Endurance Unlimited

Go inside the high-performance partnership of Hannah and Ben as they unpack the science and soul of world-class Kona prep. This episode isn’t just a talk—it’s a tactical roadmap from turning setbacks into strategy, optimizing recovery, and making every workout count. Hear how their trust, clear communication, and sharp use of TrainingPeaks help transform raw data into racing brilliance.

Learn how top coach-athlete duos use data, feedback, and smart race planning to reach the Kona podium and how elite endurance training insights and real-world tips to level up your performance—whether you’re chasing finish lines or coaching champions.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Coach-Athlete Dynamics, Training Locations & Backgrounds

• 01:03 – Hannah’s Triathlon Journey: From Team Sports, Injury, and Entering the Pro Ranks

• 03:23 – Ben’s Coaching Path: Sports Science, Data-Driven Decisions, and Coaching Philosophy

• 05:35 – Seasonal Highs: Ironman New Zealand Podium, Performance Analysis, and Early-Season Strategies

• 07:50 – Racing Back-to-Back: Lessons from Ironman Texas, Recovery, and Season Planning

• 10:24 – Prioritizing Kona: Skipping 70.3 Worlds, Minimizing Travel, and Aiming for Peak Performance• 13:55 – Statement Win: Sunshine Coast 70.3 Performance, Tactics, and Mental Approach

• 17:57 – Kona Debrief: Race Execution, Swim Battles, Annual Improvements, and Acclimation

• 22:16 – Athlete-Coach Communication: Tools, Feedback, and Adapting Plans

• 27:33 – Planning and Recovery: Scheduling, Tracking Progress, and Trusting Experience

• 35:22 – Advice for Age Groupers: Consistency, Listening to the Body, and Embracing Rest

• 38:00 – Triathlon for All Ages: Starting Late, Community, Common Mistakes, and Coaching Value

• 45:34 – Finding the Right Coach: Building Relationships, Data Overload, and Personal Fit

• 46:26 – Quickfire Insights: Biggest Mistakes, Overrated Gear, and Free Speed Secrets

• 51:05 – Kona Excitement: Race Day Anticipation, On-Course Support, & Closing Remarks

Get started with your training at https://trainingpeaks.com/

Trevor Foley's rise in long-course triathlon hasn't followed a typical playbook. A former college runner with almost no cycling background, he found his way into the sport with what he calls “blind confidence" — and quickly discovered a talent for producing serious power on the bike.

In this conversation, Trevor shares how he made the leap from running to triathlon, what he learned from early racing mistakes, and why he mixes up his riding instead of spending every session on his time-trial bike. He also looks back on his devastating crash at Kona in 2024 and the mindset that's brought him back hungry for Kona 2026. Beyond his own racing, Trevor talks about building Foley Athletics, coaching a growing team, and helping athletes balance ambitious goals with the rest of their lives.

Chapters

00:00 — Trevor’s path from runner to triathlete
02:24 — Discovering triathlon and his unexpected bike power
04:06 — Going all-in on long-course racing
06:09 — What Trevor learned about training volume and fueling
07:22 — Balancing a big race season with Kona in mind
09:18 — The 2024 Kona crash and its impact
12:01 — Building Foley Athletics and a triathlon community
16:19 — “We get to do this”: Trevor’s race-day mindset
18:48 — Training priorities for athletes with limited time
21:42 — Kona preparation, logistics, and keeping perspective

Dive into the next evolution of indoor cycling as we sit down with George Gilbert, the brains behind TrainingPeaks Virtual.

With cutting-edge integrations, immersive new routes, and game-changing new advancements like GPXplore and real-time course recon—plus seamless syncing with Garmin Connect—TrainingPeaks Virtual is redefining what it means to train smart, specific, and social, all from the comfort of home.

Whether you're fine-tuning your race tactics on legendary courses, customizing your avatar, or connecting with your team in the virtual peloton, this is more than just another training app—it's your playground, your test lab, and your secret weapon rolled into one. Get ready to elevate your training, sharpen your strategy, and unlock real-world race-day gains, one virtual ride at a time.

