Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

Dave Schell
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Unlock your endurance potential. The Training Babble Podcast takes a deep dive into the strategy and science behind training for off-road cycling and gravel racing. Host Dave Schell brings over 20 years of coaching and racing experience, including as former Director of Education at TrainingPeaks. Each episode features interviews with experts and insiders to inform your training on topics like physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, equipment selection, and race tactics. Expect an informative yet lighthearted conversation filled with practical tips to up your performance. Special guests from across the cycling world join to share their hard-earned wisdom. Whether you're an amateur looking to reach new heights or a coach wanting to refine your craft, The Training Babble Podcast offers a master-class in endurance training. Challenging conventional methods, busting myths, and digging into the latest research, this show equips you with the knowledge to train smarter and unlock your full athletic potential. Subscribe to the Training Babble Podcast and join our community of passionate off-road cyclists. With tips, stories, and advice from leading figures in gravel and mountain biking, we're here to support your journey to peak performance and beyond. Elevate your off-road cycling experience with us.

  1. Leadville Recap and Post Season Training Advice

    4D AGO

    Leadville Recap and Post Season Training Advice

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, Coach Dave Schell provides a detailed recap of his experience at the Leadville 100, discussing the challenges faced during the event, including traffic, tire choices, and nutrition strategies. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and learning from experiences. Additionally, he explores how athletes can transition their training during the off-season, encouraging adventure rides, skill development, and mental recovery to maintain motivation and fitness. Takeaways Traffic impacts race performance significantly.Improving your corral position can enhance your race experience.Tire choice can lead to substantial time savings.Nutrition strategies should be tailored to individual needs.Adventure rides can be beneficial during the off-season.Maintaining fitness doesn't require strict training plans.Skill development is crucial for off-road cycling.Weight management relates to center of mass during riding.Vision is key for better control on descents.Mental recovery is as important as physical recovery. Underbiking Your Way to MTB Glory Fast Tires: Mtb and Gravel Tire Rolling Resistance Podcast

    26 min
  2. Pre Leadville 100 Team Call with Kaizen Endurance

    AUG 1

    Pre Leadville 100 Team Call with Kaizen Endurance

    Send us a text Summary  In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast you get to be a fly on the wall and listen in on our team meeting in prep for the Leadville 100. This conversation provides an in-depth overview of strategies and considerations for the LT100 focusing on course details, climbing and descent techniques, weather and nutrition, aid station usage, pacing, and altitude management.  Takeaways The course is 105 miles with significant elevation changes.Pacing is crucial, especially in the first hour.Climbing techniques can help avoid bottlenecks.Descent safety is paramount; choose lines wisely.Weather can change rapidly; be prepared with layers.Nutrition should be planned and executed carefully.Aid stations are for emergencies; have a strategy.Crew support can enhance race performance.Altitude affects performance; manage your effort accordingly.Stay focused and keep pedaling with purpose.

    40 min

  3. JUL 16

    Finding Balance: Practical Training Over Perfection

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, Dave Schell and Dr. Phil Batterson discuss the concept of hyperoptimization in training, exploring its implications and dangers. They emphasize the importance of consistency, practicality, and focusing on fundamental training principles rather than chasing quick fixes or trendy methods. The conversation highlights the psychological impacts of hyperoptimization, the significance of research in training, and the need for skepticism towards new trends. Ultimately, they advocate for a balanced approach to training that prioritizes long-term success over short-term gains. Takeaways Hyperoptimization often leads to disappointment and burnout.Practical approaches to training yield better results than idealistic ones.Consistency is key to long-term progress in fitness.Focus on fundamental training principles rather than quick fixes.Evaluate new training methods critically before adopting them.Simplicity in training can lead to better outcomes.Marginal gains should be pursued only after fundamentals are established.Research should inform training but not dictate it blindly.Avoid influencers who claim to have all the answers.Training should be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

    1h 4m

  4. JUL 2

    Training Truths we Wish More Athletes Would Embrace

    Send us a text In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell and guest Matti Rowe dig into the complexities of cycling, racing, and coaching. They discuss Matti's recent experience at Unbound, the importance of supporting athletes, the chaotic nature of racing, and the misconceptions surrounding training metrics like CTL. The conversation emphasizes the significance of recovery, nutrition, mental preparation, and the broader perspective on goals and fulfillment in the sport of cycling. Takeaways Matti shares his experience of racing and the challenges faced during Unbound.The importance of supporting athletes as a coach rather than focusing solely on personal performance.Racing is inherently chaotic, and crashes are part of the sport.The need to differentiate between training and racing, as they require different mindsets.Chasing CTL (Chronic Training Load) can lead to misconceptions about fitness and performance.Recovery weeks are crucial for long-term performance and should not be overlooked.Nutrition plays a vital role in performance, and under-eating can lead to negative consequences.Mental preparation is key; athletes should visualize potential race challenges.Goals can be misleading; fulfillment comes from the journey, not just achievements.Having hobbies outside of cycling can improve overall performance and mental health.

