The Matchbox - A Cycling Podcast

Ignition Coach Co
  • 4.8 (52)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

The Matchbox podcast presented by Ignition Coach Co - a cycling show that covers training-related topics in a discussion-oriented format. Show hosts, Adam Saban and Kaitlyn Maddox, are endurance coaches with Ignition Coach Co who share a passion for expanding their knowledge of endurance training. They have also competed as elite cyclists across various disciplines and often lean on their experiences competing at the highest level to provide unique perspective into the world of bike racing. Tune in each week to find out how you can find that extra match for your next race.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 195 - Coaching Up Ignition Co-Founder Drew Dillman as he Takes On His FIRST Leadville 100

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own experience with preparing for and racing at altitude as Drew takes on his first Leadville 100 MTB next month.    As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Show Notes Episode Summary In this episode, the hosts break down how to prepare for high-altitude racing, using Drew’s Leadville build as the main example. They cover acclimatization strategy, heat training, fueling at altitude, iron considerations, pacing, recovery, and how to use ventilation data to better understand effort. The conversation also explores when to introduce intensity at altitude, how much training to do while acclimating, and why respecting altitude is as much psychological as it is physiological.   Timestamps 0:01 — Intro: special guest David joins, and the episode topic is introduced 0:38 — Drew’s Leadville qualification and the shift to altitude preparation 3:01 — Training changes heading into Leadville 3:51 — Heat training and sauna use as “poor man’s acclimation” 4:50 — Flagstaff plan for acclimatization before Leadville 6:30 — Weight cut and nutrition strategy discussion 10:02 — Carb needs and fueling changes at altitude 13:48 — Iron/ferritin considerations for altitude performance 15:21 — Race-specific training, tempo work, and threshold preparation 17:51 — Mountain bike specificity and position differences 20:50 — Ventilation metrics and how Drew is using TimeWare 23:52 — How ventilation data relates to altitude physiology 31:19 — Why altitude performance loss is exponential 36:31 — When to reintroduce intensity after arriving at altitude 39:20 — Recommended ramp-in strategy at 7,000 feet 40:30 — Adam’s personal altitude strategy and last-minute arrival approach 43:11 — Course familiarity, descents, and why pre-riding matters 44:43 — Pacing mistakes at altitude and recovery between efforts 47:51 — How many hard altitude sessions to do before race day 49:02 — Respect vs. fear: the psychological side of altitude racing 51:45 — Why riders underestimate recovery demands at altitude 55:20 — Heat training vs. altitude tents and other pre-acclimation tools 58:20 — Leadville logistics, weather extremes, and race-day nutrition 61:25 — Final takeaways and what Drew will change based on the discussion

  2. Jul 10

    Episode 194 - Navigating Wearables and Data-Driven Training Insights

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own anecdotes with the massive landscape of wearable devices.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com        Summary: In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of wearable technology, assessing their real value for athletes and coaches. We explore which metrics matter, the effectiveness of blood work versus wearables, and practical tips for integrating data into training without over-relying on it.   Key Topics: The most useful wearable data fields for athletes and coaches Personal experiences with Whoop, Garmin, and other devices The potential placebo effect of wearables and how to interpret data critically The role of sleep tracking and hydration data in performance Blood tests vs. wearable metrics: what’s more valuable? How to avoid over-analyzing wearable data and maintain intuitive training Encouragement to focus on body awareness and subjective feelings alongside tech The importance of baseline measurements like heart rate and power meters Using daily weigh-ins for hydration and weight management The limitations of current norms in blood work and health markers   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:30 - Common wearable devices discussed and used 01:13 - Wearables that measure beyond heart rate and power 01:53 - Wearables used during rides vs. daily devices 02:22 - Real-time data integration challenges 03:06 - Wearable usage for training impact versus outside activities 03:52 - The utility of Garmin and Whoop for sleep and HRV 04:55 - Using HRV and recovery scores to inform training decisions 06:09 - Research on HRV-guided training and its effectiveness 07:40 - Placebo effects and the psychological influence of wearable data 08:19 - Potential for subjective experience to outweigh wearable metrics 09:47 - The importance of sleep monitoring and behavior changes 12:38 - The psychological impact of wearable feedback on performance 14:36 - When and how coaches use wearable data for big-picture insights 16:15 - The value of blood work and biomarkers over time 27:22 - Advocating for regular blood testing and its potential with AI analysis 30:48 - The limitations of norms in blood work and health markers 31:45 - The benefits of daily weight tracking and hydration awareness 32:04 - Final thoughts on prioritizing blood tests over wearable spending

  3. Jul 3

    Episode 193 - Is AI Coming for Our Jobs?!

