I see you’re in Burbank. I’m in Santa Monica. I know of really only a couple of “public” options. One already noted is Gareth. He’s most known for blood lactate testing but can deliver on Vo2Max. The other is Matt Mahowald (pron Ma-Hold) who can do Vo2Max on run only and it’s gonna be NewLeaf (already poopooed a bit here but if we’re comparing that to 220-age or even Karvonen then it’s fabulous).
If you want some help through alternative means I’m going to suggest you call me and let’s work together on your goals in a holistic approach.
for setting training zones, I think field testing is much better because you’re on your own equipment, it’s cheaper and it’s repeatable whenever you want to retest. I actually have vo2 testing equipment at my disposal but I don’t use it for setting my zones. I do FTP test for the bike, and a 5K or 10K race for the run. That’s all you need and is more than enough to be able to train productively with power, pace and HR. The only time I would use lab testing is if your race is something where increasing your VO2Max is very important (like if you’re a 1500m track athlete). For most triathletes, field testing is probably more practical and more actionable
So, not to derail the thread, but what kind of action would one take after knowing his VO2 Max?
The one situation I’ve seen V02 max testing suggested was someone who seems to hit a peak FTP every season and can’t seem to break through it regardless of their training. In that case a V02 max test was suggested because ultimately it physiologically limits how strong you can get. Outside of that scenario (which is not most athletes BTW) a power meter is going to be a better investment. Because at the end of the day the goal is to get stronger, not to fantasize about or lament your genetic potential (or lack thereof.)
for setting training zones, I think field testing is much better because you’re on your own equipment, it’s cheaper and it’s repeatable whenever you want to retest. I actually have vo2 testing equipment at my disposal but I don’t use it for setting my zones. I do FTP test for the bike, and a 5K or 10K race for the run. That’s all you need and is more than enough to be able to train productively with power, pace and HR. The only time I would use lab testing is if your race is something where increasing your VO2Max is very important (like if you’re a 1500m track athlete). For most triathletes, field testing is probably more practical and more actionable
I would agree, with known or year over year athletes we have moved to more steady state testing at goal pace (not date pace) at least for IM athletes. When possible we test pre and post, a bigger or more specific workout.
Those are exactly my thoughts. Unless you just want to see if you have the genetic opportunity to race at the highest level with improved training, or you just want to know what it is, why bother? I’m a cyclist and it appears to me, that it is one thing to know and be able to routinely test threshold power versus knowing your VO2 number and doing anything with it. I’d like to know what some of the exercise phys guys think.
Its always seemed to me like placing a stamp of my athletic limitations right on my forehead, and thus something I’d honestly rather not know.
I love this, very eloquently stated.
A few people have wanted to test my VO2 as I’ve moved up the running ranks, and I always refuse to do any test that might imply genetic limitations. Instead, I’ve told myself over and over again, “your VO2 max is 90. GO.”
In mountain running, all of the studs at the world level have tested off the charts. When a human-mountain goat hybrid effortlessly bounds past me on a steep climb, I think it is empowering to never consider genetics as the deciding factor in whether I’ll be able to respond.
My take: unless you think you can break the testing equipment with your extreme oxygenated power (or you have *extremely *scientific training), I’d just tell yourself that your VO2 max is AMAZING and go from there
Person A comes in for testing. You measure his VO2 to be say 60 and his Anaerobic threshold to be at say 80% of VO2max. Not bad, right ? But his running economy quite poor.
Person B comes in. VO2 max is 60, Anaerobic threshold at 70% of VO2max, but decent economy.
Both have identical 10km and 15km times.
What do you prescribe differently for the two ?
It is going to depend on running history. A SWAG with the little bit of information I have is the poor running economy guy needs big mileage in zone 2. I might add some strength training like plyometrics or single legged squats to help economy, depending on what I see when he runs. The poor AT guy needs to add some threshold type work in zone 4 (on a 5 zone system).
thanks. I was asking for 2 reasons
a) you confirmed what a couple of other sources I trust say about improving economy. thanks.
b) doesn’t this show their is value in testing in order to zero in on areas to work ? If you simply have them run a 10km and look at their results you wouldn’t see the differences.
There can be some value in testing for sure if you test with someone who is capable of providing that value. Not everyone with a metabolic cart knows what to do with it. It is also uncommon to get a good running economy measure done while testing a VO2 max. I would prefer to have the athlete for two separate sessions if I am testing VO2 max and run economy. I can get an OK estimate during a VO2 max test by extending one stage to at least 5 minutes (longer is better, preferably 10 minutes). The stage you extend is normally zone 2 or thereabouts. With elite runners we use 10 mph.
Putting aside the questions of whether a VO2 max test is advisable, members of our club and race team have had good experiences with Coach Gareth, both for V02 and blood lactate tests. I would go with him.
VO2max is used a lot in winter endurance sports with great success.
I even did it back in the 80s.
It is just a tool to measure yourself against yourself and your progression.
Several skiers have tested over 90, but not all of them have dominate skiing.
In general, most elite female skiers are over 70 and men over 80.
