Advertise on podcast: The Matchbox - A Cycling Podcast

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking to the founder and CEO of Tymewear, Arnar Larusson about all things training with ventilation metrics.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Summary This episode features Arnar Larusson, founder and CEO of Tymewear, talking about why breathing may be the missing signal in endurance training. The discussion centers on how ventilation can give coaches and athletes a more reliable view of internal workload, training zones, fatigue, and perceived exertion than heart rate alone.We also hear from Adam and Dizzle as they pressure-test the practical side of the tech, from zone setup to high-intensity work to whether the strap holds up in winter layers. Key topics Arnar Larusson shares how an engineering background in prosthetics and exosuits led him to endurance physiology and eventually to building a breathing sensor for athletes. The core idea behind Timeware is that lab-grade insights about ventilation, thresholds, and metabolic output were not accessible in the field, so the company built a way to bring that signal outside the lab. Arnar explains why he sees heart rate as only one limited piece of the performance picture, especially when it is affected by heat, altitude, fatigue, and fueling. The episode breaks down why ventilation is a stronger reference point for training zones because it is more directly tied to what the muscles are doing. Arnar walks through the evidence behind poor zone estimation using population averages, including the problem of large error margins and high non-responder rates. Adam and Dizzle dig into the relationship between breathing rate, RPE, and how the strap could help athletes better calibrate effort in real time. The conversation covers why ventilation is especially useful for endurance work and threshold work, while power remains the better guide for short VO2 max intervals. Arnar explains how the strap’s dedicated breathing sensor differs from estimating respiration through HRV, especially once exercise intensity rises. They discuss how fatigue, race load, altitude, and heat can distort heart rate and power, while ventilation often stays the steadier anchor. The episode also touches on practical use cases like winter clothing interference, dynamic zones, and how the product may help coaches understand athlete readiness and training response. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Arnar Larusson and the breathing sensor concept 00:34 - Arnar’s engineering background and the path from prosthetics to exosuits 01:29 - Why lab-grade breathing data mattered in the field 02:49 - The gap between lab testing and real-world athlete feedback 04:43 - Why breathing became the missing performance metric 05:01 - Timeware’s launch timeline and the Vital Pro Strap rollout 06:02 - Why heart rate alone is too limited to guide training 07:24 - The problem with population-based training zones 08:51 - Why true VT1 and VT2 zones matter more than estimated percentages 10:15 - Breathing as a cleaner signal than lactate or heart rate 11:41 - Why ventilation works as a foundation for interpreting other metrics 13:40 - The breathing rate and RPE connection 15:20 - How breathing rate can help objectively estimate perceived effort 16:22 - Using resting breathing data to set reserve and calibrate effort 17:38 - Why the strap complements heart rate instead of replacing it 18:35 - How ventilation helps distinguish fitness gains from fatigue effects 20:31 - Why power, heart rate, and ventilation can diverge during long efforts 22:39 - Why ventilation stays stable at altitude while power and heart rate shift 24:02 - How coaches think about custom heart rate zones versus ventilatory zones 26:22 - Ramp testing and how the app builds zones from multiple signals 27:52 - How heart rate responses vary by athlete, fitness, and season 28:58 - Jonas and the Visma example of a large VT1 shift in one month 30:19 - The psychology of getting attached to old training numbers 31:14 - Breathing as a grounding metric for effort perception 33:48 - Why ventilation is closer to a continuous lactate signal than heart rate is 35:48 - Why lactate is useful but delayed and influenced by fueling status 37:30 - The lactate cascade versus the near-instant response of ventilation 39:21 - Which ventilation averaging window works best for different workouts 40:05 - Does fatigue change ventilation, or just power and heart rate? 42:22 - Why stable ventilation can indicate fitness gains even when power rises 45:55 - Backyard ultra example showing breathing rate rising while ventilation stayed flat 48:16 - How coaches can use the data to adjust pacing and training interventions 49:02 - Why fresh legs can still show higher ventilation after racing 50:27 - Listener question on VO2 max workouts and how to use ventilation data 51:13 - Why power or pace is still best for guiding VO2 max intervals 52:39 - Why ventilation shines for endurance and threshold work 54:14 - Why standard VO2 max estimates can badly overstate actual capacity 55:06 - How the app’s zone testing improves confidence in training targets 56:27 - Using breathing rate as an RPE-style guide during hard intervals 57:40 - Winter clothing, bib shorts, and sensor interference 60:22 - Dynamic zones and the neural net designed to handle external interference 62:06 - Can ventilation reveal illness or respiratory issues? 