I've always wanted to get this test done...basically to just see where I sit in terms of VO2. Most places charge quite a bit of money to get these tests done. That being said the moment our first exercise physiology class was over with this term I rushed to the front to ask Professor Gary Brodowicz if I could be one of the subjects for the VO2 Max Test. Little did I know that it would fall right smack in the middle of a 100-mile week, and just after I passed the 600-mile mark for the year thus far. I still couldn't pass up the opportunity and found out that it was much tougher than I anticipated.
For this test we used the Astrand protocol. I was asked to predict a good speed to start running at based on my pace knowledge. Also, the protocol starts me running at a 5% incline and increases 2% every two minutes. In hindsight I should have started a little slower, but we were still able to gather very pertinent information. I thought the test went well.
Treadmill Speed: 9.5 miles per hour running uphill....Check it out!....
So the results are in! First let me give you some of my excuses of why I think it is not as high it potentially could be: 1) not fully rested 2) I wasn't used to breathing solely through my mouth with that mouthpiece and a nose clip 3) I started too quickly...I think I could have adapted more if I started out a bit slower...like 8 mph....ok....blah, blah, blah...
VO2 max came out to be about 69 ml/kg/m.
For my age...and being an athlete they say the range is between 60-85. I honestly think that I am probably in the low 70's...and I did predict 70 so it's pretty accurate. Maybe I can try it again some time soon. In any case I learned a lot and I thank Dr. Brodowicz and the other lab assistants for getting me prepped up, making sure I didn't die, and creating the little film. One day I will be able to show my grandchildren what it was like to really run!
Well, speaking of the devil...I'm off to hit the sloppy trails before it gets dark and am looking forward to a 50-mile weekend starting tomorrow with a marathon in the gorge. Sunday will probably be an end to end Wildwood trail cutting it just short on Burnside.
Keep on moving!
13 comments:
Very fun, the better measurement (instead of VO2) is your lactic threshold in relation to VO2. Did they give you those numbers. You could drive your VO2 up pretty easily in 3-4 weeks but moving your lactic threshold takes time and training. As an ultra runner that is key. Having a high Lactic Threshold will help you run really fast for the first 15 miles at Bighorn and be just fine to tear it up in the last half. :)
I used to get these fairly regularly at Seattle Preformance Center because I love heart rate training. Have fun with the numbers.
Thanks Rooster! No, didn't measure the lactic threshold in this particular protocol but am all about getting good and fit for Bighorn! Cheers :o)
Looks like a lot of fun.
Good Fun!! I'm so glad you were able to get tested-don't get too bogged down by the numbers...consider this your baseline. It'd be cool to re-test in the fall.
Thanks Tonya...I think you're right. I'm not going to obsess about the numbers. There are so many variables. I would like to come down to your workplace in Eugene and get a gait analysis and the whole she-bang. See you soon!
don't forget to rest Yassine!
woo woo!
Steve...definitely good fun!
Rustafari...I'm about to fall asleep at 8pm on a Friday night! I think my body's telling me something ;o) I've been feeling that "Sunbeam magic" though! :o)
hey yassine -
no sweat about the numbers... people like numbers to see where they fit. so, don't be obsessed. i know it's hard for folks like us :-p... you have a great endurance and i am positive you'll do great @ bighorn
acmae
That's pretty cool Yassine. I've always wanted to find out my true VO2Max, but then again, am an old man and it probably would be awful. :)
Thanks Acmae...me obsess?...come on! ;o)
Tony, if there were a test for grit and determination you would score highly...oh wait...there are tests...they're called Badwater 135 and Brazil 135! u da man!
I loved your form the last 30 sec! I could tell you were done, but you hung on just a bit longer.
Ditto Rooster. Although it kinda sucks to get your finger poked while running hard and trying to get a high VO2, it's a great comparison.
I, too, wish I could have warmed up before my test, but I guess that's just how it's done. I did the test 4 yrs ago (32 y.o.) and got 68.1, which I also thought was a bit low. And they measured my max h.r. at 190, also thought to be low. I haven't done this test since then, but have gotten my h.r. over 200 since...so what I'm saying is I agree with the others who say to not stress too much about the numbers. But it sure is fun!
great site, thanks for all volunteering at hagg lake, that was my first 25k trail run, and it wont be my last!
any idea on the music playing in that vo2max video?? thanks
JM...nice work at Hagg Lake. I'm glad you had a good experience...I guess we'll see you at some more trail races then! As for the music in the video I have no idea. It just comes w/ the software for the little Flip video camera. See you on the trails!
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