VO2 Max and Race Predictor Times

perhaps you weren't trying hard enough? ;-) Seriously, there are threads on this if you search. Race predictions are a direct correlation to VO2Max scores (there is a table pointed to in the 620 thread). However they are over-optimistic in most peoples eyes. Take 3 points off your VO2Max then look up the times on the afore-mentioned table and you'll probably get a more realistic figure.

HTH

CW

What was your max HR in the race and what is your max HR set to on the watch?

You are unlikely to reach max HR in a HM race but ought to get within about 10 bpm of it.

Not, that when calculating time based on VO2 max.
It is probably baset on the same charts as on runningforfitness i.e. a chart based on the study of runners who run semi-pro or pro and train atleast 50mi (75km) a week. The time is a "best case scenario, if you train right" for most casual runners.

Fact is that vo2 max alone does not really determine HM or MAR speed because such factures as muscle fatigue tolerance, muscle balance, motivation, food, drink, sleep etc can play a role of 10-45 min in finishing time.

Eg. For me: 1/2 marathon in 2:06 with bad sleep. 3 weeks later 1/2 marathon in 1:54:50 with good sleep. Weight, training, temp etc had no greater change/role

I think you just need to go someplace flat and run hard for a few miles.... i did an excruciatingly difficult mountain run on Sunday (3200+ feet of elevation in 12 miles at a 13 minutes mile pace). Garmin knocked my V02 max from 50 down to 43 for that which left me confused. Then I did an easy recovery run today for 5 miles at a 9 minutes mile pace and 400 feet of elevation (145bpm heart rate which is easy for me) and it readjusted back up to 45. Still not at 50 where it was.

But the one thing I noticed is that I haven't been running at a tempo pace or on flat ground in a while so the V02 max predictor is not calibrated. I'll probably go out in a few days and run a fast 5K to recalibrate it (but i guess I really don't care that much). In my opinion, Garmin needs to start factoring GAP (grade adjusted pace) into their VO2 max calibrations because some of us like to do our training out there in the real world :-D

What was your max HR in the race and what is your max HR set to on the watch?

You are unlikely to reach max HR in a HM race but ought to get within about 10 bpm of it.

Sorry, just looked back at this thread and had overlooked this post.
Max HR set on watch at 189, highest HR recorded on the run was 175.
So I wasn't taking it overly easy.