Ultra running and mountain athlete coaching redefined: discover Scott Johnston’s trusted training secrets for building champions at UTMB, Hardrock, and Western States.

Legendary coach Scott Johnston unpacks the real art of endurance coaching—where customized plans, day-to-day communication, and tough-love honesty shape trail legends. This episode goes beyond the X's and O's, revealing what it really takes to get athletes to the start line confident and ready to perform—whether you’re a first-timer or gunning for the win.

Dive deep into elite endurance tactics, mental game mastery, and the data-driven approach powering the world’s podium finishers.

Key takeaways include:

- Trust and Intimacy: Why effective coaching is built on deep, evolving relationships, not just spreadsheets or AI.

- The Process Over the Outcome: How process goals, consistency, and embracing the daily grind move athletes from doubt and DNF to the top of the sport.

- Data + Feedback: Leveraging platforms like TrainingPeaks for daily insight, real-time adjustments, and athlete-coach connection—even from miles away.

- Specialization and Specificity: How the best runners prep for wildly different races, and why smart periodization beats “just running more.”

- Bouncing Back: Turning defeat and DNFs into powerful learning moments that fuel future breakthroughs.

Start your 14-day Free Trial of TrainingPeaks: https://www.trainingpeaks.comBrowse Performance-Focused Training Plans: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/training-plans/

Join pro cyclist Ruth Edwards and host Joe Lewis as they pull back the curtain on the 2026 Tour de France Femmes—every dramatic stage, gritty comeback, and the crucial behind-the-scenes support that’s powering a new wave of champions. You’ll get the inside scoop on game-changing workouts, the impact of investment and equality, and the data-driven tools elevating the women’s peloton to its fastest, deepest level ever. Get Tour de France Femmes secrets: Pro coaching insights, real peloton power files, and the scientific training breakthroughs fueling women’s cycling’s explosive rise. Discover how sponsor power, maternity support, and next-gen sports science are transforming the Tour and the women athletes leading it.

Ahead of the longest, most mountainous Tour de France Femmes in the race's five-year history, Human Powered Health Cycling Head of Performance Callum McQueen joins Endurance Unlimited to talk preparation. From individualized workload design to closing the research gaps still facing women's cycling, Callum breaks down how his team translates data into decisions for one of the sport's toughest stages yet.

In the final episode of Peak Access, Alex Howes ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Joe Lewis break down the hardest-hitting moments and stats from the Tour, revealing why training for sprints, building durability, and mastering recovery are game changers for riders of all levels.

This is your inside look at Tour de France training secrets, pro cyclist recovery hacks, and sprint workout breakthroughs. Whether you’re prepping for your own event or plotting your next breakthrough, you’ll walk away with instantly actionable tips—including free training plans and durability tests tailored to your phenotype.

For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page.

Don't forget to check out Joe's free training plans, available on TrainingPeaks.

#TourdeFrance #PeakAccess

Dive into the third episode of Peak Access, where the conversation goes beyond just race recaps. Alex Howes ⁠and ⁠Joe Lewis⁠ unpack what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in the world’s biggest bike race, translating elite tactics into actionable advice for all athletes and coaches. From mastering fueling habits to understanding the critical role of rest, while balancing try to surviving rest days during The Tour, and the science behind power-to-heart-rate decoupling, this episode is a playbook for building durability and outlasting the competition. What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! 👇 For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/grand-tour-july-2026/ #TourdeFrance #PeakAccess

Many believe that riding outdoors in high temperatures guarantees heat adaptation. But that’s not the whole story. Aline Barre, the Endurance Performance Lead for CORE, explains what it takes to get true performance benefits for athletes. And why real heat training requires understanding both internal and external temperatures. Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean your body is adapting effectively. To truly benefit, Aline says to aim for an elevated core temperature, around 38.5°C. This means overdressing in controlled environments — like the indoor trainer on TrainingPeaks Virtual — can lead to more effective training sessions! Remember, not all heat is created equal. Are you using the right methods for your training? #HeatTraining #SportsScience