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own perspectives on the integration of AI in the world of training and coaching.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Summary In this episode, the hosts dig into a listener question about whether self-coached athletes should use AI to help build training plans. The conversation explores where AI can be genuinely useful, where it falls short, and why foundational knowledge still matters.The discussion covers practical use cases for AI, including quick research, personalized training feedback, and blood work analysis. The hosts also talk about the limitations of AI-generated plans, especially when it comes to nuance, accountability, and long-term coaching decisions.A key theme of the episode is balance: AI can be a helpful tool, but it works best when paired with training knowledge, self-awareness, and human judgment. The hosts close by weighing whether AI is a 10/10 solution for self-coached athletes, ultimately landing on a more cautious, nuanced recommendation.   Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome back and listener question on AI in coaching 0:27 — The hosts react to a funny AI-coaching reel 1:42 — Concerns about relying on AI to generate thoughts and ideas 2:45 — AI for quick research and decision-making 4:34 — Why AI can feel “too good” for writing and outlining 5:47 — Why self-coached athletes need a foundation of training knowledge 6:25 — Can ChatGPT build a training plan? 7:23 — The importance of knowing how to prompt AI well 9:22 — Where AI struggles with edge-case or nuanced decisions 12:01 — Adam explains how he’s been using an AI-generated training plan 13:01 — What an AI plan does well: simple, basic, and consistent 13:59 — Repetition and limitations in progressive overload 15:53 — Why a base level of knowledge still matters 16:11 — Joe Friel’s Training Bible as a foundation for self-coaching 17:26 — Adam explains how he updates his AI plan daily 18:24 — Why coaching adds nuance that generic plans miss 19:15 — AI vs. human coaching and personalization 21:45 — Training AI to be more direct and less encouraging 23:31 — ChatGPT personalities and more advanced models 35:21 — Using ChatGPT to analyze blood work 37:13 — ChatGPT vs. doctors for athlete optimization 39:31 — How much better AI gets when it knows more about you 41:30 — Is AI training worth it for a self-coached athlete? 43:13 — Why accountability still matters for some athletes 44:25 — The human side of coaching before race day 45:43 — Final scores: how much the hosts recommend AI for training 48:34 — Wrap-up and closing thoughts Key Takeaways AI is useful for speed, research, and idea generation. Self-coached athletes need enough training knowledge to judge AI output. AI can build a decent plan, but it may miss individual nuance. Human coaching still has advantages in accountability and emotional support.

  4. Jun 26

    RERUN: Episode 142 - TrainingPeaks Special

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’ve got special guests Dirk Friel and Henry Lutz, from TrainingPeaks, to answer all of our burning questions about the platform we all know and love. As always, if you like what you hear please share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com with the topic of discussion in the email title or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. You can also sign up for the Matchbox Patreon and get priority placement for your submitted questions.   Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies       Summary In this conversation, Dirk Friel and Henry Lutz from TrainingPeaks discuss the evolution of coaching in endurance sports, the importance of communication between coaches and athletes, and how technology has transformed training practices. They share insights on the role of data in coaching, the significance of emotional feedback, and the future of training methodologies. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of coaching in the modern age, particularly focusing on the overwhelming amount of data available to athletes and coaches. They discuss the evolution of athlete independence, the importance of integrating feedback mechanisms like RPE, and the advancements in strength training solutions within the TrainingPeaks platform. The conversation highlights the balance between providing valuable data and avoiding information overload, as well as the necessity for coaches to adapt to the changing landscape of athlete training and self-management. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of athletic training, emphasizing the holistic approach to athlete development, the significance of training metrics, and the future integration of AI in coaching. The speakers discuss the importance of collaboration among coaches, nutritionists, and strength trainers, and how tools like TrainingPeaks can enhance athlete performance through data analysis and trend observation. They also explore the potential of AI to assist coaches without replacing them, ensuring a more personalized training experience for athletes.   Chapters00:00 Introduction to TrainingPeaks and Its Founders 10:16 Evolution of Training and Coaching Practices 20:04 The Importance of Communication in Coaching 28:51 Navigating Data Overload in Coaching 36:14 The Evolution of Athlete Independence 42:07 Integrating RPE and Feedback Mechanisms 50:33 Strength Training Solutions and Integration 51:58 The Holistic Athlete Approach 54:01 Innovations in Training Metrics 57:59 Understanding Training Peaks Metrics 01:00:59 The Art of Training and Trends 01:04:01 Maximizing TrainingPeaks Features 01:12:55 The Future of TrainingPeaks and AI Integration

