Asbel labels Kenya’s VO2 Max workouts ‘Old-School', calls for shift

Three-time 1500m world champion Asbel Kiprop has called on Kenya to embrace new training regimens to safeguard its dominance in middle-distance running.

The 2008 Olympic champion believes it’s time to move away from the ‘old-school’ VO2 max workouts that have defined Kenyan training since the 1980s and instead adopt the double threshold method, which is gaining traction in Europe and the U.S

Kiprop attributes the recent success of Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who clinched gold in the 800 meters at the Paris Olympics, to his dedication to cross-country training early in the season.

 "To reclaim our middle-distance glory, we need to focus on building endurance," Kiprop stated.

"Wanyonyi’s victory wasn’t just about speed; it was his endurance from cross-country events like the Lobo Cross Country that made the difference," he added.

He emphasised that Kenyan middle-distance runners, especially those competing in the 1500 meters, need to integrate endurance training into their regimes.

Kiprop highlighted Faith Kipyegon’s triumph in the 10-kilometer race at the Lobo Discovery Cross Country as evidence of the benefits of such an approach.

"Her higher endurance capacity is a significant edge over her competitors," he explained, pointing out that a strong endurance base, built early in the season, is crucial for success on the track.

Why Double Threshold Training is the Future

Beyond endurance, Kiprop is a strong advocate for the adoption of double threshold training, a method that has rapidly gained traction in Europe and the United States.

"Double threshold training has become popular in the US, and it’s something Kenyan athletes need to adopt if they want to stay competitive," Kiprop argued.

"Kenyan athletes training in American universities are increasingly excelling because they’re using this method," he further observed.

So, what exactly is double threshold training? This method involves two high-intensity workouts in a single day, both targeting the lactate threshold—the point at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood, leading to muscle fatigue.

By training at this threshold, athletes can push their bodies to sustain higher intensities for longer periods, thereby enhancing endurance and performance.

In contrast, traditional VO2 max training, which focuses on improving the maximum amount of oxygen an athlete can utilize during intense exercise, has been the cornerstone of Kenyan training since the 1980s.

While effective in building aerobic capacity, VO2 max training does not specifically target the sustained high-intensity efforts required in middle-distance running.

"The world is catching up to Kenya’s dominance. In the past, it was all about Kenya, but now other countries are upgrading their training techniques. Europeans, for instance, are extensively using double threshold training, while many of our athletes are still relying on VO2 max workouts. It’s time we evolve," Kiprop cautioned.

Kiprop’s message is clear: for Kenya to maintain its historic dominance in middle-distance running, coaches must embrace new training methodologies.

"Our male 1500-meter runners, in particular, need to maximize their endurance by incorporating double threshold training into their routines," he advised.