64:29 - Anecdotal signs of infection, allergies, or asthma in the signal 65:14 - Current and upcoming integrations with major head units and platforms 67:18 - Why the strap includes both heart rate and a dedicated breathing sensor 68:39 - Why HRV-based respiration estimates break down during exercise 69:39 - Where listeners and coaches can get involved with Timeware

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about drive train efficiency, how to convert those quality indoor workouts into superior outdoor workouts, and whether we should be increasing muscle mass for more power output.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies     Summary This episode tackles two practical cycling questions: how to choose the most efficient and reliable chain for a SRAM 13-speed setup, and how to translate indoor workout discipline to outdoor riding. Adam and the Host also dig into whether adding muscle mass helps power output, how strength training should be periodized, and how much muscle is actually useful for cyclists. Key topics Jim from Albany, New York, asks about chain selection for a SRAM 13-speed Eagle/Explorer groupset. Waxing a chain, including using Silca drip wax, can improve drivetrain efficiency and narrow the gap between a great chain and a mediocre one. Matching the chain brand to the drivetrain brand can support better shifting, fewer dropped chains, and fewer compatibility issues. SRAM 12-speed and 13-speed chains are effectively the same category; there is not a separate 13-speed chain standard. Higher-end chains may offer meaningful durability benefits, even when their efficiency advantage is relatively small. 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace is discussed as a historical efficiency benchmark, but the practical gap between modern drivetrain options is small. Outdoor workout execution is a skill that must be practiced rather than avoided. Shifting, route selection, and terrain awareness can help riders keep power within the target range. Lap average, time in zone, and power distribution are more informative than occasional power spikes alone. Strength training can improve force application, neuromuscular coordination, and cycling economy without requiring dramatic muscle gain. Strength training should generally be emphasized during lower-intensity cycling periods and maintained during harder training blocks and race season. Body type and racing goals should influence whether an athlete prioritizes climbing or sprinting performance. Timestamps 00:00 - Jim asks about the most efficient chain for SRAM 13-speed and whether wax changes the answer 00:33 - Why Silca wax boosts efficiency and reduces the difference between good and bad chains 01:32 - Shimano Dura-Ace 11-speed as a historical efficiency benchmark 02:41 - Best practice: use the chain made for your drivetrain 04:03 - Durability, breakage concerns, and why higher-end chains can last much longer 05:35 - Force versus Red on SRAM flat-top and Explorer setups 07:28 - 12-speed and 13-speed chains are the same category 08:28 - Why off-road riders may choose SRAM for reliability over small watt savings 09:10 - Why waxing saves money by extending chain and cassette life 10:08 - Drip wax versus hot melt and how often to reapply 11:31 - Convenience, training time, and why not to overthink chain choice 13:13 - Blair’s question: indoor erg mode works, but outdoor workouts feel harder to hold 14:00 - Why outdoor execution matters more than perfect trainer compliance 15:20 - Use shifting and pacing skills to hold power across rolling terrain 16:56 - Why pedaling easier is not the same as making the workout harder 18:20 - Terrain choice matters for staying in Zone 2 19:39 - How to simplify outdoor intervals and narrow power ranges over time 20:36 - Using a 10-second average and a more stable power display outside 22:29 - Lap average can help, but only if the workout structure stays intact 23:31 - Why a 30/30-style effort is not the same as a steady tempo interval 24:33 - What to do when terrain interrupts a planned interval 26:24 - TrainingPeaks time-in-zone and workout distribution as coaching checks 27:34 - Reviewing workouts through color-coded power distribution 28:49 - Zone discipline is about lactate control, not just external power numbers 30:15 - Mixed feelings on erg mode and why it may not translate well outdoors 31:51 - Erg mode can help indoors, but it can also hide the skill of self-pacing 33:53 - Ryan asks whether more muscle mass means more power and how to periodize lifting 34:26 - Strength work, hypertrophy, and muscular endurance explained 36:25 - Why beginners often move from higher reps to lower reps for safety and progression 37:22 - How strength training and cycling blocks should align through the season 38:35 - Strength gains in new lifters are often neuromuscular, not just muscle growth 39:32 - Why strength training can improve cycling economy and muscle-firing efficiency 41:43 - Endurance athletes usually do not need huge muscle gains to benefit from lifting 44:06 - Goals matter: crit racers and climbers may optimize differently 46:10 - FTP is mostly cardiovascular, with strength training as a supporting tool

