#151 - Alex Hutchinson, Ph.D.: Translating the science of endurance and extreme human performance

• Alex's background and passion for running (3:00);
• The power of the mind: Alex's "aha moment" that catapulted his running career (9:00);
• Pursuing a Ph.D. in physics while prioritizing his running career, and doing the hardest thing possible (19:00);
• Career transition to journalism, tips for improving your writing, and insights from the best writers (26:00);
• Breaking down VO2 max: Definition, history, why it plateaus, and whether it really matters (38:15);
• The case study of Oskar Svensson: Why a higher VO2 Max isn't always better, and the difference between maximum aerobic capacity and efficiency (49:15);
• The sub 2-hour marathon: The amazing feat by Kipchoge, and what will it take to "officially" run a 2-hour marathon (1:01:00);
• Comparing the greatest mile runners from the 1950s to today (1:14:45);
• How the brain influences the limits of endurance (1:20:15);
• Relationship between exercise volume and health: Minimum dose, optimal dose, and whether too much exercise can shorten lifespan (1:23:45);
• Age-associated decline in aerobic capacity and muscle mass, and the quick decline with extreme inactivity (1:40:45);
• Strength or muscle mass—which is more important? (1:47:00);
• Avoiding acute and chronic injuries from exercise (1:48:45);
• High intensity interval training: Evolution of the Tabata protocol, pros and cons of HIIT training, and how it fits into a healthy exercise program (1:54:15);
• The importance of understanding why you are engaging in exercise (2:03:00);
• How we can encourage better science journalism and reduce the number of sensationalized headlines (2:05:45); and
• More.

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