Consummate Athlete Podcast
Sports
About
Over 10 years of weekly podcasts about busy people chasing goals in gravel cycling, mountain biking, trail running and strength, plus lots of cross-training! Q&A episodes and expert interviews hosted by cycling coach and kinesiologist Peter Glassford and endurance sports author Molly Hurford. Whether you're targeting Leadville, your first gran fondo, or just want to keep getting faster at whatever age you find yourself. Find training plans, coaching, and free resources at consummateathlete.com
Episodes
- Unbound 2026, Cramping, 90 year Old Sprinter
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly discuss: The Unbound 2026 race key takeaways from the 3 athletes we coached at Unbound who Raced the Sun (and won!) A listener question about 'why am I cramping' how to avo…
- Dealing with DNF, Sulphur Springs
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly discuss Molly's race and DNF at Sulphur Sprin 3 things to consider before a big race like Unbound 200 mile gravel coming up this weekend Brief preview around Unbound week a…
- Race Day Do Nots!
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer discuss things to avoid on race day drawing from a recent local race that Peter did. Pre-Riding Warmups start time, staging and cautions for parents and supporters I…
- Leadville and Marginal Gains - Michael Hotten
Michael Hotten discusses the Leadville 100 MTB race, its esteemed status, and why athletes return. He shares insights on crewing and supporting participants in ultra-endurance events and identifies common errors seen in races like Leadvill…
- Does Everyone Get Race Day Nerves?
Peter and Molly address listener questions about race day nerves, discussing whether they are common, even among elite athletes, and exploring techniques like pre-performance routines and adopting a challenge mindset to manage arousal.
- 10 Year Anniversary Retrospective For Consummate Athlete
Peter and Molly celebrate 10 years of The Consummate Athlete Podcast by revisiting key concepts discussed over the decade. Topics include focusing on performance metrics over weight in nutrition, the importance of lifting heavy and consist…
- Sea Otter 2026 Trends and Fuego XL Race Review
The Consummate Athlete Podcast hosts Peter and Molly review trends from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic bike show and Peter's Fuego XL Mountain Bike Race experience. The episode also features a recap of the book launch for 'Ragtag Best Friends…
- Long Run Distance? Are Humans Like Cars? Training Bikes?
Peter and Molly discuss listener questions, including the usefulness of car analogies for human bodies, the adequacy of a 16-mile long run for marathon preparation, and the pros and cons of using a training bike.
- When To Replace Gear, Pacing Races, Strength-Cardio Order
The Consummate Athlete Podcast episode addresses listener questions on determining when to replace athletic gear, strategies for practicing race pacing during training, and the best sequence for performing strength and cardio exercises.
- Can A.I. Assist Coaches and Athletes? - Bruna and Fabi Maia
Fabi and Bruna Maia, founders of the Augo app, discuss with hosts Peter and Molly how artificial intelligence can assist coaches and athletes in endurance sports. They explore current communication challenges and the potential of AI, while…
- Fueling Mistakes, Carbs, GLP-1 - Alex Larson Returns
In this episode, the Consummate Athlete Podcast features registered dietitian Alex Larson discussing fueling errors, common fueling challenges, the specifics of carbohydrates like fructose, glucose, and maltodextrin, weight loss inquiries,…
- Midsouth Gravel 2026 - 100 Miler and 50k Run - 2026
Peter and Molly discuss their experiences at Midsouth Gravel 2026, covering the 50km run and 100-mile gravel race. The episode includes practical details about the event, insights into tire and fueling trends, and a recap of their individu…
- Maintain Bike Fitness While Doing Other Sports, MaF Test, Passing Etiquette
This episode addresses listener questions on maintaining cycling endurance during training for other sports, the utility and limitations of aerobic fitness tests like MAF and Zone 2, and the nuances of mountain bike passing etiquette durin…
- Heat Training for Women w. Normand Richard and Dr. Stephen Cheung
This episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast features an interview with Dr. Normand Richard and Dr. Stephen Cheung. They discuss recent studies on heat training for women, including maintenance periods, at-home training methods, sprint i…
- Picking Races, Conquer Last Year's DNF, What We Eat in a Day
Peter and Molly of The Consummate Athlete Podcast address listener questions regarding race selection for the year, strategies for overcoming a DNF from the previous year, and detail their daily food consumption.
