The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

Two targeted workouts to grow aerobic capacity in under two hours. One focuses on long tempo with low cadence and progression tips. The other uses long low-threshold intervals near FTP with cadence and recovery guidance. Season timing and limits to avoid hidden fatigue are discussed. Practical, time-efficient approaches for durable aerobic gains.

They debate whether structured Zone 2 intervals are actually better than steady endurance rides. Science, real athlete data, and practical reasons for using intervals come up. Differences between mechanical work and internal aerobic stress are clarified. Tips on when steady long rides or intervals make sense for training and motivation.

A coach explains a simple weekly framework to help busy cyclists build fitness without burnout. Learn how to pick realistic session lengths and start conservatively. Hear where to place 2–3 hard workouts as weekly anchors and how to shift intensity when life gets in the way. Practical tips cover rest days, timing hard efforts, and strategies for very time-crunched riders.

OVERVIEWCyclists almost always report a discrepancy between the power output and/or perceived exertion between indoor and outdoor cycling. Typically, this means struggling to achieve the same power output indoors than can be achieved outdoors for common workouts like FTP intervals or VO2 max efforts. Even easier Zone 2 rides can have higher RPE values (i.e., feel harder) indoors compared to outdoors. In Episode 294 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford reveals why indoor cycling feels harder, how you can narrow the gap between indoor and outdoor performance, and whether you should use different power training zones indoors vs outdoors.TOPICS COVEREDWhy indoor cycling feels harder than outdoor ridingWhich types of cycling workouts are affected more by moving indoorsHow to narrow the gap between indoor and outdoor performanceWhen to make different indoor and outdoor power training zonesRESOURCES Indoor vs Outdoor Power ExplainedKnowledge is Watt: https://www.instagram.com/knowledgeiswatt/- Indoor vs Outdoor Power post Can a Mismatch Between Course Gradient and Resistance Affect Performance When Using ERG Mode in a Zwift Workout? ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

Discussion about whether VO2 max work belongs year round and how different intensities all shape VO2. Practical guidance on scheduling high-intensity sessions, rest, and three-week focus blocks. Examples of Zone 5 interval formats and a sample week tailored for older athletes. Tips for off-bike strength work and when to pepper intensity into annual plans.

OVERVIEWERG Mode, or ergometer mode, is a feature on smart indoor cycling trainers that allows the trainer or connected app to set the resistance you experience as a rider. For interval workouts, for instance, ERG Mode will adjust the resistance so you stay at a constant target power output (e.g., 250 watts for 10 minutes). The downside to ERG Mode is that it can hinder your ability to conjure the internal motivation to achieve that power target, and if you can't maintain your cadence during an interval, you can end up in the "death spiral". In Episode 292 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford provides insights on when to use or not use ERG Mode, how to set up TrainingPeaks Virtual to avoid the death spiral, and other tips for maximizing the effectiveness of ERG Mode. TOPICS COVEREDPros and Cons of ERG ModeInnovations in ERG Mode functionsWhy you would want to use ERG ModeSample data file from ERG Mode workoutRESOURCESCTS Article on ERG ModeIndieVelo to TPVirtual: Inside TrainingPeaks Virtual: Redefining Indoor Cycling and TrainingTrainingPeaks acquires virtual cycling platform indieVelo, aims to add ‘credible racing and realistic riding’ to its training offeringsOther ERG Mode Resources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85d5wF6DNkchttps://www.highnorth.co.uk/articles/indoor-ftp-vs-outdoor-ftpASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

Clear breakdown of how training intensities form a continuum and why working one energy system affects others. Discussion of where VO2 max and FTP sit on the time scale of efforts. Different strategies to raise VO2 max, from steady base volume to high-intensity work. Practical weekly structure including hard rides and strength sessions to build power and durability.

OVERVIEWAlthough this is "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", we recognize that not everyone is time-crunched. In particular, we hear from lots of older cyclists who have more time to train now that they've retired or cut back their work hours, or their children have flown the nest. So, how do we apply some of the TCC methodologies for athletes who have some more time available? Coach Adam Pulford coaches lots of athletes in this exact scenario, and he has the techniques and information you need.TOPICS COVEREDHow to deepen your long rideHow to become A Recovery Hero How to add in Strength TrainingFinding Your TribeASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: @trainrightFacebook: @CTSAthlete

OVERVIEWEndurance athletes are accustomed to building Annual Training Plans for the phases of their sport-specific training, but are less familiar with building annual training plans for strength training.  If this is you, Episode 289 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast" features Coach Adam Pulford taking you through the steps of creating and managing your annual strength training plan. He breaks it down for novices/beginners, cyclists who are familiar/experienced in the gym, and athletes who do not have access to gym facilities. He also reveals what not to do in various parts of the season. TOPICS COVEREDThree types of strength training for cyclists:Novice/BeginnerAdvanced, for Endurance Performance with GymAdvanced, Endurance Performance, Limited Gym EquipmentStrength training phases with recommended set and rep rangesRecommended strength exercise categoriesWhy cyclists shouldn't get stuck in a hypertrophy phaseWhat not to do when planning strength training as a cyclistRESOURCESPodcast Copy - TCC ATP Periodization with Strength TrainingConcurrent exercise training: do opposites distract? - PMC Community Resource Center | NASM Heavy strength training effects on physiological determinants of endurance cyclist performance: a systematic review with meta-analysisStrength training strategies to improve endurance performance | miun.se TCC Episodes on Strength Training: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000587336891https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-time-crunched-cyclist-podcast-by-cts/id1494799053?i=1000509610032https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000728212907ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCASTHOSTAdam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platformGET FREE TRAINING CONTENTJoin our weekly newsletterCONNECT WITH CTSWebsite: trainright.comInstagram: @cts_trainrightTwitter: