On this episode of Endurance Unlimited, host Dirk Friel sits down with rising star Cam Smith, professional trail runner and ski mountaineering athlete who's just qualified for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Together, they dig into the strategy and preparation behind Team USA’s dramatic World Cup victory in Solitude, Utah—which not only put the U.S. a ticket to the Games for Skimo, but also set the stage for what’s next in this fast-evolving sport. Cam Smith shares his journey from ultra-endurance races to the high-intensity, quick-transition world of ski mountaineering, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the training philosophies, mistakes to avoid, and the unique demands of mixed relay competition. You’ll hear how he leverages both running and skiing to fuel his performance, and get an inside look at how emerging talent like Anna Gibson is shaking up the U.S. team. 00:00 "Mixed Relay Racing Strategies" 03:32 "Qualifying on Home Soil" 07:50 "Trail Running Meets Skiing" 12:44 "Balancing Racing Seasons and Goals" 15:41 "Short Turnaround: Leveraging Speed" 17:45 Training for Steep Mountain Racing 22:48 "Injuries, Adaptation, and Focus" 24:39 Future Trail Racing Plans 29:30 "Building a Strong Skimo Team" 31:26 "Join Our Thriving Federation" 36:50 "Pacing Strategies in Racing" 38:38 Downhill Training for Racing Success 43:02 "Post-Season Training Reset" 45:19 "Skimo's Impact and Future" 48:40 "Inspiring the Next Generation"

In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for an athlete-focused episode on the off-season, including practical strategies to help athletes integrate their training with work, family, and life, as well as building systems that drive long-term success. Instead of chasing peak fitness or pushing for higher power numbers, Matt urges athletes to focus on rejuvenation, consistency, and building foundational habits that set the stage for breakthroughs later in the season. He makes it clear: the off-season is not about piling on more work, but fine-tuning the invisible groundwork, like sleep, nutrition, strength training, and skill development. Whether you’re a dedicated competitor or just striving to be your best, tune in for expert tips and actionable advice that will help you come back stronger, faster, and ready to tackle your goals head-on. If you’re wondering how to structure your downtime for maximum gain, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom on building consistency, adopting a “challenge mindset,” and making off-season training not just effective, but fun and fulfilling.

In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for a masterclass on the offseason—the time of year Matt Dixon boldly claims is the single biggest predictor of athlete breakthroughs. Together, they unpack Matt Dixon’s four-phase coaching model and explore why offseason isn’t just a break, but a critical opportunity for reflection, realignment, and revolutionizing athletic potential. You’ll hear actionable insights on athlete retention, the art of the season review, what mistakes coaches often make, and how to turn downtime into your most powerful training advantage. Plus, discover the holistic habits and “offseason toolkit” that make the difference between a good athlete and a great one—along with practical ways TrainingPeaks brings it all together.

Host Dirk Friel sits down with Dr. Scott Frey, author, neuroscientist, and psychologist, for a deep dive into the critical role that the brain plays in endurance sports performance. Scott Frey explains how the brain is the "central command and control center" for both physical and cognitive performance, and how neuroplasticity—our brain's ability to change—offers untapped potential for athletes. Scott breaks down how mental fatigue impacts physical output and why neglecting “brain tapering” could be holding you back on race day. Discover the science behind neuroplasticity, actionable strategies to regulate stress and arousal, and why even top performers may be leaving “low-hanging fruit” on the table by not deloading cognitive stress before big events. Whether you’re coaching, competing, or striving for your personal best, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to harness the power of your brain for peak performance. 00:00 From Running to Brain Research 06:11 "From Science to Sport Mastery" 13:48 "Optimizing Performance Through Neuroplasticity" 20:44 "Brain's Role in Workout Performance" 23:13 "Tapering Cognitive Load for Athletes" 27:17 "Training Decision-Making Under Fatigue" 36:13 "Rethinking Brain Training Methods" 38:15 "Training for Resilience and Balance" 44:08 "Brain Signals and Survival" 48:53 Measuring Cognitive Fatigue in Training 56:37 "Concussion Effects and Recovery" 01:00:18 "How Brains Heal Differently"

