The EMT and VO2max test use similar equipment and test protocols, but the focus of the EMT is caloric utilization and specific physiological data points, rather than peak aerobic capacity. In fact, during an EMT, a test subject is only taken to approximately 85% of peak aerobic capacity, since higher exercise intensities do not yield much useful information acquired for the endurance athlete. But prior to the 85% intensity mark, several important variables are collected during the EMT, including:

Is it more important to run well or run more? When you show up to a half or full marathons there are many recreational runners out there who have trained to just finish. They will sludge through the event, shuffling their feet so they can cross the finish line. The achievement of finishing an endurance event can be exhilarating but the damages it can have on a body can be debilitating. 66% of runners get injured. Why is this stat so high? My opinion is that many people rush into running more and cause overuse problems that can hinder their overall performance.

A triathlete’s “VO2max” number lends itself to strong leverage for bragging rights in the endurance sports arena. If you know this number, which defines your maximum aerobic capacity, you can talk trash while hanging at the pool edge, chatting in spin class warm-up, or stretching on the track. Conveniently, your true athletic superiority can be answered not by race results, lap splits, or age-group rankings, but instead by a simple number that easily defines aerobic dominance.

Everyone spends the last couple days leading up to their big race scrambling to make sure they have everything they need. From running shoes to nutrition, from sunscreen to reservation details, there are a lot of moving parts that go into making a successful race weekend.

But even the best checklist won’t include the two most important things you’ll need for your race: Patience and Discipline.