Time to dive into the actual power behind the race. Alex Howes and Joe Lewisare back to break it all down on the next episode of Peak Access, part of the Endurance Unlimited podcast. Get behind-the-scenes insights from Alex and Joe as they decode pro power numbers, team tactics, and the mental game of modern bike racing from the first few stages of the Tour de France. Join us as we breakdown how data, mindset, and durability are changing how coaches and riders think about effort and race strategy. What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! For more info and stories about how WorldTour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/grand-tour-july-2026/

Go inside the mind of WorldTour coach, Koen Pelgrim, as the episode traces the journey from the physiology lab to the chaos of racing. You’ll get an inside look at what it takes to build a champion—from altitude camps and heat training protocols to how gym and strength work have become non-negotiables for today’s sprinters. The discussion digs deep into balancing “the art and science” of coaching, sharing actionable insights on tapering, team communication, and why trusting data (like heart rate and strain metrics) is key—but personal connection comes first.

Key takeaways in this episode:

• Elite Prep: How sprinters and GC riders train differently for the Tour de France
• Altitude + Heat: Extend performance gains with modern adaptation strategies
• Strength & Conditioning: Why gym work is a pillar in today’s cycling programs
• Data in Action: How daily recovery, RPE, and metrics drive real-time decisions
• Art vs. Science: Why true coaching blends analytics and human intuition

Learn how top coaches prepare elite sprinters for the Tour and use cutting-edge altitude and heat adaptation hacks. Discover proven performance analytics and real athlete-coach conversations that make the difference at the world's biggest races.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Altitude & Heat Training: Boosting Endurance for the Tour
• 00:53 – Training Differences: Sprinters vs. GC Riders
• 01:13 – Meet Koen: Coaching Roots & Early Influence
• 02:01 – Recent Wins & Prepping for the Tour de France
• 02:24 – From University Researcher to World Tour Coach
• 05:16 – Coaching Lessons: Lab to Real-World Application
• 06:04 – Culture Shift: Structured Plans in Pro Cycling
• 08:21 – Sprinter Preparation: Specific Workouts & Stage Simulation
• 09:05 – Altitude Camps for Sprinters: Aerobic & Anaerobic Focus
• 10:26 – Practicing Lead-Out Trains & Team Dynamics
• 11:55 – Strength Training: How Gym Work Evolved in Cycling
• 14:34 – Tapering: Differences for Sprinters and Climbers
• 16:29 – The Rise of Young Talent: Paul Magnier’s Development
• 19:32 – Balancing Sprint Power & Classic Ambitions
• 20:02 – Analyzing Race Data: Daily Effort, Heart Rate, and Recovery
• 23:43 – Heat Adaptation: Protocols Leading to the Tour
• 27:47 – Monitoring Subjective Data: Conversations Over Metrics
• 30:13 – Adaptive Training Plans & Athlete Autonomy
• 33:33 – Preventing Overtraining: Keeping Riders Controlled
• 35:08 – Art vs. Science: The Human Side of Coaching
• 36:43 – Closing Thoughts & Tour de France Preview

Ever wondered what it takes to prep for the toughest endurance race on Earth? Alex Howesand Joe Lewis kick off a new series, "Peak Access," part of the Endurance Unlimited podcast. In our first episode, we dive into the unique challenges of the Tour de France. With over 54,000 meters of climbing in just 21 days, this race is not for the faint-hearted. But it’s not just about the climbs. The athletes are facing a historic heat wave, making their training even more crucial. Join us as we discuss the insights, strategies, and the importance of the performance management chart that keeps these pros on track. What questions do you have about training and racing to Paris? Share your questions in the comments! 👇
For more info and stories about how Tour teams use TrainingPeaks data, check out our TdF Hub Page.