TrainingPeaks' Education Specialist, Cody Stephenson, is joined by returning guest and eSport cycling coach Zach Nehr and professional cyclist and esports racer Hayden Pucker—better known as Farm Watts—for an honest, high-energy deep-dive into the world of virtual endurance racing. We’ll hear about Hayden Pucker’s unconventional journey from riding a hundred miles before dawn in Wisconsin to racking up power records and chasing the podium at the esports world championships. Zach Nehr, Hayden Pucker's coach, shares nuts-and-bolts insights on how shifting training toward shorter, high-intensity intervals unlocked Hayden’s next level—and how dialing in things like core strength, fueling, and tactical savvy makes all the difference in esports. The episode tackles everything: race strategy, the key differences between virtual and real-world riding, handling setbacks, and why communication is everything between coaches and athletes. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, coach, or just curious about the future of virtual competition, this episode is packed with empowering takeaways and a wealth of actionable advice.

Host Dirk Friel sits down with Jim Miller, Chief of Sports Performance at USA Cycling and the most decorated cycling coach in U.S. history. They dive deep into Jim’s unparalleled coaching journey—from collegiate racing days in Colorado to guiding athletes like Keegan Swenson and Kristin Armstrong to Olympic and World Championship podiums. Jim shares insights on the delicate balance of science and art in coaching, the critical importance of an authentic athlete-coach connection, and how personal drive and learning from failure have fueled both his career and the athletes he coaches. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a coach searching for inspiration, or someone fascinated by the human side of high performance, this episode delivers candid stories, practical takeaways, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from decades at the top of the sport.

Zach Nehr dives deep into the world of cycling esports, unpacking its rapid evolution and what it takes to train and coach athletes for peak performance—indoors and out. Matti and Zach explore Zach’s background of collegiate racing and coaching to the professional road scene, and how the pandemic unexpectedly propelled him into the universe of indoor racing. What sets Zach apart is his insistence on meeting each athlete where they are, adapting plans around individual needs, training environments, and even race start times that can hit at 2 AM thanks to global competition. He highlights the critical importance of communication, balancing intensity, and keeping a sharp eye on mental as well as physical fatigue—especially for those riding the line between indoor and outdoor racing. Whether you want to refresh your coaching toolkit, re-energize your winter training, or just geek out on how racing is changing, this episode is your ticket into the fast-paced universe of cycling esports. There’s something here for every coach and athlete ready to embrace structured training in a virtual space—no matter where you start.

Erin Carson⁠ explains the role of strength training in optimizing endurance performance, enhancing mobility, and supporting long-term athletic health for all athletes. Dirk and Erin explain why ⁠strength training⁠ isn't just for bodybuilders or football players. It's a critical component for athletes seeking longevity, durability, and peak performance in endurance sports. Erin shares real-life examples of even elite athletes, like Taylor Knibb, Sepp Kuss, and Courtney Dauwalter, who've started incorporating strength into their training. Get ready for practical insights on how Erin structures strength programs for world-class athletes, why balancing strength with endurance matters, and how mobility and movement quality can be the secret sauce to keeping you on your feet (and on your bike) for the long haul. Whether you’re an age-group triathlete, a mountain-loving runner, or just want to ride your bike pain-free into your fifties and beyond, this conversation has real actionable advice. Erin’s approachable wisdom and evidence-based strategies will inspire you to rethink the role of strength in your own training—no matter where you are on your athletic journey.

