Jem Arnold
We recently published an article comparing the NIRS-derived deoxy-BP to the RCP (VT2) in a ramp cycling test. I want to use this and another similar study to understand the important differences between threshold measurements, the natural variability in measuring physiology, and how understanding this variability can help us prescribe training targets that will elicit the desired training stimulus for ourselves and our athletes.
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.
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.
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
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.
Spare Cycles 