It is well known that adaptation to training stimuli occurs only during the subsequent rest and recovery period. Therefore, if done correctly, combining training and recovery data has the potential to revolutionize the way athletes train. However, even though recovery apps like Whoop have already been around for more than a decade, the integration of this data with training platforms is still in its infancy; Training Peaks overlays data on PMC (Performance Management Charts), and Wahoo Systm is a "new" training platform that allows athletes to track their training and recovery data, Wahoo Systm has proposed it as a "coming soon" feature, and TrainerRoad is considering it as a possible future development.

But now a little-known American cycling training company, FasCat Coaching, has an app that takes data and turns it into a simple view that helps users decide when to train and when to ease off. The app is called FasCat and its key feature is known as "Optimize."

Overton has been a cycling coach for 20 years; in the early 2000s, he and Dr. Andrew Kogan coined the aforementioned PMC and other terms now in common use around the world, including TSS (training stress score). 2005 In 2005, he invented, or more accurately defined, Sweet Spot Training, which trains at the top end of Zone 3, around 86-95% of FTP (Functional Threshold Power). He has previously worked with the USA Cycling National Team and currently works with the Human Powered Health Women's Team.

The FasCat app can be paired with data from Whoop and Oura, leading products that track heart rate variability and other health metrics, and assigned a "recovery" score; we're told that Apple Watch support is in the works. It can also be paired with Zwift, Wahoo, and Garmin to import training data from power meters and indoor trainers. The app will aggregate the data from both and calculate an "OTS," or Optimized Training Score, and an "Optimized" graphic that indicates whether you are overtraining, training optimally, or training harder. This differs from a car's rev counter in that it takes the form of a dial needle, which changes from yellow (too easy) through green (optimal) to red (overtraining).

In an exclusive conversation with Cycling News, Overton confirmed that the app is already in practice in his position at Human Powered Health. The actions and data provided by the app will be used not only to adjust riders' training intensity, but also to determine which riders will be included in which races next season.

Launched in late 2022, the app is sold as an ongoing subscription to the FasCat training program for $34.99 per month. This gives users access to the company's library of training plans and workouts, meal plans, recipes, and suggestions for off-bike strength and conditioning work.