#121: How to Build an Unstoppable Aerobic Engine (Even If Starting From Zero) Scott Johnston

Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video. Get a free sample pack with any purchase at This is one of my favorite podcast episodes I've ever recorded. Scott Johnston is an established coach and co-author of the book Training for the Uphill Athlete. We dive into aerobic development, thresholds, Zone 2 training, and how to become a stronger, healthier and happier athlete. Watch this full video on YouTube: Chapters: 0:00 – The aerobic foundation every endurance athlete needs 1:30 – LMNT sponsorship 2:40 – Introducing Scott & Training for the Uphill Athlete 6:38 – Why aerobic capacity matters most 11:49 – How long it takes to build an aerobic engine 14:31 – Aerobic vs anaerobic thresholds 18:38 – Aerobically developed vs deficient athletes 25:08 – Scott's high-level advice for aerobic development 29:47 – How to test aerobic and anaerobic thresholds 36:33 – The second threshold test: duration and intensity 38:50 – Training stress, recovery, and stagnation 43:00 – Injury risk and ramping volume too fast 44:48 – Advice Scott would give his younger self 54:02 – Fast vs slow twitch athletes 59:30 – Threshold workouts and training smarter 1:06:16 – When double threshold workouts make sense 1:07:24 – Where to find Scott 1:09:46 – How to be a healthier, stronger, happier athlete FIND SCOTT JOHNSTON ► Website: ► Instagram: ► Evoke Instagram: ► Reddit: ► Podcast: ► Spotify: LINKS & TOOLS MENTIONED ► Training for the New Alpinism Book: ► Training for the Uphill Athlete Book: ► Jeff Pelletier Badwater Movie: ► My new book Running Breakthroughs: ► More options to buy the book worldwide on Amazon: ► Path Projects: ► Extramilest Episode with Mark Allen: YOU CAN FIND ME, FLORIS GIERMAN HERE: ► My Personal Best Running Coaching Program: ► Podcast: ► Strava: ► Instagram: ► Buy my new book Running Breakthroughs: ► Extramilest Website: ► Path Projects Website: Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn commissions if you purchase items via my affiliate links. "As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases." Affiliate links do not increase cost to you. Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in Amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way. ABOUT THE EXTRAMILEST SHOW: A podcast and YouTube channel where host Floris Gierman interviews world class athletes, coaches and health experts on the topic of how to become a stronger, healthier and happier athlete. More info about our running coaching program can be found at

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#121: How to Build an Unstoppable Aerobic Engine (Even If Starting From Zero) Scott Johnston is an episode from The Extramilest Podcast by Floris Gierman.

This episode is 01:13:26 long.

This episode was published on Feb 28, 2026.

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