VO2 Max Testing or Lactate Threshold Testing?
4483
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1635 days
kylie posted 13 weeks ago.
I've done them but I don't find that I really use them too much in my training plan. At least not lately. I think my plan would be the same if I hadn't done them.
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661 days
KitKat posted 13 weeks ago.
I've had my Vo2 done and use the HR zones it provided throughout my training. It is highly beneficial in my training plans.
544
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304 days
jhudalla posted 13 weeks ago.
kylie wrote:
I've done them but I don't find that I really use them too much in my training plan. At least not lately. I think my plan would be the same if I hadn't done them.
I had mine done as well; same result. I use HR in my training but I pair it with my PRE. IMHO, save the money and just make sure your 'intense' days are intense. Also, I thought the fella performing the test wasn't all that sophisticated and so the results being returned weren't very valuable. If you want to do the 'real' deal, go to MIT or something. Otherwise, any JoeSchmo can buy into the VoMax Franchise where-or-not he actually knows what he's doing.
my .02
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
112
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438 days
Toothless posted 13 weeks ago.
I've done a couple of LT tests and find them useful to design my training plan. You can pinpoint your different HR training zones and racing zones based on the test results. I have also done a FUEL test that gives lactate HR zones, VO2 max, and determines how much fat/carbohydrate% you burn at different intensities. This is useful for IM distance because in long course training you want to train the body's ability to utilize fat, and many people unknowingly train at an intensity that is burning mostly carbs (too high). The FUEL test costs quite a bit more than the LT test but you get a lot more info. The Boulder Center for Sports Medicine has info on their website here:
http://www.bch.org/sportsmedicine/physiology-testing.aspx
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120 days
bengreenfield posted 13 weeks ago.
We do both tests at my facility. If I was budgeting, I'd go for the blood lactate test, but make sure the technician tells you not only your lactate threshold, but your aerobic threshold. Unlike LT, aerobic threshold is a rise of about 1.0mmol over your resting values. This is typically very, very close to your recommended Ironman racing intensity, or Zone 3 heart rate range.
You can read more about the tests at http://www.champsportsmed.com.
Ben Greenfield
Which one is better to build a training plan? Has anyone done one, the other or both? How often do you need to test?
I plan to ask these questions at the local tri shop but, I wanted some past experiences in my hip pocket before I go.
Thanks.