Why Training Smarter (Not Harder) Wins in the Long Run
By Roston Nordell, Mach1 Performance Devo Rider & Intern
“More pain, more gain” is the mindset fueling countless amateur and recreational athletes. But that mentality isn’t just unsustainable—it’s flat-out wrong.
Chasing fatigue isn’t a performance strategy. It’s a fast track to burnout. Real, lasting progress happens when you apply the right kind of stress, at the right time, with just enough recovery to adapt and grow.
Overtraining vs. Under-Recovery: Know the Signs Before You Burn Out
It sounds counterintuitive—but if you’re always training fast, you may actually be holding yourself back.
One of the most common mistakes cyclists make is going too hard on their easy days and not hard enough on their key workouts. At Mach1 Performance, we call it what it is: gray-zone purgatory.
So, what’s the fix? Strategic, consistent, low-intensity riding—also known as Zone 2 training.
Is Riding Slow the Secret to Getting Fast?
It sounds counterintuitive—but if you’re always training fast, you may actually be holding yourself back.
One of the most common mistakes cyclists make is going too hard on their easy days and not hard enough on their key workouts. At Mach1 Performance, we call it what it is: gray-zone purgatory.
So, what’s the fix? Strategic, consistent, low-intensity riding—also known as Zone 2 training.