🎙️ Running Durability Explained: Why You Fall Apart Late in a Run

Why do some runners completely fade late in races while others seem to hold pace deep into fatigue?

In this episode of The Rehab Runway, I’m joined by sports physiologist, researcher, strength coach, and endurance coach Michele Zanini to unpack one of the most talked about emerging concepts in endurance performance: durability.

We explore what durability actually means, how it differs from VO₂ max, lactate threshold, and running economy, and why the physiology you start a race with may not be the physiology you finish with.

Michele shares insights from his recent research examining how prolonged running changes running economy, thresholds, and fatigue resistance, along with what may separate runners who maintain performance late in races from those who completely unravel.

We also dive into:
• how durability is currently measured in research
• practical ways coaches and clinicians may assess it in the field
• the role of long runs and training volume
• whether strength training can improve durability
• and how fueling, pacing, and fatigue all interact during prolonged performance

Whether you’re a runner preparing for your next marathon or a clinician working with endurance athletes, this episode offers a fascinating look into what may be one of the missing links in long-distance performance.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Durability refers to the ability to resist physiological deterioration during prolonged exercise
• Running economy, VO₂ max, and lactate threshold can all worsen as fatigue builds
• Two runners with similar “fresh” physiology may perform very differently late in races
• Long runs and higher training volumes may improve running economy durability
• Strength and plyometric training may help preserve performance under fatigue
• Late-race breakdown is not always just a fueling or pacing issue
• Durability may become an important future performance marker in endurance sport

Full show notes here

📚 Research Discussed

Zanini, M., Jones, A.M. and Nybo, L. (2025) ‘Viewpoint: Durability, fatigability, repeatability, and resilience in endurance sports: definitions, distinctions, and implications’, Journal of Applied Physiology.
Zanini, M., Folland, J.P. and Blagrove, R.C. (2025) ‘Regular long runs and higher training volumes are associated with better running economy durability in performance matched well-trained male runners’, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Zanini, M., Folland, J.P., Wu, H. and Blagrove, R.C. (2025) ‘Strength training improves running economy durability and fatigued high-intensity performance in well-trained male runners’, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

🌐 Connect with Michele Zanini

Instagram: @michele.zanini

ResearchGate: Michele Zanini
LinkedIn: Michele Zanini

🌐 Connect with Luke Nelson

Instagram: @sportschiroluke
Website: https://www.healthhp.com.au/

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Running Durability Explained: Why You Fall Apart Late in a Run

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Running Durability Explained: Why You Fall Apart Late in a Run