    40 min
  5. "Will this make me Faster or Slower?" The mindset for achieving great things with Lea Davison

    MAY 28

    "Will this make me Faster or Slower?" The mindset for achieving great things with Lea Davison

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell and guest Leah Davison discuss the challenges and sacrifices involved in pursuing athletic excellence, particularly in the context of Olympic dreams. Leah shares her journey from being a professional athlete to navigating the complexities of motherhood and retirement, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset, the sacrifices required for success, and the need for a supportive environment. They explore the balance between personal goals and the impact of those goals on loved ones, as well as the evolving definition of selfishness in the pursuit of one's dreams. In this conversation, Lea Davison discusses the importance of having a supportive network while pursuing athletic goals, especially in the context of her experiences as a new mother. She reflects on the challenges of balancing training with personal life, the need for realistic goal setting, and the sacrifices required for competitive sports. Lea emphasizes the significance of empowerment in sports, particularly for women, and the hidden struggles that come with high-level training. The discussion concludes with a reminder that hard work is essential for achieving success, regardless of the stage of life one is in. Takeaways Pursuing big goals requires significant sacrifices and discipline.Every decision in an athlete's life is focused on performance.The hard work mindset is crucial for success in sports.Transitioning from athlete to retired life can be challenging.Support systems are essential for athletes' success.Finding balance in new goals is important after retirement.Self-care is vital for maintaining performance and well-being.The concept of selfishness in athletics is complex and nuanced.Making impactful decisions is crucial in a busy life. Your goals are important and should be prioritized.Having a supportive network is crucial for athletes.Comparison can detract from personal joy and progress.Post-motherhood, goals and training must adapt to new realities.It's essential to give yourself grace during transitions.Sacrifices are necessary for competitive success.Aligning goals with realistic expectations is vital.Empowering women in sports requires intentional action.High-level training often comes with unseen struggles.Hard work is the foundation of success in any endeavor.

    40 min
  6. We Are What We Repeatedly Do: The Importance of Specificity, The S.A.I.D. Principle

    MAY 2

    We Are What We Repeatedly Do: The Importance of Specificity, The S.A.I.D. Principle

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, hosts Dave Schell and Matti discuss the said principle of training, emphasizing the importance of specificity in fitness as athletes transition from general fitness to race-specific training. They explore various aspects of training, including building work capacity, the significance of nutrition, the pitfalls of crash dieting, and the necessity of adapting to race conditions. The conversation also touches on performance management and the role of chronic training load (CTL) in predicting race performance. In this conversation, Matti and Dave discuss the critical aspects of race preparation, emphasizing the importance of race rehearsals, mental resilience, and the dangers of overtraining. They explore strategies for effective training, the psychological risks athletes face, and the significance of having faith in one's training. The discussion also highlights the need for adaptability in technical skills and the role of visualization in mental preparation for race day. Ultimately, they stress the importance of focusing on one's own training plan and the value of developing an internal power meter to gauge performance effectively. Takeaways The said principle emphasizes that our bodies adapt to imposed demands.Transitioning from general fitness to specific fitness is crucial as race season approaches.Building work capacity is essential for endurance athletes.Nutrition should be practiced during training to avoid issues on race day.Crash dieting can severely impact performance and should be avoided before races.Adapting to race conditions, such as heat, is important for optimal performance.Specificity in training means using the same bike and conditions as race day.Understanding performance management and CTL can help athletes gauge their fitness levels.Athletes should focus on quality training rather than just increasing volume.Maintaining a balance between intensity and recovery is key to successful training. Race rehearsals are essential for identifying potential issues before race day.Mental preparation and visualization can significantly impact performance.Athletes should avoid comparing themselves to others, especially close to race day.Overtraining can lead to burnout and negatively affect race performance.The last few weeks before a race should focus on rest and mental readiness, not cramming.Technical skills are crucial for adapting to different race conditions.Developing an internal power meter helps athletes gauge their performance accurately.Race day magic can provide an extra boost in performance.Athletes should have faith in their training and resist the urge to overdo it before a race.Focus on your own training plan and avoid distractions from others.

