Jack Daniels (coach) - VDOT

VDOT

In the 1970s, Daniels and his colleague, Jimmy Gilbert, examined the performances and known V̇O₂max values of elite middle and long distance runners. Although the laboratory determined V̇O₂max values of these runners may have been different, equally performing runners were assigned equal aerobic profiles. Daniels labeled these "pseudoV̇O₂max" or "effective VO₂max" values as VDOT values. According to Daniels, VDOT is a shortened form of V̇O₂max, properly stated as "V-dot-O₂max".

With the result of a recent competition, a runner can find his or her VDOT value and determine an "equivalent performance" at a different race distance. Given that runners with identical VO₂max values may have differences in running economy/efficiency, biomechanics, and mental toughness, Daniels concludes that VDOT is, due to this holistic view, a better value from which to assess fitness and determine training paces.