Breakthrough Endurance

Below, I've started creating a list of factors that influence running economy. Here, I'll define economy as the steady state O2 consumption required to maintain a given running velocity. This list is more of an open note that I intend to periodically update and modify as I, and we, learn more about running economy. As you can see, there are quite a few factors that can influence economy. Let me know if you think of any others! Training Strength/plyometric training Stiffness/flexibility Training volume Altitude training Pace/Power output Substrate utilization Training specificity Running Form Mitochondrial quality Uncoupling proteins Influence of training Heritable Substrate availability (O2 & CHO) More economical to burn CHO More economical when O2 availability is limited Fatigue VO2 slow component Motor unit activation - number and "type" Fatigue VO2 slow component Anthropometrics Body mass distribution Ankle/wrist circum...

I stumbled upon a good read today. The excerpt from  Overtraining Athletes: Personal Journeys in Sport,  can be found at this link . The interview with Dr. David Martin, a physiologist with the Australian Institute of Sport, highlights the importance of monitoring athletes' physiological and psychological well being, as well as the value of interpersonal coach-athlete relationships. All around, a good read and sound advice from an experienced professional.

A constant workrate in the cycling portion enabled athletes to cover the 9.3km run 42s faster on average than a variable workrate. Abstract here . "Training to lower physiological and perceptual responses during cycling should limit the negative effects on triathlon running."