Empirical Cycling Podcast Ten Minute Tips #75: The Art Of Autoregulation (Training To Vibes)
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Mar 26, 2026 A lively chat about autoregulation, aka vibes training, and when to choose structure versus flexibility. They explore who benefits from flexible plans and how coaches guide adaptations. Practical checks for recovery and simple tests to gauge readiness come up. Risks of too-much vagueness and ways to mix targeted sessions with fun rides are discussed.
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Skiing Season Was Treated As Vibes Training
- Gediminas coached a Canadian athlete whose A goals were cross-country skiing, so they used months of vibe-based training tuned to ski conditions.
- They prioritized rest into races and adjusted cycling volume by how much skiing the athlete could do that week.
Prioritize Weekly Training Goals
- Successful autoregulation needs prioritized weekly goals so you know which stimulus to chase when you have good legs.
- Cole suggests ranking primary, secondary, tertiary aims (e.g., FTP, sprint, technique) so vibe choices still hit priorities.
Do Targeted Long Rides Not Endless Miles
- For race-specific demands (e.g., long gravel events) make at least one non-negotiable long ride per block but avoid excessive durations with diminishing returns.
- Gediminas warns six-hour rides often suffice; occasional longer rides reveal edge-case weaknesses like knee pain.