The Peter Attia Drive #331 ‒ Optimizing endurance performance: metrics, nutrition, lactate, and more insights from elite performers | Olav Aleksander Bu (Pt. 2)
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Jan 13, 2025 
Join Olav Aleksander Bu, an acclaimed sports scientist and endurance coach, as he dives into optimizing endurance performance. He reveals the importance of key metrics like VO2 max and lactate threshold in tailoring training. Olav also discusses the impact of nutrition on performance, highlighting innovative carbohydrate strategies and supplements like beetroot for endurance. The conversation touches on how AI is reshaping performance analysis, providing athletes with real-time insights to enhance their training. Prepare for an enlightening journey into endurance sports!
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Initial VO2 Max Discrepancies
- When Olav Aleksander Bu began working with Christian Blumenfeld and Gustav Iden, there was a notable difference in their VO2 max across swimming, cycling, and running.
- Initially, their swimming VO2 max was the lowest, contrary to Peter Attia's expectations given the number of muscles involved.
Manipulating VO2 Max Results
- Athletes can manipulate VO2 max results by restricting breathing near peak effort, creating an oxygen debt and artificially boosting numbers.
- This tactic doesn't reflect actual fitness improvements and is essentially cheating the protocol.
Standardizing VO2 Max Testing
- Standardize your VO2 max test protocol, including pre-test routines like eating, hydration, and sleep.
- Time of day matters less than consistency, so pick a time and stick to it for comparable results.