So, where does cross training fit in your training plan? Or should it? Well, like the answer to many (most) training questions, how it can and should fit is very individual and depends on a lot of factors.Read More

This is the time of year when triathletes begin to group together at tracks & group rides to get some race-like intensity in before the next big event. So there's no question that there is a need to go harder (ie: higher heart-rate, faster pace, etc…) than one has been training in the Base-phase.Read More

I've been immersed in endurance mountain biking for 10 years now, and have participated in the toughest and longest off road races in the world. Over the years, my training has built up my aerobic system and toughened up my body. Technology has improved so that my bikes are now smoother, lighter, and more responsive. My support crew has also stepped up to become a well oiled machine that is 100% reliable and seems to know my needs before even I do. All the elements of a world class endurance mountain bike racer have been fine tuned and optimized, except one critical piece of the puzzle - race nutrition.Read More

In writing Novemberʼs article on endurance tips, it was hard to narrow down to just a couple of items that would be the most bang for the buck, so to speak. Therefore, I decided to continue last monthʼs theme and expound upon a few more components for great endurance.Read More

First of all, I hope that 2014 was a successful year for you – whether it was doing races or just staying fit! What follows is an emphasis on not wasting the experiences you’ve had (and hopefully learned from) and I’ll offer some suggestions on what you can do to get ready for 2013. The “off Season” may be right around the corner, but it isn’t the “stop Season.” Capitalize on making the best use of the next couple of weeks and months. I’d suggest the four “Rs”: Refuel, Relax, Reflect, and Repair….Read More

For most endurance athletes, there comes a time each year when they are evaluating what is next on their calendar. Many athletes choose to just continue down the path of race, race, race, race, then the weather gets cold, so they do marathons, half marathons, and more race, race, race. At some point, the body is going to start to reject this mentality and regiment.Read More

What zone am I in? What’s my cadence? How many calories have I burned so far? I bet I can catch that cyclist in front of me. OH WAIT, I’m not wearing my heart rate monitor! Slight panic sets in before a headwind blast off the Hudson snaps me out of it. Tri season is over. I’m not supposed to be “training.” My therapist said I need to practice simply enjoying my occasional ride to work. Appreciate the views along the Westside highway, gaze at the changing leaves in Riverside Park, ride around the pedestrians with patience rather than anger. OK, I’m not REALLY in therapy for my type-A, rigid, all-or-nothing personality, but I’m sure many of you can relate. Now that we are entering winter, especially in the Northeast, what is your off-season plan going to be?Read More

Joe Friel has trained endurance athletes since 1980. His clients are elite amateur and professional road cyclists, mountain bikers, triathletes, and duathletes. They come from all corners of the globe and include American and foreign national champions, world championship competitors, and an Olympian.Read More

I know that sounds like an obvious statement, but it is still hard to do in everyday life. Even when things are a bit chaotic, most of us seem to under estimate the effects of stress on the body. As athletes we look at our training, equipment, and nutrition in hopes of a faster race and improving our fitness level.Read More

After you have made some strength gains in the gym, the time is ideal to build sport specific power. The goal is for the strength gained in the gym to translate into added swim, bike, and run power. Here are some high resistance intervals you can do in the pool and on the roads to build strength and power for each of the three sportsRead More