Low intensity rides are a critical component of any cyclist’s training plan, even plans that also feature high-intensity interval workouts. These easier rides go by a number of different names, including ‘aerobic endurance’, ‘Zone 2’, ‘base miles’, and ‘LSD’ or Long Slow Distance. In CTS terminology, we refer to them as EnduranceMiles. Many athletes – …
One of the first goals any athlete mentions to me is to improve lactate threshold (LT), although they might use a proxy for it – Functional Threshold Power (FTP). Those terms are often used interchangeably because power at LT and FTP are typically very close. Both indicate maximal sustainable power. Specifically, that means the effort …
By Scott Mercier, CTS Contributing Editor, US Olympian, Retired pro cyclist I was watching Nordic skiing on the Olympics and they showed a section of the Great Wall of China. The section was at the top of a mountain and had an enormous arched gate. I immediately flashed back to the 1995 Tour of China. …
Trail running may not be the most dangerous outdoor sport, it is important to know the risks and how to take care of yourself. Many issues can be mitigated with proper planning and a few items that are easily carried in a running vest. So, let’s discuss first aid for trail runners and how to …
By Alison Tetrick, Pro cyclist, Entrepreneur, CTS Contributing Editor Your sights are honed. You have your target in mind. You’re laser focused. You start dialing in your objective. I just hope it isn’t on Bambi. (Whoever put their sights on that baby deer traumatized an entire generation.) As another cycling season gets rolling, there are …
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 Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS My coaches and I work with many athletes leading high-pressure careers, including C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, first responders, and medical professionals. Others are experiencing life-altering levels of stress from failing relationships, long-term caregiving for sick loved ones or aging parents, or grief from losing loved ones. There …
By Sarah Scozzaro, CTS Expert Coach, NSCA-PT, NASM PES This time of year it’s common for athletes to find themselves busier than normal or on the road, which quickly leads to questions about how to continue with strength training – particularly core training – when away from home. I get it, there’s a lot going …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS With Thanksgiving coming up I have been thinking a lot about gratitude and what I’m thankful for. There are, of course, the obvious ones like being grateful for my family and their health and wellbeing. But this year in particular, there’s so much more to be …
By Chris Carmichael, Founder and Head Coach of CTS When I was an elite athlete and even during the early years of my career as a coach, too little attention was paid to sports psychology, both in terms of how we could apply it to enhance performance and in terms of the ways harsh coaching …