VO2 max test

This past season I had one test in December (mid "base" season), and one in March (March was a big build period for me this year, and when the first races my season began). My LTHR and VO2 max #s were significantly different in both tests, LTHR decreased and VO2 max increased from 1st test to the 2nd.

I still train with HR and perceived exertion. I'm sure others, including my coach would disagree, but in my opinion, doing a road test like a 30'TT and taking your HR avg. from the last 20 mins. (a la Friel training bible) to base your HR training zones from is just as good or better than working with the lab coats and paying for a test. Your results may vary, but the road test is free, you can perform it any time you want to track fitness, and it gives you "real world" numbers.

rayhuang said:

Hello all,

I never performed (or had performed) a VO2 max test when I was younger. I am curious to this day what my VO2 max is.

My questions are: When do you perform the VO2 max test and how is it affected by your level of fitness?

By when I am referring to what specific time in relation to how fit you are. So do you do it at the start of a season or when your out of shape or do you try and have it performed at the height of your fitness?

Thanks everyone,
Ray