logo
episode-header-image
Sep 25
1h 19m

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR TRAINING IS WORKING ...

TRAINERROAD
About this episode

🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉www.TrainerRoad.com⁠


🏁 Race with us in the TrainerRoad Throwdown Series!: https://trainerroad.cc/TRrace 


🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub 


// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!

iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ 

Spotify:https://trainerroad.cc/spotify2⁠

Google Podcasts:https://trainerroad.cc/google⁠


// TOPICS COVERED

(0:00:53) How to Review Your Training Year (Signs You’re Improving)

(0:10:25) Low Energy Availability & Working With a Dietitian

(0:13:19) What Happens When You Increase Carbs (Performance, Mood, Sleep)

(0:19:24) Haley’s Breakthrough at Africa’s Migration Gravel Race

(0:40:58) Bouncing Back From a Bad Race: The 24-Hour Rule & Debriefing

(0:49:19) Managing Expectations and Setting Process vs. Outcome Goals

(0:55:25) Haley’s Honest Look Back on a Challenging Season

(1:05:38) Haley’s Advice on Trying New Cycling Disciplines

(1:10:03) After High Carb, What’s the Next Big Performance Boost?


Olympian Haley Smith joins Coach Jonathan to break down how to tell if your training is actually working—from mood and sleep to power trends, fueling, and race execution. Using Haley’s season (Cape Epic, Migration, SBT GRVL) as a case study, we cover a practical year-in-review framework, RED-S/low energy availability lessons, and the mindset tools (journaling, debriefs, “24-hour rule”) that keep progress moving. Perfect for your end-of-season audit.


// RESOURCES MENTIONED

- Haley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyhuntersmith

- Thorne Probiotics: https://thefeed.com/en-ca/products/thorne-florasport-20b?variant=14915407773759&queryID=8cefc7fa3eacefa7830f7b7a36475677&fbclid=PAVERFWANBQbhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp6Co4Op1BuTlWKJ0eOeM49LEG8QyXnd-0Ko9USIjo0npfCmubxZ9192y3x7p_aem_IMddcOiMPevprfa1nxxvyQ 

- Sign up for TrainerRoad!https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠

- Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/trzwiftclub⁠ 

// TRY TRAINERROAD RISK FREE FOR 30 DAYS!

https://trainerroad.cc/GetFaster⁠ TrainerRoad is the #1 cycling training app. No other cycling app is more effective. Over 17,000 positive reviews, a 4.9 star App Store rating.


// HELPFUL LINKS

- Have a question for the podcast? Ask here:https://trainerroad.cc/3HTFXNi⁠

- Watch our latest Cycling Science Explained video now! ⁠https://youtu.be/z2HXE1-il_Q⁠ 

- TrainerRoad on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad/⁠

- TrainerRoad Forum:https://trainerroad.cc/3uHvLnE⁠

- TrainerRoad on Strava:https://www.strava.com/clubs/trainerroad⁠

- TrainerRoad on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TrainerRd⁠

- TrainerRoad on X: ⁠https://www.x.com/TrainerRoad⁠ 

- Learn more about TrainerRoad:https://trainerroad.cc/3LBb5Ur⁠ 

- Listen to the Successful Athletes Podcast:https://trainerroad.cc/3JmKrN5⁠

- Listen to the Science of Getting Faster Podcast:https://trainerroad.cc/3LpuIhP⁠

- Training Blog: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/3gCdNdN

Up next
Oct 2
THE GRAY ZONE MYTH: MISTAKE OR ADVANTAGE FOR CYCLISTS? | Hannah Otto | Ask a Cycling Coach 553
🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🏁 Race with us in the TrainerRoad Throwdown Series!: https://trainerroad.cc/TRrace 🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ S ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 18
TRAINING MISTAKES THAT MAKE YOU SLOWER | Pro Cyclist Zach Calton | Ask a Cycling Coach 551
🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🏁 Race with us in the TrainerRoad Throwdown Series!: https://trainerroad.cc/TRrace 🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub// SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠ Sp ... Show More
1h 17m
Sep 11
GOOD vs. GREAT: The Secrets of Next-Level Cycling | Alexey Vermeulen | Ask a Cycling Coach 550
🚀Try TrainerRoad risk-free! 👉 ⁠www.TrainerRoad.com⁠🏁 Race with us in the TrainerRoad Throwdown Series!: https://trainerroad.cc/TRrace 🤝Join the TrainerRoad Zwift Club 🚴 https://trainerroad.cc/TRzwiftclub // SHARE AND RATE THE PODCAST!iTunes: ⁠https://trainerroad.cc/apple2⁠Sp ... Show More
1h 24m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 21
Should Doping Coaches Be Banned For Life? / Heat and Heart Rate / Tokyo Rivalries In Focus
The conversation begins, continues, but rarely ends, on Discourse! As mentioned, you can become a member of our VIP community by donating a small monthly amount to show your support, and dive into sports science and opinion. We are also on YouTube now, for those who want to watch ... Show More
1h 22m
Feb 2025
How to Build Endurance: Jason Answers All Your Endurance Training Questions
There's a lot of confusing info on the internet when it comes to building endurance.   Let's get you the knowledge you need to set you up for a strong, injury-free year. Listen to get answers to these questions:   How do I build endurance? How should I deal with a persistently hi ... Show More
35 m
May 2025
121: Best vs Worst Foods To Eat Before And After A Run
Sarah is on holiday this week, so Andy and Rick are joined by nutrition expert, running enthusiast, and content creator Sian Seccombe to unpack the best — and worst — foods to eat before and after a run. It’s a fascinating episode full of tips and tricks on fuelling your body and ... Show More
47m 28s
Aug 28
My Running Journey: From Hating Running to Training for the NYC Marathon
I went from hating running to completing my first half marathon and signing up for the NYC Marathon. On this episode I share my full running journey—injuries, mental battles, and everything in between. I cover how to start running without feeling overwhelmed, essential gear, paci ... Show More
1h 17m
Sep 24
No Ego, All Engine: The Midlife Advantage in Multi-Day Racing with Kim Beckinsale & Alina McMaster (Episode 243)
Kim Beckinsale and Alina McMaster, both in their mid-50s, race with Mountain Designs Wild Women, along with their teammates Cass Kimlin and Del Lloyd, who are both over 40. The team made history last year by becoming the first all-female team to win the 450 km Legend Expedition R ... Show More
1h 11m
May 2024
Strategic Nutrition for Athletes with Prof. Asker Jeukendrup
Welcome to Episode 2 of Fueling Greatness where we dive deep into the world of sports nutrition with Professor Asker Jeukendrup. In this episode, we explore the intricate science behind optimizing athletic performance through strategic nutrition planning. Prof. Jeukendrup sheds l ... Show More
1h 21m
Feb 2025
105: Do You Need To Wear Super Shoes To Go Fast?
Since the launch of the first carbon-plated super shoe in 2016, running shoe technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, shattering world records along the way. But is it all down to the shoe? How do they actually work? Are they the right choice for you? And who exactly have the ... Show More
40m 13s
Jun 2025
Fueling 2.0: Training with a Continuous Glucose Monitor with Olympic Coach Hunter Allen
Continuous Glucose Monitors - or CGM's - tell you how much glucose is in your body in real-time. But can they be helpful for runners? As the carb revolution continues and we understand the importance of high-carb fueling for endurance performance, the next logical question to ask ... Show More
1h 9m