@runningproject VO2Max Deep Dive - Part 1

Part 1 of a 3 part VO2Max Deep Dive

It's a sunny Saturday morning in Auckland and I'm taking part in a study for the University needing "trained athletes" to look for the effects of a particular anti oxidant. For the first time in a long time, I'm a little apprehensive of doing the VO2Max test and as I get older, my VO2Max results have been getting lower, so am worried the effects of age and over training are finally taking their toll on my body and fitness.

VO2Max measurement are used as an indication of an athletes aerobic endurance and is one of several tests used to determine the overall cardiovascular fitness. In saying this though, VO2Max doesn't define fitness or an athletes potential and is simply a measurement. In these types of scientific studies the benefit of using VO2Max is simply to determine if an athlete is considered "well trained" or not. In today's case, anyone with a VO2Max value over 50, will be considered able to participate in the study.

Although it's actually impossible to see who is faster based on VO2Max value alone, this doesn't mean it's not an important and useful measurement.

I know we've discussed this before, but we might as well go over it again just to make sure we have the concept right. VO2 Max, also known as the maximum oxygen uptake, is the measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilise during intense exercise, but since oxygen is critical to running fast, VO2Max is a good measure of running fitness. By focusing on improving your VO2Max specifically in your training it will mean running at faster paces than your goal race pace and will help you:

Improve your running efficiency

Improve your running form

Increase your leg muscle strength and power which will also improve economy

This time round things didn't go completely to plan. My VO2Max score, although showed I was still able to take part in the study, it was a lot lower than I would have hoped. This is the motivation behind my VO2Max deep dive. I'm gonna get down to the finer details of training to improve your VO2Max, how you can test yourself and at the end of it, hopefully I'll have a higher result to report at the end of it, so stay tuned.

About the Author
Hey I'm Vince, an Aussie living in New Zealand, trying my best to make the most of the time I have. I work as a Software Engineer but love to run and all aspects of it, including geeking out on the latest science to help get the most out of my body.

If you're interested in getting rewarded with Steem for your activity make sure you check out:

@runningproject VO2Max Deep Dive - Part 1

Part 1 of a 3 part VO2Max Deep Dive

Although it's actually impossible to see who is faster based on VO2Max value alone, this doesn't mean it's not an important and useful measurement.

For more information about @runningproject please see the latest status report:
https://steemit.com/runningproject/@runningproject/runningproject-how-to-get-involved-and-become-an-approved-runner

If you're interested in getting rewarded with Steem for your activity make sure you check out:

Actifit

Exhaust

@runningproject VO2Max Deep Dive - Part 1

Part 1 of a 3 part VO2Max Deep Dive

Although it's actually impossible to see who is faster based on VO2Max value alone, this doesn't mean it's not an important and useful measurement.

For more information about @runningproject please see the latest status report: https://steemit.com/runningproject/@runningproject/runningproject-how-to-get-involved-and-become-an-approved-runner

If you're interested in getting rewarded with Steem for your activity make sure you check out: Actifit Exhaust

For more information about @runningproject please see the latest status report:
https://steemit.com/runningproject/@runningproject/runningproject-how-to-get-involved-and-become-an-approved-runner

If you're interested in getting rewarded with Steem for your activity make sure you check out:

Actifit

Exhaust