Running
Economy

Running economy testing provides valuable insights into how your body uses oxygen and energy at different speeds. This allows you to target specific areas of improvement, optimise training, and enhance endurance performance over time.

The low down

What is running economy?

Running economy is like your car’s miles per gallon—it measures how efficiently you use energy (oxygen) to cover a distance, typically 1km. It's expressed as the amount of oxygen needed per kilogram of body weight, allowing easy comparison between runners.

While VO₂ max reflects peak performance over short efforts, running economy is the key predictor for success over longer distances. If you perform well over short runs but struggle to hold pace over longer ones, improving your running economy could be the missing piece.

RUNNING ECONOMY TESTING OPTIONS

Runner on treadmill

£100

Run Economy Testing

Measure how efficiently you run at different speeds to identify areas for improvement. Perfect for endurance runners looking to run faster and further with less effort.

£150

Running Economy with Fat / Carbohydrate Testing

Get a complete insight into your running efficiency and energy use. Understand how you move and fuel at different speeds to optimise your endurance performance—saving £50 compared to booking both separately.

£160

VO₂ Max Testing with Running Economy

This combined test measures your maximum aerobic capacity (VO2 max) alongside how efficiently you run at different speeds (running economy). You’ll receive detailed insights into your fitness profile, energy cost per kilometer, and optimal training zones. Ideal for endurance athletes looking to improve performance, pacing, and efficiency across any distance.

Let’s work

Ready to train smarter?

Discover how our Running Economy and VO2 Max testing can provide the insights you need to optimise your training and achieve your target finish time!

If you’re looking to understand your physiology better and gain an insight into some of the factors that you can work in improving to become a faster, more efficient runner, then let’s get to work.

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“Would thoroughly recommend Total Endurance. The guys do a great job of explaining the tests and making you feel relaxed. The report afterwards is comprehensive and questions were answered quickly afterwards.”

— Tim H

WHY?

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER run testing?

  • Identify how much energy you use at different speeds and find opportunities to run smoother, faster, and with less effort.

  • Use personalised efficiency data to target the right training intensities and improve your endurance performance over any distance.

  • Small inefficiencies can lead to big losses over time. Running economy testing helps uncover the hidden limiters that standard training often misses.

  • Your results are explained clearly with practical advice you can apply immediately to your training and racing.