  5. Jun 19

    Episode 192 - Late-night Training and Nutrition Timing, Polarization Nuances, and New Bike Day vs Run What You Brung

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about the opportunity costs of late-night training, some of the nuances of polarized training, and weighing the pros/cons of new bike day and what to look for in a budget build.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Timestamps: 00:00 - Race day announcement and course overview at Red River Gorge 02:33 - Course adjustments for accessibility and gravel versus road focus 03:55 - Comparing the riding experience in Townsend and Gorge 06:50 - Post-ride recovery strategies for late-night workouts 08:55 - Impact of workout timing on sleep quality and metabolic health 10:15 - Benefits of early morning workouts and routine transformation 13:19 - Nutrition considerations: carbs, protein, and sleep quality after training 15:37 - How to handle evening training on a budget and nutritional tips 17:34 - The importance of sleep for recovery and adaptation 19:42 - Training focus: polarized model, zones, and intensity distribution 23:06 - Avoiding threshold training pitfalls and balancing energy systems 27:35 - The value of periodization and race-specific training phases 33:28 - Gear advice for entry-level racers: affordable bikes and customization options 36:33 - Upgrading your bike on a budget: used market tips and component choices 44:33 - Conclusions: riding your existing mountain bike and considering used components

  6. Jun 12

    Episode 191 - Durability vs Recoverability, Longevity, and Training for BIG CLIMBS

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about the differences between durability and recoverability, longevity in the sport, and training for really big climbs.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   In this episode of the Matchbox Podcast, we explore how endurance athletes, particularly mountain bikers, can optimize durability through training, recovery, and nutrition strategies—whether aiming for multi-day stage races or just enhancing long-term riding capacity. Join us as we discuss practical coaching advice, tapering tactics, and fueling approaches tailored for mountain biking at all levels.   Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction and guest Justin McQuerry on race durability concepts (02:25) Defining durability: stage racing vs. unbound efforts (03:11) How recovery and nutrition influence performance over multiple days (04:36) Training implications for multi-day versus one-day races (05:16) Importance of mental preparedness and pacing strategy (06:42) Considering training specificity and event selection based on goals (08:09) The role of stress management and enjoying rides for longevity (09:08) Recognizing that recovery, nutrition, and training all contribute to race resilience (10:53) Appropriate pacing and mental readiness for stage races (12:13) Strategic planning around event selection and realistic preparation (13:41) Setting expectations and psychological strategies for surprising race outcomes (14:36) The value of a fun and varied training approach for long-term cycling health (15:12) Practical tips for older athletes to sustain their cycling longevity (16:20) The importance of strength training and enjoyment in maintaining cycling into old age (18:50) Managing training structure and avoiding burnout with periodic breaks (20:55) Periodization tips: balancing training load and recovery over weeks (23:20) The importance of variety in training to prevent staleness and injury (24:38) Adapting training based on specific event demands and terrain (27:00) Structuring pre-ride preparations: nutrition, riding volume, and bike fit (28:22) Training for high-altitude climbs and technical terrain (33:29) Incorporating intervals effectively in eight-week prep plans (36:32) Cycling-specific endurance strategies, including micro-bursts and sustained efforts (38:22) Technical bike setup tips for optimizing climbs and descents on enduro bikes (40:27) Nutrition strategies during long mountain bike rides and descending practice (42:15) Tapering and peaking: how to arrive fresh yet sharp for your goal ride (43:44) Final advice: the importance of feedback and continuous learning

  7. Jun 5

    Episode 190 - Training While Acclimating to Altitude, Pacing with Heart Rate, and Ultra Racing Prep

