Max VO2 Testing

Earlier in the week I had my max VO2 (also known as VO2max) and lactate numbers tested at Harriot Sports Performance in Seattle.  These numbers will tell me how big of a cardiovascular "engine" I possess, and how efficient my system is at producing energy, and Jill (my triathlon coach) will use them as a basis for my workout planning for the next few months.

I brought my Cervelo to their offices on Western Avenue, where Todd and Russell set it up in a trainer stand with a CompuTrainer to measure power output.  The test began with a 10 minute warmup, then wearing a mask I did the max VO2 test.  This test started at 100 watts, then every minute the wattage ("effort") was increased by 20 watts until I maxed out halfway through the 320 watt set.   The heartrate plus data from the oxygen mask sensor gave the max VO2 numbers.  The wattage was lowered, then a series of blood tests are done at timed intervals as I increased my effort level and heart rate.  These tests gave my lactic acid levels.  All this resulted in a set of numbers that I'm still working to understand.

It turns out that I have a max VO2 of 60.6, which is apparently a very, very good number.  I've read that this number is mostly genetically determined, and only marginally improved by exercise (although being a couch potato can hurt this number).

So what this says is that I've been a slacker all these years.  My VO2 Max is only marginally below "elite cyclists and runners" level, according to various sources I've read.  Apparently I deserve a "not working to ability" note on my report card.  Jill says that my goal should be to develop leg strength to cycle and run equal to my VO2 max number.  I foresee a lot of interval and tempo work in my future...

Also, it turns out that I have an efficient fat burning system, at least at lower heart rates.  This lines up with my own perceived effort, which says I can "go all day" at heart rates lower than 136 bpm.  My goal here is to move that drop-off point in zone 2 over into zone 4.

Comments

[Deede]

Thanks for all your input!! I will have my V02 testing on Friday, so I too will probably have tons of questions trying to understand the data.

[Brian Bratkowsky]

I perform this tesing at my facility in New York> It is an unbeleivable resource to help new clients as well as athletes looking to gain an edge. Unfortunatley it is way over the average clienteles head. They just cant see how they will benefit form this. Always have alot of selling to do with it.