Endurance Unlimited

Heat Adaptation Hacks for Cyclists: How the Pros Master Sauna Protocols, Active Heat Training & Performance Gains. Discover the power of heat acclimatization to boost resilience, race readiness, and recovery in any climate. Pro coach Ben Day unleashes the secrets of modern endurance training through practical protocols and behind-the-scenes stories from Girona, Boulder, and the pro peloton. This episode peels back the science of heat training—from sauna and hot tub sessions to sweat-inducing paint suits and indoor trainer hacks—and reveals how every athlete, from ambitious amateurs to WorldTour contenders, can unlock cardiovascular and performance gains with just 7-14 days of heat exposure. Learn how to: Integrate heat training into your annual plan for serious marginal gains without burning out Dial in the balance between active (trainer, paint suit) and passive (sauna, hot tubs) protocols to match your schedule Track adaptation using heart rate, power, core temperature, and good old-fashioned athlete feedback for a complete picture Avoid common mistakes—why “more is not better” and the art of nailing your heat adaptation window for race day Whether you’re prepping for a midsummer gran fondo, an early Tour Down Under, or just want a physiological edge, you’ll hear exactly how the world’s best apply cutting-edge research and TrainingPeaks tools to bring it all together. Consistency, structured feedback, and smart scheduling are the name of the game—get the pro tips to adapt faster, recover better, and take your performance into the red-hot zone.

Bobby Julich, former pro cyclist and head of high performance focused on coaching and athlete development. George Hincapie, ex-pro and co-founder aiming to develop American talent for the Tour de France. They discuss launching Modern Adventure Cycling, selecting riders with data and character, building a positive team culture, aggressive early race tactics, and supporting American domestics in Europe.

Molly Seidel, 2020 Olympic marathon bronze medalist shifting from elite road marathons to trails and ultras. Cliff Pittman, coach focused on durability and ultra-specific periodization. They discuss Molly’s move to trails, rebuilding durability after injuries, translating road fitness to ultra demands, race fueling and gut training, technical downhill practice, and long-term prep for Western States.

Charlotte Edelsten, sleep researcher and coach with a PhD and decades studying sleep at events like UTMB, breaks down sleep science for endurance athletes. She covers why sleep underpins training and injury prevention. Listens on caffeine timing, limits of wearables, nap and sleep-banking strategies, altitude effects, and how brief sleeps can boost safety and finish rates.

In this conversation, Cam Smith, a professional trail runner and ski mountaineer, shares insights from his journey to qualifying Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He discusses the thrilling strategy behind their World Cup victory and the intense training required for ski mountaineering. Cam highlights balancing running with rapid transition skimo events, the importance of speed training, and emerging talent like Anna Gibson shaking up the team. He also reflects on Coach Oscar's influence and the excitement of growing the sport in the U.S.

Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, shares invaluable insights on maximizing the off-season. He emphasizes prioritizing rejuvenation and building foundational habits over merely chasing fitness. Matt discusses the importance of maintaining structure during downtime, implementing a consistent training routine, and incorporating strength training as a cornerstone for performance. He also encourages adopting a 'challenge mindset' to foster resilience and confidence, providing practical strategies to blend training seamlessly with daily life.

In this discussion, elite triathlon coach Matt Dixon, co-founder of Purple Patch Fitness and author, reveals the secrets of effective offseason training. He emphasizes that the offseason is crucial for athlete breakthroughs, advocating for his four-phase coaching model. Listeners learn about improving athlete retention, avoiding common coaching mistakes, and preparing for a successful offseason filled with strength-building and targeted workouts. Dixon also highlights the importance of holistic habits like hydration and sleep to elevate performance.

Dr. Scott Frey, a neuroscientist and psychologist, dives into how neuroplasticity enhances endurance athletes’ performance. He reveals the brain’s pivotal role in both mental and physical output, emphasizing that mental fatigue can hinder athletic capability. Scott advocates for 'brain tapering'—reducing cognitive stress before races—to maximize effectiveness. He shares techniques for managing arousal and decision-making under fatigue, and discusses the importance of cognitive resilience training. Tune in for practical tips to harness your brain for peak performance.

Hayden Pucker (FarmWatts), a powerhouse gravel rider turned esports racer, and Zach Nehr, an exercise-science coach and esports strategist, dig into virtual racing tactics and training shifts. They discuss Hayden’s switch from massive outdoor miles to targeted high-intensity work. Conversation covers race strategy, platform-specific prep, recovery between multiple events, and why esports can open doors for many athletes.

Jim Miller, Chief of Sports Performance at USA Cycling and the most decorated U.S. cycling coach, reflects on his path from college racer to coaching champions. He discusses balancing science and art in coaching. He covers athlete connection, testing strategies, race protocols, tactics, season planning, monitoring metrics, heat adaptation, and how AI can help but not replace human motivation.