The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

CTS
  • 4.5 (113)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    How to Climb Faster Without Increasing FTP

    Climbing faster isn’t always about increasing FTP or producing bigger power numbers. In this episode, CTS Coach Adam Pulford breaks down the pacing strategies, tactics, fueling, and key workouts that help cyclists climb faster with the fitness they already have. 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. The Problem with Chasing Data - RPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsywx731ki0 ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/

    15 min

  2. May 25

    Why Data Alone Won’t Make You Faster

    Endurance athletes have access to more data than ever before, but data alone doesn’t guarantee better decisions. In this episode, CTS Coach Adam Pulford breaks down the role of Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE) in training and racing, and why internal awareness remains one of the most important skills an athlete can develop. We cover pacing, training zones, effort calibration, common mistakes athletes make with RPE, and how to integrate subjective feedback with power and heart rate for better long-term performance. Wattage tells you what you did, RPE tells you what it cost. 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. ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: https://trainright.com/rpe-rating-of-perceived-exertion-in-training-and-racing/https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2001/02000/a_new_approach_to_monitoring_exercise_training.19.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2017.00612/full?utm_source=researchgate.net&utm_medium=articlehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10422765/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1341972/full?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://support.trainerroad.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021324932-RPE-Key-Explained

    15 min

  3. May 18

    These Habits Are Quietly Killing Your Recovery

    Recovery isn’t just about what happens right after training, it’s about all the little things between sessions that add up. In this episode, CTS Coach Adam Pulford breaks down the habits that quietly interfere with adaptation and leave athletes carrying more fatigue than they realize. We cover sleep, fueling, easy day intensity, stress management, post-workout recovery, and why the basics matter far more than expensive recovery gadgets or trends. 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. ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: Recovery Podcast with Christie Aschwandan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000722793917 The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/Loving What Is by Byron Katie: https://thework.com/loving-what-is-revised-edition/Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsSport Psychologist: Dr Justin Ross: https://trainright.com/mental-health-skills-sports-performance-justin-ross/https://www.drjustinross.com/Recovery Window & Nutrient Timing: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3577439/https://www.mysportscience.com/post/2015/06/30/nutrition-and-acute-recoveryInfrared Sauna; Marginal Gains: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10286597/

    16 min

  4. May 11

    What “High Quality Training” Actually Means

    Quality training is often reduced to intensity, but that’s only part of the picture. In this episode, CTS Coach Adam Pulford breaks down what high-quality training actually looks like and why it’s often misunderstood. We cover the three pillars of high-quality training: the process, the result, and yes, the FUN! You’ll learn why pushing harder isn’t the answer, how to close the intention–execution gap, and how to structure rides that actually move your fitness forward. 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. ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/18/5/article-p557.xmlAlex Hutchinson Interview: https://trainright.com/elastic-limits-human-performance-alex-hutchinson/

    8 min

  5. May 4

    You Don’t Have a Fitness Problem, You Have a Durability Problem

    Most athletes focus on how strong they are when fresh. But performance is defined by what holds up as fatigue accumulates. In this episode, we break down durability: what it is, how to measure it through fatigue resistance, and why it’s one of the most overlooked performance variables in endurance sport. We also cover how to train it effectively so you can maintain power, make better decisions late in races, and perform when it matters most. 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. ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: Trainright.comDurability as an independent parameter of endurance performance in cycling - PMCDurability as an index of endurance exercise performance: Methodological considerations - PMC82. HOW TO TRAIN DURABILITY? - Knowledgeiswatt EnglishFatigue Resistance or Durability in Cycling: Tests & Training Tips — High North PerformanceRace Stronger, Longer: How to Build Fatigue ResistanceWhy Every Masters Cyclist Should Test Durability (Not Just FTP)

    15 min

  6. Apr 27

    Why You Shouldn’t Train Alone All the Time

    Training alone might feel productive, but it’s not always the most effective way to improve. In this episode, CTS Coach Adam Pulford explores the concept of social facilitation and how training with others can enhance performance, motivation, and skill development. We also cover when group rides can backfire, how to find the right balance between solo and group training, and how to structure your week to get the most out of both. CTS Camp Schedule:  https://trainright.com/camps/ ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ 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. Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: Social Facilitation Theory In PsychologyMihály Csíkszentmihályi:Book: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience: Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly: 8580001046242: Amazon.com: BooksOnline PDF: Mihaly-Csikszentmihalyi-Flow.pdfConcept: Mihály Csíkszentmihályi: The Father of FlowOnline Audio Book: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi · Audiobook previewBrad Huff & Project Dudeman:https://www.tulsatough.com/project-dudemanhttps://www.bikereg.com/project-dudemanhttps://tulsaflyer.org/2026/04/02/culture/post/project-dudeman-cycling-tulsa/Bike Clubs | Bike Rides Near Me | USA Cycling:https://usacycling.sport80.com/public/widget/1

    15 min

  7. Apr 20

    Why You’re Overcomplicating Endurance Training

    Zone 2 training has become increasingly complicated, with subzones like 2a, 2b, and even 2c being thrown around. But does any of that actually improve your training? In this episode, we break down what Zone 2 really is, why most of this added complexity is unnecessary, and how to organize your endurance training more effectively. The goal is simple: build aerobic fitness without overthinking it. When it comes to endurance, simplicity done consistently beats complexity every time. ​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ 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. Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: Trainright.comCycling Power Zones ExplainedCycling Training Zones: A Detailed Guide — High North PerformanceTrainright Guide to Heart Rate Training for Cycling - CTS   Cycling Power Zones: Training Zones Explained - TrainerRoad Bloghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000700902926

    13 min

  8. Apr 13

    Why Shorter Rest Periods Lead to Bigger Gains (#300)

    Most cyclists think they need more volume or more power to improve. Coach Adam Pulford explains why that’s not always the case and how training density (doing the same work with less recovery) is one of the most effective ways to build durability, increase repeatability, and break through performance plateaus. Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/ 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. Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/ Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/ Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/ Resources: What Training Density Is and Why It Matters for Time-Crunched Cyclists Durability and repeatability of professional cyclists during a Grand TourFatigue Resistance or Durability in Cycling: Tests & Training Tips — High North Performance

    12 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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