This episode is the focal point of the previous VO2max episodes. We take the physiology from the previous episodes and use it to find easy ways to improve the effectiveness of any VO2max interval set. Ways to change your cadence, interval times, rest times, and interval intensities are discussed. Then we take apart a Ronnestad study on 30/15s and put it in context of VO2max and other fitness adaptations. We conclude with a training philosophy discussion on the physiology of true long term VO2max improvements.​​​​

Show Notes
Haematological rather than skeletal muscle adaptations contribute to the increase in peak oxygen uptake induced by moderate endurance training
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26282186/

Cycling cadence alters exercise hemodynamics
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8775571/

Superior performance improvements in elite cyclists following short-interval vs effort-matched long-interval training
​​https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31977120/

In the penultimate episode of the VO2max series, we dive deep into how the heart pumps and adapts, how this stress leads to increased VO2max, and why cyclists may not want to take training cues from cross-country skiing.

Show Notes
Effects of detraining on cardiovascular responses to exercise: role of blood volume
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/jappl.1986.60.1.95

Endurance athletes' stroke volume does not plateau: major advantage is diastolic function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7808245/

Acute and Chronic Response to Exercise in Athletes: The “Supernormal Heart”
​​https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29022255/

Show Notes
Three collegiate conference directors and a board president walk into a bar... hypothetically. This is what it would sound like if it were at all safe to go to a bar.

We talk about our fall season cancellations, challenges faced by race promoters, predictions for spring 2021, and reactions to rumors of a Zwift nationals. In the discussion are conference directors Nick Luther of SECCC, Kyle Helson of ACCC, Kolie Moore of ECCC, and ACCC board president Laura Ann Leaton.

This episode explores how and why hemoglobin's function emerges from its structure, which makes it a critical component in the oxygen distribution chain. We also discuss the lungs, why VO2max isn't related to hematocrit, and vascular capacity for blood storage before diving into a classic phlebotomy study that ends with a question mark that hints at the central importance of the heart.​

Show Notes
Blood value correlations with vo2max, Figure 1
​https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30549016/

Effects of detraining on cardiovascular responses to exercise: role of blood volume
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/jappl.1986.60.1.95