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about preferred cadence, durability workouts for mountain bikers, and our current takes on sodium bicarbonate supplementation.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   In this episode, Adam, Dylan, and Kaitlyn Maddox answer listener questions on cycling cadence, durability workouts, and sodium bicarbonate. They break down what changes performance, what mostly changes feel, and where the research and real-world experience line up.   Key topics In this episode: cadence does not directly make you faster at the same power output. Watts matter more than RPM alone. Dylan argues that the most efficient cadence is usually your preferred, most comfortable cadence, not a forced target. The group discusses why low cadence can feel grindy on climbs and why too much cadence manipulation often adds more fatigue than benefit. Kaitlyn and Adam note that bike fit, saddle height, core stability, and position can all contribute to bouncing in the saddle at higher cadence. The conversation shifts to durability training and how to place hard sessions with intervals before and after endurance riding. Dylan and Kaitlyn both say durability workouts are taxing enough that they should not be done year-round as a weekly default. Kaitlyn explains her coaching approach of building one energy system at a time, then adding a durability session at the end of each block. Dylan shares that he has progressed from basic endurance-between-intervals sessions to longer tempo blocks between interval sets to better simulate race fatigue. The final section covers bicarbonate use for sprint triathlon and short running events, with agreement that it is worth testing for hard, high-intensity efforts. The hosts compare products and methods, including delayed-release capsules, flavored systems, and the importance of trialing bicarb in training before race day.   Timestamps 00:00 - Listener question: does higher cadence make you faster? 01:10 - Same watts, different RPMs: what actually changes 02:45 - The most efficient cadence is your preferred cadence 04:03 - Can cadence be trained, or is it mostly self-selected? 05:16 - Why low-cadence riders can struggle on climbs 07:03 - Fast-twitch recruitment and why low cadence can burn you out 08:40 - Torque intervals versus cadence manipulation 10:20 - Why the science on cadence is not convincing 14:25 - Pogacar, short cranks, and why pro cadence trends can mislead 15:34 - Why more trained riders often naturally choose higher cadence 17:41 - Fixing saddle bounce: cadence, core, and bike fit 19:10 - Adam’s move to single-speed mountain biking 19:39 - Listener question: how to use durability work in training 20:58 - Why durability workouts are too taxing to do all year 22:30 - Building race-specific durability around the demands of the event 24:48 - How durability sessions differ from standard VO2 workouts 26:00 - Dylan’s progression from endurance gaps to tempo blocks 28:48 - Why Kaitlyn avoids a dedicated durability block 29:18 - Energy-system blocks and adding durability at the end 30:10 - Why these sessions should not happen the week before a race 31:21 - Where durability fits if an athlete only has one long ride day 33:29 - Why durability is not a third intensity day 34:09 - Listener question: is bicarb worth it for sprint triathlon and 5K racing? 35:21 - Why bicarb matters most for short, hard efforts 36:21 - Product options and stomach-friendly formulations 38:32 - Delayed-release capsules and reducing GI issues 39:04 - How Dylan doses bicarb before racing 40:38 - Why bicarb should be tested in training, not first used on race day 43:57 - Creatine versus bicarb: different benefits, different use cases 46:50 - Why supplement benefits do not always stack 48:33 - Bicarb plus caffeine and why that combination can feel stronger 49:27 - How bicarb can still matter in longer events 50:05 - The workout-level feeling of “unlocking another gear”

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about whether or not you should consider tire pressure changes into part of your race strategy.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Summary The conversation also gets into mini pumps, CO2, tire pressure strategy, and when it’s worth making equipment changes based on course layout.

