When I had CTS coach and licensed psychotherapist, Neal Palles, on the Trainright Podcast, I thought we were diving into a conversation about mental toughness and psychological considerations for the masters athlete. Instead, I walked away with a mantra I’ve scribbled on a sticky note on the corner of my computer monitor: “Psychological Flexibility > …
Strength training protocols for cyclists have evolved through the years, and the current consensus at CTS is that heavy strength training is recommended for most amateur, Masters, and especially Grand Masters (60+ years old) cyclists. There are exceptions for some highly competitive cyclists and elite riders who may need to sacrifice balanced, well-rounded fitness in …
Topics Covered In This Episode: Developing a training strategy Chronological age vs training age 3 key tips for masters athletes to focus on Building back after a serious injury The important factors to consider beyond just training data The different ways in which masters athletes may need to train Deciding when you should push forward …
The first time trying something new can be exciting and intimidating, or both. Although nerves are probably part of the equation, don’t let those concerns keep you from testing your mettle. Perhaps you’ve never attended an ultrarunning event and are unsure of the details. For those of you considering your first ultramarathon, let’s walk through …
Topics Covered In This Episode: The psychology of masters athletes Psychological flexibility vs. mental toughness “Pushing away paper” exercise Developing self-awareness Guest Bio: Neal Palles is a CTS ultrarunning coach who holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Applied Sports Psychology, and is a licensed Psychotherapist and Sports Performance Specialist. Episode Links: Website: https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/home Blog: https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/news …
How many tools are in your training and racing toolbox these days? Truth be told the market is saturated with new gadgets, technologies, philosophies, algorithms, and promises to make you better. As educated consumers, you need to evaluate new products coming to the market and decide personal worth to you. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is …
By Jason Koop, Head Coach of CTS Ultrarunning Injuries in ultramarathon training and racing are not going away. That’s a sobering fact, but the numbers don’t lie. On the training side, up to 70% of runners will become injured every year and lose at least one day of training. Racing is just as injurious. For …
At the beginning of a new phase of training it is important to get a snapshot of an athlete’s current fitness so you can scale training intensities appropriately. Assessing an athlete’s Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is the most utilized method because FTP testing can be accomplished outside a lab setting. All you need is a …
Topics Covered In This Episode: What is base training and why is it important? What intensity should your base training be performed at? Adaptations that occur in the body during base training How to know when to move on from base training Nutrition changes during base training Training on flat vs. hilly terrain Indoor vs. …
By Darcie Murphy, CTS Ultrarunning Senior Coach Goal setting comes naturally to many ultrarunners and endurance athletes, almost like it’s in our DNA. If you’re resistant to setting specific goals, don’t worry. I can absolutely relate. For years I avoided New Year’s resolutions or formal goal setting sessions. I just wanted to ‘have fun’ playing …