Critical Oxygen

In this of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss mitochondrial respiration and its importance for endurance training and performance. We discuss the common misconceptions surrounding fatmax and VO2max, especially as it pertains to mitochondrial respiration. We also highlight the significance of both high-intensity and low-intensity training, advocating for a balanced approach to optimize mitochondrial function and overall athletic performance.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Aaron Geiser from EndureIQ and I discuss the technology we use for training and how it informs our workouts. We emphasize the importance of rotating shoes to stimulate different muscles and prevent overuse injuries. We also discuss the use of heart rate monitors, core body temperature monitors, and NIRS devices like Moxy Monitor to gauge effort levels and make adjustments during workouts. The goal is to optimize training and avoid overcooking the body. We cover how we use technology such as heart rate monitors, power meters, core temperature monitors, and the Moxy monitor. We also emphasize the importance of measuring and tracking data to make informed decisions about training. The conversation concludes with a reminder to use technology in a way that works for each individual and to avoid becoming overwhelmed by data.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Benedict Meixner and I discuss, maximal glycolytic rate (VLaMax) and how its measured through a 15-second all-out sprint test.

In this of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the stress response of our bodies to exercise and the release of stress hormones like catecholamines. We explain that exercise is a massive stress on the body, causing physiological changes such as increased heart rate and the release of stress hormones. The release of stress hormones helps the body adapt and try to establish a steady state during exercise.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss the importance of individualized nutrition for endurance athletes. We emphasize the need to tailor nutrition plans to each athlete's specific needs and goals including individualized fueling in race. Aaron introduces the the right fuel at the right time motto and how EndureIQ uses it to optimize performance. The conversation highlights the significance of proper nutrition in preventing GI distress and improving race performance. We encourage athletes to try different fueling strategies during training to find what works for them.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Andri Feldman and I discuss the importance of oxygen and how to measure oxygen dynamics in the muscle using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices like Moxy Monitor. We explain the physiology of oxygen and its role in energy production through ATP synthesis. We also explore the different energy systems involved in exercise, including the phosphagen system, glycolytic system, and oxidative mitochondrial system. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of these systems and the role of lactate as an intermediary. We then explore the principles of NIRS and how it measures oxygenation levels in the muscle. Overall, NIRS is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing training performance.

In this of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the purpose and physiology behind long workouts. We highlight the importance of specificity, nutrition, and psychology in long workouts. And we explain that long workouts typically involve exercising at intensities between zone two and the top of zone three, lasting 90 minutes or more. We discuss substrate oxidation during long workouts and the potential for depletion of carbohydrate stores. We also touch on the concepts of glycogen storage, muscle capillarization, and mitochondria in relation to endurance performance.

TAKEAWAYS

1) Long workouts are important for endurance athletes, especially those training for events lasting three hours or more.

2) Specificity is crucial in long workouts, as they allow athletes to understand how their bodies respond and adapt to extended periods of exercise.

3) Nutrition needs to be adjusted for long workouts, as the body's fueling requirements change after three hours of exercise.

07:35 Understanding Substrate Utilization and Glycogen Depletion

12:20 The Role of Carbohydrates in Long Workouts

28:04 Conclusion

long workouts, specificity, nutrition, psychology, intensities, fat oxidation, carbohydrate oxidation, glycogen storage, muscle capillarization, mitochondria, endurance performance, consistency, moderation

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss the importance of having a plan for race day and how to prepare and execute on race day. We emphasize the need for a well-thought-out nutrition plan, training specific to the race course, and understanding the course itself. We also highlight the benefits of heat training and the challenges of racing at elevation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of not trying anything new on race day and learning from past mistakes.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Andrew Brown and I discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating strength training for endurance athletes. Benefits include improving running economy, increased musculotendinous unit stiffness, and enhanced neuromuscular efficiency. Strength training also contributes to overall athleticism and longevity. The challenges lie in finding the right balance of intensity and volume, as well as managing load and progression. We emphasize the importance of starting with proper form and gradually increasing intensity (weight and sets). We also highlight the value of a long-term approach combining specific and general training to build a robust and resilient body. Strength training is beneficial for endurance athletes as it not only promotes muscle growth but also improves neuromuscular effects and overall strength.

In this episode of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Dave Schell and I discuss the importance of cooling down and the purpose of recovery workouts. We debunk misconceptions about cooling down, such as the idea of flushing lactic acid, and explain that the goal of a cool down is to bring the body back to homeostasis as fast as possible. We also explore the benefits of recovery workouts and how they facilitate nutrient delivery to the muscles. We emphasize that there is no magic duration or intensity for a cool down or recovery workout, and it should be tailored to each individual's needs.