Is there an optimal training intensity for enhancing the maximal oxygen uptake of distance runners?

Vo2max is a poor predictor and any modern coach/research will tell you so.

However, making your body work at vo2max is a good thing. That is traditionally obtained by working in the 3k-5k range, short ish intervals.

"All cardiorespiratory adaptations elicited by submaximal training have probably already been elicited in distance runners competing at a relatively high level."

Hahahahahahaahaha!!!!!!!!

justsomeoldcoach wrote:

Vo2max is a poor predictor and any modern coach/research will tell you so.

However, making your body work at vo2max is a good thing. That is traditionally obtained by working in the 3k-5k range, short ish intervals.

Are you saying do something like 6x800 at 3k-5k pace or

do Canova repeats of 4x5k at hmp/mp?

rusayingthisorthat wrote:

justsomeoldcoach wrote:

Vo2max is a poor predictor and any modern coach/research will tell you so.

However, making your body work at vo2max is a good thing. That is traditionally obtained by working in the 3k-5k range, short ish intervals.

Are you saying do something like 6x800 at 3k-5k pace or

do Canova repeats of 4x5k at hmp/mp?

6x800 and variants. Classic workout, touches max aerobic power. Not sure why you mentioned hmp/mp paces. Those have a different purpose.

I repeat: goal is to work at vo2max, not to (try to) raise it.

The optimal zone is actually resting.

It's too difficult to do a transfusion or inject EPO when the athlete is in motion.

Author information wrote:

The maximal oxygen uptake (V-dotO(2max)) is considered an important physiological determinant of middle- and long-distance running performance.

Little information exists in the scientific literature relating to the most effective training intensity for the enhancement of V-dotO(2max) in well trained distance runners.

Training intensities of 40-50% V-dotO(2max) can increase V-dotO(2max) substantially in untrained individuals.

All cardiorespiratory adaptations elicited by submaximal training have probably already been elicited in distance runners competing at a relatively high level.

Have you ever tried Jack Daniels?

No, there isn't. And you won't improve your oxygen uptake anyway. Mythology. Read Daniels.

Author information wrote:

Training intensities of 40-50% V-dotO(2max) can increase V-dotO(2max) substantially in untrained individuals.

I don't think I have heard this or read this before, this business about 40-50% intensity. Is this correct? That sounds way too low.

What does 40-50% intensity even mean? Is it like walking two miles with a heart rate of 100 beats per minute?

Run 1 minute, walk 1 minute, then gradually built up to 8/1, by which time you'll be able to compete at a relatively high-level.