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Training status not productive and VO2max declining

Michel_Hayen
over 5 years ago

Hi, I bought the Forerunner 245 a month ago and I think it's a great device. Only one thing irritates me. After 9 training sessions, the training status is 'not productive' or 'too intensive'. I switch between easy pace and faster pace training sessions. Also I did two interval sessions. But always the same -not really motivating- conclusion. I don't understand why this is. I'll give you the details of the 9 training sessions, maybe there is someone who understands this. First of all: my HRmax is 175, my anaerobe threshold heartbeat is around 155 and my VO2max (measured 3 years ago when I was in a bit better shape was 157. Now the results of my 9 runs:

 

Note: the first run was a benchmark run, to give the forerunner some initial data to work with. I gave everything I had In 9 minutes. Not very successful, it was my first run in 6 months time. The training effects and VO2 values for these runs are:

18 August: 2,2 (aerob); 0,3 (anaerob); 57 (VO2max; my own value entered)

19 August: 3,4; 0,0; 55

21 August: 3,4; 0,3; 54

24 August:  3,5; 0,0; 52

26 August: 3,2; 0,0; 51

28 August: 3,8; 0,0; 50

31 August: 3,8; 2,2; 49 (interval training)

2 September: 4,9; 1,5; 48

4 September: 4,8; 2,7; 48 (interval training)

So, I'm working my ass off and still not productive? I just don't get it. My feeling says I'm on the right track. I feel good, and I feel fit. I have enough rest between the workouts. It just don't seem to matter if I'm doing a slow pace workout (19, 21, 24 and 26 august), quicker pace workout (18 August, 2 and 4 September), or interval training (31 august, 4 September). Does anyone have a clue what I am doing wrong? Is it the initial value of 57 that I entered that confuses the device or something else?

Thanks for your advice!

Michel

  • +1 over 5 years ago

    Hopefully someone from first beat can come in with a more detailed answer, but terrain and temperatures might be a factor. 

    In hot weather (25C+) I regularly get unproductive readings. 

    I have the performance condition screen set up. If I get a reading of 1 to 3 and slowly goes down I know I’m going to get a lower VO2 score and many times unproductive status, and vice versa. 

    Yesterday did a 18km run about 27C  unproductive. Today 8km in 30C expected to see the same. Was stunned to see productive! Especially as done at easy pace.

    Could also be the watch is still learning about you. 9 runs isn’t that many. 

    Maybe in autumn with cooler weather you might get more positive feedback. 

    I know seeing unproductive five times in a row demotivating, but I know that the training is done and it all work out. 

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to caferey

    Temperature could be a variable that messes things up. During the last weeks, the temperature was pretty above average, sometimes even hot. Let's see if things stabilize during the next weeks when weather forecasts are more pessimistic.

    Also, I agree that 9 runs is not that much. Let's give the software a little more time to figure things out. After all, the human body is a complex structure ;) Thanks so far!

  • +1 over 5 years ago

    From what I observe from my watch i need to be running approx 4.00min kms for a 5k distance (20mins) to achieve a vo2 Max of 55 and above. So maybe it's re adjusting still from 57. Temperature certainly plays a part as higher temps means higher HR until you acclimatise

  • +1 over 5 years ago

    57 VO2Max is quite hight. Your pace would be twice as fast. Your VO2max will be <43. The watch is still adjusting this value. You have to wait 1 to 2 months until  you get reliable data.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Steffen

    Thanks! The 57 value indeeed seems a bit high. Let’s wait for a few weeks.

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    "18 August: 2,2 (aerob); 0,3 (anaerob); 57 (VO2max; my own value entered)"

    I'm a little confused. Were you able to input your own VO2max somewhere on the device or in Garmin Connect somehow?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to HermanB

    Yep, I once did a lab test (cycling) and so I entered this value in GC. In the graphs, I see the Vo2max value declining every time, starting from the initial value of 57.

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Update: since the last 3 runs, the Forerunner says that my training is productive! I also gained one Vo2max point since then (now 49). So things are balancing out, it seems.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Michel_Hayen

    I think VO2max (cycling) and VO2max (running) are different (for Garmin/Firstbeat). I know it seems not logical, but I think they are just calculated in a different way. So my guess is that your lab value just differs from what Garmin/Firstbeat calculates from your performance stats. Otherwise, as the others pointed out, also weather, inclination, etc. play a role as they are not all considered in the calculation.