EPISODE · Feb 25, 2026 · 55 MIN
Kristian Blummenfelt’s World Record VO2 Max Explained | MindSets Podcast | Episode 79
from The MindSets Podcast · host Angus Cook
Kristian Blummenfelt has just recorded a VO2 max of 101 ml/kg/min, one of the highest ever documented in elite endurance sport.To put that into perspective:The average male sits around 35-45 ml/kg/minElite endurance athletes often range between 70-85 ml/kg/minBreaking 90 is extremely rare100+ is almost unheard ofAnd he didn’t even build towards this test.In Episode 79, Charles and I break down what that number actually means, how VO2 max is measured, and what kind of training it takes to build that level of aerobic engine.📰 Two-Minute NewsWe open the episode with the latest updates from across the sporting world:Winter Olympics headlinesRugby updatesManny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather running it back this SeptemberQuick, punchy, and everything you need to stay in the loop.😤 Grind My GearsThis week’s segment had more input from us as hosts but we need more from you!What’s been winding you up recently in sport, training, or life?Send us your submissions for future episodes.🧬 Kristian Blummenfelt’s 101 VO2 Max - Breaking It DownThis is where we go into his structure.We found a documented training week from a few years ago to give insight into how a pro triathlete trains at the highest level.We analyse:Total weekly volume (hours & minutes)Double and triple session daysIntensity distributionThreshold vs VO2 max workZone 2 dominanceBrick sessionsRecovery structureWe break down the physiology behind:VO2 Max = Maximum Oxygen UptakeMeasured in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of bodyweight per minute (ml/kg/min).It reflects:Cardiac outputStroke volumeMitochondrial densityCapillarisationLactate clearance abilityBut we also discuss:Why VO2 max alone doesn’t win racesEconomy vs capacityCan normal athletes meaningfully improve theirs?Is this replicable or genetic outlier territory?🎯 Who Would You Rather? (HYROX Edition) We finish with a competitive and slightly chaotic game.Round by round:Athlete vs Athlete (Who’s your race partner?)Sport vs SportBuild your ultimate HYROX teammateBy the end, you’re locked in for battle.🎙 Follow & Support MindSetsLinktree: https://linktr.ee/mindsets_podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindSets_PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/yourlinkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MindSets_PodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@MindSets_PodcastHosted by Angus Cook & Charles Ingell👕 Official PartnersWe’re proudly partnered with:Hystyle (@hystyleclo )Hysoxs ( @hysoxs )PodiumChasr ( @podiumchasr )Get 15% off your order using code:👉 MINDSET15⏱ Chapters00:00 – Intro00:27 – Two-Minute News03:20 – Grind My Gears13:37 – Kristian Blummenfelt VO2 Max 101 Explained45:42 – Who Would You Rather? (Game)54:25 – Outro
What this episode covers
Kristian Blummenfelt has just recorded a VO2 max of 101 ml/kg/min, one of the highest ever documented in elite endurance sport.To put that into perspective:The average male sits around 35-45 ml/kg/minElite endurance athletes often range between 70-85 ml/kg/minBreaking 90 is extremely rare100+ is almost unheard ofAnd he didn’t even build towards this test.In Episode 79, Charles and I break down what that number actually means, how VO2 max is measured, and what kind of training it takes to build that level of aerobic engine.📰 Two-Minute NewsWe open the episode with the latest updates from across the sporting world:Winter Olympics headlinesRugby updatesManny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather running it back this SeptemberQuick, punchy, and everything you need to stay in the loop.😤 Grind My GearsThis week’s segment had more input from us as hosts but we need more from you!What’s been winding you up recently in sport, training, or life?Send us your submissions for future episodes.🧬 Kristian Blummenfelt’s 101 VO2 Max - Breaking It DownThis is where we go into his structure.We found a documented training week from a few years ago to give insight into how a pro triathlete trains at the highest level.We analyse:Total weekly volume (hours & minutes)Double and triple session daysIntensity distributionThreshold vs VO2 max workZone 2 dominanceBrick sessionsRecovery structureWe break down the physiology behind:VO2 Max = Maximum Oxygen UptakeMeasured in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of bodyweight per minute (ml/kg/min).It reflects:Cardiac outputStroke volumeMitochondrial densityCapillarisationLactate clearance abilityBut we also discuss:Why VO2 max alone doesn’t win racesEconomy vs capacityCan normal athletes meaningfully improve theirs?Is this replicable or genetic outlier territory?🎯 Who Would You Rather? (HYROX Edition) We finish with a competitive and slightly chaotic game.Round by round:Athlete vs Athlete (Who’s your race partner?)Sport vs SportBuild your ultimate HYROX teammateBy the end, you’re locked in for battle.🎙 Follow & Support MindSetsLinktree: https://linktr.ee/mindsets_podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindSets_PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/yourlinkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/MindSets_PodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@MindSets_PodcastHosted by Angus Cook & Charles Ingell👕 Official PartnersWe’re proudly partnered with:Hystyle (@hystyleclo )Hysoxs ( @hysoxs )PodiumChasr ( @podiumchasr )Get 15% off your order using code:👉 MINDSET15⏱ Chapters00:00 – Intro00:27 – Two-Minute News03:20 – Grind My Gears13:37 – Kristian Blummenfelt VO2 Max 101 Explained45:42 – Who Would You Rather? (Game)54:25 – Outro
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Kristian Blummenfelt’s World Record VO2 Max Explained | MindSets Podcast | Episode 79
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