Paula's Marathon Run Club
How to Train Smarter, Not Harder for Your Marathon! (with Dr. Andy Jones)
Feb 3, 2025
Dr. Andy Jones, a renowned sports physiologist known for his work with elite marathoners like Paula Radcliffe and the Breaking2 project, shares valuable insights into marathon training. He emphasizes that running economy may be more crucial than VO2 Max for performance. The conversation covers the necessity of training faster than marathon pace to avoid hitting the wall and discusses fueling strategies for marathon success. Jones also reveals the Kenyan secret to efficiency and how aging athletes can adapt their training routines.
48:59
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Quick takeaways
- Improving running economy is often more beneficial for marathon performance than solely focusing on maximizing VO2 max.
- Incorporating faster-than-marathon pace runs enhances both physical resilience and mental preparedness for race day challenges.
Deep dives
The Role of VO2 Max and Running Economy
VO2 max measures the maximum amount of oxygen an athlete can utilize during intense exercise, which is crucial for marathon running. A high VO2 max indicates a runner's potential and ability to maintain speeds over long distances. Running economy, on the other hand, refers to how efficiently a runner uses oxygen while maintaining a particular pace. Improving running economy can be more impactful for marathon performance than increasing VO2 max, as it allows runners to sustain their race pace with less energy expenditure.
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