Take a deep dive into the evolving tactics of gravel racing, where confidence, preparation, and expert coaching drive athletes to new heights. Professional cyclist, Melisa Rollins, and her coach, Isaiah Newkirk, join host Matti Rowe, Education Specialist, for a look behind the scenes of training and racing tactics in professional gravel and mountain bike racing. Melisa, fresh off of a win at Steamboat Gravel and breaking the record at Leadville 100, is redefining how races are won—not just by crossing the finish line first, but by making bold moves and having the confidence to see them through. When she returned to Leadville this year, Melisa brought a new perspective: instead of focusing solely on defending her title, she recognized the unpredictable nature of competition and embraced the value of small victories along the way. Her success comes from strategic planning, adaptability, and a fearless approach to each race, proving that winning can mean much more than a podium finish. Isaiah, founder of TrainingEdge Coaching and performance director for Project Echelon, along with Melisa's coach, dives into the meticulous planning efforts and bold tactical moves—and how Melissa and Isaiah approach everything from training adaptations at altitude to the psychological ups and downs of top-level racing. Key takeaways: If you’ve ever wrestled with motivation after a big win or doubted yourself mid-training session, Melissa’s honest account of post-victory blues and curbside tears offers a refreshingly real perspective. With insights into altitude training, mental resilience, and the power of immediate coach-athlete feedback, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. Whether you’re preparing for your own Leadville-level challenge or just looking for inspiration to take your training up a notch, Melissa and Isaiah’s story will remind you: success comes from knowing your strengths, planning with purpose, and learning to thrive both in data and what's out of your control. 03:14 Parental Influence and Sport Choices 11:53 Building Confidence Through Specific Workouts 13:58 Racing Strategy & Mental Toughness 17:51 Evolving Race Tactics in Women’s Cycling 19:48 Optimizing Athletic Power Curve 25:15 Remote Coaching's Unique Connection 26:01 Coaching: Beyond Data, Emotional Support 29:20 Leadville Race Experience Insights 36:37 Redefining Winning Beyond Titles 43:36 Altitude Data Boosted Race Performance

Hear how structured workouts, virtual communities, and game-changing tech combine for authentic, effective winter training — or cycling in general. George Gilbert and Tim Cusick join host Dirk Friel for a look into the shift of virtual training and how purposeful, science-backed structure can help both athletes and coaches make the most of winter (or year-round) workouts. George, TrainingPeaks’ VP of Virtual Platforms and the mind behind TrainingPeaks Virtual, pulls back the curtain on the fast pace of innovation in the virtual cycling world. From supporting completely custom GPX route uploads, called GPXplore, to immersive, realistic physics for cornering and drafting, the focus is on making indoor training both motivating and specific to real-world cycling. George emphasizes the value of credibility and seamless integration — your outdoor and indoor data, preferences, and progress are all in sync for an experience that works as hard as you do. Tim, founder of Basecamp Coaching and TrainingPeaks WKO product lead, shares how his holistic approach unites expert coaching, nutrition, strength, and mental skills. By leveraging technology and community-driven group workouts, Basecamp delivers individualized plans that encourage consistency and bring the camaraderie of a training camp right to your room or pain cave. Tim urges coaches to lean into building engaging communities, use technology to scale their expertise, and focus on process-oriented growth rather than endless racing or chasing every metric. Key takeaways: Successful indoor training isn’t about generic "spin classes" or chasing the latest trend — it’s about purposeful structure, real-world specificity, and the power of community. Learn about features like Zen mode for focused training, heart rate-based ERG workouts, and dynamic challenge events. Listen in for a fresh look at how tech, expert guidance, and meaningful connection can help you nail your goals — whether you’re prepping for your first century, a bucket-list crit, or want to start your season stronger than ever.

Scott Johnston, fresh off coaching both the men's and women's winners of UTMB in the same year, shares his coaching philosophy with Dirk Friel. Scott emphasizes the value of consistent, disciplined training rooted in tried-and-true principles. Not through flashy shortcuts, just a thoughtful blend of science, individualized pacing, and real-world adaptability. Throughout the conversation, Scott explains how he tailored training for Ruth Croft and Tom Evans, highlighting that while every Evoke Endurance training plan is built on a shared set of core principles, the real magic lies in personalizing workouts to each athlete's unique needs and life circumstances. Hear how Scott's approach balances rigorous data—like lactate testing and measured thresholds—with the all-important "soft" skills of daily check-ins, building trust, and keeping athletes mentally anchored during major events. One clear takeaway: success is less about pushing past your limits at every session and more about knowing when to hold back, adapt, or shift focus. Scott also dives into the technical side: steep treadmill sessions to build fatigue resistance, the smart use of poles, innovative altitude and heat strategies, and the power of true athlete-coach communication. 00:00 Race Preparation 05:17 Prepared for Rainy Conditions 09:08 Running Takes Backseat to New Priorities 11:00 Speed vs. Endurance Training Balance 15:56 Feared Treadmill Workout 17:04 Lactate-Controlled Workout Intensity 22:54 Technological Advancements Elevate Athletic Performance 24:32 Beyond Data: Understanding Athletes' Internal Load 28:14 Safe Training Limits Prevent Injuries 32:33 Coaches as Essential Partners

