The Matchbox - A Cycling Podcast

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about how to set yourself up for a successful taper into that late season race as well as discussing whether we believe hot yoga counts as heat training?As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Links from today’s episode: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/aop/article-10.1123-ijsnem.2026-0135/article-10.1123-ijsnem.2026-0135.xml, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29453741/Alight let’s get into it!For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannelIntro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologiesSummaryIn this episode, we explore optimal training and tapering strategies for endurance athletes, including how often to race, the benefits of mid-season breaks, and the effectiveness of hot yoga for heat and flexibility training.Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview00:27 Should you do a proper taper before your A race?01:04 How often is too often to race?02:26 Psychological and physiological effects of racing too much03:49 Individual differences in racing volume and recovery06:12 The benefits of mid-season breaks to prevent burnout08:01 Structuring a race week and tapering plan10:42 Is a two-week taper necessary for Iceman?12:31 Risks of feeling burnt out and tapering strategies14:02 Optimal taper length and training adjustments17:02 Heat training and hot yoga: benefits and considerations21:52 Should hot yoga be done on rest days?30:30 Can hot yoga provide heat and flexibility benefits?34:50 Measuring core temperature during heat training37:31 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking to the co-founder of Hexis, Dr. Sam Impey. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Links from today’s episode: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/aop/article-10.1123-ijsnem.2026-0135/article-10.1123-ijsnem.2026-0135.xml, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29453741/ Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies Summary This episode is a practical conversation about how nutrition can be personalized around training, not just tracked after the fact. Dizzle is joined by Dr. Sam Impey, co-founder of Hexas, to break down how the platform uses training data to recommend carb intake, support body composition goals, and make fueling easier for athletes and coaches.They also get into the newer frontier of performance nutrition, including bicarb, lactate gels, and why day-to-day nutrition habits matter for recovery, adaptation, and long-term consistency. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome and introduction to Dr. Sam Impey 02:00 — How Hexis started as a PhD research tool 03:08 — Why the platform was built to scale nutrition recommendations 04:31 — Hexis does not replace a nutritionist 05:01 — Early adoption by Uno-X and other tech-forward teams 06:16 — How the app syncs with TrainingPeaks and daily ride data 08:08 — Periodizing carbs around hard rides and recovery days 09:04 — Dizzle’s Leadville weight-loss block and what he learned 10:51 — Pro riders naturally vary nutrition with training load 12:12 — Why good carb timing improves adaptation 13:10 — Did weight loss affect power numbers? 16:03 — Late-night cereal, hunger, and cutting calorie-dense foods 17:28 — How vegetables support gut health and carbohydrate tolerance 19:15 — How a different environment made nutrition easier to follow 20:20 — Why training camps can improve compliance beyond the workouts 22:19 — App versus desktop use for athletes and nutritionists 25:00 — Hexis onboarding and how personalization starts 26:53 — Lose, maintain, or gain goals and how the plan adapts 28:30 — Food-tracking updates, barcode scanning, and favorites 30:10 — Natural-language food logging and meal correction 32:27 — How the app adapts calorie and macro targets throughout the day 34:34 — Education features and why the old video feed did not stick 35:37 — Interactive explanations for why recommendations change 36:43 — A plate-visualization idea that did not make it into the app 37:47 — Comparing Hexis with other performance tech and wearables 40:32 — Why total intake is only part of the nutrition picture 44:02 — Why nutrition sparks strong opinions 45:40 — What cycling can learn from other sports 46:27 — Cycling as an early innovator in heart rate, power, and fueling 48:23 — Recovery lessons cycling can borrow from rugby and football 50:57 — The rise of higher carb intake during competition 52:57 — Whether high carb intake creates health concerns 54:01 — Bicarbonate, lactate, and newer supplements 55:08 — How sodium bicarbonate works and why it may help performance 58:28 — Bicarbonate dosing, timing, and testing before race day 60:24 — When preloading and on-bike bicarbonate gels might make sense 