- Higher Function Through Pelvic Physiotherapy - Laura Powers Returns
Molly interviews physiotherapist Laura Powers about pelvic health and pelvic physiotherapy. The discussion covers what pelvic health is, its relation to different life stages, and signs that indicate when to see a pelvic physiotherapist.
- The Difference Between A Leadville Sub 12 vs. Sub 9 Hour Finish?
Consummate Athlete Podcast hosts Peter and Molly address listener questions regarding the training distinctions for Leadville 100 MTB finishers achieving sub-9 hour versus sub-12 hour results. They cover factors influencing finish times li…
- Late in Day Hunger + Heart Rate Decoupling
This episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast features Peter and Molly answering listener questions about late-day energy crashes, the timing of pre-workout nutrition, aerobic decoupling, and creatine.
- Physical Activity Variety and Risk of Death
The Consummate Athlete Podcast discusses a Harvard study linking physical activity variety to a reduced risk of premature death, even with lower exercise volumes. The episode also touches on implications for athletes, indoor training, and…
- Indoor Cycling Boredom, ERG and FTP Setting
Peter and Molly discuss ERG mode on smart trainers, its potential pitfalls, and strategies for adding engagement and variety to indoor cycling. The episode also addresses setting training thresholds and common mistakes made during indoor c…
- Don't Accept Numbness - BikeFit - Tim Plunkett
Peter interviews Tim Plunkett about strategies for reducing saddle numbness and discomfort, best practices for choosing saddles, and new technology in cycling saddles and shoes. The episode also touches on the increase in numbness riders a…
- Adding Road Rides for Mountain Bikers and How to Increase Your Average Speed
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly discuss the benefits of road riding for mountain bike performance and provide tips for increasing average speed on gravel rides. They also respond to listener questions.
- Dr. Scott Frey Returns - Mental Toughness + Goal Setting
Molly Hurford interviews Dr. Scott Frey on The Consummate Athlete Podcast. The discussion focuses on mental toughness and goal setting for the new year, aiming to build resilience and toughness.
- Mental Toughness & Goal Setting - Erin Ayala
Dr. Erin Ayala, a Sports Psychologist, discusses the definition and development of mental toughness and offers goal-setting strategies for the upcoming year and cycling season in this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast.
- Avoiding Sickness, Donating Blood, Swapping Weekend Rides, Worn Out Saddles
Peter and Molly answer listener questions about avoiding sickness during flu season, when to donate blood, identifying worn-out saddles, and adjusting weekend rides due to time constraints. They also mention sponsors and other resources.
- Power Up Your Nutrition with Stevie Lyn Smith Sports Dietitian
Molly Hurford interviews sports dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith about her book "Power Up" on the Consummate Athlete Podcast. They discuss holiday nutrition strategies, cold weather fueling, recognizing signs of Red-S, and intentional weight los…
- All Bodies on Bikes - Marley Blonsky
Molly interviews Marley Blonsky, co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, about making cycling inclusive for all body sizes. They explore building inclusive communities, joyful movement, accessible bike camping, and using respectful language reg…
- Making Strength Harder with Limited Weights, What is Zone 2 Heart Rate, Trail Scanning
This episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast covers listener questions on adapting strength training for limited weights, explaining Zone 2 heart rate, and utilizing trail scanning for improved obstacle negotiation.
- Goal Setting 2026
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, hosts Peter and Molly discuss goal setting for 2026. They cover questions to help define events and goals, explore frameworks for goal setting, and address common mistakes people make.
- Declining Threshold, Picking Home Gym Weights, Climbing Cadence
Peter and Molly discuss listener questions regarding declining FTP thresholds indoors or in the off-season, how to select weight plates for a home gym, and the ideal cadence for climbing.
- Packs vs. Bottles, Vomit Intervals, Power for Tech. Practice
In this episode, Peter and Molly discuss hydration choices for races, the utility of maximal intervals for endurance athletes, and the impact of power meters on technical skill training.
