logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
1h 7m

Aerobic Threshold and the Benefits of Zo...

Jason Fitzgerald
About this episode

In 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: 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.

Up next
Oct 2
Cross-Training Masterclass: Coach Megan Flanagan on How to Add Other Sports to Your Running
Megan Flanagan is a former collegiate athlete and writer for Outside Magazine, a certified running coach and personal trainer, and a Spartan Elite podium athlete. She has a bachelor’s in Psychology & Nutrition, a master’s in Public Health, and has finished four 100-mile races. Me ... Show More
59m 30s
Sep 25
How to Build Fatigue Resistance with the Coach of Both UTMB Champs, Scott Johnston
Scott Johnston is one of the top coaches in the world, especially in mountain and high alpine sports. He's worked with Killian Jornet and recently coached both winners of the most prestigious trail race on Earth, UTMB (Tom Evans & Ruth Croft). He's also author of one of my favori ... Show More
1h 8m
Sep 18
10x National Champ Sara Hall on the Secrets to Running Longevity for Decades
Sara Hall has been competing at the highest level for nearly 30 years. She was the 2000 high school national cross country champion before earning 7-time All-America honors at Stanford University. Not only has she won 10 US National Championship titles, but she’s the only America ... Show More
49m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
#335 ‒ The science of resistance training, building muscle, and anabolic steroid use in bodybuilding | Mike Israetel, Ph.D.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Mike Israetel is a sports physiologist, competitive bodybuilder, and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, where he coaches athletes and professi ... Show More
2h 51m
Apr 2025
Do These Exercises to Burn Fat, Increase Your Fitness, & Age in Reverse - With Derek Williams
Staying fit as you age requires greater level of dedication and awareness. It also takes a smart strategy that can help you maximize your results, avoid injuries, and build functionality. On today’s show, you’re going to learn actionable steps to increase your fitness as you age. ... Show More
1h 1m
Apr 2025
The End of Cardio? Burn Fat & Boost VO₂ Max in Just 8 Minutes a Week – with REHIT | Ulrich Dempfle : 1275
You’ve probably heard of HIIT—but have you heard of “REHIT?” This isn’t just another workout trend...it’s a new science-backed way to train with maximum efficiency and zero wasted time. If you’re still jogging, you’re wasting hours for minimal results. In this episode of The Huma ... Show More
1h 6m
Sep 18
Essentials: How to Exercise for Strength Gains & Hormone Optimization | Dr. Duncan French
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Duncan French, PhD, the vice president of performance at the UFC Performance Institute and a world-class performance specialist. We explain how resistance training and acute stress impact hormones and outline specific weigh ... Show More
40m 2s
Jun 2025
The Importance of Weight Training, Protein, and Muscle
Muscle plays a powerful role in keeping us healthy and living longer, but most people start losing it after age 30—and that loss can drive chronic disease and early aging. The good news is that strength training and eating enough protein can help prevent this decline, improve blo ... Show More
1h 6m
Feb 2025
Defying Convention with Low-Carb Performance | Zach Bitter
Today, I welcome ultra-endurance athlete and world record holder Zach Bitter to The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show for an insightful conversation on the extreme physical and mental demands of ultra-marathons. Zach shares his mindset strategies for overcoming the inevitable dark moments ... Show More
1h 49m
Oct 2023
385: The Impact Of NSAIDs On Muscle Growth - Brandon Roberts
Brandon is back on the show to give you the low down on NSAID’s, do they help or hinder muscle growth? If you want to maximise your gains but have pain, how should you navigate use of NSAIDs? And what can we do to mitigate pain outside of using these drugs? Timestamps:00:00 Intro ... Show More
54m 35s
Feb 2025
How to Combine Running & Strength Training Without Losing Muscle
Can you run AND lift without losing muscle or burning out? Absolutely— but only if you do it right! In this episode, Britany break downs the biggest mistakes people make when trying to combine running and strength training, and how to structure your workouts for muscle gain, endu ... Show More
28m 1s
Dec 2023
2239: How to Lift After Age 40, the Best Way to Train Young Athletes, the Pros & Cons of Training & Cannabis Use & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions from the Sunday @mindpumpmedia Quah post. Mind Pump Fit Tip: You can eat A LOT of protein at once or a little bit in small servings. It really DOESN’T make a difference, but there are things you w ... Show More
1h 56m
Sep 25
#282 - Longevity biomarkers for healthy aging and well-being | Dr. Matt Kaeberlein & Mike Haney
Longevity is a hot health topic, but what factors move the needle on not only how long you live but how long you experience relatively good health? Some lab and other tests can help assess how healthy you’re aging and provide context for what lifestyle and other changes to make. ... Show More
1h 50m