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Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

By: Dave Schell
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Unlock your endurance potential. The Training Babble Podcast takes a deep dive into the strategy and science behind training for off-road cycling and gravel racing. Host Dave Schell brings over 20 years of coaching and racing experience, including as former Director of Education at TrainingPeaks.

Each episode features interviews with experts and insiders to inform your training on topics like physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, equipment selection, and race tactics. Expect an informative yet lighthearted conversation filled with practical tips to up your performance. Special guests from across the cycling world join to share their hard-earned wisdom.

Whether you're an amateur looking to reach new heights or a coach wanting to refine your craft, The Training Babble Podcast offers a master-class in endurance training. Challenging conventional methods, busting myths, and digging into the latest research, this show equips you with the knowledge to train smarter and unlock your full athletic potential.



Subscribe to the Training Babble Podcast and join our community of passionate off-road cyclists. With tips, stories, and advice from leading figures in gravel and mountain biking, we're here to support your journey to peak performance and beyond. Elevate your off-road cycling experience with us.

© 2025 Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling
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Episodes
  • Eating is NOT Cheating! with Uri Carlson
    Dec 3 2025

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    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell talks to sports dietician, Uri Carlson from Inner Wild Nutrition. The conversation discusses how to navigate the holidays, healthy weight loss for endurance athletes, and how to fuel before, during and after your workouts. Uri dives into the ingrained belief that eating less is the key to weight loss and exploring how this perspective can hinder performance and overall health. Uri also emphasizes the complexity of metabolism and the body's response to dietary changes, arguing that simply eating less can lead to negative outcomes such as fatigue and decreased performance. The discussion encourages a reevaluation of traditional weight loss strategies and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of nutrition and metabolism.

    Takeaways

    • Why “eating is not cheating” — the shift toward actually fueling performance.
    • Yuri’s simple philosophy: science + the human element, not rigid macros.
    • Easy framework for fueling before, during, and after your rides.
    • Fasted training myths — when it works and why it usually doesn’t.
    • How to avoid GI distress and find your personal carb tolerance.
    • Signs you’re underfueling (and why evening cravings are a big clue).
    • Protein reality check: it’s a daily target, not an immediate post-ride rule.
    • Holiday strategies: enjoy the food without guilt or restriction.
    • The biggest mindset shift: eat enough to improve performance and body composition.
    • Real-food fueling options that work as well as sports nutrition products.
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    55 mins
  • The Quest for the Perfect Tire: with John Karrasch
    Nov 12 2025

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    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Bible podcast, host Dave Schell interviews John Karrasch, a bike fitter and coach who has ventured into tire rolling resistance testing. They discuss John's journey into bike fitting, the importance of real-world testing versus lab testing, and the complexities of rolling resistance and tire performance. John shares insights on tire selection, width, pressure, and compounds, as well as advice for conducting personal tire tests. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding tire characteristics to enhance cycling performance.



    Takeaways

    • Real-world testing provides more applicable results than lab tests.
    • Rolling resistance is crucial for understanding tire performance.
    • Tire width and pressure significantly affect speed and handling.
    • Tire compounds play a vital role in performance and durability.
    • Different tire brands can have varying performance characteristics.
    • Selecting the right tire involves understanding local conditions.
    • Conducting personal tire tests can yield valuable insights.


    Instagram

    JohnKarrash.com


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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Reflect, Reset, Rebuild: Making the Most of Your Off-Season with Simon Kessler
    Oct 22 2025

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    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell speaks with coach Simon Kessler about the complexities of the off-season for cyclists. They discuss the importance of mental resets, the need for tailored off-season plans based on individual athlete needs, and the significance of setting both process and outcome goals. Kessler shares insights from his extensive coaching experience, emphasizing the importance of consistency, managing burnout, and the role of social aspects in cycling. The conversation also touches on planning for the next season and how to help athletes achieve personal success beyond just winning races.

    Takeaways

    • The off-season can be a mental reset for athletes.
    • Different athletes require different off-season strategies.
    • Mental health is as important as physical fitness in cycling.
    • Setting process goals can lead to better outcomes.
    • Consistency in training is crucial for success.
    • Burnout can be managed with proper planning and energy management.
    • Group rides provide social motivation and training benefits.
    • Athletes should focus on their personal journey, not just results.
    • Basic habits like nutrition and sleep are foundational for performance.
    • Goal setting should include emotional and experiential aspects.



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    58 mins
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