You're not seeing things. CoachCast has been renamed Endurance Unlimited. Stay tuned for more great episodes and more. Now, on to this episode... Dr. Iñigo San-Millán explains the science and strategy behind optimal cycling nutrition. Learn how TrainingPeaks' new Fueling Insights feature leverages decades of his metabolic research data to help athletes and coaches evaluate and individualize fueling plans based on athlete metrics, not guesswork. From breaking through the outdated 40-gram carb ceiling to personalizing race-day nutrition for every level of today's cyclist, learn how this tool is changing how we plan, perform and recover. 03:34 Iñigo Intro and Current Roles 07:50 Revamping Carbohydrate Intake for Athletes 12:41 Metabolic Flexibility 14:28 Pioneering Carbohydrate Oxidation Research 19:08 Fat Oxidation Misconceptions in Athletes 21:07 FATMAX: Peak Fat Oxidation Point 26:30 Race Performance and Energy Expenditure 27:48 Balancing Glycogen for Athletes 31:05 Cyclists' Nutrition & Intensity 38:31 Fueling Insights Workout Calculation Steps 39:48 Metabolism Variability Among Individuals 44:32 Risks of Fasted Workouts 47:16 Understanding Gross Efficiency Limitations 56:54 The Nutrition Evolution Learn more about Fueling Insights Learn more about TrainingPeaks Episode 1, Season 5: The Biochemistry of Zone 2

The evolution of paddle sport racing is pushing the limits of endurance competition, where training technology and data-driven coaching play a significant role. April Zilg, world champion paddle athlete, joins the show to share her journey from "couch potato" to the top of the stand up paddle board (SUP) world—all powered by smart training, dedication and data. In this episode, April reveals how technique-focused coaching, a science-based approach to training and leveraging TrainingPeaks shapes her work with athletes of all levels. Get a crash course in the many flavors of paddle sports—from lightning-fast sprints to epic 1,000-mile adventures—and how race type, equipment and environment shape effective training strategies. April stresses the importance of tracking progress, balancing intensity and recovery, and being open to new technology, including heart rate and (soon) power meters on the water. Whether you're curious about SUP racing, endurance coaching, or just want a peek behind the paddle, this episode is full of valuable coaching and training tips.

In this episode, host Dirk Friel sits down with professional gravel racer and Ignition Coaching coach Dylan Johnson to dig into all things gravel. They break down the cutting-edge equipment trends seen at the 2025 edition of Unbound Gravel, as well as training trends, nutrition and training tips for both amateurs and pros. Hear why mountain bike tires are dominating the scene, the evolving role of aerodynamics in the sport, and the reasons behind faster race times over the last few years. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a gravel-curious newcomer, you'll hear expert advice on your next gravel race and the new "Unbound Block" approach to training. Dylan also offers a glimpse into the future of even faster gravel racing. To learn more about Dylan Johnson, check out his training plans or follow him on YouTube and Instagram.

In this episode of the CoachCast, host Dirk Friel sits down with Kristen Arnold, a registered dietitian, elite cycling coach, and former pro racer, to unpack the complex relationship endurance athletes often have with food and body image. Drawing from her coaching and clinical experience, Kristen explores how disordered eating patterns can quietly surface in training environments that overemphasize being lean, disciplined, or performing at any cost. Kristen offers practical strategies for coaches and athletes to identify red flags, reframe food as fuel (not a reward or punishment), and prioritize long-term health alongside results. From race-day fueling to an off-season mindset, this conversation challenges outdated norms and empowers listeners to pursue performance with compassion, curiosity, and balance. Resources discussed in this episode: Environment and Language Guide for Discussing and Managing Physique USOPC Sports Nutrition Resources for Young Athletes Directory of Registered Dietitians Sports Nutrition for Women E-Course HEXIS App Fulein App

In this episode, Dirk Friel talks with Alex Martin, a former professional motocross and supercross racer who spent over 15 years competing at the highest level, earning podiums and top-five finishes. After retiring from racing as a pro, Alex leaned into his passion for training and performance, co-founding Troll Training. His coaching company blends motocross performance with endurance sports methodologies. Alex shares his journey from motocross to recently catching the “running bug” and how structured training, especially via TrainingPeaks, helped him transform his racing career and life after retirement. He just raced the 2025 Boston Marathon, finishing at 2:48:35, just shy of a PR, with plans to run several other big races in the coming months. From building marathon fitness as a busy dad and coach to balancing strength, endurance, and recovery in high-risk motorsports, Alex shares an insider’s look at taking advantage of experience and science to advance the art of coaching unique athletes.

