Critical Oxygen

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 w...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss the transition from the general preparatory phase to the specific phase of training. We emphasize the importance of building volume and addressing specific training needs during the general phase then we discuss the need to slow down and reduce volume when transitioning to the specific phase to allow for adaptation an...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dr. Kat Campbell and I discuss running volume, training load, and the importance of individualization in training. We discuss concepts of training volume, training load, progression, and the impact of intensity on running performance. We also talk about the use of acute to chronic workload ratio, the role of duration versus mileage, and the importanc...

In this episode of fast physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the importance of a warmup and how to do it correctly. We emphasize that a warmup is not just about getting physically warm, but also mentally prepared for the workout or race. We discuss the physiological changes that occur during a warmup, such as increased blood flow to the muscles and the release of st...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss the specific phase of training and how to incorporate threshold work. We emphasize that the approach to threshold training may vary depending on the athlete and their goals. We discuss different ratios for threshold work and the importance of individualizing the training based on an athlete's tolerance and recover...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Laura Norris and I discuss the translation of science into coaching, common pitfalls in research interpretation, and the application of research to coaching and training regimens. We cover topics such as tapering, cold contrast therapy for recovery, coaching philosophies, and the challenges of interpreting research for recreational athletes. Ou...

In this episode of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the use of heart rate variability (HRV) for training. We explore the benefits and limitations of HRV as a training tool, emphasizing the need for context and integration with other training data. The conversation highlights the importance of paying attention to sleep and recovery habits, and the potential...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, I talk with my good friend David Mehlman where we discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the endurance space. We explore the potential uses of AI in training and racing, as well as the challenges and limitations of relying on AI. The conversation highlights the importance of data quality when using AI. We also discuss the potential benef...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss how to acclimate to racing in hot environments. We explain the physiological challenges of training and racing in the heat and the benefits of heat acclimation. We also discuss the importance of starting the heat acclimation process early and the differences between males and females in the acclimation timeline. The c...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast I am joined by Dr. Shalaya Kipp, to discuss exercise economy and efficiency, breathing mechanics, and the oxygen cost of breathing. In this episode we explore the differences between running and cycling economy, the impact of shoes on running economy, and the measurement of economy and efficiency using indirect calorimetry. We also touch on the import...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss lactate and debunk some common misconceptions. We start by talking about how lactate is produced by muscles during exercise, and created to a greater extent when carbohydrate breakdown outstrips the rate at which oxygen can be used in the mitochondria. Lactate does not cause fatigue and actually serves as a beneficial fuel f...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Neil Palles, an ultra running coach and psychotherapist, to discuss mental flexibility for endurance athletes. We explore the role of fear and anxiety in protecting athletes, the importance of mental health and performance, and the connection between endurance sports and real-life resilience. Neil shares his background as a therapist a...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss physiological testing. Physiological testing is beneficial for both health and wellness and sport performance. It provides guidance for training intensities and helps track adaptations. The benefits include individualized intensity zones, understanding performance improvements, and optimizing training efficiency. Phys...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, I am joined by Brian McKenzie where we talk about maximizing human potential and shifting physiology through proper breathing. In this episode, we discuss the impact of breathing on various physiological systems and how it can be used as a tool for improving endurance, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. Brian emphasizes the importance...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined again by Dave Schell where we discuss field tests for determining training zones. We emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose of training zones and the physiological thresholds that bound them. We suggest using simple field tests to estimate zones, such as nose breathing or the talk test for zone 2, and iterative workouts or...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined again by Coach Michelle Simmons where we discuss the importance of breathing and how it affects physiology and performance. Michelle shares her personal experience of using breathwork to manage anxiety and improve athletic performance. We emphasize the significance of diaphragmatic breathing and its impact on posture, mindset, and oxygen...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I answer questions about strength training for endurance athletes, adjusting training zones for different sports, choosing a reputable laboratory for physiological testing, developing FTP with limited training time, and the differences between zone two training and double threshold days. We discuss the importance of individuali...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the merits and limitations of internal and external variables in endurance training. We explore metrics such as heart rate, lactate, ventilation variables, SMO2, speed, and power. We emphasize the importance of measuring both internal and external variables to understand your physiology and performance. We also discuss the r...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, continuing guest host Aaron Geiser and I answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to endurance training. We cover the benefits and timing of cold water immersion, the duration of zone two training for masters athletes, and the role of genetics in performance for masters athletes. We emphasize the importance of individualized train...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in endurance training. We explore the application of Moxy Monitor, a near-infrared spectroscopy device (NIRS), for physiological testing and monitoring. We cover topics such as the limitations of models and training plans, the use Moxy Monitor for coaches and athle...

In this episode of fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the benefits of heat training for overall endurance performance in hot, humid environments. We explain how heat training affects the body's physiology and the cardiovascular system. We also provide a heat training protocol and strategies for implementing heat training. We discuss the adaptations that o...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Lee Throckmorton, founder and CEO of Kaizen Groundworks, to discuss tactical athlete preparation for individuals in public safety. We explore the importance of blending strength and endurance training for optimal performance in the tactical space. We also discuss the historical context of tactical athlete training and how it has shifte...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Coach Aaron Geyser where we discuss how to stay healthy during training and the importance of consistency and recovery. We emphasize the need to prevent sickness by analyzing lifestyle factors and managing stress. If sickness does occur, we recommend taking a conservative approach to returning to training, focusing on easy workouts and...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Marco Altini and I discuss heart rate variability (HRV) and its applications in optimizing physiology and athletic performance. HRV is a measure of the variation in heartbeats over time and is influenced by the autonomic nervous system's response to stress. Dr. Altini emphasizes the importance of measuring HRV consistently and understanding i...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, I am joined again by Dave Schell for another episode of Fast Physiology. In this episode we discuss how to maximize performance and race in high altitude environments. We explore the effects of altitude on performance, individual variability in altitude response, and the reduction in maximal sustainable effort. We also discuss the duration of adaptat...