Get Past V02

In order to improve distance running performance it is necessary to think beyond the heart and lungs. There is more to it than that. It is a given to be a successful distance runner it is necessary to have a highly developed and efficient cardiovascular system as evidenced by a high max V0₂. Max V0₂ is only one piece of the puzzle. We now know that once a runner has trained their V0₂ to a high level there is little room for improvement. V0₂ maximum can only be improved to a certain level, after that the improvement and adaptation probably takes place in the active muscles. It is also relatively easy to maintain at that high level. Perhaps we need to focus more on the neural aspect of endurance performance. Running fast for prolonged periods of time demands a high level of coordination of all systems of the body. This should make us more aware of training the nervous system; it is the nervous system that is the command and control system of the body. The muscles are slaves of the brain and the heart is a muscle. Systematically train all systems of the body and the whole kinetic chain for optimum endurance performance.