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about how to train while your body is still adjusting to living at altitude, pacing long endurance events with heart rate, and how to prepare for an Ultra.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Main Topics: Heart rate pacing for long-distance races Adjusting training at altitude for optimal performance Preparing mentally and physically for ultra-endurance events Equipment and nutrition testing for multi-day races   Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and how questions guide personalized training strategies 02:00 - Heart rate pacing and maximum HR estimation methods 04:00 - Challenges of correlating heart rate with performance at different ages 06:00 - Adjusting pacing based on fitness improvements and race duration 08:00 - Importance of perceived exertion versus strict HR zones 10:00 - Impact of altitude on performance metrics and recovery 12:00 - Training adjustments at altitude: reducing intensity and frequency 14:00 - Focus on threshold work and aerobic base during altitude adaptation 16:00 - How altitude shifts affect muscle fatigue versus aerobic capacity 18:00 - The necessity of slow progression and realistic expectations for altitude adaptation 20:00 - Preparing for ultra-endurance: long rides, gear, and night simulations 22:00 - Equipment testing, nutrition, and logistical considerations for multi-day events 24:00 - Significance of mental resilience and gradual exposure to sleep deprivation scenarios 26:00 - When and how to simulate race conditions without overtraining 28:00 - Analyzing specific event details: terrain, distance, and logistics 30:00 - Final advice: start heavy, practice with gear, and embrace the challenge

  8. May 29

    Episode 189 - Running for Cycling Fitness and HEAT TRAINING!

    Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about how to convert running into cycling fitness and some of the ins and outs of heat training for performance enhancements.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   In this episode, we explore how cycling enthusiasts can adapt their training routines during major life transitions like becoming a parent, and delve into the practical benefits and considerations of heat training for endurance athletes. Whether you’re balancing family and fitness or optimizing your heat adaptation, this discussion offers valuable insights.   Main topics include: Transitioning from cycling to running and maintaining aerobic base Practical tips for training with a stroller and integrating strength work How cycling fitness transfers to running and vice versa Structured heat training: active vs. passive methods and optimal timing Balancing sauna sessions with regular training volume Recommendations for low-volume training focused on general fitness Strategic approaches for heat training around competition schedules   Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction and topic overview 00:30 - Transitioning from cycling to running post-baby 01:21 - Can running replace cycling engine & maintaining aerobic base 02:34 - Endurance benefits of stroller running & form challenges 03:55 - Transferability of fitness from running back to cycling 04:08 - Bone density gains with running versus cycling 05:17 - Building strength at home with body weight & weights 06:21 - Consistency and routine for returning to cycling 07:13 - Working within time constraints and integrating running into a busy schedule 08:34 - Running cadence, form tips, and injury prevention 09:52 - Structured workout ideas: fartlek, intervals, and hormone considerations 12:11 - Weekly training strategies for runners and cyclists 12:53 - Combining running with longer cycling sessions 13:45 - Short, effective VO2 max workouts for endurance gains 15:00 - Heart rate dynamics in running vs. cycling & economy transfer 16:30 - Impact of running economy on heart rate lag 17:08 - Effectiveness of heat training via active (trainer) versus passive (sauna) 18:43 - When to incorporate heat training in your schedule 22:20 - Optimizing heat training for race readiness in different climates 23:27 - Physiological benefits of heat training for blood flow & VO2 max 25:02 - Starting heat training now vs. waiting closer to race day 26:30 - Practical tips for home sauna use & passive heat gains 32:50 - Efficiency considerations: active vs. passive heat methods 37:38 - Balancing heat stress with overall training volume 40:05 - Using core temperature sensors for effective heat training 44:17 - Final thoughts and wrap-up

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4.8
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About

The Matchbox podcast presented by Ignition Coach Co - a cycling show that covers training-related topics in a discussion-oriented format. Show hosts, Adam Saban and Kaitlyn Maddox, are endurance coaches with Ignition Coach Co who share a passion for expanding their knowledge of endurance training. They have also competed as elite cyclists across various disciplines and often lean on their experiences competing at the highest level to provide unique perspective into the world of bike racing. Tune in each week to find out how you can find that extra match for your next race.

Information

  • Creator
    Ignition Coach Co
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Matchbox - A Cycling Podcast

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