Mitochondrial function is often touted as a key factor in Zone 2 efficiency, but Id argue that its importance is overstated. Can anyone explain why the prevailing wisdom is that increased mitochondrial density is the primary driver of improved endurance performance in Zone 2, rather than other factors like capillarization, myoglobin, or even simply increased muscle fiber recruitment?
Isnt it possible that the relationship between mitochondrial function and Zone 2 efficiency is more nuanced, and that other adaptations play a more significant role in determining an athletes ability to sustain a high pace over a long period? Id love to hear from those who have a deeper understanding of the underlying physiology, but Im skeptical that mitochondrial function is the holy grail of endurance performance that its often made out to be.