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our personal takes on approaching everyday nutrition with a performance mindset.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies         Summary In this episode, the crew breaks down a common gravel racing question: how much gravel training do you really need if you can’t always get to gravel? They discuss the value of road training, mountain bike skills, tire choice, course recon, pack dynamics, and why confidence and awareness often matter more than logging endless gravel miles.    Timestamps 0:01 — Intro and first listener question: do you need to train on gravel to race gravel well? 0:52 — Strengths, weaknesses, and why mountain bike skills transfer 1:49 — Riding your race bike matters, but not necessarily all the time 4:15 — Line choice, surface awareness, and avoiding crashes 5:40 — Tire tread and tire size can improve handling overnight 7:35 — Big tire changes can completely change bike feel and handling 9:56 — Power output differences between road and gravel 11:19 — Don’t sacrifice all your training time just to ride gravel 12:42 — Watching gravel racing can help mentally prep for racing 15:03 — Second question: why is holding wheels harder in gravel? 17:02 — Rolling resistance, surging, and group dynamics in gravel 18:49 — Positioning depends partly on fitness relative to the group 23:15 — Trusting wheels, reading the road, and staying safe in packs 25:26 — Bigger tires and suspension can reduce flats and improve confidence 28:33 — How to get a group working together without creating tension 33:20 — Course recon and knowing pinch points before race day

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our personal takes on approaching everyday nutrition with a performance mindset. If you're interested in using the Hexis nutrition platform, use code "igniteyourpotential" for 25% off at https://hexis.live As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Nutrition for endurance athletes: carbs, protein, race-week fueling, and better day-to-day decisions Adam and Dizzle answer a listener question about what a typical nutrition day looks like for endurance athletes across training weeks, recovery days, and race prep. The conversation focuses on practical fueling choices for cyclists, how to adjust carbs around training load, and how to avoid the common trap of overeating on easy days.   In this episode, Adam and Dizzle also dig into the value of tracking food for short periods, how to build better habits without obsessing over every bite, and why planning ahead beats making food decisions when you are already hungry.   Key topics Dizzle recommends Matt Fitzgerald’s Racing Weight as a practical, science-backed guide for endurance nutrition, especially because it focuses on performance rather than dieting for weight loss. Carbohydrate intake is the main variable that changes from day to day, while protein and fat tend to stay more consistent across the week. Hard training days call for high-carb, easy-to-digest meals, especially breakfast before a big ride, with foods like oatmeal, pancakes, syrup, and rice. Recovery days should usually mean fewer carbs and fewer total calories, rather than continuing to carbo load after the workout is already over. Post-ride fueling can be simple and effective with a smoothie built from fruit, protein powder, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. Protein comes mostly from whole foods, with lean animal sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and salmon doing most of the work. Race-week fueling is intentionally different from normal health eating, with very low fiber, white rice, white bread, cereal, pancakes, and chicken used to maximize carbs and minimize digestive stress. Tracking food for a short period can reveal big blind spots, especially around calorie-dense foods like peanut butter and large portions that are easy to underestimate. Planning ahead prevents bad impulse decisions, like grabbing junk food at a gas station when you are hungry and underprepared. Gamifying nutrition can make it easier to stick with, whether that is using a diet quality score system or simply setting an intention for a specific meal before you are hungry.   