66:03 — Why bicarbonate dosage is tied to performance, not just lactate numbers 68:16 — Lactate gels, theoretical effects, and emerging science 72:14 — Broccoli shots and isothiocyanates as a potential supplement trend 75:48 — Three common nutrition mistakes endurance athletes make 78:12 — Why protein matters more than many endurance athletes think 79:25 — Why race-day fueling should be trained, not improvised 83:27 — Why cutting on-bike fuel is usually the wrong move for weight loss 86:18 — Fasted training versus low-glycogen sessions and when each may make sense 91:10 — Low energy availability and why carbs around training matter for health 93:32 — How Hexas aims to help athletes fuel better around training 94:13 — How coaches can use Hexas to support off-bike nutrition 96:09 — Closing thoughts, partnership mention, and discount code

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about drive train efficiency, how to convert those quality indoor workouts into superior outdoor workouts, and whether we should be increasing muscle mass for more power output. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies Summary This episode tackles two practical cycling questions: how to choose the most efficient and reliable chain for a SRAM 13-speed setup, and how to translate indoor workout discipline to outdoor riding. Adam and the Host also dig into whether adding muscle mass helps power output, how strength training should be periodized, and how much muscle is actually useful for cyclists. Key topics Jim from Albany, New York, asks about chain selection for a SRAM 13-speed Eagle/Explorer groupset. Waxing a chain, including using Silca drip wax, can improve drivetrain efficiency and narrow the gap between a great chain and a mediocre one. Matching the chain brand to the drivetrain brand can support better shifting, fewer dropped chains, and fewer compatibility issues. SRAM 12-speed and 13-speed chains are effectively the same category; there is not a separate 13-speed chain standard. Higher-end chains may offer meaningful durability benefits, even when their efficiency advantage is relatively small. 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace is discussed as a historical efficiency benchmark, but the practical gap between modern drivetrain options is small. Outdoor workout execution is a skill that must be practiced rather than avoided. Shifting, route selection, and terrain awareness can help riders keep power within the target range. Lap average, time in zone, and power distribution are more informative than occasional power spikes alone. Strength training can improve force application, neuromuscular coordination, and cycling economy without requiring dramatic muscle gain. Strength training should generally be emphasized during lower-intensity cycling periods and maintained during harder training blocks and race season. Body type and racing goals should influence whether an athlete prioritizes climbing or sprinting performance. Timestamps 00:00 - Jim asks about the most efficient chain for SRAM 13-speed and whether wax changes the answer 00:33 - Why Silca wax boosts efficiency and reduces the difference between good and bad chains 01:32 - Shimano Dura-Ace 11-speed as a historical efficiency benchmark 02:41 - Best practice: use the chain made for your drivetrain 04:03 - Durability, breakage concerns, and why higher-end chains can last much longer 05:35 - Force versus Red on SRAM flat-top and Explorer setups 07:28 - 12-speed and 13-speed chains are the same category 08:28 - Why off-road riders may choose SRAM for reliability over small watt savings 09:10 - Why waxing saves money by extending chain and cassette life 10:08 - Drip wax versus hot melt and how often to reapply 11:31 - Convenience, training time, and why not to overthink chain choice 13:13 - Blair’s question: indoor erg mode works, but outdoor workouts feel harder to hold 14:00 - Why outdoor execution matters more than perfect trainer compliance 15:20 - Use shifting and pacing skills to hold power across rolling terrain 16:56 - Why pedaling easier is not the same as making the workout harder 18:20 - Terrain choice matters for staying in Zone 2 19:39 - How to simplify outdoor intervals and narrow power ranges over time 20:36 - Using a 10-second average and a more stable power display outside 22:29 - Lap average can help, but only if the workout structure stays intact 23:31 - Why a 30/30-style effort is not the same as a steady tempo interval 24:33 - What to do when terrain interrupts a planned interval 26:24 - TrainingPeaks time-in-zone and workout distribution as coaching checks 27:34 - Reviewing workouts through color-coded power distribution 28:49 - Zone discipline is about lactate control, not just external power numbers 30:15 - Mixed feelings on erg mode and why it may not translate well outdoors 