training for mountainous ultramarathons

Flatlander’s Guide to Training for Mountainous Ultramarathons

Topics Covered In This Episode: How to train for mountainous ultras when you live in flat regions Altitude tents vs. fundamental aerobic training Using local features to replicate vertical gain/loss from your event The advantage of using rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to prepare for varying terrain GUEST In this episode, host and CTS Coach …

heatstroke

One Ultrarunner’s Guide to Heatstroke and Heat Illness

As an experienced ultrarunner and a professional coach, I though heat illness was something that would never happen to me. Despite being fit, having a solid race plan, and knowing the warning signs, I suffered heatstroke during the Full Moon 50 Miler. I want to share my story so you can learn from my experience. …

post-event blues

What the Funk? Dealing with the Post-Event Blues

Topics Covered In This Episode: Physical and psychological responses to completing a major goal. Three post-event questions to ask yourself Planning ahead to mitigate the post-event funk. Distinguishing post-race funk from overtraining Managing family expectations during post-event period Practical examples from iconic events: Cape Epic  Leadville 100 MTB La Ruta de los Conquistadores Guest In …

downhill run training

How to Run Downhill Faster in Ultramarathons

The last time I raced Hardrock 100, it delivered a lesson on the value of downhill run training. The high-altitude race is notorious because it features an average elevation of over 11,000 feet and includes more than 32,000 feet of climbing and descending. Every race is a learning experience. The Hardrock Downhill Story To provide …

regain cycling speed

How to Regain Cycling Speed After Significant Time Off

CTS Coaches work with all kinds of athletes, including a large number of cyclists who want to return to high fitness or competitiveness following significant time off the bike. Life is seasonal, and many cyclists who were fast in their 20s redirected their focus to career and family for a few or several years. Now, …

criterium racing DC Velo

Criterium Racing Strategies, Skills, and Tactics

Fast sprints, technical turns, punchy accelerations, and pure power from the last turn to the finish. Welcome to criterium racing! Crits are thrilling events for spectators and athletes, and a mainstay of competitive cycling in the United States. Having fun and being competitive in criteriums requires a mix of fitness, skill, and savviness. Entering a …

jeff pierce cts

Press Release: CTS Founder Chris Carmichael selects Jeff Pierce as CEO

Carmichael staying with coaching company as Chairman (Colorado Springs, CO – July 14, 2022) – CTS Founder Chris Carmichael has selected Jeff Pierce, most recently Director of Elite Athletics at USA Cycling, to succeed him as the company’s CEO. Chris, who founded CTS 22 years ago, will continue with the company as “Founder, Chairman, and …

when to test ftp

When and How Frequently Should You Test Your Cycling FTP?

Topics Covered In This Episode: When is a good time to test FTP? When should you NOT test your FTP? How do you know an unscheduled FTP test is warranted? How much of an FTP change (+ or -) is necessary before changing FTP values used for training ranges? What to do with your new …

western states

Post-Race Analysis and Lessons from the 2022 Western States Endurance Run

Topics Covered In This Episode: Pros and cons of setting pacing goals in goal races Aid station strategies that saved serious time Heat management strategies that really worked What support crews did well and can do better to help runners reach the finish Guests Host Corrine Malcolm is joined by three CTS Ultrarunning Coaches to …