#TourdeFrance #PeakAccess

Multi-sport training secrets, Olympic mindset shifts, and the art of balancing endurance sports—discover how to build unstoppable athletic versatility. Elevate your coaching or racing with power-packed tips from an Olympian who breaks all the rules.

World-class athlete Anna Gibson joins Dirk on Endurance Unlimited to share her roller-coaster journey from track running and alpine skiing to trail, skimo, and elite gravel and mountain biking—often flipping the script on traditional training wisdom. You’ll get actionable insights into how being a multi-sport athlete can supercharge your competitive edge, why chasing curiosity fuels elite performance, and how to strategically blend volume, intensity, and rest when balancing several disciplines at once.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Anna Gibson’s Olympic Skimo Leap: The Unexpected Journey
• 01:46 – Building a Multi-Sport Engine: Running, Skiing, and Biking
• 03:54 – Life After the Olympics: Motivation, Mental Health & Reset
• 06:47 – From Alpine and Nordic to Trail: Early Athletic Foundations
• 10:30 – Closet Skimo Training and the Road to Team USA
• 12:26 – Saying Yes: Olympic Skimo Commitment and Qualification
• 15:17 – The Role of Camps and Community in Rising Fast
• 17:01 – Blending Training: Off-Season Recovery and Rapid Skill Development
• 19:44 – Confidence, Resilience, and Takeaways From Multi-Sport Racing
• 21:45 – Optimizing Cross-Training: Interplay Between Running, Biking & Skiing
• 24:18 – Future Goals: Big Mountain Events and Staying Curious
• 28:06 – Challenging Specialization: Lessons From Racing and Experimenting
• 29:55 – Leadville 100 Prep: Structure, Weaknesses, and Training Philosophy
• 35:39 – Sponsorships and Career Balance in a Multi-Sport Life
• 38:08 – Managing Workouts, Recovery, and Strength Across Disciplines
• 43:19 – Coaching Multi-Sport Athletes and Advice for Beginners
• 46:30 – Embracing Uncertainty, Staying Curious, and the Road Ahead

Pregnancy and Elite Athletic Performance: How Pro Cyclist Sarah Sturm and Coach Dennis Van Winden Redefine Training for Mom Athletes. Discover top pregnancy-safe training tips, real athlete-coach strategies, and how to navigate racing, metrics, mental health, and sponsorships, without missing a beat.

Elite cyclist Sarah Sturm and her coach Dennis Van Winden break new ground with a candid look at what it takes to maintain consistency, motivation, and health throughout pregnancy as a professional athlete. From adapting the athlete’s mindset to rethinking metrics and embracing Rate of Perceived Exertion, this episode delivers essential insights for female athletes (and coaches) facing the unknowns of pregnancy and postpartum return to racing.

00:00 – Mindset Shift: From Performance to Health in Pregnancy
04:07 – When Career Meets Family: Planning for Pregnancy
10:17 – Stress, Racing Seasons, and Conceiving as an Athlete
14:56 – Privacy, Career Impact, and the Athlete Mindset
17:33 – Letting Go of FTP: Embracing RPE and Subjective Training
21:02 – Nutrition & Fueling: Adapting Intake for Pregnancy Needs
22:36 – Flexible Programming: Communication and Weekly Check-ins
29:10 – Grand Prix Notification: Navigating Pregnancy in Pro Competition
31:15 – Pioneering Deferrals: Advocating for Maternity Policies
33:14 – Sponsor Support: Contracts, Clauses, and Progressive Change
35:35 – Identity Shifts: Psychological and Emotional Dynamics
38:12 – Planning the Comeback: Hopes and Unknowns for 2027
43:02 – The Coach-Athlete Relationship: Trust, Adaptability, and Support
49:03 – Data Gaps and Experimentation: Building Knowledge for Future Athletes
54:38 – Comparing Experiences: Each Pregnancy is Unique
59:46 – Postpartum Roadmap: Day-by-Day Planning for the Comeback
1:02:02 – Advice for Athletes: Building a Support System Before and During Pregnancy
1:02:41 – Closing Thoughts: Changing the Conversation about Pregnancy, Athletics, and Support

Heat Adaptation Hacks for Cyclists: How the Pros Master Sauna Protocols, Active Heat Training & Performance Gains. Discover the power of heat acclimatization to boost resilience, race readiness, and recovery in any climate.

