The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS cover art

The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS

By: CTS
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About this listen

Coach Adam Pulford delivers actionable training advice and answers your questions in short weekly episodes for time-crunched cyclists looking to improve their cycling performance. The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast (formerly The TrainRight Podcast) is brought to you by the team at CTS - the leading endurance coaching company since 2000. Coach Adam pulls from over a decade of coaching experience and the collective knowledge of over 50+ CTS Coaches to help you cut throught the noise of training information and implement proven training strategies that’ll take your performance to the next level.

© 2026 The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast by CTS
Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • Indoor Cycling: How to Prevent ERG Mode From Ruining Your Workouts (#292)
    Feb 4 2026

    OVERVIEW
    ERG Mode, or ergometer mode, is a feature on smart indoor cycling trainers that allows the trainer or connected app to set the resistance you experience as a rider. For interval workouts, for instance, ERG Mode will adjust the resistance so you stay at a constant target power output (e.g., 250 watts for 10 minutes). The downside to ERG Mode is that it can hinder your ability to conjure the internal motivation to achieve that power target, and if you can't maintain your cadence during an interval, you can end up in the "death spiral". In Episode 292 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford provides insights on when to use or not use ERG Mode, how to set up TrainingPeaks Virtual to avoid the death spiral, and other tips for maximizing the effectiveness of ERG Mode.

    TOPICS COVERED

    • Pros and Cons of ERG Mode
    • Innovations in ERG Mode functions
    • Why you would want to use ERG Mode
    • Sample data file from ERG Mode workout

    RESOURCES

    • CTS Article on ERG Mode
    • IndieVelo to TPVirtual:
      • Inside TrainingPeaks Virtual: Redefining Indoor Cycling and Training
      • TrainingPeaks acquires virtual cycling platform indieVelo, aims to add ‘credible racing and realistic riding’ to its training offerings
    • Other ERG Mode Resources:
      • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85d5wF6DNkc
      • https://www.highnorth.co.uk/articles/indoor-ftp-vs-outdoor-ftp

    ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST

    HOST
    Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

    Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform

    GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT

    Join our weekly newsletter

    CONNECT WITH CTS

    Website: trainright.com
    Instagram: @cts_trainright
    Twitter: @trainright
    Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • How Training VO2 max Also Increases FTP (and vice versa) (#291)
    Jan 28 2026

    OVERVIEW
    In Episode 291 of "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", Coach Adam Pulford answers a listener question about the relationship between FTP and VO2 max training, particularly how and why targeting training to improve either will typically raise both.

    TOPICS COVERED

    • Think of training intensities as a continuum, not as neat little boxes
    • Descriptions of primary energy systems
    • How FTP and VO2 max are directly related
    • How to organize training to maximize both FTP and VO2 max

    ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST

    HOST
    Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

    Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform

    GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT

    Join our weekly newsletter

    CONNECT WITH CTS

    Website: trainright.com
    Instagram: @cts_trainright
    Twitter: @trainright
    Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • How To Level Up With Volume, Recovery, Strength, And Community (#290)
    Jan 21 2026

    OVERVIEW
    Although this is "The Time-Crunched Cyclist Podcast", we recognize that not everyone is time-crunched. In particular, we hear from lots of older cyclists who have more time to train now that they've retired or cut back their work hours, or their children have flown the nest. So, how do we apply some of the TCC methodologies for athletes who have some more time available? Coach Adam Pulford coaches lots of athletes in this exact scenario, and he has the techniques and information you need.

    TOPICS COVERED

    • How to deepen your long ride
    • How to become A Recovery Hero
    • How to add in Strength Training
    • Finding Your Tribe

    ASK A QUESTION FOR A FUTURE PODCAST

    HOST
    Adam Pulford has been a CTS Coach for nearly two decades and holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. He's participated in and coached hundreds of athletes for endurance events all around the world.

    Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform

    GET FREE TRAINING CONTENT

    Join our weekly newsletter

    CONNECT WITH CTS

    Website: trainright.com
    Instagram: @cts_trainright
    Twitter: @trainright
    Facebook: @CTSAthlete

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
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