Timestamps 00:00 - Listener question on endurance nutrition across training, recovery, and race weeks 01:30 - Why Racing Weight is Dizzle’s go-to nutrition book for cyclists 02:27 - Six nutrition principles for endurance athletes 03:25 - Carbs as the main lever that changes across the week 04:48 - Nutrition for performance, not dieting for its own sake 05:39 - What a hard training day looks like in practice 06:41 - Why recovery days need less food, not continued carb loading 08:08 - Pre-ride breakfasts that actually digest well 09:07 - Pancakes, syrup, and bicarb before big workouts 10:34 - Post-ride smoothie strategy with fruit and protein 11:38 - Protein targets, fat intake, and food choices in a cut 13:40 - Protein sources and why whole foods still matter most 17:54 - Overshooting protein with salmon and other natural foods 19:31 - Why natural food usually beats protein shakes 21:05 - Race-week fueling: low fiber, white carbs, and simple meals 23:18 - Why vegetables and whole grains matter outside race prep 24:39 - Using Hexus to connect training load with nutrition targets 26:47 - Fuelin, Hexus, and shared coaching tools for athletes 28:03 - What two weeks of food tracking teaches you fast 29:29 - Why weighing food helps calibration, not lifelong obsession 31:14 - Peanut butter as a hidden calorie trap 32:39 - Fitzgerald’s diet quality score and gamifying nutrition 34:21 - The gas station Twix problem and why planning ahead matters 36:48 - Implementation intention as a nutrition habit tool 39:26 - Choosing healthier road-food options like a deli stop 41:47 - Keeping a staple-food list and easy meal ideas on hand

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about how to balance chasing target body composition/weight goals while still focusing on fitness performance before diving into some of our personal advice for a listener embarking on his own coaching journey.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about whether you should be following a training plan and how to find your LT1/2.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking the methods we’ve used for tracking nutrition off-the-bike, how to account for changes in FTP throughout the season, and whether we think the benefits of aero helmets outweigh their vented counterparts.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Summary:  In this episode of the Matchbox Podcast, the crew starts by comparing nutrition tracking apps for endurance athletes, especially tools that integrate with TrainingPeaks. They discuss Hexus, MyFitnessPal, Fuelin, and Chronometer, with a focus on usability, food database quality, barcode scanning, and how tracking can reveal better fueling habits over time.The conversation then shifts to helmet choice for hot races, where the group agrees that for a slow, long event in heat, a ventilated helmet is usually the smarter choice than an aero helmet. They emphasize that heat can hurt performance far more than a small aero gain, especially for athletes who are heat sensitive.Finally, they dive into training metrics like FTP, CTL, ATL, and TSB, discussing how often FTP should be updated and why athletes can get too fixated on these numbers. The crew argues that metrics are useful, but only as tools to guide training—not as the sole measure of fitness or performance.   Timestamps: 0:01 — Intro and first question on nutrition tracking apps 0:51 — Hexus, MyFitnessPal, and TrainingPeaks integration 1:13 — How Hexus works with workout-based meal planning 2:37 — Hexus food database limitations vs. MyFitnessPal 3:48 — Chronometer recommended as an alternative 5:13 — Why periodic food tracking is valuable for athletes 6:52 — Protein underconsumption in endurance athletes 7:19 — Tracking as a recalibration tool for fueling 8:05 — Lessons learned from detailed food logging 9:34 — Why excess carbs can become a problem 11:19 — Second question: aero helmet vs. heat management 12:12 — Helmets are highly rider-dependent 12:42 — Wind-tunnel testing example comparing helmets 14:50 — Heat sensitivity and why it should change helmet choice 15:12 — Heat can reduce performance by tens of watts 16:52 — Head cooling and perceived temperature matter a lot 17:36 — Cold drinks and cooling tricks improve performance 19:07 — Gloves and cooling strategies in racing 19:31 — Consensus: choose the ventilated helmet 20:20 — Third question: managing FTP changes across the season 21:14 — Exert FTP estimates and CTL accuracy 22:24 — Why updating FTP matters for TSS and CTL 24:05 — How Exert adjusts FTP from breakthrough efforts 25:43 — Vecta and WKO FTP estimation discussion 26:46 — Why raw KJs may be more useful than obsessing over CTL 28:56 — Why CTL “fitness” can be misleading 30:04 — Why training should not be programmed purely off TSS 31:03 — FTP as a tool for training zones, not the holy grail 32:22 — TSB as a more useful short-term freshness metric 34:44 — Why recipes from past seasons shouldn’t be copied blindly 37:16 — Coaching principles over prebuilt plans 38:21 — Wrap-up and sign-off

