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Having a high VO2 max is one of the most quoted markers of endurance performance. VO2 denotes volume of oxygen. Vis-\u00e0-vis, VO2 max<\/a><\/strong> describes the maximum volume of oxygen an individual can process. <\/p> A high VO2 max is a good thing because it means you can transport more energy to your muscles when exercising.<\/p> Another strong marker of performance in running is your velocity at VO2 max, or vVO2. This is where biomechanical efficiency \u2013 in this context, how bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments<\/a><\/strong> interact to produce movement \u2013 interacts with physiological ability. <\/p> The outcome is the speed you can travel at when you\u2019re operating at your VO2 max.<\/p> Back in the 90s a French physiologist called Veronique Billat developed a very simple test to determine an athlete\u2019s vVO2: a 6min maximum effort run where overall distance travelled is captured and average speed calculated. E.g. athlete A travels 1,500m in 6mins. <\/p> The equation is 1,500 divided by six, which gives 250m travelled per minute or 96secs per 400m. Using this information, coaches and athletes could then set training velocities for sessions aimed at developing VO2 max and vVo2 max.<\/p> Billat also developed sessions she felt would be beneficial to improving vVO2 max, focussing on how to accumulate time spent at that specific speed. What she came up with is beautifully simple and easy to apply. <\/p> There are two sessions in particular that are great for triathlon performance. Session one is perfect for this time of year when you\u2019re looking to develop speed capacity and efficiency. <\/p> Session two is an evolution of this, working more on specifics, so a great pre- and mid- season session. Here we go\u2026<\/p> After a good warm-up, undertake 12-18mins of: 30secs @ your vVo2max speed followed by 30secs of easy jogging. This is to be done continuously, no stopping. <\/p> My advice with this is to not worry too much about getting your speeds perfect. Focus on running fast but in control, using the same technique you would for a 3-5km running race but with perfect form<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p> Once you feel the pace beginning to drop off, or your form start to become messy, stop the session. You can analyse your speeds later if you\u2019re using a GPS watch<\/a><\/strong> and use the information to guide future sessions. <\/p>What is vVO2?<\/strong><\/h2>
vV02 sessions for triathlon <\/h2>
Session 1: 30\/30<\/h3>