- Can You Race Gravel and Ultra-Running - Heather Jackson
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Molly Hurford interviews Heather Jackson and they discuss: Transition from Triathlon to Gravel and Ultra-running Balancing two sports at a high level How Heather races at a high level in h…
- Bentonville, 'Healthy' Fueling, Starting Running, Indoor Threshold
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: Our recent trip to Bentonville and Bentonville Lift serviced year-round Bike Park The trouble with fueling with whole foods or 'healthy' foods…
- Strength or Muscle, Spinning too much, Outside Interval Anxiety
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer 3 listener questions about: Getting anxious about doing interval workouts outside Stacking strength days on the same day as harder bikes (double days) Are we buildin…
- HRV, Heart Rate and Fatigue - Should I train?
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: HRV baseline and how to take action on resting heart rate and hrv Using feeling and muscle soreness as primary and HRV to support decisions Co…
- Do You Need to Do a Cycling Test this Fall?
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: Why do fitness Testing for cycling or running Different ways to set zones and How to test How tests can provide goals and feedback about your…
- How to Start Strength Training This Fall
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions about starting strength training this fall. Why Strength is important for health and bike fitness how to avoid common issues with soreness Why you…
- Starting Running This Fall + Running for Cyclocross
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly discuss: Cyclocross clinics and setting up your practice Favorite gear for the fall and for starting running (e.g. what shoes to buy) Why and what to consider to prepare fo…
- Training Tired, Taking 2 Days off + FKT Killarney & Bruce Trail
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: Discuss UTMB and Courtney Dauwalter and Ludovic Pommeret as great athletes! Molly FKT attempt on Killarney La Cloche Trail New Story about new…
- How to Train After Your Goal Race or with No Upcoming Goal
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer a listener questions about how to train after you recover from your big race and when you don't have an upcoming race to train for. We discuss: Returning to early ba…
- How Long Does It Take To Recover from Big Adventures?
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer a listener question about how long it takes to recover from a multi-day endurance event. Topics include: Factors that affect time till recovery after events Types of…
- Saddle Sore Q&A
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: What a Saddle Sore is Troubleshooting Saddle Sores Should you wear Underwear with bike shorts? Choosing a bike seat. 💬 Have a question for a…
- Heart Rate too low in Intervals? Too Much Group riding? 24hr Race Tips
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: Final preparations for a 24-hour solo race Whether Heart Rate needs to get high (>85%MHR) during intervals Workarounds for using TrainingPeaks…
- Specific Training vs. Training Hacks + Fitting Strength into Cycling Routine
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: Whether it is worth augmenting 'normal' cycling training (or using 'hacks' ) What specific training might mean Fitting Strength into a busy su…
- The Neuroscience of Endurance Training - Dr. Scott Frey
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly interview Dr. Scott Frey of Cerebral Perforformance The art and science of self-talk - how to talk to yourself and boost performance How cognitive load affects training and…
- Rest Days & Rest Weeks - Why, What, How?
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: What are different names for rest weeks? (deload, Down etc) Why take rest weeks and days What to do for tests and rides in a rest week rest we…
- Menopause for Active Women - Selene Yeager
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly interview Selene Yeager of Feisty Menopause and the ' Hit Play Not Pause ' podcast. Topics include: Updates on reasearch and best practices for Menopause Hormone Replacemen…
- Western States, Cramming Stage Race Prep, Training Steep Climbs & Summer Fun
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: Western States Running Race take-a-ways How to prepare for a stage race 1-week out (joking but not ?) Preparing for low rpm / high effort of l…
- Q&A - MTB Workouts in the rain, Keeping Sport Affordable, Climbing Faster & More
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter and Molly answer listener questions on: MTB Workouts - how to train on mtb if its rainy or not have access to trail? How to get better at climbing Why isn't your actual TSS matching…
- Fueling Athletic Dreams & Busy Lives - Alex Larson, RD
In this episode of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, Peter interviews Alex Larson R.D. about fueling big endurance challenges like gravel races and Gran Fondos. Be sure to check out Alex's new podcast 'Endurance Eats'. How and R.D. can help…