Oregon Trail Gravel: Four Decisions over Five Days [Part 2]

Why this race? And why ride it as a team? In the third and final part of our Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder recap, we get into the "why" behind five days of gravel. I've coached for years, and I've always hated the gap between a training camp and a race. Same people, totally different weekend. This event closes that gap. It felt like five races in five days, the best return on investment in endurance sport, and adult bike camp all at once, with pros and first-timers rubbing wheels on the same course. We talk compressed learning (and the dog-on-the-carpet analogy that explains why most athletes never improve), the lessons we fixed on the fly, and why we'll only do an event like this with a partner from now on. Marine-voice tent story included. ⛺ Learn about the race: https://www.oregontrailgravelgrinder.com/ 🚴 More coaching, camps, and community: https://www.endurancenation.us 

A coach's eye, a teammate's honesty, and we still got it wrong. In Part 2 of our Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder recap, we break down the four in-race decisions that shaped all five days. Tire pressure that we treated as set-it-and-forget-it (and paid for over 30 miles of volcanic washboard). Seeding, and why the back of the pack cost us free time and empty aid-station tables. Nutrition, including my caffeine-as-a-tool experiment and the tent-side gel math that literally resurrected Matt's race. And uncertainty: the stage-five "victory lap" that was anything but, and what you do when your whole plan falls apart at mile ten. This is where a gravel stage race is actually won and lost. ⛺ Learn about the race: https://www.oregontrailgravelgrinder.com/ 🚴 More coaching, camps, and community: https://www.endurancenation.us 

Amateurs talk tactics. Professionals talk logistics. My co-host Matt brought that line home from the Marine Corps, and after five days of racing gravel at the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, it's the truest thing we can tell you about stage racing. In Part 1, we get into the boring stuff that actually wins the week: the post-ride system that saves you from standing in a one-hose line with 500 other riders, packing your whole life into a Home Depot tote (RIP pillows), the nightly debrief that should've been its own episode, and "fravel," the fake gravel that no GPX file will ever warn you about. You win the race between the stages. Here's how. ⛺ Learn about the race: https://www.oregontrailgravelgrinder.com/ 🚴 More coaching, camps, and community: https://www.endurancenation.us

Winter is doing winter things in New England, with snow, trainer miles, and a whole lot of basement fitness. In this February Endurance Nation update, Coach Patrick checks in on what's happening across the team, what he's building toward personally, and what's coming next for athletes looking for big adventures in 2025. Inside this episode: How the Endurance Nation team is evolving, including Ironman, gravel, and a growing wave of Hyrox and hybrid athletes Why Season Roadmaps matter more than weekly hours or TSS, and how they keep your training pointed at the right target Coach Patrick's own training reset as he builds for the Oregon Gravel Grinder stage race Lessons learned from going too hard, too early, and how to avoid the boom and bust season A deep dive into Endurance Nation's Tuscany gravel camp with Avanti Tours, taking place June 13 to 20, featuring Strade Bianche roads, epic rides, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences Whether you're chasing Kona, Leadville, your first 70.3, or simply a stronger and more durable season, this episode is about training with intention, staying focused through winter, and building toward something that truly matters. This episode is also available on YouTube. Tuscany Camp details can be found at avantitours.com. Train smart. Stay consistent. Work works.

In this episode, we dive into how athletes can safely restart training after a period of illness or fatigue. Whether you've missed a few days or weeks, we discuss the importance of a structured re-entry protocol to avoid further setbacks. If you're an OutSeason athlete, age-grouper, or just someone looking to protect your health while rebuilding your fitness, this episode is for you. Plus, we talk about when to test your fitness and how to track your progress during recovery.

Unlock the secrets to transforming your long, dreary indoor rides into dynamic, efficient workouts that keep your cycling game sharp this winter. You'll gain insights into crafting a foolproof strategy that ensures every pedal stroke counts, whether you're on Zwift, TrainerRoad, or any other platform. From selecting the perfect ride duration to mastering hydration and nutrition, we guide you through the essentials needed for a rewarding indoor cycling session. With practical advice on setting up your environment the day before, you'll learn how to prepare for the mental and physical demands of extended indoor rides. Discover tips and tricks to keep your spirits high and your motivation soaring, even during the toughest moments on the bike. We share the importance of having everything within reach, from gear to entertainment options, and the little rewards that make long rides a bit more bearable. Embrace the power of planning ahead—pre-mix your hydration, lay out your gear, and charge your devices—to ensure a seamless and successful ride. Equip yourself with the know-how to make every minute count and emerge from the winter season stronger than ever.