31:51 - Erg mode can help indoors, but it can also hide the skill of self-pacing 33:53 - Ryan asks whether more muscle mass means more power and how to periodize lifting 34:26 - Strength work, hypertrophy, and muscular endurance explained 36:25 - Why beginners often move from higher reps to lower reps for safety and progression 37:22 - How strength training and cycling blocks should align through the season 38:35 - Strength gains in new lifters are often neuromuscular, not just muscle growth 39:32 - Why strength training can improve cycling economy and muscle-firing efficiency 41:43 - Endurance athletes usually do not need huge muscle gains to benefit from lifting 44:06 - Goals matter: crit racers and climbers may optimize differently 46:10 - FTP is mostly cardiovascular, with strength training as a supporting tool

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about whether or not you should consider tire pressure changes into part of your race strategy. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song ”King Around Here” - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies Summary The conversation also gets into mini pumps, CO2, tire pressure strategy, and when it’s worth making equipment changes based on course layout.

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our personal takes on approaching everyday nutrition with a performance mindset. If you're interested in using the Hexis nutrition platform, use code "igniteyourpotential" for 25% off at https://hexis.live As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies Nutrition for endurance athletes: carbs, protein, race-week fueling, and better day-to-day decisions Adam and Dizzle answer a listener question about what a typical nutrition day looks like for endurance athletes across training weeks, recovery days, and race prep. The conversation focuses on practical fueling choices for cyclists, how to adjust carbs around training load, and how to avoid the common trap of overeating on easy days. In this episode, Adam and Dizzle also dig into the value of tracking food for short periods, how to build better habits without obsessing over every bite, and why planning ahead beats making food decisions when you are already hungry. Key topics Dizzle recommends Matt Fitzgerald’s Racing Weight as a practical, science-backed guide for endurance nutrition, especially because it focuses on performance rather than dieting for weight loss. Carbohydrate intake is the main variable that changes from day to day, while protein and fat tend to stay more consistent across the week. Hard training days call for high-carb, easy-to-digest meals, especially breakfast before a big ride, with foods like oatmeal, pancakes, syrup, and rice. Recovery days should usually mean fewer carbs and fewer total calories, rather than continuing to carbo load after the workout is already over. Post-ride fueling can be simple and effective with a smoothie built from fruit, protein powder, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. Protein comes mostly from whole foods, with lean animal sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and salmon doing most of the work. Race-week fueling is intentionally different from normal health eating, with very low fiber, white rice, white bread, cereal, pancakes, and chicken used to maximize carbs and minimize digestive stress. Tracking food for a short period can reveal big blind spots, especially around calorie-dense foods like peanut butter and large portions that are easy to underestimate. Planning ahead prevents bad impulse decisions, like grabbing junk food at a gas station when you are hungry and underprepared. Gamifying nutrition can make it easier to stick with, whether that is using a diet quality score system or simply setting an intention for a specific meal before you are hungry. Timestamps 00:00 - Listener question on endurance nutrition across training, recovery, and race weeks 01:30 - Why Racing Weight is Dizzle’s go-to nutrition book for cyclists 02:27 - Six nutrition principles for endurance athletes 03:25 - Carbs as the main lever that changes across the week 04:48 - Nutrition for performance, not dieting for its own sake 05:39 - What a hard training day looks like in practice 06:41 - Why recovery days need less food, not continued carb loading 08:08 - Pre-ride breakfasts that actually digest well 09:07 - Pancakes, syrup, and bicarb before big workouts 10:34 - Post-ride smoothie strategy with fruit and protein 11:38 - Protein targets, fat intake, and food choices in a cut 13:40 - Protein sources and why whole foods still matter most 17:54 - Overshooting protein with salmon and other natural foods 19:31 - Why natural food usually beats protein shakes 21:05 - Race-week fueling: low fiber, white carbs, and simple meals 23:18 - Why vegetables and whole grains matter outside race prep 24:39 - Using Hexus to connect training load with nutrition targets 26:47 - Fuelin, Hexus, and shared coaching tools for athletes 28:03 - What two weeks of food tracking teaches you fast 29:29 - Why weighing food helps calibration, not lifelong obsession 31:14 - Peanut butter as a hidden calorie trap 32:39 - Fitzgerald’s diet quality score and gamifying nutrition 34:21 - The gas station Twix problem and why planning ahead matters 36:48 - Implementation intention as a nutrition habit tool 39:26 - Choosing healthier road-food options like a deli stop 41:47 - Keeping a staple-food list and easy meal ideas on hand