Pro coach Ben Day unleashes the secrets of modern endurance training through practical protocols and behind-the-scenes stories from Girona, Boulder, and the pro peloton. This episode peels back the science of heat training—from sauna and hot tub sessions to sweat-inducing paint suits and indoor trainer hacks—and reveals how every athlete, from ambitious amateurs to WorldTour contenders, can unlock cardiovascular and performance gains with just 7-14 days of heat exposure.

Learn how to:

• Integrate heat training into your annual plan for serious marginal gains without burning out
• Dial in the balance between active (trainer, paint suit) and passive (sauna, hot tubs) protocols to match your schedule
• Track adaptation using heart rate, power, core temperature, and good old-fashioned athlete feedback for a complete picture
• Avoid common mistakes—why “more is not better” and the art of nailing your heat adaptation window for race day

Whether you’re prepping for a midsummer gran fondo, an early Tour Down Under, or just want a physiological edge, you’ll hear exactly how the world’s best apply cutting-edge research and TrainingPeaks tools to bring it all together. Consistency, structured feedback, and smart scheduling are the name of the game—get the pro tips to adapt faster, recover better, and take your performance into the red-hot zone.

In this episode, George Hincapie and Bobby Julich joins host Dirk Friel to dive into the ambitious launch of Modern Adventure Cycling—a new American cycling team that’s already making waves on the international stage. With decades of experience racing and leading teams, George Hincapie and Bobby Julich share what inspired them to tackle this monumental project, how they overcame challenges in building their roster, and why fostering a positive team culture matters more than chasing results.

From candid stories about assembling their squad to detailing their unique approach to high performance and athlete development, this episode is a masterclass on leadership, adaptability, and what it means to create opportunities for the next generation of American cyclists. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes moments from training camps in Girona, their unexpected invitations to world-class races, and the philosophy that guides them as they strive not only for podiums, but for lasting impact in the cycling community.

00:00 Power Analysis and Lap Comparison

03:09 "New Devices, Metrics, Automation"

07:50 "Inside Modern Adventure Pro Cycling"

12:04 "Securing the Deal to Start"

13:43 "Selecting Young Cyclists Wisely"

18:14 Supporting Riders, Building Futures

21:40 "Building a Team We Wanted"

24:26 Teamwork Boosts Morale

27:52 "Coaching: Data vs. Connection"

31:58 "Adjusting Plans for Race Invites"

33:11 American Cycling's Ambitious Revival

36:04 "Performance Priorities and Future Goals"

40:20 Emerging American Cyclists in Spotlight

42:54 "Team Unity Drives Success"

47:51 "Maintaining American Presence Abroad"

50:42 "Endurance Unlimited Podcast Sign-Off"

In this episode, we dig into an inspiring athlete’s evolution, exploring the high-stakes world of elite road marathoning and the tough transition to trail and ultra running. Olympic marathon bronze medalist Molly Seidel and her coach, Cliff Pittman, join us to walk us through her running journey —overcoming chronic injuries, recalibrating her goals after an Olympic medal, and battling the mental and physical challenges that come with shifting from polished pavement to rugged singletrack.

You’ll hear firsthand how Molly faced setbacks, from broken bones to burnout, and how her passion led her to the trails. Cliff shares how he’s helping Molly adapt her world-class engine for the unique demands of ultras, blending thorough communication, athlete autonomy, and strategic training techniques. From dialing in race nutrition to conquering technical descents, this episode delivers real lessons — plus a behind-the-scenes look at one of the newest and most intriguing athlete-coach duos in endurance sports.

Whether you’re a long-time road runner, aspiring ultramarathoner, or endurance coach, you’ll find wisdom, humility, and plenty of practical takeaways on embracing change, trusting the process, and honoring the journey.

