VO2max is defined as the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during a specified period of intense exercise—usually 30 seconds to 1 minute. It is said to be the gold standard for cardiorespiratory fitness and therefore has a high value and strong correlation with long course triathlon performance. Think of it like the size of your car engine—we want a big and efficient engine!

For our last Zwift Academy Tri Run workout, we are going to build that engine! This session is specifically designed to enhance VO2max with high intensity reps and is made up of shorter intervals (typically less than 5 minutes). Generally, if you improve your VO2max other aspects of long course triathlon performance (e.g. FTP) will follow. It’s a good idea to keep VO2max development sessions included in your program all the way through the season.

For WHOOP users—this workout is ideally done on a Green Recovery day. VO2max sessions are aimed to push you, and this workout is no different. If you aren’t well recovered, rest up and come tackle this workout on another day.