VO2 Max Lies: What Your Watch Isn’t Telling You & Other Listener Questions

[@1701Howdy]

As a 60 year old competitive runner, I use the Garmin VO2 Max as a pure guide. Alternatively I use the 12 min Cooper Test once a month to track progression. This trends a few points below the watch readings, but it's the direction of trend rather than the number.

[@ngoalpo]

I completely agree. I use VO2 max trance stage performance but I don't ever use the number as end all be all.

[@geofftoscano6804]

I absolutely love Garmin VO2 max. I know from reviews that it’s not that accurate in absolute terms (though seems to be within around 5% generally), but it’s like weighing scales: if you always use the same ones then you can see your trend. I’m 71 presently but I’ve been using VO2 for around 7 years and it’s amazingly consistent. Although I’ve gone down quite a bit in those 7 years it’s never made a sudden jump, only ever gradual. It distinguishes all kinds of run, so a long slow run today matches my short, speed session yesterday. It’s a good indicator of when I have an infection, especially a chest infection, of which I might otherwise be unaware. And I don’t understand comments about gym sessions detracting from the measure as it cannot measure VO2 in a gym environment (well mine can’t anyway) and your cardiovascular benefits in the gym will aid later run sessions.

[@GrampalettasCamp]

This question starts at 18:40

[@IainThacker]

I love my Garmin but VO2max is a poor proxy. Each year summer rolls around and Garmin extracts its tax, VO2max drops... Then autumn rolls around and it picks up. An extended period of bad weather and time on the treadmill sees it falls again. Race performances, training paces and easy run pace are all improving. That's the best measure.

[@siyandankundla-mgudlwa1888]

Informative as usual

[@ulfeliasson5413]

I've been told I should run 10km in like 33-34minutes with all the speed and long runs over the years. I don't think I can do 43-44 minutes going at it full force : Nearing 50 so it's too late to change things anyway.. Perhaps the senior Olympics one day...as a springy 90 year old.

[@perupps]

For workout @ home, what exercises can be done instead of leg press, hamstring curls etc for leg strengthening

[@robmcnamara4632]

Agree that Garmin stats are only a guide. But sounds like you were getting VO2 Max confused with Chronic Training Load (fitness). Garmin can only work with the data it has. So HR or Speed spikes (accidentally left watch running in the car) will ruin the stats. A drop in VO2max maybe because you have dropped your speed work over the last 6 weeks. Or that your HR has been recently reading higher due to fatigue or illness.

[@quengmingmeow]

I love my Garmin, but the VO2 max number is absolute rubbish. I mean…it’s not even worth looking at. Treadmill work completely messes it up if I do anywhere from 10-20% on the treadmill, and all of my trail running completely puts it in the toilet. Once I get out on the road and run a max effort 5k or greater, all of the sudden it jumps 10 points--no exaggeration there. I’ve had 10 point jumps at least twice and 5-8 point jumps more times than I can count. It’s pretty laughable. I use it for 3 things only: HR (with my chest strap), pace, and tracking the workouts via GPS. That’s it. Every other number is crap. Again--I love my Garmin, but I’m also a realist. Garmin may as well make stock market predictions and weather predictions along with the current features.

[@Ginny486]

Regarding strength training - I have a hiatus hernia and a small amount of Barrett's oesohagus. It appears that you shouldn't strength train with HH. Are there any types of strength or resistant training I can do, especially for the core? I am 64, 70kgs and 5'1. I know I need to lose weight, and am hoping strength training will help. Thank you.

[@pattyandstanhike]

Hi Ginny. I also have a HH and Barrett's. I'm 67, female 5'5" and 140 #. take 20 mg omeprezol daily. Have no problem with strength training but am careful not to eat beforehand. I started with body weight and now work with resistance bands and dumbbells. Run too. Check with your doc, and hope it works out for you!

[@Alecmcq]

Do you understand gluconeogenesis?