Evaluating the Relationships between Muscle Oxygenation, Ventilation, and Lactate Thresholds

The next generation approach to metabolic profiling and training prescription will almost certainly not include breakpoints or thresholds at all, and will use more flexible methods of describing continuous physiological response profiles in real-time. I think that by defining the rules which our brains are already using to find patterns, we will be able to better understand the real physiological relationships for an individual athlete, and improve how we can apply insights to that individual athlete's training.

CoreTemp Heat Accumulation Test

I have been experimenting for the last few weeks with the CORE BodyTemp sensor. This solid little device estimates core temperature from measuring thermal energy transfer at the skin. The CORE development team recently posted a 'heat ramp test', which I'm calling a 'Heat Accumulation protocol' because it involves more than just a ramp test.

Why Perform Hard-Start VO2max Intervals?

Hard-start intervals use an initial hard effort at a power output above what would be sustainable for the intended interval duration, to enhance oxygen uptake and cardiac output. Let's talk about some of the reasons for why we might want to perform hard-start intervals, when they might be appropriate for our training, and when they might not be.

Call For Participants (closed)

We are looking for subjects to participate in a remote cycling training study we are conducting through the University of Toronto, in partnership with TrainerRoad. This study will investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on cycling performance. If you are interested in participating and want more information, please go to

Workload, Intensity, and VO2max Trainability

Here are some of my current thoughts and questions on the topic of VO2max trainability, time near VO2max, hard-start and intermittent intervals, and adaptations toward capacity and efficiency.