“Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful.”
George E. P. Box
I’ve spent over 200 hours testing IronOS in my own training, using it with clients, and prompting AI to write code and iterate on every pixel in the app.
I’ve been using some variation of training software since my first Polar heart rate monitor in 1999. As I went through college and transitioned into my coaching career, I’ve tried most of the mainstream apps and wearable platforms over the past 20 years.
Most athletes know that consistency is the king of training fundamentals. No AI model or experienced coach is more valuable than not missing workouts.
Read More “Why Imagining the Worst Makes You a Better Cyclist”
Disclosure: I write all my articles without the use of generative AI. I don’t know if that matters to you, but it does to me.
If you’re suffering from TikTok derangement syndrome and can only suffer 15 seconds of this article, let me try to deliver your fix up front.
I wrote my first post in 2011. For close to 15 years, I’ve tried to answer all types of training questions—ranging from the effectiveness of beet juice to how to boost your VO₂ max.
Life is complicated enough as it is, and trying to add competitive cycling into the mix can be difficult. I’ve grown up with cycling in my life, and it’s an ongoing battle to maintain a balance between cycling and the rest of life.
When preparing for a race, in a perfect world, it would be ideal to arrive at the venue a few days before the race. Taking those few days to pre-ride the course and spend the nights in a high-quality place. However, for most of us, that’s not the case; we don’t have sponsors covering our stays at these events.
As summer gets started, it’s that time of year when key events are held at elevation, such as Leadville, Steamboat Gravel, and the Death Ride. Since decreased oxygen at high altitudes reduces physical capacity (1), it’s especially important for cyclists to choose how best to respond to the challenge of riding at elevation.
Gravel racing is one of the more unique disciplines of cycling. Its a discipline that heavily relies on bike set up. Tire choice is course dependent and each course is vastly different. Courses can include smooth gravel, rough gravel, single track and road; all with varying percentages of each.
A few weeks ago, I completed my highest training volume on the bike in one week, 40 hours. Extremely high volume is a true test of all of your training skills, but keeping up with the caloric demands is one of the most important skills.
In total, I burned 30,782 kjs (on the bike) in those 40 hours. I did a few 8 hour rides and on those days I burned 6,000 kjs in one ride.
Read More “Sustaining Energy for a 40 Hour Week of Cycling: What I Eat”
