Marathon Methods Podcast: Why You Should Get Blood Lactate & VO2 Max Testing
Featuring: Sean Husband and Bobby Baker
Introduction
Bobby Baker:
Welcome to Episode 15 of the Marathon Methods Podcast! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating world of VO2 Max and Blood Lactate Testing. What are these tests? How are they conducted? Why should you consider them? And when’s the best time to do them?
I’m Bobby Baker, your host, and today’s episode is all about helping you understand how these tests can optimise your training and enhance your performance. So, let’s get stuck in!
Special Guest Introduction
Bobby Baker:
We have a fantastic guest today—someone who’s not only an accomplished triathlete but also a resident physiologist at the Neuromuscular & Sports Injury Clinic in Dublin.
Meet Sean Husband, a man of many talents. With an MSc in Sports and Exercise Physiology and currently pursuing his PhD, Sean is a wealth of knowledge. He’s also a Level 3 High-Performance Triathlon Coach and brings real-world expertise to the table.
At the Neuromuscular & Sports Injury Clinic, Sean works in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to optimising athletic performance and recovery. They offer cutting-edge services like VO2 Max, Blood Lactate, and Metabolic Testing. These tools help athletes—from weekend warriors to elite competitors—reach their maximum potential.
Sean, welcome to the podcast!
Getting to Know Sean Husband
Sean Husband:
Thanks for having me, Bobby. It’s great to be here to discuss these topics in detail. There’s so much value in these tests, yet many athletes aren’t fully aware of what they can do for their training.
Bobby Baker:
Before we dive into the science, give us a quick snapshot of who Sean Husband is and your role at the Neuromuscular & Sports Injury Clinic.
Sean Husband:
Sure! From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by human performance—what the body is capable of and how we can push its boundaries. Physiology plays such a critical role in that, dictating how we adapt and improve through training. Testing like VO2 Max and Blood Lactate allows us to quantify those adaptations and refine training zones for maximum efficiency.
At the clinic, I work with athletes to ensure their training is tailored to their specific physiology. We help them understand their limits, optimise their performance, and stay injury-free.
Why Testing Matters
Bobby Baker:
Let’s break it down for our listeners. What exactly are VO2 Max and Blood Lactate Tests, and why are they important?
Sean Husband:
VO2 Max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise, which reflects your aerobic capacity. Blood Lactate Testing identifies the point where your body shifts from aerobic to anaerobic energy systems—your lactate threshold.
These thresholds are critical for endurance athletes. Knowing them allows you to:
- Train smarter by targeting the right intensities.
- Improve your performance by building endurance and efficiency.
- Avoid overtraining and burnout.
Practical Applications of Testing
Bobby Baker:
For the average marathon runner or recreational athlete, how can these tests be applied to their training?
Sean Husband:
The biggest takeaway is understanding your training zones. Many runners unknowingly train at the wrong intensities—either too hard on easy days or not hard enough during high-intensity sessions. Testing gives you precise data to guide your efforts.
For example:
- VO2 Max tells us your aerobic engine’s capacity and how efficient you are at various speeds.
- Blood Lactate Testing highlights your aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, which are key for pacing and endurance.
With this data, we create personalised training plans that maximise adaptation without overloading your body.
Timing and Follow-Ups
Bobby Baker:
When’s the best time to get these tests done?
Sean Husband:
Ideally, just before starting a training block. This ensures your training is structured from the outset. Regular follow-ups every 8–12 weeks allow us to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
Closing Thoughts
Bobby Baker:
Sean, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Before we wrap up, where can our listeners learn more about the services at the Neuromuscular & Sports Injury Clinic?
Sean Husband:
Thanks, Bobby. The Clinic is located in Sandymount, Dublin. We offer VO2 Max, Blood Lactate Testing, and a range of recovery and performance services. You can find us online or visit us in person. We’re here to help you level up your training and achieve your goals!
Outro
Bobby Baker:
And that’s a wrap for Episode 15! A big thank you to Sean and the team at the Neuromuscular & Sports Injury Clinic. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want to train smarter, these tests could be the game-changer you need.
Until next time, keep running, keep improving, and stay inspired!
You can listen to the podcast here