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about whether you should be following a training plan and how to find your LT1/2. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song ”King Around Here” - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our perspectives on various forms of periodization, how to think about and deal with cramping, and whether or not the HR data you see while watching World Cup XCOs is accurate. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies Episode Summary In this episode, the hosts answer listener questions about wave periodization, cramping, and heart rate data in elite mountain bike racing. They break down why traditional periodization still tends to outperform more randomized approaches, explain why cramping is often more neurological than nutritional, and discuss why pro athletes’ heart rates can look surprisingly low on broadcast overlays. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that structure, specificity, and training consistency matter more than trying to overcomplicate the plan. Timestamps 00:01 — Introduction and first listener question on wave periodization 01:16 — Comparison of normal, reverse, and randomized periodization in a study 03:12 — Why standard periodization appeared to work best 04:49 — Caitlyn’s perspective: keep it simple unless race specificity demands otherwise 05:46 — When wave-like training might make sense for endurance mountain biking 08:33 — Why randomized training can still work, but may be less optimal 10:08 — How mid-season training can accidentally resemble wave periodization 11:01 — Why base blocks don’t necessarily erase VO2 max gains 12:44 — Recovery and fatigue concerns with repeated threshold blocks 14:17 — New question: what to do about cramping 15:27 — Pickle juice, mustard, and why sharp flavors can help cramps 16:25 — Cramping as a fatigue and genetics issue, not just electrolytes 18:27 — Adam shares his experience as a chronic cramper 19:54 — Pushing through cramps versus stopping or stretching 22:42 — Caitlyn mentions a study on spinal cord signaling and fatigue 25:26 — Why cramping is likely a neurological “stop signal” 27:08 — Next question: why elite riders’ heart rates look so low on broadcasts 28:33 — Heart rate variability between athletes and why the numbers can be misleading 31:06 — Elite mountain bikers train for rapid recovery during race surges 32:31 — Broadcast lag and heart-rate lag can affect what viewers see 33:12 — Comparison to elite Ironman athletes and very low heart rates under load 34:27 — Tactical racing can make heart rates look lower than expected 35:01 — Short track racers are so evenly matched that effort can look more controlled 36:28 — Wrap-up and call for more listener questions

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own anecdotes with the massive landscape of wearable devices. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com Summary: In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of wearable technology, assessing their real value for athletes and coaches. We explore which metrics matter, the effectiveness of blood work versus wearables, and practical tips for integrating data into training without over-relying on it. Key Topics: The most useful wearable data fields for athletes and coaches Personal experiences with Whoop, Garmin, and other devices The potential placebo effect of wearables and how to interpret data critically The role of sleep tracking and hydration data in performance Blood tests vs. wearable metrics: what’s more valuable? How to avoid over-analyzing wearable data and maintain intuitive training Encouragement to focus on body awareness and subjective feelings alongside tech The importance of baseline measurements like heart rate and power meters Using daily weigh-ins for hydration and weight management The limitations of current norms in blood work and health markers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:30 - Common wearable devices discussed and used 01:13 - Wearables that measure beyond heart rate and power 01:53 - Wearables used during rides vs. daily devices 02:22 - Real-time data integration challenges 03:06 - Wearable usage for training