    46 min
  7. Be Here Now: Let Go of the Past, Forget about the Future, Perform Your Best

    APR 18

    Be Here Now: Let Go of the Past, Forget about the Future, Perform Your Best

    Send us a text Summary In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, hosts Dave Schell and Matti Rowe delve into the complexities of athlete mindset, focusing on time orientation, the burden of past performance, the impact of aging, and the role of metrics in training. They discuss how anxiety and depression relate to future and past thinking, respectively, and emphasize the importance of being present. The conversation also touches on the dangers of comparison and fantasy in athletics, and the need for athletes to balance their expectations with reality. In this conversation, Matti and Dave explore the complexities of athletic training, emphasizing the unpredictability of training plans and the importance of adapting to various circumstances. They discuss the balance between past experiences, present actions, and future goals in training, highlighting the need for mindfulness and self-reflection. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of being an athlete and the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on performance and progress. Takeaways Time orientation affects athletes' performance and mindset.Anxiety relates to future concerns, while depression relates to the past.Comparing oneself to past performance can hinder current progress.Aging impacts athletic performance and requires a shift in mindset.Metrics can be misleading and should be viewed with caution.Reality often doesn't meet expectations, leading to disappointment.Fantasy can distort athletes' perceptions of their achievements.Coaching should focus on consistency and doing the work.Athletes often seek control through planning, which can be counterproductive.It's essential to appreciate how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. Training plans rarely go according to plan due to unforeseen circumstances.Adaptation to training is more important than just following a plan.The coach-athlete relationship requires constant communication and understanding.Focusing too much on the future can hinder present performance.Athletes should aim for a balance between past, present, and future in their training.Mindfulness and self-reflection are crucial for athletes to manage their emotions and expectations.Fitness is not linear; it's a rolling average with ups and downs.Athletes should not overreact to day-to-day performance fluctuations.Perception and mindset play a significant role in athletic performance.Practicing mindfulness can help athletes manage intrusive thoughts and maintain focus.

    46 min
  8. You Should NOT Hire a Coach...

    APR 2

    You Should NOT Hire a Coach...

    Send us a text Summary In this episode, Dave Schell and Matti Rowe dive into the intricacies of the coach-athlete relationship, emphasizing the importance of alignment between a coach's methodology and an athlete's goals. They discuss common misconceptions about coaching, the necessity of commitment from athletes, and the reality of athletic progress, debunking the myth of instant results. The conversation highlights the need for patience and understanding in training, as well as the significance of finding the right fit between coach and athlete. In this conversation, Dave Schell and Matti discuss the limitations of indoor training for outdoor racing, emphasizing the importance of technical skills and real-world experience. They explore the challenges of coaching know-it-all athletes, the significance of applied knowledge, and the necessity of simplifying coaching strategies. The duo also delves into various athlete archetypes, including the mind reader and tightwad athletes, and highlight the importance of a strong coach-athlete relationship. Ultimately, they reflect on how endurance sports can positively impact broader life experiences. Takeaways Coaching is about guiding athletes through a structured system.Athletes must understand the commitment required for success.Misalignment between stated goals and actions can hinder progress.Hiring a coach does not guarantee results without effort.The relationship between coach and athlete is complex and requires mutual understanding.Athletes often underestimate the time needed for improvement.FTP is often seen as a status symbol among endurance athletes.Progress in training can be non-linear and requires patience.Coaches often care more about athletes' goals than the athletes themselves.The journey of improvement is often gradual and requires consistent effort. Indoor training can lead to a false sense of fitness.Technical skills are crucial for outdoor racing success.Coaching requires balancing athlete input with expertise.Applied knowledge is more valuable than theoretical knowledge.The coach-athlete relationship thrives on engagement.Athletes must communicate their needs and concerns.Simplifying coaching to three key focus areas is effective.Understanding different athlete archetypes can improve coaching.Building trust and rapport enhances the coaching experience.Endurance sports can foster personal growth and resilience.

    1 hr
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About

Unlock your endurance potential. The Training Babble Podcast takes a deep dive into the strategy and science behind training for off-road cycling and gravel racing. Host Dave Schell brings over 20 years of coaching and racing experience, including as former Director of Education at TrainingPeaks. Each episode features interviews with experts and insiders to inform your training on topics like physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, equipment selection, and race tactics. Expect an informative yet lighthearted conversation filled with practical tips to up your performance. Special guests from across the cycling world join to share their hard-earned wisdom. Whether you're an amateur looking to reach new heights or a coach wanting to refine your craft, The Training Babble Podcast offers a master-class in endurance training. Challenging conventional methods, busting myths, and digging into the latest research, this show equips you with the knowledge to train smarter and unlock your full athletic potential. Subscribe to the Training Babble Podcast and join our community of passionate off-road cyclists. With tips, stories, and advice from leading figures in gravel and mountain biking, we're here to support your journey to peak performance and beyond. Elevate your off-road cycling experience with us.

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