In the first episode in a VO2max series, we take a deep dive into why VO2max power, or maximal aerobic power (MAP), is not a simple number that can be found in a simple test. We discuss the history, physiological, and methodological underpinnings of ramp tests and what makes them flawed, and what some people have done to try and account for these. Additional methods of MAP testing and tracking and their drawbacks are discussed. We conclude with some practical advice for ways to monitor improvements your own VO2max.

Podcast Notes
Adami study on ramp rates
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00421-013-2705-9

Second study on longer ramp rates
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6066218/

Coggan blog post on estimating VO2max power
​http://www.trainingandracingwithapowermeter.com/2010/06/how-to-estimate-vo2max-using-power.html

Pinot & Grappe VO2max model
https://www.fredericgrappe.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MAP.pdf

Lactate remains a misunderstood molecule, and popular experts still don't have a full understanding of where it comes from or why. In this episode, Kolie explains the basic biochemical context of lactate, where it really comes from, and why we make it at rest and during exercise. You will come away from this episode with a good understanding of how enzymes catalyze reactions, the importance of always making lactate, and the kinds of things that cause demand on glycolysis.​

Podcast Notes
Metabolic pathway map
http://biochemical-pathways.com/#/map/1

BRENDA database entry for human LDH
https://www.brenda-enzymes.org/enzyme.php?ecno=1.1.1.27&Suchword=&reference=&UniProtAcc=&organism%5B%5D=Homo+sapiens