#121: How to Build an Unstoppable Aerobic Engine (Even If Starting From Zero) | Scott Johnston

#121: How to Build an Unstoppable Aerobic Engine (Even If Starting From Zero) | Scott Johnston

From The Extramilest Podcast by Floris Gierman

February 28, 2026 · 1h 13m · Season 1 · Episode 121

About this episode

Scott Johnston discusses aerobic development and training strategies for athletes.

Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video. Get a free sample pack with any purchase at https://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO This is one of my favorite podcast episodes I've ever recorded. Scott Johnston is an established coach and co-author of the book Training for the Uphill Athlete. We dive into aerobic development, thresholds, Zone 2 training, and how to become a stronger, healthier and happier athlete. Watch this full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vAqQPDXtq5k Chapters: 0:00 – The aerobic foundation every endurance athlete needs 1:30 – LMNT sponsorship 2:40 – Introducing Scott & Training for the Uphill Athlete 6:38 – Why aerobic capacity matters most 11:49 – How long it takes to build an aerobic engine 14:31 – Aerobic vs anaerobic thresholds 18:38 – Aerobically developed vs deficient athletes 25:08 – Scott's high-level advice for aerobic development 29:47 – How to test aerobic and anaerobic thresholds 36:33 – The second threshold test: duration and intensity 38:50 – Training stress, recovery, and stagnation 43:00 – Injury risk and ramping volume too fast 44:48 – Advice Scott would give his younger self 54:02 – Fast vs slow twitch athletes 59:30 – Threshold workouts and training…

People in this episode

Host: Floris Gierman

Guest: Scott Johnston

Topics covered

  • aerobic development
  • thresholds
  • Zone 2 training
  • athlete health
  • endurance training

Keywords

  • aerobic engine
  • endurance athlete
  • training thresholds
  • anaerobic thresholds
  • athlete advice

Sponsors

LMNT

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Training for the Uphill Athlete

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