Shows
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSHow to Build VO2 max Year Round! (#293)OVERVIEWShould cyclists incorporate VO2 max work year round or focus VO2 max work on only select periods of the year? Coach Adam Pulford tackles this listener question in Episode 293 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast". Key ideas include the fact that VO2 max is influenced by training at several different intensities, so you can work on VO2 max without always doing high-intensity intervals. When it comes to high-intensity intervals, Coach Adam provides guidance on scheduling workouts and rest days, provides examples of effective VO2 max interval workouts, and when it makes sense to adjust annual periodization...
2026-02-1125 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSHow 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...
2025-12-0349 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSWhat's Happening In Your Body As You Recover From A Workout? (#282)OVERVIEWWe 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...
2025-11-2621 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSGoing Pro: The Data Behind Nathan Cusack's Journey From Juniors to EF Education-AevoloOVERVIEWNathan Cusack is an emerging talent in road racing, having won his first European race in 2025, racing for Team USA at Tour de l'Avenir, and ending the season by signing on with EF Education-Aevolo. Nathan has been a CTS Athlete coached by Adam Pulford for four years, and as he makes his transition to the U23 Elite ranks and a top international development team, it's time to take a look at what it takes to go from Junior to Pro in cycling. In Episode 281, Coach Adam Pulford and Nathan reveal the power numbers r...
2025-11-1957 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSCycling While Deaf: How This CTS Athlete Trains, Wins, and Prepares for the DeaflympicsOVERVIEWCyclists rely on their sense of hearing more than you might imagine, to hear traffic coming, to communicate with fellow riders during group rides and races, to listen for gear shifts and labored breathing from competitors, and even to discern wind direction. Dmitry Rossoshansky doesn't hear any of that, nor does he hear your pleas for mercy when he's crushing it at the front! In Episode #280 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Dima and CTS Coach Adam Pulford, with the assistance of sign language interpreters Maureen Plonk and Courtney Szymanski, discuss navigating group rides a...
2025-11-1239 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSCreatine: What Cyclists Need To Know To Benefit From Creatine SupplementationOVERVIEWCreatine is one of the most researched supplements available, it's safe to consume, and it has been receiving renewed interest in endurance cycling. Although it's not incredibly useful for improving low-intensity aerobic performance, it can be beneficial for high-intensity efforts in training and competition, may have cognitive benefits and some recovery benefits. In "Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast" style, Coach Adam Pulford provides the need-to-know information about creatine for endurance cyclists in this 18-minute episode.TOPICS COVEREDWhat creatine is and what it does in the bodyHow much creatine athletes need and...
2025-11-0518 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSDo What AI Can't: How To Adjust Your Workout In Real Time (#277)OVERVIEWCan AI optimize your training by determining if you should do more or fewer intervals than prescribed today? Artificial Intelligence can do a lot of things, but it's not great (yet) at advising changes to your workouts in real time. Coach Adam Pulford details the factors he considers when deciding to scale up, maintain, or scale down an athlete's daily training. More important, he teaches you how to evaluate your workout in real time.TOPICS COVEREDWhat makes up a good training plan and process?Factors to consider when deciding...
2025-10-2215 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTraining, Strategy, and Demands of Timed-Segment Racing vs. Traditional RacingOVERVIEWTimed-segment racing might be your new favorite competition format! Coach Adam Pulford and CTS Athlete Camilo Lopez discuss their experiences at Gran Fondo Maryland, which featured five timed-segments rather than a start-to-finish competition format. They reveal the key differences in effort level, physical demands, strategies, cycling skills, and even nutrition and pacing between timed-segment racing and start-to-finish racing. NOTE: The 2026 Gran Fondo National Series Calendar is live and registration is open for all six of their annual events, including the 2026 Gran Fondo National Championships.Topics Covered In This Episode:
2025-10-151h 06The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSHow To Leverage Late-Season Fitness For Big GainsOVERVIEWThe end of the summer cycling season is the best time to leverage a season's worth of fitness and training without the pressure of upcoming goals. It's the time when you can go have epic adventures, work on performance limiters, go hunting for Strava PRs and KOM/QOMs, complete end-of-season performance tests, and much more. Coach Adam Pulford helps you decide whether to take a break (some people need it, others don't), and how to make the most of the days when the weather is still warm and there's still abundant daylight....
2025-10-0813 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSScribble Outside the Lines: How Imperfect Training Makes Faster Cyclists (#274)OVERVIEWFollowing a training plan is better than training haphazardly, but how closely do you need to follow the letter of the plan? In Episode 274 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford discusses the benefits and necessity of not following the plan to a T, when that’s ok, when it’s not, and how to adjust daily training sessions based on how you're feeling while still sticking to the vision and progression of a bigger plan.TOPICS COVEREDWhat flexibility means in endurance trainingExamples: hard day planned and don't feel...
2025-10-0114 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSIs FTP Dead? Is Critical Power the Cyclist's Next Great Training Metric? (#270)OVERVIEWCody Stephenson is the Education Program Manager at TrainingPeaks, meaning he teaches coaches how to properly utilize training data to improve performance. He's the perfect sports scientist to discuss the similarities and differences between Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and Critical Power (CP), Functional Reserve Capacity (FRC) and W Prime, and how all these training metrics and methodologies relate to each other. Best of all, he and Coach Adam Pulford are pragmatists, so they explain the strengths and weaknesses of each, without bias or hidden agendas.TOPICS COVEREDIs FTP dead...
