So Ive been hearing a lot about the importance of mitochondrial biogenesis in endurance training, specifically in relation to prolonged Zone 2 adaptation, but Im not entirely sure what the fuss is about. Apparently, its not just about increasing the number of mitochondria in your cells, but also about increasing their density and efficiency. But how exactly does this relate to Zone 2 training, and why is it so crucial for adaptation? I mean, Ive been doing plenty of Zone 2 rides without worrying too much about my mitochondrial biogenesis, and I seem to be getting by just fine. But Ive also been noticing that my endurance rides have been feeling a bit...stale lately. Im not getting the same sense of improvement that I used to, and Im starting to wonder if its because Im not stimulating enough mitochondrial biogenesis.
Now, I know some of you science-y types are going to tell me that its all about the PGC-1α pathway and how it regulates mitochondrial biogenesis, but Im not entirely sure what that means or how it applies to my training. Can someone explain it in simple terms? I mean, Im not looking for a Ph.D. in exercise physiology here, just a basic understanding of how mitochondrial biogenesis fits into the bigger picture of endurance training. And while were at it, how do I actually go about stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis in my training? Is it just a matter of doing more Zone 2 rides, or are there other factors at play here?
And lets get real for a second - how much of this is actually backed up by science, and how much is just bro-science? I mean, Ive heard some guys at my local bike shop talking about how theyre boosting their mitochondria with special supplements and whatnot, but Im not convinced that any of that stuff actually works. So, can someone give me the lowdown on what actually works, and whats just a bunch of hooey?