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our perspectives on various forms of periodization, how to think about and deal with cramping, and whether or not the HR data you see while watching World Cup XCOs is accurate.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Episode Summary In this episode, the hosts answer listener questions about wave periodization, cramping, and heart rate data in elite mountain bike racing. They break down why traditional periodization still tends to outperform more randomized approaches, explain why cramping is often more neurological than nutritional, and discuss why pro athletes’ heart rates can look surprisingly low on broadcast overlays. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that structure, specificity, and training consistency matter more than trying to overcomplicate the plan.   Timestamps 00:01 — Introduction and first listener question on wave periodization 01:16 — Comparison of normal, reverse, and randomized periodization in a study 03:12 — Why standard periodization appeared to work best 04:49 — Caitlyn’s perspective: keep it simple unless race specificity demands otherwise 05:46 — When wave-like training might make sense for endurance mountain biking 08:33 — Why randomized training can still work, but may be less optimal 10:08 — How mid-season training can accidentally resemble wave periodization 11:01 — Why base blocks don’t necessarily erase VO2 max gains 12:44 — Recovery and fatigue concerns with repeated threshold blocks 14:17 — New question: what to do about cramping 15:27 — Pickle juice, mustard, and why sharp flavors can help cramps 16:25 — Cramping as a fatigue and genetics issue, not just electrolytes 18:27 — Adam shares his experience as a chronic cramper 19:54 — Pushing through cramps versus stopping or stretching 22:42 — Caitlyn mentions a study on spinal cord signaling and fatigue 25:26 — Why cramping is likely a neurological “stop signal” 27:08 — Next question: why elite riders’ heart rates look so low on broadcasts 28:33 — Heart rate variability between athletes and why the numbers can be misleading 31:06 — Elite mountain bikers train for rapid recovery during race surges 32:31 — Broadcast lag and heart-rate lag can affect what viewers see 33:12 — Comparison to elite Ironman athletes and very low heart rates under load 34:27 — Tactical racing can make heart rates look lower than expected 35:01 — Short track racers are so evenly matched that effort can look more controlled 36:28 — Wrap-up and call for more listener questions

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own experience with preparing for and racing at altitude as Drew takes on his first Leadville 100 MTB next month.    As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox       https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Show Notes Episode Summary In this episode, the hosts break down how to prepare for high-altitude racing, using Drew’s Leadville build as the main example. They cover acclimatization strategy, heat training, fueling at altitude, iron considerations, pacing, recovery, and how to use ventilation data to better understand effort. The conversation also explores when to introduce intensity at altitude, how much training to do while acclimating, and why respecting altitude is as much psychological as it is physiological.   Timestamps 0:01 — Intro: special guest David joins, and the episode topic is introduced 0:38 — Drew’s Leadville qualification and the shift to altitude preparation 3:01 — Training changes heading into Leadville 3:51 — Heat training and sauna use as “poor man’s acclimation” 4:50 — Flagstaff plan for acclimatization before Leadville 6:30 — Weight cut and nutrition strategy discussion 10:02 — Carb needs and fueling changes at altitude 13:48 — Iron/ferritin considerations for altitude performance 15:21 — Race-specific training, tempo work, and threshold preparation 17:51 — Mountain bike specificity and position differences 20:50 — Ventilation metrics and how Drew is using TimeWare 23:52 — How ventilation data relates to altitude physiology 31:19 — Why altitude performance loss is exponential 36:31 — When to reintroduce intensity after arriving at altitude 39:20 — Recommended ramp-in strategy at 7,000 feet 40:30 — Adam’s personal altitude strategy and last-minute arrival approach 43:11 — Course familiarity, descents, and why pre-riding matters 44:43 — Pacing mistakes at altitude and recovery between efforts 47:51 — How many hard altitude sessions to do before race day 49:02 — Respect vs. fear: the psychological side of altitude racing 51:45 — Why riders underestimate recovery demands at altitude 55:20 — Heat training vs. altitude tents and other pre-acclimation tools 58:20 — Leadville logistics, weather extremes, and race-day nutrition 61:25 — Final takeaways and what Drew will change based on the discussion

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own anecdotes with the massive landscape of wearable devices.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com        Summary: In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of wearable technology, assessing their real value for athletes and coaches. We explore which metrics matter, the effectiveness of blood work versus wearables, and practical tips for integrating data into training without over-relying on it.   Key Topics: The most useful wearable data fields for athletes and coaches Personal experiences with Whoop, Garmin, and other devices The potential placebo effect of wearables and how to interpret data critically The role of sleep tracking and hydration data in performance Blood tests vs. wearable metrics: what’s more valuable? How to avoid over-analyzing wearable data and maintain intuitive training Encouragement to focus on body awareness and subjective feelings alongside tech The importance of baseline measurements like heart rate and power meters Using daily weigh-ins for hydration and weight management The limitations of current norms in blood work and health markers   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:30 - Common wearable devices discussed and used 01:13 - Wearables that measure beyond heart rate and power 01:53 - Wearables used during rides vs. daily devices 02:22 - Real-time data integration challenges 03:06 - Wearable usage for training impact versus outside activities 03:52 - The utility of Garmin and Whoop for sleep and HRV 04:55 - Using HRV and recovery scores to inform training decisions 06:09 - Research on HRV-guided training and its effectiveness 07:40 - Placebo effects and the psychological influence of wearable data 08:19 - Potential for subjective experience to outweigh wearable metrics 09:47 - The importance of sleep monitoring and behavior changes 12:38 - The psychological impact of wearable feedback on performance 14:36 - When and how coaches use wearable data for big-picture insights 16:15 - The value of blood work and biomarkers over time 27:22 - Advocating for regular blood testing and its potential with AI analysis 30:48 - The limitations of norms in blood work and health markers 31:45 - The benefits of daily weight tracking and hydration awareness 32:04 - Final thoughts on prioritizing blood tests over wearable spending

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about our own perspectives on the integration of AI in the world of training and coaching.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Summary In this episode, the hosts dig into a listener question about whether self-coached athletes should use AI to help build training plans. The conversation explores where AI can be genuinely useful, where it falls short, and why foundational knowledge still matters.The discussion covers practical use cases for AI, including quick research, personalized training feedback, and blood work analysis. The hosts also talk about the limitations of AI-generated plans, especially when it comes to nuance, accountability, and long-term coaching decisions.A key theme of the episode is balance: AI can be a helpful tool, but it works best when paired with training knowledge, self-awareness, and human judgment. The hosts close by weighing whether AI is a 10/10 solution for self-coached athletes, ultimately landing on a more cautious, nuanced recommendation.   Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome back and listener question on AI in coaching 0:27 — The hosts react to a funny AI-coaching reel 1:42 — Concerns about relying on AI to generate thoughts and ideas 2:45 — AI for quick research and decision-making 4:34 — Why AI can feel “too good” for writing and outlining 5:47 — Why self-coached athletes need a foundation of training knowledge 6:25 — Can ChatGPT build a training plan? 7:23 — The importance of knowing how to prompt AI well 9:22 — Where AI struggles with edge-case or nuanced decisions 12:01 — Adam explains how he’s been using an AI-generated training plan 13:01 — What an AI plan does well: simple, basic, and consistent 13:59 — Repetition and limitations in progressive overload 15:53 — Why a base level of knowledge still matters 16:11 — Joe Friel’s Training Bible as a foundation for self-coaching 17:26 — Adam explains how he updates his AI plan daily 18:24 — Why coaching adds nuance that generic plans miss 19:15 — AI vs. human coaching and personalization 21:45 — Training AI to be more direct and less encouraging 23:31 — ChatGPT personalities and more advanced models 35:21 — Using ChatGPT to analyze blood work 37:13 — ChatGPT vs. doctors for athlete optimization 39:31 — How much better AI gets when it knows more about you 41:30 — Is AI training worth it for a self-coached athlete? 43:13 — Why accountability still matters for some athletes 44:25 — The human side of coaching before race day 45:43 — Final scores: how much the hosts recommend AI for training 48:34 — Wrap-up and closing thoughts Key Takeaways AI is useful for speed, research, and idea generation. Self-coached athletes need enough training knowledge to judge AI output. AI can build a decent plan, but it may miss individual nuance. Human coaching still has advantages in accountability and emotional support.

