Ask The Pedalist Podcast

This episode of Ask The Pedalist breaks down why chasing every ride at medium effort keeps you stuck — and why riding slower on purpose builds the engine that makes you faster. What You'll Learn: The Ego Trap Why treating every ride like a race puts you in a gray zone that's too easy to build fitness and too hard to recover from. Polarized Training The research behind the 80/20 split — 80% low int...

Trailer: What is Ask The Pedalist? 60 seconds on who this podcast is for, what we cover, and why it's different. Evidence-based cycling & fitness — no fluff, no gatekeeping. More at pedalmyway.com | PMW FIT app free on Google Play

The indoor vs. outdoor debate never really goes away — but most people are asking the wrong question. In this episode, Mukund breaks down what the research actually says about training indoors versus outside, where each environment gives you a real edge, and how to use both without being loyal to either. Topics covered: What studies say about indoor vs. outdoor physiological effort The heat stress...

What to Eat Before, During, and After a Ride? Nutrition tanks more rides than fitness ever does — and most cyclists are either underfueling, eating at the wrong times, or skipping recovery entirely. In this episode, we break down exactly what to eat and when, from your pre-ride meal to the recovery window most riders blow right past. No supplements pitch. Just practical, research-backed fueling yo...

Strength Training for Cyclists — Where Do You Even Start? Most cyclists skip the gym entirely — worried about bulk, confused about what to lift, or just unsure where to begin. In this episode, we break down exactly why strength work matters for your riding, what your body actually needs (hint: it's not what you think), and the four foundational movements every cyclist should start with. No gym bac...

Think riding more days automatically means more fitness? Not quite. In this episode, we break down the real answer to one of cycling's most common questions — and it's not a number. It's about understanding how much stress your body can actually absorb and recover from in a week. You'll discover: Why rest and recovery are NOT the same thing The 80/20 rule that elite endurance athletes swear by How...

Your legs feel like cement — but you slept, you ate, and you didn't even train that hard. So what's going on? In this episode, Mukund breaks down the four most common reasons cyclists and active people deal with chronic leg fatigue — and none of them are "just train more" or "just rest more." What's covered: Why rest and recovery are not the same thing The hydration mistake most athletes make ever...

Most cycling advice gets passed around so confidently that nobody stops to ask if it's actually right. In this episode, Mukund takes three of the most widely followed rules in cycling — stretching before a ride, the 90 RPM cadence target, and Zone 2 training — and asks a simple question: what does the evidence actually say? The answers might surprise you. Especially the stretching one. Topics cove...

Most fitness apps are designed to keep you scrolling, not training. They want your data, your subscription, and your constant attention. In this episode, I'm sharing why I built PMW Fit — a completely offline workout builder with zero data collection, no account required, and no subscription fees. PMW Fit gives you three workout builders: Strength Training, Cardio, and Target Muscle workouts. Desi...

Think Zone 2 training turns you into a "fat-burning machine"? Not exactly. In this episode, we're discussing the biggest misconceptions about fat adaptation and revealing what actually happens to your metabolism during low-intensity training. You'll discover: Why your body is always burning BOTH fat and carbs (not one or the other) The four real metabolic adaptations that occur during Zone 2 train...

Why are pro cyclists racing on 36-38cm handlebars when they're over 6 feet tall? In this episode, we break down the narrow handlebar revolution that's taken over the WorldTour peloton—and whether it makes sense for you. We cover: Real aerodynamic data: 3-8 watts saved at race speeds by going narrower Why Filippo Ganna (6'4") uses 38cm bars in time trials The biomechanics of the "aero hoods" positi...

Transform Your Indoor Training: A Complete Guide to Virtual Cycling Platforms Gone are the days of staring at blank walls while grinding away on a stationary trainer. Virtual cycling platforms have revolutionized indoor training, transforming monotonous basement sessions into immersive, interactive experiences that rival outdoor riding. In this comprehensive 8-minute guide, we explore everything y...

Shopping for a cyclist can feel overwhelming with all the technical jargon, fit requirements, and strong gear preferences. But it doesn't have to be! In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to choose a gift that your cyclist will actually use and love. Whether they're logging miles on country roads, commuting through city traffic, or hitting mountain trails, we've got you covere...

How cold is too cold to ride? We break down the science: wind chill effects, temperature thresholds (32°F, 20°F, 0°F), gear that matters, and safety markers that mean "turn around now." No gatekeeping—just physiology and practical winter riding advice.  Key Takeaways: Wind chill dramatically affects perceived temperature (30°F @ 15mph = 19°F on skin) Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes...

Tired of the indoor vs outdoor training debate? In this episode, we break down the real strengths of each approach and how to use them strategically in your training. Discover why indoor training isn't just a weather backup – it's a precision tool for building specific fitness. Learn the four key strategies for maximizing trainer effectiveness, plus the three biggest mistakes that sabotage indoor...

🚴‍♀️ "If I don't cycle for a few days, I tend to lose my mind." Discover how cycling became the ultimate mental health hack in this deeply personal episode. Learn why that rhythmic pedaling motion is like therapy for your brain, plus get six actionable tips to start using cycling as your mental wellness tool today. Your therapy might just have two wheels. Website: www.pedalmyway.com Youtube: @ped...

Want to bike to work but worried about arriving sweaty and unprofessional? You're not alone – and this problem is totally solvable. In this episode, we tackle bike commuting's biggest barrier: the fear of showing up to work looking like you just finished a race. Spoiler alert: it's not about being super fit or buying expensive gear – it's about working smarter, not harder. You'll discover the #1 m...

Tired of hearing that lifting weights will make you "too bulky" for cycling? It's time to crush this myth once and for all. In this episode, we dive deep into cycling's most persistent misconception: that strength training hurts your performance on the bike. From old-school "muscle is dead weight" thinking to bad experiences with generic gym programs, we break down exactly where this anti-gym ment...

Dogs on the trails - dogs off-leash. general trail etiquette when cycling, running, walking.  Join us as we explore the essential do's and don'ts of bringing your canine companion on the trails. Whether you're a seasoned hiker with a trail-tested pup or new to adventuring with your dog, this episode covers everything you need to know about responsible trail use with pets. We dive into why keeping...

The Poseidon X Gravel Bike - why I love this bike, what makes this unique, and how you can customize it. More at pedalmyway.com | PMW FIT app free on Google Play

The importance of pre, during, and post ride meal. This is important to prevent "bonking" and get most out of your ride. How you fuel depends on your riding and lifestyle, and takes some trial and error to get it right. More at pedalmyway.com | PMW FIT app free on Google Play

What is the difference between a gravel and a road bike? What is a gravel bike, to begin with? Maybe you are looking for a bike and want to know the difference and understand the fad in gravel cycling. Whatever the reason, there is an answer to this quetion. Listen in to find out.. More at pedalmyway.com | PMW FIT app free on Google Play