I know I'm not in the best shape in the world but my forerunner 230 is showing my vo2 max as 41 and is not improving at all over the last 2 months. Is anyone else seeing any errors and know of what to do to fix them? Last run at 9:30 pace for 4.5 miles at 6200ft. I know it could just be me but seems a little low and I would think it would move slightly between runs.
I plotted a bunch of similar runs on the treadmill using a schoche rhythm plus. My pace has improved a small amount for the same avg HR. I normally run on the treadmill around 70-80% max HR.
Do you have to run outside to measure vo2max?
Do I need to run at a higher hr to get a better vo2 max?
You do not need HRV to calculate VO2max. I have Scosche Rhythm+ and I use FR230 since Christmas. My first VO2max estimate was 47, then it faded to 46, during January it came back to 47 and yesterday it skipped to 48. My pace improved a bit, starting at 6:15/km at the end of December to 5:45/km now; I usually run in Z3/Z4 and I do not avoid ascents or descents (even not steep ones).
What heart rate zone do you run in? I've heard that it is needed to spend some time in Z4 to evaluate it.
Martin
Hey Martin, thanks for the reply. I am in Z4 60% Z5 10% and the rest was at the start and cooldown. I am still new to running and using my Garmin in conjunction with the Moov Plus to increase endurance. Its working!
What heart rate zone do you run in? I've heard that it is needed to spend some time in Z4 to evaluate it.
Martin
Don't think that the issue is nut running Z4
My first run was 30min recovery and it still showed the number at the end (checked recently - showed 44, which was never displayed since then)
Two things to consider - I run a lot of intervals (twice a week at least)
I also do not save workout after it ends, just wait 2 mins fur 'recovery heart rate' to be shown
I have a VO2 Max of around 60/61 - I have a strict training plan, intervals mid week and tempo run's on Fridays. Soon as I back away from these hard sessions then my VO2 max starts to creep down.
It's very normal for your VO2 max to remain the same or even slow down if aerobic training is avoided, Consistent aerobic conditioning will help increase VO2!
You do not need HRV to calculate VO2max. I have Scosche Rhythm+ and I use FR230 since Christmas. My first VO2max estimate was 47, then it faded to 46, during January it came back to 47 and yesterday it skipped to 48. My pace improved a bit, starting at 6:15/km at the end of December to 5:45/km now; I usually run in Z3/Z4 and I do not avoid ascents or descents (even not steep ones).
What heart rate zone do you run in? I've heard that it is needed to spend some time in Z4 to evaluate it.
Martin
I also run with a Scosche and my VO2max hasn't changed since the first run in November. It was a short 3km slow run to test the Scosche. Since that day teh VO2max is stuck at 51. I've had short runs (1km), fast runs(4min/km), slow runs (7min/km), long runs (15km),... but it never changes. On my last run I was 60% on Z4, 38% on Z3, 2% on Z2 and 1% on Z1 (yes, 101%)
I don't turn the scosche off right away, I stretch, go home and take it off before showering.
I have no idea why it wont recalculate VO2max, and until I read your post I was convinced it was because of the Scosche.
Where do you wear it? I have it below my elbow on the inside.
How long do you have to keep it on after the run?
last week, easy run: +1 VO2max
yesterday, 5k time trial (a new PB for me): -1 VO2max
today, long steady run: +2 VO2max
i have absolutely no idea how this is calculated, but even more importantly i have absolutely no idea what the significance of the number is anyway or how im supposed to use it in my training.
Just observe it long time and enjoy to see it growing over years
No real value to use, as far as I understand since it is more of an estimation then real one
last week, easy run: +1 VO2max
yesterday, 5k time trial (a new PB for me): -1 VO2max
today, long steady run: +2 VO2max
i have absolutely no idea how this is calculated, but even more importantly i have absolutely no idea what the significance of the number is anyway or how im supposed to use it in my training.
I would encourage a read of the Firstbeat white paper. This is the technology/algorithm used in the Garmin watch. The white paper further addresses the general use of VO2 max in training.
In my experience, there are limitations with calculating a useful VO2 max from an algorithm that compares YOUR running to a database of those preparing for a road marathon. For example, the algorithm doesn't really know if you run at elevation, train on trails, run hills a lot, run (slower) in the dark, etc. So, it may under-calculate VO2 max since, presumably, those training for a marathon were running on roads and generally flat terrain.
But, if you hold most training variables steady over a training cycle, it should give a meaningful, RELATIVE value as you progress with your training (going faster, longer, etc.)
Lastly, I have found the most accurate assessment of VO2 max to be when running a relatively slow consistent pace (8:00 - 9:00 min/mi) while measuring HR. The data points are then highly accurate and useful to the algorithm.
just follow up, mine finally did change. It went from 41 to 42. It was at 41 for about 4 months. I use the schoche rhythm + just below the elbow. I run about twice a week about 2-3 miles per run. Bike about 50-75 miles a week.
