Andy Jones, leading expert in human performance physiology, talks about fatigue mechanisms, critical speed/power, evidence-based training, and beetroot juice. They discuss Breaking 2 project, decline of critical power with glycogen levels, ultra-endurance activities, running metabolic rates, and nitrate supplementation impact on athletic performance.
Nitrate supplementation, like beetroot juice, can enhance endurance by reducing oxygen cost and preserving muscle glycogen.
Training strategies for ultra marathon runners should focus on engaging type two muscle fibers, simulating race conditions, and gradually increasing pace during long runs.
Balanced training that targets both aerobic and anaerobic systems, along with strategic nutrition, is crucial for optimizing performance in ultra endurance events.
Deep dives
Expertise in Exercise Physiology and Performance
The podcast episode features Andrew Jones, a Professor of Applied Physiology at the University of Exeter. He is internationally recognized for his research in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism, exercise intolerance, respiratory physiology, and sports performance physiology. Jones has extensive experience in working with elite athletes and has contributed significantly to understanding the physiology of endurance exercise.
Impact of Nitrate Supplementation on Athletic Performance
Jones discusses the benefits of nitrate supplementation, particularly through beetroot juice, on exercise performance. Nitrate has been shown to reduce oxygen cost during exercise and enhance endurance by preserving muscle glycogen. However, the effectiveness may vary among individuals, with elite athletes possibly experiencing less pronounced effects due to their already optimized physiological characteristics.
Training Strategies for Ultra Marathoners
Jones explores training strategies for ultra marathon runners, emphasizing the importance of engaging type two muscle fibers and simulating race conditions during training. He suggests incorporating high-intensity intervals to target these fibers and practicing glycogen-depleted long runs to enhance metabolic adaptations and endurance. Jones also mentions the value of gradually increasing pace during long runs to challenge varying energy systems.
Considerations for Endurance Training and Performance
In the discussion, Jones highlights the significance of training specificity and individual variability in response to training modalities. He underscores the need for a balanced training approach that includes engaging both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Jones also touches on the potential benefits of training in different intensity domains to enhance overall performance.
Integration of Nutrition and Training Adaptations
The episode delves into the interplay between nutrition and training adaptations in endurance athletes. Jones explains the importance of timing nitrate consumption before exercise to optimize its effects on aerobic capacity. He suggests implementing strategic dietary protocols to enhance glycogen preservation and endurance performance during ultra marathon events.
Future Directions and Challenges in Endurance Science
Jones expresses interest in further research on ultra marathon training and performance. He acknowledges the evolving landscape of endurance sports and the need for more comprehensive insights into long-duration endurance events. Jones emphasizes the importance of continuous exploration and scientific contributions to enhance understanding and optimize performance in ultra endurance athletes.
Andy Jones is one of the world's leading experts in human performance physiology, especially in the realm of endurance. Nike recognized this when they brought him onto the Breaking 2 project. He's most famous in many circles for his pioneering work using nitrates to boost performance. Yes, this is the beetroot guy. Today we talk about mechanisms of fatigue, critical speed/power, evidence-based approaches to training, and (of course) beetroot juice.
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