Aerobic Threshold and the Benefits of Zone 3 with John Davis, PhD
Release Date: 08/08/2024
The Strength Running Podcast
Why did American Record holder Zach Bitter fail at his goal of besting his own 100-mile record? Was it his new embrace of high carb fueling instead of his tradition low-carb approach? In this episode, former WR holder and current AR holder Zach Bitter joins us to discuss how he navigates failure, what led to his DNF at his recent 100-mile record attempt, his experiments with fueling and carbs, and a lot more. Don't miss Zach's amazing podcast, or his website . You can also listen to him in 2024's . If you have not yet, please follow or subscribe to the Strength Running Podcast! Thank you...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Do you want to improve and race faster in 2026? I want to help you do exactly that! In this episode, coach Jason Fitzgerald is sharing his most impactful training interventions for dramatic running improvement. We're discussing: Hill Sprints () Monthly mileage Aerobic cross-training Heat training Heavy weightlifting () If you haven't yet, follow or subscribe to the podcast! Thank you Previnex! After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Dan Cleather is a strength and conditioning coach, professor at St. Mary's University, and author of . So, what exactly is "training?" Is it different than "exercise?" In this episode, we discuss what training specifically is, what it's not, and what it's attempting to do. Once you understand that we're after change in our bodies, we can better structure training to reach our goals. Visit or follow him on Please support the show by supporting our partners! Thank you 2Before! We are supported by , a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrant berries...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
is an applied sport scientist who spent 10 years working with athletes and teams from all major American professional team sports, particularly the National Football League. He’s a certified running coach and strength and conditioning specialist and he previously partnered with Nike to run the Nike Running Performance Lab in New York City. You can sign up for his . Jonah was also the sport scientist on hand during a fitness retreat I attended last year where I had my VO2 Max measured. Jonah administered the test, which you can watch on . In this conversation, we myth-bust around the...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Elisabeth Scott is a USATF, RRCA, and UESCA certified running coach and the host of the enormously popular . She and Jason are answering questions from about: Optimal ratio of hard to easy mileage Physiological benefits of moderate paced running Helpful cues to ensure you’re truly running easy How you figure out your training paces Elisabeth is an authentic and powerful force in the running community and I hope you use her startegic advice in your training. Thank you 2Before! We are supported by , a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrant berries designed...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Floris Gierman is a 2:44 marathoner, cofounder of , 100-mile ultramarathon finisher, and author of the new book . He's done something rare: interview the world's best runners (like Eliud Kipchoge, Courtney Dauwalter, and Killian Jornet) and put all the best lessons, insights, and wisdom into his new book. You'll learn what keeps the most competitive runners going, how they train, and their best advice to excel. Pick up your copy . I wanted to know: What has he learned from hundreds of conversations with such amazing athletes? What sets them apart? What makes them similar to us? From all...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
How did we transition from a society with no "sports" or competition, to one where they're ubiquitous? Learn the history of the fitness industry: how weightlifting and running emerged, early versions of equipment, how people trained 200+ years ago, and more. Dr. Conor Heffernan explores the main themes from his book, . If you like history and training, you're going to love this episode! Thank you 2Before! We are supported by , a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrant berries designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Listen in on a Team Strength Running coaching call, where Jason takes questions from the community about training, long runs, workout strategy, and more. To join one of these calls, . We discuss: Long run strategy ( with David Roche!) The value of lifting heavy weights () How to balance speed and mileage Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast! Thank You Lever! I'm excited to partner with - a bodyweight support system that helps you run further or faster with less effort and injury risk. You’ve probably seen pro runners using Lever...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Brodie Sharpe is a physiotherapist, the host of the , and author of . As a Physical therapist who specializes in endurance runners, Brodie Sharpe takes a holistic approach to . He helps runners learn how to correct mistakes and work with their bodies to get healthy. Brodie emphasizes the importance of looking at training as well as your lifestyle around it, since every aspect of what you do impacts how you feel and perform. This episode focuses on how to learn from a running injury: how to figure out what caused it the training changes needed to prevent it from recurring how to update...
info_outlineThe Strength Running Podcast
Dr. Matthew Silver is a physical therapist, author, and owner of Alpha Project Phyzio and Performance in Maryland. His book is now available. While he set his college’s 8k record and made the all-conference team, injuries prematurely ended Matt’s career, sparking his interest in physical therapy. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about the different types of strength training that exist, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to integrate them into your training. It’s important to recognize that not all strength training is the same. We’re going to discuss traditional...
info_outlineIn today's running culture, people can't stop talking about Zone 2 running. But what about Zone 3?
John Davis is an author, running coach, former collegiate runner, and an expert in human performance with a focus on biomechanics.
He ran at Carleton College before getting a PhD in biomechanics at Indiana University's School of Public Health, focusing on running injuries.
In this episode, we talk about:
-
The underutilized value of Zone 3 running
-
Why zones aren't as clear as many people make them out to be
-
Lactate threshold and steady-state max in running
-
High-end aerobic training and its effects on muscle fatigue
-
Improving aerobic capabilities with middle intensity training
-
Main drivers of fatigue in different intensities
-
Training in Zone 3 and how it can predict performance in endurance events
-
Balancing physiological principles with practical coaching
Send this to your running group chat so you can unpack the myths and science behind Zone 3 on your next group run!
Links & Resources from the Show:
-
Join the book launch list for Marathon Excellence for Everyone
-
John's book: Modern Training and Physiology for Middle and Long-Distance Runners
-
John's website and newsletter (http://runningwritings.com/news)
-
John on Instagram
-
John on X
-
Get the free injury prevention email series. (https://strengthrunning.com/injury-prevention/)
Thank you Previnex!
After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m now a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.
Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.
Their new Muscle Health Plus is something I'm now taking. Turning 40 - and having a thin frame - has made me realize that I need to prioritize lean muscle mass to stay healthy and age well. Muscle Health Plus has creatine, essential and branched chain amino acids, and it's designed in a way to maximize protein synthesis and the absorption of amino acids.
Muscle Health Plus will help you prevent muscle damage, which is particularly important for aging runners who want to protect themselves from muscle loss and recover faster after hard workouts. As is true for all of their products, Previnex adheres to the highest of standards: their ingredients are clinically proven to do what they say they’re going to do.
Previnex offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don't feel the benefits of their product, you get your money back no questions asked. With their focus on quality and customer satisfaction, I hope you’ll try it! Use code jason15 for 15% off your first order at Previnex!
Thank you MOBO Board!
Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!
Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.
I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.