Endurance Unlimited

Erin Carson, NSCA- and NASM-certified strength and conditioning specialist who coaches elite endurance athletes, explains why strength and mobility matter for longevity and performance. She discusses routines used by champions like Taylor Knibb and Courtney Dauwalter. Short, sport-specific strength sessions, mobility habits, and balancing load with endurance are highlighted in multiple practical examples.

Melisa Rollins, a record-breaking gravel and mountain bike racer, and Isaiah Newkirk, coach and founder of TrainingEdge Coaching, talk race tactics, confidence, and targeted training. They cover tactical planning, altitude prep, power profiling, and real-time coach feedback. Short, bold moves and mental resilience reshape how races are won.

Tim Cusick, founder of Basecamp Coaching and WKO product lead, brings holistic, community-driven training and coaching systems. Dr. George Gilbert, VP of Virtual Platforms at TrainingPeaks and original Virtual developer, explains realistic virtual cycling tech. They discuss immersive course recon, cornering physics and GPX route uploads. They cover structured, focus-friendly indoor workouts, heart-rate ERG, and live coach-led group sessions.

Scott Johnston, coach of both the men’s and women’s winners of UTMB, dives into his personalized training philosophy. He stresses the importance of disciplined, science-based approaches tailored to each athlete’s needs, like Ruth Croft and Tom Evans. Johnston shares insights on balancing speed and endurance, utilizing steep treadmill workouts for fatigue resistance, and the necessity of effective communication between athlete and coach. He also highlights how life changes can reshape training focus and the value of adaptability in challenging conditions.

Iñigo San-Millán, a world-renowned exercise physiology expert and director of high performance with Team UAE, discusses the future of cycling nutrition. He elaborates on how TrainingPeaks' Fueling Insights feature transforms carbohydrate intake strategies for cyclists. Iñigo reveals the importance of metabolic flexibility and personalizing race-day nutrition, while debunking fat oxidation misconceptions. He also emphasizes the evolution of dietary guidelines and offers valuable insights into managing glycogen for optimal performance.

April Zilg, three-time SUP world champion and certified instructor, talks technique-focused, science-based coaching and her rise from unathletic beginnings. She covers paddle-racing disciplines, using TrainingPeaks and HR/TSS, the coming wave of on-water power meters, pacing and nutrition strategies, and dry-land work to prevent imbalances.

Dylan Johnson, pro gravel racer and Ignition Coaching coach, shares racing and coaching perspective. He discusses Unbound 2025 gear trends, why wider MTB tires and aero are changing speeds, and choosing tire width by course. He talks about mud vs dry setup, flat-repair strategies, nutrition and fueling rhythms, and the Unbound-style training block for long gravel races.

Kristen Arnold, a registered dietitian and elite cycling coach, joins the conversation to redefine food culture in endurance sports. She discusses the hidden disordered eating patterns athletes face and offers practical strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with food. Kristen emphasizes the importance of viewing nutrition as fuel, not a punishment, and encourages coaches to create supportive environments. She also highlights the crucial influence of parents in shaping young athletes' body image and nutritional habits, advocating for compassion and balance in performance.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Martin, a former pro motocross and supercross racer turned marathon coach, shares his inspiring journey. He reveals how he seamlessly transitioned to running, recently finishing the Boston Marathon in under three hours. Alex explores the unique blend of motocross performance with endurance training, emphasizing the impact of structured coaching. He also discusses nutrition, heat training, and adapting techniques for athletes recovering from injuries, showcasing his innovative approach at Troll Training.

Matt Dixon, Founder and CEO of Purple Patch Fitness and a two-time Olympic trials finalist in swimming, shares insights on coaching for endurance athletes. He discusses the surprising effectiveness of a focused 10-hour weekly training plan, highlighting its success at the IRONMAN World Championship. The conversation covers balancing endurance training with life commitments, the importance of foundational training over technology, and the transformative power of training camps. Dixon emphasizes that stress can drive growth in both sports and professional spheres.