Ep 8. Altitude, Oxygen and Lactic Acid with Tom Cuddy

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian are joined by Bozeman-based physiologist Tom Cuddy, founder of Calibrated Coaching. The conversation dives deep into endurance physiology, with Tom unpacking the nuances of altitude adaptation, hemoglobin response, and the distinction between “responders” and “non-responders.” Drawing on his graduate work in high-altitude performance and ischemic preconditioning, Tom explains how athletes can maximize the benefits of altitude training while navigating its risks—particularly with the upcoming Olympics in mind.

The conversation then shifts to training zones and the evolution of performance testing. Tom discusses the pros and cons of lactate-based zones versus ventilatory thresholds and how wearable tech may revolutionize how athletes monitor intensity. He also breaks down the physiology behind zone 2 training, demystifying why it's hyped in endurance communities and how it differs across sports like skiing, running, and cycling. His insights help clarify when zone 2 is productive and when it might turn into “junk miles.”

Rounding out the episode, Tom shares his approach to individualized coaching and testing through Calibrated Coaching. From VO2 max testing and biomechanics to heart rate zone prescriptions and race file analysis, he emphasizes a tailored approach that considers each athlete’s physiology, event demands, and training history. Whether you're an elite skier or weekend warrior, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to train smarter and build durable, efficient endurance.