Fitness
Running Economy
Running economy measures oxygen cost at a steady pace; better economy means less energy spent per kilometer or mile.
Running economy is how much oxygen you use at a given steady pace—lower oxygen cost means more efficient running. It improves with strides, strength training, and years of aerobic volume, not only VO₂ max tests.
Small economy gains shave race times without higher max heart rate.
Common questions
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How is running economy different from VO₂ max?
VO₂ max is peak aerobic capacity; economy is how efficiently you use oxygen at submaximal paces. Both matter for endurance performance.
Related terms
Put Running Economy into practice
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