28 Feb 2026
1h 13m

#121: How to Build an Unstoppable Aerobic Engine (Even If Starting From Zero) | Scott Johnston

Podcast cover

The Extramilest Podcast

This podcast explores the importance of aerobic capacity for endurance athletes with Scott Johnston, coach of elite endurance athletes and co-author of "Training for the Uphill Athlete." Johnston emphasizes that maximizing aerobic capacity is the foundational step for any endurance athlete, regardless of the specific sport, because endurance relies on metabolic processes that use oxygen to produce energy for muscle contraction. He clarifies common misconceptions around zone 2 training, and how the intensity and volume must be carefully calibrated to avoid overtraining. Johnston also shares practical advice on how to measure aerobic and anaerobic thresholds through field tests to determine personalized training zones.

Outlines

Part 1: Background, Core Concepts

Part 2: Training Zones, Thresholds

Part 3: Recovery, Physiology, Youth

Part 4: Advanced Methods, Conclusion

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise