Author Archives: Jesse Fortson
How to Use Your Power Curve to Find Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Every cyclist has strengths and weaknesses. The good news is that specific types of fitness are highly trainable. How do you use a power curve to discover what you’re good at, what needs work, and what can you do with that information?
Muscles Used for Cycling and How to Train Them
Cycling is usually thought of as cardiovascular activity and rightly so. But bike riding also works the skeletal muscles. The production of power to drive the pedals involves complex activation of several muscle groups. Of course, the muscles most used in cycling are the legs, but you use muscle groups through the trunk and upper body. Depending on your cycling discipline, the level activation of these groups will vary.
How David Curtis Went From The Couch to a Sub-9 Leadville with TrainerRoad
David Curtis went from total beginner to sub-9 finisher at the Leadville Trail 100. As a new cyclist, David experienced a steep learning curve with plenty of challenges along the way. But changes in lifestyle, diet, and structured interval training with TrainerRoad, he added 100w to his FTP and doubled his w/kg.
How to Plan Your Offseason: When to Start and What to Do
With events postponed and canceled, the usual ebb and flow of the cycling seasons have subsided. With months of training in your legs, it might be time for a break. Choosing when to take time off and what to do with your offseason can set you up for future success.
Interval Training for Cyclists: Interval Types & How to Use Them
Interval training is the best way to become a faster cyclist. By selectively training specific energy systems, you can make the most of your training time. With so many types of intervals, choosing what to do can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of interval training.
How to Maximize Your Available Training Time
Schedules change all the time. Sometimes life happens, and you find yourself with minimal time to train. At other times, you find yourself with tons of time for training. Whether you have extra or minimal time, you can make the most of the time you have to maintain or increase your fitness.
How Norman Banick Went 9:11:09 and Top 100 at Kona
Kona. The name alone inspires both fear and awe in endurance athletes around the world. Norman Banick headed to Kona for the 2019 Ironman World Championship with lofty goals—finish under nine hours and place in the top 100. After being battered by Hawaiian sun and wind, Norman finished 102nd overall with an incredible time of 9:11:09.
How to Substitute Intensity with Volume
Sweet spot training is one of the most effective and efficient ways to train. However, there are times when you can take a break from the intensity and reap the benefits of a long endurance ride. You can address your aerobic base, experiment with nutrition, and prepare for your event by substituting an endurance ride in place of a sweet spot workout.
How to Get Started With TrainerRoad
Structured training is the most efficient and effective way to become a faster cyclist. But getting started can seem daunting. Don’t worry; getting started with TrainerRoad is easy. In just a few simple steps you’ll be using science-based training, planning and analysis tools that increase your performance.
Subscribe to the Blog
Join for the latest training, racing, and software updates from TrainerRoad.
SubscribeAsk a Cycling Coach Podcast
Answers to your most technical and unique training questions.
A custom training plan, automatically built for your goals.
Try Plan Builder