vo2max question

Just something that I thought about:

How long does it take to fully develop your vo2max system? Is this something that develops over a period of years, or is it something that develops at a faster rate (i.e. 1 year). I only ask this because I always hear that you can "max out your vo2max system." I think I've read that in like the "killing me..." thread. Just something I was thinking about. Thanks!

As far as I know

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thanks for the reply!

Some good high-level descriptions can be found here:

http://home.hia.no/~stephens/timecors.htm

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rmur

Thanks! Good article! Appreciate the response.

yes but in the course of training in a particular season VO2max in relation to that potential (that can get developed in about a year) can go up and down... it takes about 4-5 weeks of VO2max training to maximize to that potential.

Ahh...I see. So, just so I understand, VO2max can be basically trained to a certain potential (depending on self and level of cycling ability) in about 4-5 weeks. BUT, in terms of long term overall lifetime training effects, VO2max will max out in about a year? I know this is just a basic assumption, but honestly, that was all I was looking for.

Also, something else that just crossed my mind. I don't expect many to really know unless they happen to be trained doctors with this type of research. But, I used to be a cigarette smoker. I've quit for over 3 years now. I took up cycling just about 2 years ago. Is my body severely handicapped now due to the cigarette smoking history? The permanent damage done by years of tobacco intake, how much effect on the aerobic system(s) does it have? I also have friends who regularly smoke weed. I swear, they kick my **** readily! How can they be so physically fit, have what I believe to be pretty good VO2max systems, be some of the top climbers in the town and puff on joints every single day? How can that NOT affect VO2max?

BTW, thank you very much for responding!

Really it comes down to training. If you ride consistantly and recover properly, you'll be able to compensate for smoking - provided you aren't currently smoking. Congrats on quitting by the way.

I too know some amazing cyclists who are SERIOUS pot-heads. My observation is that they tend to hack up a lot of phlegm, but once it is out, they are breathing quite efficiently. I'm not sure if it is because marijuana smoke is much more harsh to inhale, and as such, not as much gets in, or simply the volume smoked is much less than with chain smokers - but it seems like they are able to get most of the "grit" out of their lungs.

I have also read about potential protective, immune-regulating effects of cannabinoids in a review from the University of Minnesota: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106790

Perhaps they are warding off reccurent pulmonary infections by toking frequently? Time to hit the bong and hit the road?

Seriously though... I bet those individuals who excel with smoking, would probably excel even further without it. Genes play a big role - pick your parents well.