Meghan Nelson

Meghan Nelson is an ultra sports and endurance writer who combines firsthand racing experience with evidence-based reporting to demystify the science of human performance. Having completed multiple ultramarathons and endurance events, she brings an authentic perspective to complex topics such as VO2 max optimization, lactate threshold training, and recovery protocols. Her writing bridges the gap between peer-reviewed research and practical application, helping athletes at all levels understand the physiological adaptations that drive endurance gains. When not writing or training, Meghan works with coaches and sports scientists to translate cutting-edge performance research into actionable strategies for everyday athletes.

Lactate Threshold: What It Is, How to Test It, and Training Methods That Work

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image on an athlete performing lactate threshold tests

Lactate threshold is the exercise intensity where your body produces lactate faster than it can clear it, marking an important performance boundary for endurance athletes. This physiological marker helps you train more effectively across running, cycling, swimming, and other endurance sports. You’ll learn practical testing methods that don’t require expensive lab equipment, training protocols backed … Read more

50K Training Plan: How to Effectively Train for Your First Ultramarathon

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training for a 50k ultramarathon

A 50K training plan prepares you for 31.1 miles of running. The perfect entry point into ultramarathon racing that demands different strategies than marathon training. This guide provides terrain-specific customization for road, rolling trail, and technical mountain 50Ks, along with experience-level variants ranging from beginner (20-week) to advanced (12-week) approaches. You’ll learn how to structure … Read more

Zone 2 Training: How to Use it for Lasting Performance

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image a man zone 2 training, running, late afternoon

Zone 2 training targets a specific heart rate intensity (60-70% of maximum) where the body burns fat most efficiently and builds the mitochondrial density needed for sustained endurance. Elite athletes dedicate 60-75% of their training volume to this low intensity because it drives aerobic adaptations that higher-intensity work alone can’t produce. This article explains how … Read more

VO2 Max for Beginner Athletes

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vo2 max for beginners

VO2 max measures the maximum oxygen your body uses during intense exercise. It’s the gold standard for cardiovascular fitness and predicts both athletic performance and health outcomes like cardiovascular disease risk and longevity. This article explains age and gender benchmarks, compares lab testing with consumer tracking options, and outlines training protocols that improve scores by … Read more