Physiology Secrets

We couldn't believe it had taken us this long to go more in-depth about Fraction of Expired Oxygen and how it tells us some really great insights into how best to attack your training post VO2max test. We discuss what it is, the trends we see and more in an episode that covers off one of the most important metrics we look at in the testing data. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Luke talks about an increasingly more popular supplement, Beta-Alanine and the possible impacts on performance that it might have. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

We came across a really great instagram page (@labratrundown) who's doing some cool research on all of the super shoes out there including the famous or arguably infamous Nike Vaporfly's. We discuss the findings of a recent set of testing and chat about our thoughts on the piece of equipment that has had the endurance world talking for a few years now. For links to the research studies/findings etc go to: @labratrundown (on instagram) For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Great session, if we're talking race specificity this is pretty much spot on for a half/full distance marathon runner. Nick and Luke discuss how they might alter the session for different purposes, and talk about why it's a great session to begin with. EMAIL us your training sessions to review --> nick@metsperformance.com OR message us on Instagram @metsperformance For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

A great question came through to us via instagram asking about strategies to optimise triathlon training. Can you have week to week changes in focus (i.e. Week 1 = 4 Swim, 1 Bike, 2 Run. Week 2 = 2 Swim, 4 Bike, 3 Run etc) Luke and Nick also dive into strategic fatigue, training camps and some other concepts surrounding periodisation to maximise the training stimulus and adaptation.   For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

EPISODE 150 is HERE! In this one we talk about how and why athletes at the elite level can transition across endurance sports, like Cam Wurf did from Olympic Rowing to Professional Cycling and now Ironman Triathlon, with so much success. But also why it usually only works in particular directions.   For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Another session sent in by one of our listeners, what does it do well and what could be improved? Check out the session below and then listen to our thoughts: 10 x 400m @ 100% VO2max with 400m easy jogging recovery (approx. 1:2 work to rest ratio) For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Luke and Nick answer a question about Ultra running in this episode and what the main goal should be for events lasting 6hours and more. Is it purely to be better at using Fats as a fuel source? Is it worth doing Threshold, Tempo or even VO2max work? here our thoughts in this episode. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

In a follow up to our discussion on threshold based training last week, here's a perfect example of a session that executes this aspect of our physiology really well. One of our listeners sent in the following: 5 x 5min (4min @ 100% FTP, 1min @ 105-120% FTP) with 2.5min recovery In the context of preparing for a TT run up the 1 in 20 climb, this is pretty much spot on. Have a listen to our thoughts on the session in this episode. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

A few great questions sent in recently asking if going to Zone 2 ONLY training is a good idea in a base phase and what the difference between VO2 and Threshold sessions are. here our thoughts on this episode on both topics and how we process these decisions for building training programs. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

In this episode we talk about an awesome session we use for a number of athletes and why it's really effective PLUS we critique our own work and tell you how we've gone back and improved the session over the years to get to where it is now. Main set: 2 sets of 1 x 5min @ 88-92% VO2max, 2.5min @ 60-70% VO2max 5 x 1min @ 100-105% VO2max, 30s Passive recovery OR 2 sets of 1 x 5min @ 88-92% VO2max, 2.5min @ 60-70% VO2max 5 x 1min @ 100% VO2max, 1min @ 65% VO2max For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind  

Another great session sent through by one of our listeners. Session Details: 4km warm up & strides Main set: 10 x 800m @ 120% Threshold Pace, 90s jog recovery 4 x 200m max speed, 2min passive recovery 2km easy cool down Check out what we think, what we'd change and more in this episode. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

We have this question a lot..."How far off A-Grade cycling am I?" or "If my VO2max improves will that make me an A-Grade rider?" So we thought we'd share our thoughts on what separates A from B-grade cyclists, form physiology to performance smarts & tactics.   For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Another session sent in, this time imagine starting out very easy and continually increasing or 'ramping' up the intensity then gradually ramping it back down. What does this aim to do? Nick and Luke chat through the session and talk about why flipping that upside down to do "u-shapes" instead of pyramids would potentially be a much more effective session. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Nick and Luke breakdown a session sent through by a podcast listener, repeats of a short hard effort followed by a sub threshold block, back into a 30s burst. Is this an effective session or what could be changed to get more out of it? Plus when might you use this type of session in your training? For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Who does METS turn to to keep up to date with the science of aerobic training? This guy. Nathan Heaney (AKA The Conditioning Consultant) joins Luke in an absolutely awesome, must listen episode of the Podcast. They dive into the science of maximising time at VO2max, training intensity distribution (i.e. polarised), field testing for maximal aerobic speed and LOADS MORE! Follow Nathan on Instagram: @theconditioningconsultant Learn more about Nathan: https://runningprogram.com.au/about-us/ For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

You know we love our VO2max intervals and this session is one of those. Nick and Luke chat about doing short HIIT this time and how doing 30s ON/30s OFF can achieve a similar stimulus to our favourite 2-4min effort @ 95% VO2max with equal very easy recovery. PLUS why this session might be more or less specific to you depending on what type of athlete you are. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

The Balanced Runner is BACK! Paul Mackinnon joins us agin on the podcast to talk all things running technique, including the big mistakes he sees athletes and coaches make, why trying to activate your glutes isn't fixing any problems and his insight on how pro's could be even faster than they already are, IF they learnt to run more effectively. One you don't want to miss! Follow Paul on Instagram @thebalancedrunner Get in contact with Paul: www.thebalancedrunner.com.au Listen to Paul on Episode 69. of the Podcast HERE For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Low Cadence is a training method lots of cyclists would have heard of or used, but what does it aim to do and are there some better alternatives to make sure you get best bang for buck in your training. Nick and & Luke talk through their thoughts on another training sessions explained episode of the podcast. For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind

Lockdown 5.0 in Melbourne came at a perfect time for us to sit down and watch the Zwift Tri-Battle between Jan Frodeno and Lionel Sanders, ultimately leading to the Ironman distance World Record being smashed. Luke, Nick & Tyler chat about their thoughts on the science, innovation and ultimately their reactions to the event. Plenty to unpack in this episode of the podcast including how Sanders can run at 120bpm, why live blood glucose monitoring could be the next big thing, and more! For more free resources about improving endurance performance, sign up to our email list here: http://go.metsperformance.com.au/free-mets-mastermind