In Forever Runner Podcast episode 44, host Herb Reeves explains what VO2 max is, why it’s widely promoted as a longevity and fitness metric, and why older runners shouldn’t train specifically to maximize it.
He argues that high VO2 max doesn’t necessarily translate to faster race times because it doesn’t reflect running economy or recovery, that VO2-max-focused workouts are highly taxing and increase fatigue, overtraining, and injury risk, and that genetics heavily limit how much VO2 max can improve.
Instead of brutal sprint sessions, he recommends improving VO2 max indirectly by building an aerobic base and managing weight, offering simple checks using heart rate (under 130 bpm) and waist-to-height ratio, and pointing to his Forever Runner Method book and free club for guidance.
00:00 VO2 Max Hype
00:35 What VO2 Max Means
01:36 Why Chasing It Fails
02:01 Reason One Speed Myth
02:33 Reason Two Recovery Cost
03:07 Reason Three Genetics Limit
03:29 Smarter Ways To Improve
03:56 Quick Self Checks
04:36 Get The Free Method
05:04 Wrap Up And Comments
P.S. If you are passionate about running, and you don't want to lose that passion, then getting your copy of my new Forever Runner Method book is the right move. Click this link to get yours: https://foreverrunner.com/
Runners over 50: Pain free running without injury with slow running!