2025-09-0333 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSCarbs, Climbs, and Descents: Coach Adam Pulford Answers Listener Questions (#258)OVERVIEWWe receive a lot of listener questions, so we're batching a few of them together into one episode. In Episode 258 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford and co-author of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist" book, Coach Jim Rutberg, rip through questions about the fear of descending, how to increase carbohydrate intake, preparing for big mountain days, and making the best of events when you're under-prepared.TOPICS COVEREDQuestion 1: How do I get over my fear of going downhill on a bicycle?Question 2: I understand I should...
2025-08-1340 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTour de France Femmes Stage 9 Recap and Final Analysis From The Entire RaceWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS publishes daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They recap the stages, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 9 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 9 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was the finale of the entire race, and Coaches Renee Eastman and Adam Pulford recap t...
2025-08-0340 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSDescents, Periods, and Power: Tour de France Femmes Stage 8 PodcastWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS publishes daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They recap the stages, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 8 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 8 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was the Queen Stage, meaning the hardest of them all. There was a big shakeup o...
2025-08-0239 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTDF Femmes Podcast - Stage 7 & Physical Demands at the Front vs. the GrupettoWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS publishes daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They recap the stages, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 7 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was another significant climbing day, meaning there was a hard-working breakaway, fireworks in the GC g...
2025-08-0141 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTDFF Stage 6 Recap, Bike Fit for Female Cyclists, and The Science Behind "Mom Watts"Welcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS publishes daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They recap the stages, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 6 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 6 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift featured a fantastic solo win by an emerging talent. Coaches Renee Eastman and Adam Pulford r...
2025-07-3139 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTDF Femmes Podcast - Stage 5 & Alison Tetrick's Insights on Rider Salaries, Opportunities, and MoreWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS publishes daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They recap the stages, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 5 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 5 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift saw a major shakeup in the General Classification, thanks to a significant climb and descent r...
2025-07-3028 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTour de France Femmes Podcast - Stage 4 & Inside Look at EF Education Oatly's Nutrition StrategiesWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS publishes daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They recap the stages, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 4 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 4 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was another sprint finish, but the mountains are coming tomorrow! Keeping athletes fueled for performance a...
2025-07-2940 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTour de France Femmes Podcast - Stage 3 & Inside Look at Alison Jackson's TrainingWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS will publish daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They'll recap the stage, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 3 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 3 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was dominated by a 4-rider breakaway containing CTS Athlete and Canadian National Champion Alison Ja...
2025-07-2829 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTour de France Femmes Podcast - Stage 2 Recap & The Science of Heat Training for Female AthletesWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS will publish daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They'll recap the stage, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 2 PODCAST OVERVIEWStage 2 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift saw a new leader in the yellow jersey and a stage win from a 41...
2025-07-2728 min
The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTour de France Femmes Podcast - Stage 1 Recap & The Science of Pre-Race TaperingWelcome to the Tour de France Femmes Podcast, from the producers of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast"CTS will publish daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They'll recap the stage, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. STAGE 1 PODCAST OVERVIEWCTS Coaches Renee Eastman and Adam Pulford recap the exciting finish of Stage 1 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and then d...
2025-07-2633 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSHow Respecting Your Body, Emotions, and Competition Improves PerformanceSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTStarting Saturday, July 26, CTS will publish daily Tour de France Femmes podcasts with Coaches Adam Pulford and Renee Eastman. They'll recap the stage, but the unique aspect of these podcasts will be coaching insights about how athletes prepare for the demands showcased in that day's stage. EPISODE OVERVIEWRespect is a touchy subject, but this is not a touchy-feely, woo-woo episode of the podcast. In true "Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast" fashion, Coach Adam Pulford gives actionable, pragmatic advice on how athletes can c...
2025-07-2321 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSHow to Find Hidden Training Hours in Your Busy Life (#257)OVERVIEWTime-Crunched Cyclists have to get creative to integrate training into their busy lives. We get plenty of listener questions about various options for adding training hours to a busy schedule. In Episode 257 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford and co-author of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist" book, coach Jim Rutberg, discuss how and whether to integrate bicycle commutes and indoor cycling desks into your training.TOPICS COVEREDQuestion 1: How can I use my 30-60 minute commutes to improve my cycling training?Question 2: I can potentially add about 5 hours of low...
2025-07-1622 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSDo Time-Crunched Cyclists Need a Mid-Season Break or Mid-Season Volume? (#256)OVERVIEWLots of endurance athletes take a mid-season break following a big goal event or a substantial training block. Some Time-Crunched Cyclists don't need a mid-season break because they don't accumulate enough training stress to benefit from a prolonged period of reduced workload. Rather, some Time-Crunched Cyclists benefit from an increase in training volume during the middle of the season! Coach Adam Pulford explains how to tell the difference between needing a break and benefitting from adding volume to your mid-season training.TOPICS COVEREDBenefits of a mid-season breakWhat does a...
2025-07-0917 minThe Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTSTraining After Illness: A Practical Guide For Returning to Training (#255)OVERVIEWGetting sick sucks, any time of year. When athletes are in the middle of the season, like they are now, they get anxious about losing fitness and they get impatient about returning to training. In Episode 255 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford details the practical steps he uses to guide athletes back to training following common illnesses like cold and flu. Note: Adam is not a physician and this is not medical advice. His guidance is based on standard cold/flu treatment recommendations and practical experience working with athletes as they return to...
2025-07-0221 min