impact versus outside activities 03:52 - The utility of Garmin and Whoop for sleep and HRV 04:55 - Using HRV and recovery scores to inform training decisions 06:09 - Research on HRV-guided training and its effectiveness 07:40 - Placebo effects and the psychological influence of wearable data 08:19 - Potential for subjective experience to outweigh wearable metrics 09:47 - The importance of sleep monitoring and behavior changes 12:38 - The psychological impact of wearable feedback on performance 14:36 - When and how coaches use wearable data for big-picture insights 16:15 - The value of blood work and biomarkers over time 27:22 - Advocating for regular blood testing and its potential with AI analysis 30:48 - The limitations of norms in blood work and health markers 31:45 - The benefits of daily weight tracking and hydration awareness 32:04 - Final thoughts on prioritizing blood tests over wearable spending

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’ve got special guests Dirk Friel and Henry Lutz, from TrainingPeaks, to answer all of our burning questions about the platform we all know and love. As always, if you like what you hear please share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] with the topic of discussion in the email title or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. You can also sign up for the Matchbox Patreon and get priority placement for your submitted questions. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies Summary In this conversation, Dirk Friel and Henry Lutz from TrainingPeaks discuss the evolution of coaching in endurance sports, the importance of communication between coaches and athletes, and how technology has transformed training practices. They share insights on the role of data in coaching, the significance of emotional feedback, and the future of training methodologies. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of coaching in the modern age, particularly focusing on the overwhelming amount of data available to athletes and coaches. They discuss the evolution of athlete independence, the importance of integrating feedback mechanisms like RPE, and the advancements in strength training solutions within the TrainingPeaks platform. The conversation highlights the balance between providing valuable data and avoiding information overload, as well as the necessity for coaches to adapt to the changing landscape of athlete training and self-management. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of athletic training, emphasizing the holistic approach to athlete development, the significance of training metrics, and the future integration of AI in coaching. The speakers discuss the importance of collaboration among coaches, nutritionists, and strength trainers, and how tools like TrainingPeaks can enhance athlete performance through data analysis and trend observation. They also explore the potential of AI to assist coaches without replacing them, ensuring a more personalized training experience for athletes. Chapters00:00 Introduction to TrainingPeaks and Its Founders 10:16 Evolution of Training and Coaching Practices 20:04 The Importance of Communication in Coaching 28:51 Navigating Data Overload in Coaching 36:14 The Evolution of Athlete Independence 42:07 Integrating RPE and Feedback Mechanisms 50:33 Strength Training Solutions and Integration 51:58 The Holistic Athlete Approach 54:01 Innovations in Training Metrics 57:59 Understanding Training Peaks Metrics 01:00:59 The Art of Training and Trends 01:04:01 Maximizing TrainingPeaks Features 01:12:55 The Future of TrainingPeaks and AI Integration

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about the differences between durability and recoverability, longevity in the sport, and training for really big climbs. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies In this episode of the Matchbox Podcast, we explore how endurance athletes, particularly mountain bikers, can optimize durability through training, recovery, and nutrition strategies—whether aiming for multi-day stage races or just enhancing long-term riding capacity. Join us as we discuss practical coaching advice, tapering tactics, and fueling approaches tailored for mountain biking at all levels. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction and guest Justin McQuerry on race durability concepts (02:25) Defining durability: stage racing vs. unbound efforts (03:11) How recovery and nutrition influence performance over multiple days (04:36) Training implications for multi-day versus one-day races (05:16) Importance of mental preparedness and pacing strategy (06:42) Considering training specificity and event selection based on goals (08:09) The role of stress management and enjoying rides for longevity (09:08) Recognizing that recovery, nutrition, and training all contribute to race resilience (10:53) Appropriate pacing and mental readiness for stage races (12:13) Strategic planning around event selection and realistic preparation (13:41) Setting expectations and psychological strategies for surprising race outcomes (14:36) The value of a fun and varied training approach for long-term cycling health (15:12) Practical tips for older athletes to sustain their cycling longevity (16:20) The importance of strength training and enjoyment in maintaining cycling into old age (18:50) Managing training structure and avoiding burnout with periodic breaks (20:55) Periodization tips: balancing training load and recovery over weeks (23:20) The importance of variety in training to prevent staleness and injury (24:38) Adapting training based on specific event demands and terrain (27:00) Structuring pre-ride preparations: nutrition, riding volume, and bike fit (28:22) Training for high-altitude climbs and technical terrain (33:29) Incorporating intervals effectively in eight-week prep plans (36:32) Cycling-specific endurance strategies, including micro-bursts and sustained efforts (38:22) Technical bike setup tips for optimizing climbs and descents on enduro bikes (40:27) Nutrition strategies during long mountain bike rides and descending practice (42:15) Tapering and peaking: how to arrive fresh yet sharp for your goal ride (43:44) Final advice: the importance of feedback and continuous learning

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about how to convert running into cycling fitness and some of the ins and outs of heat training for performance enhancements. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies In this episode, we explore how cycling enthusiasts can adapt their training routines during major life transitions like becoming a parent, and delve into the practical benefits and considerations of heat training for endurance athletes. Whether you’re balancing family and fitness or optimizing your heat adaptation, this discussion offers valuable insights. Main topics include: Transitioning from cycling to running and maintaining aerobic base Practical tips for training with a stroller and integrating strength work How cycling fitness transfers to running and vice versa Structured heat training: active vs. passive methods and optimal timing Balancing sauna sessions with regular training volume Recommendations for low-volume training focused on general fitness Strategic approaches for heat training around competition schedules Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and topic overview 00:30 - Transitioning from cycling to running post-baby 01:21 - Can running replace cycling engine & maintaining aerobic base 02:34 - Endurance benefits of stroller running & form challenges 03:55 - Transferability of fitness from running back to cycling 04:08 - Bone density gains with running versus cycling 05:17 - Building strength at home with body weight & weights 06:21 - Consistency and routine for returning to cycling 07:13 - Working within time constraints and integrating running into a busy schedule 08:34 - Running cadence, form tips, and injury prevention 09:52 - Structured workout ideas: fartlek, intervals, and hormone considerations 12:11 - Weekly training strategies for runners and cyclists 12:53 - Combining running with longer cycling sessions 13:45 - Short, effective VO2 max workouts for endurance gains 15:00 - Heart rate dynamics in running vs. cycling & economy transfer 16:30 - Impact of running economy on heart rate lag 17:08 - Effectiveness of heat training via active (trainer) versus passive (sauna) 18:43 - When to incorporate heat training in your schedule 22:20 - Optimizing heat training for race readiness in different climates 23:27 - Physiological benefits of heat training for blood flow & VO2 max 25:02 - Starting heat training now vs. waiting closer to race day 26:30 - Practical tips for home sauna use & passive heat gains 32:50 - Efficiency considerations: active vs. passive heat methods 37:38 - Balancing heat stress with overall training volume 40:05 - Using core temperature sensors for effective heat training 44:17 - Final thoughts and wrap-up

