Vo2 max

The only way is to reset the watch to factory settings. As it is unclear what gets restored to the watch after a restore, or what gets synched from the backend as your reconnect the watch, I recommend the follow approach:

- do a backup of the watch,

- reset to factory settings

- do not connect the watch to your phone, do not restore a backup

- set up the watch with your profile info. Make sure that Max HR and LTHR are entered correctly

- wearing a chest strap, go run for a few days. During the first run, the watch will establish a "minimum" VO2 Max based on a standard formula linking pace, VO2 and HR. Initial VO2 Max is deducted from HR Max. Then the watch will build its own pace/VO2/HR/HRV model (the learning process). After a few runs, you will then see if your VO2 Max has really changed.

- if the result looks better, then reconnect the watch, and restore the backup. THis approach will ensure that neither the backup nor the connection will interfere, if they can, with the refreshed VO2 Max model.

Cool thank you . I know it’s just a number but I like to see the improvement . I wish garmin would address this issue. I’ve heard other people have same problem . 

Andrew said:

I’ve been running for 2 months , lost 20 pounds , have done 8 vo2 max benefit runs , and have gotten way faster

Congrats on the weight loss! Be careful, the watch might be assessing your runs as VO2 Max, but this assessment can be easily off if the model are based on biased data (not wearing a chest strap, inaccuracy in Max HR or Rest HR, are usual suspects.

When the watch gives you a suggestion for a threshold run, check that you could run at that pace for at least 30mn...

Even if the metrics are correct, you need more time to build your aerobic base. As non intuitive as it might be, the best way to build VO2 Max is to run very long easy runs (mid to lower zone2). The fastest way is to run high intensity intervals, but it is hard on the body. If you do too many of those, your Vo2 Max will not increase because of the level of training stress.

Ok , thanks that’s super helpful . I definitely have my boxes checked for higher intensity and threshold runs, I will have to incorporate more longer easy runs .  I also don’t use a chest strap ,‘i didnt  think that was a big factor . I feel confident it has my max hr fairly accurate , idk about my resting hr . My vo2 may still be poor I guess , but how much faster and better shape I am in I can feel big time, so I thought that would reflect better 

A good rule of thumb is that 80% of your training volume (hours) should be in Zone 2: you should be able to hold a conversation with a running buddy). If you are 50 or above, lower zone 2 is even better.

Is there a chest strap that you recommend for the garmin 265? I’ve been doing some research .!

I was looking at the garmin hrm dual