Or that athletes get better at performing the notoriously difficult vo2max test after doing it 5 times
.
The control group also did the test 5 times but with different results.
Two notes:
In the reverse test the subjects are better able to leverage anaerobic systems for the hardest part of the test, so the tests may be intrinsically unequal.
The VO2max test has always had a mental component, since the subject decides when to stop (vs. lactate threshold where the subject will pass through it in the course of the test). There are top athletes (ex. Mark Cavendish) who perform very poorly on these tests because a lab just doesn’t motivate them the way a race does.
does this offer any practical value regarding training?
In my n=1 experience
I have recently done a few 20km runs without hydrating I run in the evenings when it is about 26-28 Degree C and circa 80% humidity.
The first time by accident when my wife decided she wanted to add an extra loop to the run and subsequently by choice.
I have found that there has been no appreciable change in my performance as long as I hyrdrate during the day prior to my run in the evening.
I do rehydrate at the end of the run with Nuun.
I am not sure what this means - but i was surprised by how little impact not drinking during the run made.
Thanks for sharing this. I think it’s really interesting. The comments are just as useful to someone wtihout an exphys background. They would also clear up some of the questions here.
more evidence for the ‘central governor’ out of Switzerland,
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205081643.htm.
I think this is a really cool study. It may help to explain why some of us are able to race above our predicted speeds based in testing and why others under-perform based on testing. Adds support to the “mental aspect” of racing. I don’t know if I would go so far as to invest money in a sports therapist over a power meter, but this study makes me wonder exactly how much our mental state affects performance.
Things that noakes isnt right on: hydration and central governer
.
n=1
I can depend on thirst to hydrate on the run, and do reasonably well. Up to marathon distance.
Not on the bike. If I wait until I get thirsty on an IM bike leg, I’m in a world of shit. Don’t know why - increased evaporative effect or something?
Since Andy doesn’t post on here any more I thought I’d take the liberty of pasting a bunch of links up from his FB page that disputes Noakes.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19691362
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21791015
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12591751
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17690901
Discuss amongst yourselves…
I don’t know if I would go so far as to invest money in a sports therapist over a power meter, but this study makes me wonder exactly how much our mental state affects performance.
It’s all about the ability to suffer. I don’t think a therapist could get me to suffer more. You have to be very honest with yourself why you train and race to be able to get the best out of yourself.
Or just keep doodling along which is just as fine. But please always be aware:
“Do you enjoy doing hill repeats at the crack of dawn on 20 degree days? Great, if that’s your idea of fun then by all means keep doing it. But don’t confuse it with an activity that has “meaning,” because there’s no “bigger picture,” and your “workout” is about as meaningful as a dog humping somebody’s leg.” Bike Snob NYC