Host Dirk Friel is joined by sleep researcher and sleep coach Charlotte Edelsten, whose expertise is backed by over two decades of research on sleep and performance. Together, they dive deep into the science behind sleep for endurance athletes—addressing why sleep is a true foundation for training adaptations, injury prevention, and race-day performance.

Charlotte Edelsten shares insights from her years conducting research at high-profile endurance events like UTMB Mont Blanc, unpacks why many athletes struggle with sleep quality (even Olympians!), and dispels myths about supplements and wearables. She discusses practical strategies for managing sleep during training and competition, including napping protocols, sleep banking, and how to optimize rest at altitude or before an ultra-endurance race.

00:00 "Endurance Training & Sleep Insights"

03:37 Sleep Disturbances in Athletes

09:10 Caffeine: Adenosine Blocker Explained

11:10 Limitations of Sleep-Tracking Devices

13:21 "Sleep's Impact on Athletic Performance"

18:46 "Understanding Sleep Through Sleep Diaries"

20:54 "Supplements Won't Cure Sleep Issues"

26:07 "Pre-Race Sleep and Mindset"

29:18 "Sleep Strategies and Performance"

31:01 "Gradual Sleep Extension for Athletes"

33:39 "Strategic Napping in Sports"

37:39 "Optimizing Sleep for Best Rest"

42:09 Sleep's Role in UTMB Success

43:49 "Fatigue Management for Runners"

47:42 "Caffeine Strategies in Training"

50:51 "Hallucinations From Extreme Sleep Deprivation"

55:12 "Endurance Unlimited: Follow & Train"

On this episode of Endurance Unlimited, host Dirk Friel sits down with rising star Cam Smith, professional trail runner and ski mountaineering athlete who's just qualified for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Together, they dig into the strategy and preparation behind Team USA’s dramatic World Cup victory in Solitude, Utah—which not only put the U.S. a ticket to the Games for Skimo, but also set the stage for what’s next in this fast-evolving sport.

Cam Smith shares his journey from ultra-endurance races to the high-intensity, quick-transition world of ski mountaineering, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the training philosophies, mistakes to avoid, and the unique demands of mixed relay competition. You’ll hear how he leverages both running and skiing to fuel his performance, and get an inside look at how emerging talent like Anna Gibson is shaking up the U.S. team.

00:00 "Mixed Relay Racing Strategies"

03:32 "Qualifying on Home Soil"

07:50 "Trail Running Meets Skiing"

12:44 "Balancing Racing Seasons and Goals"

15:41 "Short Turnaround: Leveraging Speed"

17:45 Training for Steep Mountain Racing

22:48 "Injuries, Adaptation, and Focus"

24:39 Future Trail Racing Plans

29:30 "Building a Strong Skimo Team"

31:26 "Join Our Thriving Federation"

36:50 "Pacing Strategies in Racing"

38:38 Downhill Training for Racing Success

43:02 "Post-Season Training Reset"

45:19 "Skimo's Impact and Future"

48:40 "Inspiring the Next Generation"

In this episode, Host Allison Bettin is joined by Matt Dixon, an elite triathlon coach and cofounder of Purple Patch Fitness, for an athlete-focused episode on the off-season, including practical strategies to help athletes integrate their training with work, family, and life, as well as building systems that drive long-term success.

Instead of chasing peak fitness or pushing for higher power numbers, Matt urges athletes to focus on rejuvenation, consistency, and building foundational habits that set the stage for breakthroughs later in the season. He makes it clear: the off-season is not about piling on more work, but fine-tuning the invisible groundwork, like sleep, nutrition, strength training, and skill development.

Whether you’re a dedicated competitor or just striving to be your best, tune in for expert tips and actionable advice that will help you come back stronger, faster, and ready to tackle your goals head-on. If you’re wondering how to structure your downtime for maximum gain, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom on building consistency, adopting a “challenge mindset,” and making off-season training not just effective, but fun and fulfilling.