA Cycling summits, TrainingPeaks Endurance Summits, TrainingPeaks University, and more. Tim is also the founder of BaseCamp, which is driven by Tim’s philosophy of bringing together the science of data and the art of coaching. His values-based approach focusing on shared vision and team building allows for the construction of dynamic and purposeful organization development. HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    43 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    How Quickly Can Cyclists Increase Functional Threshold Power (FTP), with Tim Cusick (#284)

    OVERVIEW Following their episode on aerobic training, CTS Coach Adam Pulford and Tim Cusick (Head Coach at Basecamp and TrainingPeaks WKO Product Leader) dig into Functional Threshold Power (FTP) training in Episode #284 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast". This is one of the clearest, accessible, and practical explanations of FTP training you'll ever hear. They talk about what's happening in your body, how long each phase of FTP training should take, what interval durations/frequencies/intensities to use, and what adaptations to expect if you're a relative beginner cyclist or a very experienced athlete. Topics Covered In This Episode: You are not your FTP!What's happening in the first 2-4 weeks of FTP Training?What you'll feel after 2-4 weeks of FTP TrainingWhat's happening 4-8 weeks into FTP Training?Diminishing returns after 10-12 weeks of FTP TrainingTraining intensity ranges for FTP workoutsRecommended durations for FTP intervalsFrequency of FTP Workouts per weekResources Tim at Basecamp: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/tim-cusick Tim on IG https://www.instagram.com/tim.cusick_coach/Stress vs Strain: Difference Between Stress and Strain - GeeksforGeeks https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/physics/difference-between-stress-and-strain/Guest Bio: Tim Cusick is a world-class cycling coach, a leader in data analytics for endurance sports, an educator, and an innovative business leader. Tim works with Olympians, world champions, and more, including Amber Neben and Rebecca Rusch. As a data analytics leader, Tim is an acknowledged expert in the field for endurance athletes. He is the TrainingPeaks WKO product leader,  codeveloper of WKO5, and Instructor: Advanced Training with Data. As an educator, Tim has presented at USA Cycling summits, TrainingPeaks Endurance Summits, TrainingPeaks University, and more. Tim is also the founder of BaseCamp, which is driven by Tim’s philosophy of bringing together the science of data and the art of coaching. His values-based approach focusing on shared vision and team building allows for the construction of dynamic and purposeful organization development. HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    39 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    How Quickly Can Aerobic Training Make You Fast, with Tim Cusick (#283)

    OVERVIEW "How long is this going to take?!" Everyone wants to know how long it takes for the training you do today to result in performance improvements you can see and feel on the road or trail. To find out, we called upon Tim Cusick, an elite coach and one of the data gurus behind TrainingPeaks WKO product. Together, Coach Adam Pulford and Tim explain how training stress leads to physiological strain, which causes fatigue and then adaptation. In this episode they look specifically at how quickly aerobic training results in measurable improvements in VO2 max, along with improvements in neuromuscular and metabolic processes. Topics Covered In This Episode: Stress vs. StrainTwo responses to trainingNeural vs metabolic vs cardiovascular adaptations to trainingTime to adaptation for aerobic systemHow VO2 max increases from Zone 2 trainingWhy Time-Crunched Cyclists need some intensity during base trainingCadence workouts during base trainingResources Tim at Basecamp: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/tim-cusick Tim on IG https://www.instagram.com/tim.cusick_coach/Stress vs Strain: Difference Between Stress and Strain - GeeksforGeeks https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/physics/difference-between-stress-and-strain/Guest Bio: Tim Cusick is a world-class cycling coach, a leader in data analytics for endurance sports, an educator, and an innovative business leader. Tim works with Olympians, world champions, and more, including Amber Neben and Rebecca Rusch. As a data analytics leader, Tim is an acknowledged expert in the field for endurance athletes. He is the TrainingPeaks WKO product leader,  codeveloper of WKO5, and Instructor: Advanced Training with Data. As an educator, Tim has presented at USA Cycling summits, TrainingPeaks Endurance Summits, TrainingPeaks University, and more. Tim is also the founder of BaseCamp, which is driven by Tim’s philosophy of bringing together the science of data and the art of coaching. His values-based approach focusing on shared vision and team building allows for the construction of dynamic and purposeful organization development. HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    49 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    What's Happening In Your Body As You Recover From A Workout? (#282)

    OVERVIEW We all know recovery takes time, but how much time and what is going on internally while "recovery" is happening? How do factors like the duration and intensity of a workout affect the recovery process? What about nutrition and hydration during and after training, and finally, what about those fancy recovery tools and gadgets? Coach Adam Pulford breaks down the science of recovery, what's going on in your body that constitutes "recovery", and how long it's going to take based on your fitness level, the specifics of your workout, and more. TOPICS COVERED Acute vs. Long-Term RecoveryTimeline for post-workout recovery (Zero to 72 hours)Effects of intensity, duration, and frequency on recovery timelineRole of nutrition in recoveryHydration requirements during recoveryProtein for acute recoveryKeys to long-term recovery (weeks and months)RESOURCES Science of Recovery & Timelines:Nutrition and acute recovery Role of Carbohydrates in Recovery Timelines:Carbohydrates for training and competition - PubMed  Two-a-Day Training:Benefits and Risks of Two-a-Day Training for Cyclists - CTS DOMs:Delayed onset muscle soreness : treatment strategies and performance factors - PubMed ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST HOST Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT Join our weekly newsletter CONNECT WITH CTS Website: trainright.com Instagram: @cts_trainright Twitter: @trainright Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    21 min
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Coach Adam Pulford delivers actionable training advice and answers your questions in short weekly episodes for time-crunched cyclists looking to improve their cycling performance. The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast (formerly The TrainRight Podcast) is brought to you by the team at CTS - the leading endurance coaching company since 2000. Coach Adam pulls from over a decade of coaching experience and the collective knowledge of over 50+ CTS Coaches to help you cut throught the noise of training information and implement proven training strategies that’ll take your performance to the next level. 

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