Running VO2 Max lower compared with my standards

Got my Epix2 after three months from the date of the order last beginning of May., coming from a F6XPS, I am pretty and really satisfied with this device, no regrets at all.

I just have an issue if it is an issue with VO2 Max for running. At the moment I stopped my Bike activity, so I have only VO2 Max for Running.

I am an athlete, but my age is now nearly 61 yo. My training for running with my previous F6XPS till february, when I sold it gave me a value between 53 and 55. I switched during the waiting for the new Epix2, to my olfd Forerunner 935 and the firsts days, my VO2 Max decreased correctly to 51, to return within 3 to 5 training to the previous value of 54-55.

Finally I got my new Epix2 and as expected the firsts runs, my VO2 Max decreased day by day to 52, then 51, and yet 50 and again to 49 where it stabilized and still remain after two months of consistent trainings.

I am probably getting older, but my trainings are pretty the same as in the past, the same as performances, it is true now it's really hot and often I run with temperatures above 30°C, I fully have 100% as acclimatization, but my VO2 Max is always still at 49 and that is not a good sign.

I watched DC Rainmaker FR955 Review, where even him decreased to 51 in the first use., but as for me in the past, in the next couple of weeks everything should be perfectly restored.

I have my HR ar rest below 40 Bpm, but....anybody with same issue or some advise to give?

0 Etupes25 over 3 years ago

My experience with running VO2 tuning boils down to tuning the max HR value so that multiple data points align:

- disabled max HR detection and started with a formula-based value (220-age)

- run a balanced training program for a couple of weeks

- run threshold test for running and verified that pace is aligned with Stryd race predictions for a 10k

- adjusted HR Max so that Epix race predictions are aligned with 5k and 10k performance. In particular, made sure that easy pace workout suggestion recommends a pace consistent with easy power zone on Stryd

- as a result of this tuning, my Epix race predictions are still a tad optimistic but in line with actual performance

- and finally, I have some confidence in my running VO2.

On the biking side, I have been focusing on easy to moderate bike rides, and my cycling VO2 is probably too high, because of the lack of high aerobic and anaerobic training. I can see that whenever I go for an intense bike ride, my cycling VO2 is hit. This is why it is important to keep a balanced training in both disciplines with proper recovery time all around.

0 5530129 over 3 years ago in reply to Etupes25

thanks for the tip. just realise my epix got HR settings for general purpose I guess, and specifics for running. wandering why? (can't remember setting that up). a max HR can vary per sport?

0 Etupes25 over 3 years ago in reply to 5530129

Max HR is not dependent on the sport. Lactate Threshold is. This is why there is no need to have some max HR detection on all the time. Max HR will inexorably get lower with age. Aside for very hard field or lab test, it is quite a challenge to evaluate max HR, and I don't trust a wrist-based or chest-based HR monitor to reliably measure it directly. Lactate Threshold, no problem with a chest-based HR.

The main driver of the VO2 max calculation is based on training spent in 70% and above Max HR. Because HR is influenced by other factors than fitness level, the VO2 Max will vary up and down slightly after a run or another, but will tend to converge.

I find that WKO5 VO2 calculations are more stable than Garmin's but both are now identical +/- 1 at this point in my case.

0 Allenby99 over 3 years ago in reply to Etupes25

Thanks for your insight. I have made some adjustment too, but the result, compared with the previous F6XPS and FR935, is that my VO2 Max decreased without a logic explanation. I just wondering if it could be a SW or HW issue and some other user has encountered a similiar problem. I'm now 4/6 units below my standard. I know from my performances that I did not lose something, hence I do not care, but I admit it's annoying.

0 Lazybird over 3 years ago in reply to Allenby99

You could try this, look at your max heart-rate over a period of one year. Pick the highest number do the same for the lowest. Enter those values into GC. I wouldn't worry to much over a Vo2 Max number.