Training alone might feel productive, but it’s not always the most effective way to improve. In this episode, CTS Coach Adam Pulford explores the concept of social facilitation and how training with others can enhance performance, motivation, and skill development.

We also cover when group rides can backfire, how to find the right balance between solo and group training, and how to structure your week to get the most out of both.

CTS Camp Schedule: https://trainright.com/camps/

​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/

HOST

Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/

Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/

Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/

Resources:

• Social Facilitation Theory In Psychology
• Mihály Csíkszentmihályi:
  • Book: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience: Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly: 8580001046242: Amazon.com: Books
  • Online PDF: Mihaly-Csikszentmihalyi-Flow.pdf
  • Concept: Mihály Csíkszentmihályi: The Father of Flow
  • Online Audio Book: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi · Audiobook preview
• Brad Huff & Project Dudeman:
  • https://www.tulsatough.com/project-dudeman
  • https://www.bikereg.com/project-dudeman
  • https://tulsaflyer.org/2026/04/02/culture/post/project-dudeman-cycling-tulsa/
• Bike Clubs | Bike Rides Near Me | USA Cycling:
  • https://usacycling.sport80.com/public/widget/1

Zone 2 training has become increasingly complicated, with subzones like 2a, 2b, and even 2c being thrown around. But does any of that actually improve your training?

In this episode, we break down what Zone 2 really is, why most of this added complexity is unnecessary, and how to organize your endurance training more effectively. The goal is simple: build aerobic fitness without overthinking it. When it comes to endurance, simplicity done consistently beats complexity every time.

​​Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/

HOST

Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/

Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/

Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/

Resources:

• Trainright.com
• Cycling Power Zones Explained
• Cycling Training Zones: A Detailed Guide — High North Performance
• Trainright Guide to Heart Rate Training for Cycling - CTS
• Cycling Power Zones: Training Zones Explained - TrainerRoad Blog
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainright-podcast/id1494799053?i=1000700902926

Most cyclists think they need more volume or more power to improve. Coach Adam Pulford explains why that’s not always the case and how training density (doing the same work with less recovery) is one of the most effective ways to build durability, increase repeatability, and break through performance plateaus.

Free Cycling Training Assessment: https://trainright.com/cycling-training-assessment-welcome/

HOST

Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

Interested in working with a coach? Schedule a free consult: https://trainright.com/coaching/cycling/

Self-coached athlete? Check out our TrainRight Membership: https://trainright.com/membership/

Find more free resources here: https://trainright.com/blog/

Resources:

• What Training Density Is and Why It Matters for Time-Crunched Cyclists
• Durability and repeatability of professional cyclists during a Grand Tour
• Fatigue Resistance or Durability in Cycling: Tests & Training Tips — High North Performance