This article calls into question the use of V02max, both as a physiological parameter for measuring performance capacity and as a variable for planning the training programmes of distance runners and other endurance athletes. Looking first at the rise, starting in the 1920s, ofV02max as a measurable parameter, the author explains why it has become ingrained in sport and exercise science. This leads to a look into the current research, particularly the Central Governor Model, and a reassessment of the importance of V02max and its practical use in training. Citing research that shows basing training based on V02max leads to a wide range of individual responses, even among homogenous groups, and that V02max does not increase in well trained runners, the author suggests that training at a velocity that corresponds with V02max is not the magical training stimulus it is sometimes portrayed to be. This leads to the author's conclusion in which he asks why is so much training focused on a variable that does not change in well trained athletes, barely changes in the moderately trained, levels off after a short period of time, leads to a wide range of adaptations, and does not even correlate well with performance?
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