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’ve got special guests Dirk Friel and Henry Lutz, from TrainingPeaks, to answer all of our burning questions about the platform we all know and love. As always, if you like what you hear please share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] with the topic of discussion in the email title or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form. You can also sign up for the Matchbox Patreon and get priority placement for your submitted questions.   Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies       Summary In this conversation, Dirk Friel and Henry Lutz from TrainingPeaks discuss the evolution of coaching in endurance sports, the importance of communication between coaches and athletes, and how technology has transformed training practices. They share insights on the role of data in coaching, the significance of emotional feedback, and the future of training methodologies. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of coaching in the modern age, particularly focusing on the overwhelming amount of data available to athletes and coaches. They discuss the evolution of athlete independence, the importance of integrating feedback mechanisms like RPE, and the advancements in strength training solutions within the TrainingPeaks platform. The conversation highlights the balance between providing valuable data and avoiding information overload, as well as the necessity for coaches to adapt to the changing landscape of athlete training and self-management. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of athletic training, emphasizing the holistic approach to athlete development, the significance of training metrics, and the future integration of AI in coaching. The speakers discuss the importance of collaboration among coaches, nutritionists, and strength trainers, and how tools like TrainingPeaks can enhance athlete performance through data analysis and trend observation. They also explore the potential of AI to assist coaches without replacing them, ensuring a more personalized training experience for athletes.   Chapters00:00 Introduction to TrainingPeaks and Its Founders 10:16 Evolution of Training and Coaching Practices 20:04 The Importance of Communication in Coaching 28:51 Navigating Data Overload in Coaching 36:14 The Evolution of Athlete Independence 42:07 Integrating RPE and Feedback Mechanisms 50:33 Strength Training Solutions and Integration 51:58 The Holistic Athlete Approach 54:01 Innovations in Training Metrics 57:59 Understanding Training Peaks Metrics 01:00:59 The Art of Training and Trends 01:04:01 Maximizing TrainingPeaks Features 01:12:55 The Future of TrainingPeaks and AI Integration

Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I’m your host, Adam Saban, and on this week’s episode we’re talking about the opportunity costs of late-night training, some of the nuances of polarized training, and weighing the pros/cons of new bike day and what to look for in a budget build.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let’s get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/    The following was generated using Riverside.fm AI technologies   Timestamps: 00:00 - Race day announcement and course overview at Red River Gorge 02:33 - Course adjustments for accessibility and gravel versus road focus 03:55 - Comparing the riding experience in Townsend and Gorge 06:50 - Post-ride recovery strategies for late-night workouts 08:55 - Impact of workout timing on sleep quality and metabolic health 10:15 - Benefits of early morning workouts and routine transformation 13:19 - Nutrition considerations: carbs, protein, and sleep quality after training 15:37 - How to handle evening training on a budget and nutritional tips 17:34 - The importance of sleep for recovery and adaptation 19:42 - Training focus: polarized model, zones, and intensity distribution 23:06 - Avoiding threshold training pitfalls and balancing energy systems 27:35 - The value of periodization and race-specific training phases 33:28 - Gear advice for entry-level racers: affordable bikes and customization options 36:33 - Upgrading your bike on a budget: used market tips and component choices 44:33 - Conclusions: riding your existing mountain bike and considering used components