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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 in reply to Michel_Hayen

    Hi !

    Glad to hear that things seem to be sorted out. I am a bit surprised to hear that you can enter a VO2max in Garmin Connect, not that I've ever tried... and a bit more surprised if this is being used as a starting place/reference for the VO2max analysis being performed on your device. My surprise aside, it sounds like this is the case and if your input VO2max was substantially higher than your current one (this is often the case, because it's very common for people to take these fitness tests when they are really focusing on excellent fitness and it's really hard to maintain excellent fitness for long), then it would perfectly explain the confusing "Unproductive" feedback you got in the early usage of your device. 

    It's worth keeping in mind that Unproductive Training Status simply means that your Training Load is generally good (challenging, but not not excessive), but your fitness (VO2max) is trending down. Also, your VO2max isn't the result of just one workout, but involves a complex analysis of performance assessments over time. If, for example, you've got an unusually high VO2max (say 57, in your case) plugged in somewhere, it'll take quite a few efforts for your device to correct itself. It sounds like the ship has righted itself, and things should be going in a good direction. 

    - Yes, VO2max values are calculated and stored different for running and cycling. There is typically some slight variance even in laboratory testing between running and cycling. The reason, as I understand it, is differences in the muscle groups being used. The numbers are generally close, but not identical. 

    The latest generation of Garmin devices (FR245, FR945, Fenix 6) should do a good deal better factoring in the impact a hot day has on your performance, so hopefully that's less of an issue than it has been in the past.