Vo2Max - very flattering but I really don't think I'm Elite!

I have the same numbers. Garmin is known for having high vo2max numbers.

Is max 173 actually what you have got to or the default estimate?

TImRose, I've seen my HR go to 179 once recently but, to be honest, I put that down to a misread as I was leaping around in an aerobics class and, although pushing it, I wasn't in the "I'm going to die" zone.

173 comes from my Polar watch and matches with the "Other formula" (Karvolen I think?) - I certainly start to struggle and breath very hard with HR over 160 , can cruise at 153 which I assume is a good guide to where my zone 4 and zone 5 are.

Strictly on the 220-age my max is 170 but that's a bit low for me.

My watch is set up with 173 as my max HR and the zone drop out from that accordingly.

Do you think I have my max too low?

> Do you think I have my max too low?

No, I think it is too high and that is why your VO2 Max is higher than you think it is.

That said the 179 does sound like a spike.

I would lower it to around 170.

Tim, Thanks - I'll try that and post the outcome :) :)

Better still, get a better approximation of your max heart rate but doing a test. There's plenty to choose from so find one that you like and give it a go. Make sure you are fully rested, and no caffeine or food at least 2 hours before.

The VO2Max estimation does depend on your max HR estimate.

If I understand your initial post, you have a 5k-29min data point, right? If so, look at your HR right at the end of that race; assuming you did a sprint in the last couple of 100m in that race and passed the line thinking this was where your life was going to end, you should be close to your max then... On the other hand if you just cruised the whole thing, then not, obviously. But the 2 best ways of telling are a) the finish of a 10k race where you give your all, and sprint at the end; and b) the moment when you give up in a VO2Max test, after convincing yourself 5 times to stop but not listening to *that* part of your brain. When you've hit your max (or close to it), you know it, because you really feel like you're at the limit.

Keep in mind that HR Max is an estimate, it fluctuates in reality depending on how you feel, your level of fatigue, hydration, etc etc. And keep in mind that the VO2Max estimate from the watch is an estimate based on an estimate and an averaging of a population - your actual mileage *will* vary. But this said, I did a Léger test (a.k.a. "beep test") a year ago, and the VO2Max estimate from the watch is within 5-10% of that result. Not perfect, but not awful either.

I think the garmin watches are just pretty high in their vo2max estimates. I'm 48 with a max hr observed more than once at 189. They say my vo2max is 44, but i'm a 26 minute best 5ker.

Would you say that 189 is a spike and not your true HRmax?

You need to look at HRmax over a period say average of last 5s/10s of HRmax test rather than an instantaneous value. I suspect that Garmin ends up with a higher estimate because it considers instantaneous values rather than average. Even then a spike of 190 amongst readings of 170 or so will still lift the VO2, but it won't be as high.