slow component.
During a 6-8min max effort that would yield a true VO2 max, the athlete will also hit max HR.
But, for hitting VO2 max via the slow component, an athlete could be under max HR yet still be at maximal oxygen consumption.
As for folks who want to do intervals at 100% VO@ max – you don’t have to hit 100% to be training stroke volume and mitochondrial efficiency. With the right manipulation of work/recovery intervals, those things can get plenty of stimulus by working at 90%+.
Props to anyone who can do 5 x 4min intervals at 100% of actual VO2 max. I know I can’t.