Matt Dixon shares his clear and simple approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of purpose, consistency, and developing foundational habits over chasing the latest trends or technologies. Whether you're an ambitious amateur or a seasoned pro, this episode has valuable takeaways to optimize your training and life balance. Matt is the founder and CEO of Purple Patch Fitness, a coaching company that caters to endurance athletes of all levels. Under his guidance, more than 1,500 Purple Patch athletes have qualified for the IRONMAN World Championships. He's an IRONMAN U master coach, a former professional triathlete, and a two-time Olympic trials finalist in swimming with a master's degree in clinical and exercise physiology. Despite the common perception that high-volume training is essential for success, Matt demonstrated that a focused regimen, averaging about 10 hours per week tailored to fit an athlete's lifestyle, was just as effective. While running a large tech company, one of his athletes won an IRONMAN World Championship overall as an amateur on a 10-hour-per-week training plan.

We're diving deep into the world of professional cycling camps as we hear first-hand from some of the leading coaches and nutritionists in pro cycling. Reporting from the picturesque coastal climbs of the Costa Blanca in Spain, our host, Dirk Friel, brings you insights from performance coaches like Lieselot Decroix and Mattia Michelusi, who reveal the critical training techniques employed to enhance rider performance. Learn how pro teams leverage lactate testing, hear what metrics WorldTour coaches focus on around functional reserve capacity (FRC), and background on the growing importance of heat training. Nutritionist Nicki Strobel gives us a taste of what meal planning looks like during grueling tours and how data from TrainingPeaks is used to tailor nutrition strategies. Plus, Stephen Barrett explains the significance of durability in today's WorldTour races, while Liam Holohan shares insights on hypoxic training. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or enthusiast, this episode is packed with proven takeaways to help elevate your training to the next level. Special thanks to   FDJ-Suez — https://www.fdj-suez.fr/ Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale — https://decathlonag2rlamondialeteam.com/ Team Cofidis — https://www.equipecofidis.com/uk/home Israel-Premier Tech — https://israelpremiertech.com/

In this episode of the TrainingPeaks CoachCast, we sit down with Fergus Crawley, the co-founder and head coach of Omnia Performance, to look into the world of hybrid athletes. Hybrid training, a blend of strength and endurance disciplines, challenges the traditional boundaries of athletic training. Fergus draws from his rich background in rugby, powerlifting, triathlons, and concurrent training to explain how athletes can effectively balance opposing athletic goals. From his incredible achievement of squatting 500 pounds and running a sub-five-minute mile in the same day to working with military operatives, Fergus shares insights on biomechanical awareness, periodization, and the mental approach needed for such diverse training programming. Learn how hybrid athletes can tackle the demands of multi-discipline sports and the benefits of open-mindedness in fitness. Fergus discusses several strategies he uses to coach and accomplish his many challenges that can help you pursue your athletic goals, whether you're a seasoned triathlete or a strength enthusiast curious about endurance.

Professional runner and running coach Nell Rojas shares her insights into racing and coaching athletes for marathons, including the Boston Marathon, using a balance of art and science. She attended Northern Arizona University, where she studied exercise science and competed in cross country and track. Nell ran her first marathon in 2018 and became the top American finisher in the Boston Marathon in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, she finished 10th at the 2022 New York City Marathon. Nell has achieved remarkable success as an American marathon runner, securing top American finishes at the 2021 and 2022 Boston Marathons, a top 10 finish at the 2022 New York City Marathon, and competing in the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. She has also claimed a 10-mile US Championship title and won Grandma's Marathon. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Nell advocates for inclusivity within the running community, focusing on empowering people of color and women. With 20 years of coaching experience, she is dedicated to helping athletes of all abilities achieve their own running goals.