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about dedicated training and tactics for short-segment KOM hunting as well as utilizing AI for your benefit to help you analyze and optimize your training. As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. Alight let’s get into it! For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies This episode dives into strategies for effective high-intensity efforts, training volume management, and nutrition for busy cyclists looking to improve fitness without extra hours. The hosts analyze real questions about sprinting, two-minute KOMs, overtraining, and periodization, providing actionable insights for cyclists of all levels. Main Topics: Optimal techniques for 2-minute maximal efforts, including standing vs seated climbing strategies Training volume versus intensity: what's more effective for limited schedules Understanding and adjusting training based on AI data analysis and perceived fitness changes The role of nutrition and recovery when adding intensity or volume Specific considerations for female versus male climbing styles and biomechanics Practical tips for structured training: periodization, zone targeting, and maximizing workout quality Timestamps: 00:00 - Episode introduction & latest updates on the Matchbox podcast 01:02 - Red River Roubaix event announcement (June 20th) 02:33 - Changes to question submission form: 400-character limit and new process 04:07 - Analyzing sprint vs two-minute efforts: standing or seated? 05:55 - Best strategies for two-minute KOM attempts, climb vs flat considerations 07:09 - Standing vs seated: biomechanical and efficiency strategies 08:36 - Training focus: developing standing sprint power and technique 10:10 - Differences in climbing styles between women and men 11:15 - Impact of biomechanics and physiology on climbing posture and efficiency 14:09 - Adjusting interval style based on effort type and goals 15:29 - Recommendations for structured interval training and recovery 19:37 - Advice for cyclists with busy lives: balancing volume and intensity 23:36 - Importance of nutrition, fueling, and recovery for performance 30:44 - Overtraining myths and how to gauge fitness declines 33:21 - Effective training periodization & zone targeting for limited hours 35:55 - Nutrition strategies for hard efforts and supporting low-volume training 37:55 - Wrapping up and call for questions submissions

Summary: In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of training strategies for endurance athletes, from VO2 max workouts to managing seasonal peaks. Whether you’re a professional racer or a recreational rider, learn how to tailor your training for optimal performance and avoid burnout. Key Topics: The specifics of a 16 x 3 minute VO2 max workout and its applications for elite mountain bike racers like Charlie Aldridge How durability and repeatability workouts differ and their importance in cross-country racing Structuring rest weeks, recovery, and buildup around race calendars, emphasizing flexibility over rigidity The significance of maintaining aerobic capacity and how to incorporate volume blocks mid-season Managing multiple peaks within a single season and the importance of periodization for sustained performance Practical advice on training adaptation for different disciplines such as marathon gravel or XCO racing The concept of ”Hall Pass” rides for balancing enjoyment and training needs Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and listener questions overview 00:31 - Analysis of Charlie Aldridge’s VO2 max workout and its specificity 01:22 - How cross-country mountain bike durability translates into training 02:06 - Understanding the ”durability” vs ”repeatability” in interval workouts 03:10 - Structuring elite-level VO2 max efforts and rest intervals 04:07 - The importance of progressive efforts in VO2 workouts for adaptation 05:17 - How to structure VO2 max efforts with minimal rest, akin to resistance training 06:23 - The athlete’s conditioning level and common training loads for VO2 workouts 07:18 - Personal reflections on maximum efforts and workout limits 08:26 - Why elite athletes push boundaries and how that applies to your training 09:32 - Adapting training based on the discipline and individual focus 10:19 - The value of flexible, fun riding and ”Hall Pass” rides for morale 11:17 - Vacation riding tips and balancing recovery with experience 12:42 - The importance of avoiding overly rigid training plans 13:34 - Managing training micro-cycles and the flexibility of rest weeks 14:39 - When and how to incorporate a volume or aerobic base block mid-season 15:40 - The significance of recovery and listening to your body’s signals 16:49 - Managing peaks and planning the season to prevent burnout 17:32 - Question from Matt about managing multiple peaks and recovery strategies 18:49 - The importance of offseason recovery and season structure 20:03 - Incorporating volume and aerobic capacity during the season 22:17 - Adjusting training based on age, training history, and season goals 24:33 - Timing of high-volume blocks and aerobic training to support racing 25:02 - The importance of recovery after racing and building towards the next peak 26:02 - Tailoring season plans for specific race disciplines like marathon gravel or XCO 27:20 - The value of multiple peaks and non-linear training cycles Resources & Links: Charlie Aldridge’s Strava Profile (if available) VO2 Max Training Guidance The Power of Periodization in Endurance Sports