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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
  • Pre Leadville 100 Team Call with Kaizen Endurance
    Aug 1 2025

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    Summary
    In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast you get to be a fly on the wall and listen in on our team meeting in prep for the Leadville 100. This conversation provides an in-depth overview of strategies and considerations for the LT100 focusing on course details, climbing and descent techniques, weather and nutrition, aid station usage, pacing, and altitude management.

    Takeaways

    • The course is 105 miles with significant elevation changes.
    • Pacing is crucial, especially in the first hour.
    • Climbing techniques can help avoid bottlenecks.
    • Descent safety is paramount; choose lines wisely.
    • Weather can change rapidly; be prepared with layers.
    • Nutrition should be planned and executed carefully.
    • Aid stations are for emergencies; have a strategy.
    • Crew support can enhance race performance.
    • Altitude affects performance; manage your effort accordingly.
    • Stay focused and keep pedaling with purpose.
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    40 mins
  • Finding Balance: Practical Training Over Perfection
    Jul 16 2025

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    Summary
    In this episode, Dave Schell and Dr. Phil Batterson discuss the concept of hyperoptimization in training, exploring its implications and dangers. They emphasize the importance of consistency, practicality, and focusing on fundamental training principles rather than chasing quick fixes or trendy methods. The conversation highlights the psychological impacts of hyperoptimization, the significance of research in training, and the need for skepticism towards new trends. Ultimately, they advocate for a balanced approach to training that prioritizes long-term success over short-term gains.

    Takeaways

    • Hyperoptimization often leads to disappointment and burnout.
    • Practical approaches to training yield better results than idealistic ones.
    • Consistency is key to long-term progress in fitness.
    • Focus on fundamental training principles rather than quick fixes.
    • Evaluate new training methods critically before adopting them.
    • Simplicity in training can lead to better outcomes.
    • Marginal gains should be pursued only after fundamentals are established.
    • Research should inform training but not dictate it blindly.
    • Avoid influencers who claim to have all the answers.
    • Training should be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Training Truths we Wish More Athletes Would Embrace
    Jul 2 2025

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    In this episode of the Training Babble Podcast, host Dave Schell and guest Matti Rowe dig into the complexities of cycling, racing, and coaching. They discuss Matti's recent experience at Unbound, the importance of supporting athletes, the chaotic nature of racing, and the misconceptions surrounding training metrics like CTL. The conversation emphasizes the significance of recovery, nutrition, mental preparation, and the broader perspective on goals and fulfillment in the sport of cycling.



    Takeaways

    • Matti shares his experience of racing and the challenges faced during Unbound.
    • The importance of supporting athletes as a coach rather than focusing solely on personal performance.
    • Racing is inherently chaotic, and crashes are part of the sport.
    • The need to differentiate between training and racing, as they require different mindsets.
    • Chasing CTL (Chronic Training Load) can lead to misconceptions about fitness and performance.
    • Recovery weeks are crucial for long-term performance and should not be overlooked.
    • Nutrition plays a vital role in performance, and under-eating can lead to negative consequences.
    • Mental preparation is key; athletes should visualize potential race challenges.
    • Goals can be misleading; fulfillment comes from the journey, not just achievements.
    • Having hobbies outside of cycling can improve overall performance and mental health.


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    40 mins
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