What if you could boost your strength without ever touching a weight? We're tearing down the walls of traditional strength training for masters athletes and weaving it into your cardio routine. This episode is all about redefining how athletes over 40 can strengthen their bodies during the winter months by blending strength exercises with aerobic activities. It's about precision, recovery, and using the cold season to lay a robust foundation that will sustain your fitness and endurance when the heat of summer training kicks in. We're talking long-term gains without the burden of a gym-bound schedule, making the best of winter's challenges and turning them into opportunities for success. Our discussion advances to the strategic incorporation of interval training for cyclists and other endurance athletes. We provide insights into how this method can prevent the staleness that often stems from traditional aerobic workouts. Through a structured 14-week "out-season" program, you'll learn how to chart your progress with metrics like power and heart rate, ultimately enhancing both your physical capabilities and mental resilience. This flexible approach isn't just about workouts; it's a strategy that balances sport and life, allowing for a more holistic and sustainable fitness journey. Embrace the winter with us and unlock the secrets to maintaining peak performance year-round.

Ever wondered if high-volume training is the key to unlocking peak endurance performance? Join us as we unravel the 1% rule for endurance athletes with Patrick McCann, the mastermind behind Endurance Nation. Patrick shares his personal journey and sheds light on the often-misunderstood concept of training volume, highlighting why only a select few can truly commit to such intense regimens. For most age-group athletes juggling careers and personal lives, adopting this approach could be impractical and stressful. Through self-awareness, fatigue management, and realistic goal-setting, we explore crafting a training schedule that respects your limitations while pushing toward personal breakthroughs. Get ready to transform your training approach with insights into balancing volume and intensity to avoid burnout while maximizing performance. Discover the potential of strategic training camps and focused big weeks, allowing athletes to step away from everyday distractions and achieve significant fitness gains. Patrick emphasizes the importance of active recovery for building mental and physical resilience. We also discuss how Endurance Nation is reshaping endurance coaching with innovative resources like their free winter training blueprint. Learn how to conquer winter training with a comprehensive guide tailored for age-group athletes aiming for success without unnecessary burdens.

95% of athletes waste the winter and start spring already behind. If you're one of the select few who train smart, winter is the season that defines the year.   Don't get us started about Masters athletes. Miss this window and it can take months - that you don't have - to rebuild your fitness.   That's why we've created the Masters OutSeason — a 14-week program built to maximize your winter training.  Structured workouts + Zwift files  Testing protocols to track progress  Masters Upgrade: 90-seminar on how to adapt and excel in the winter.  Weekly live checkins with Coach Patrick   Register now to lock in the presale price ($299 until Oct 10th).   Every registration is automatically entered to WIN the entire OutSeason free.   Plus: qualify for the Benchmark Challenge — hit your targets and earn back part of your entry fee as store credit.    One registration. Three big wins. Your opportunity.    Program Launches Date: November 2nd   Secure your spot here: www.endurancenation.us/outseason 

As we hit our 40s and beyond, the game changes, and it's no longer about chasing ego but about channeling energy smartly. After working with countless athletes, I've seen the same cycle repeat: pushing like you're still in your 20s, sidelining recovery, neglecting nutrition, and sidelining strength training as if it's an unwanted homework assignment. And the result? Injuries, burnout, and identity crises. But here's the transformative truth: energy is your greatest asset, not your ego. As we age, we gain something invaluable—self-knowledge and wisdom. This episode invites you to harness the power of experience, turning past lessons into a roadmap for maximizing performance and sustaining a fulfilling athletic journey. Join us as we dismantle the myth that age equals decline and explore how to optimize performance in the master's category. We offer a fresh perspective on understanding human limitations and adapting strategies that empower rather than deter. Insights from the Endurance Station highlight the mantra "energy over ego," guiding us through the four pillars of mastering endurance. Whether you're competing against others or striving for personal bests, this episode provides a strategic advantage to redefine athletic goals. Tune in to rediscover the joy in competition and the art of using energy wisely to achieve lasting results.