vo2 max not showing up even after multiple runs and walks.

Stefano M64

I gave a try, had an easy walk yesterday for about 20 min with an average speed of 6.0km/h and 112pbm HR peak , and got my first VO2max estimation (46,2). It was the first time I walked with the smart HR belt, which I use only at the gymn. I will try also with a run …

BrunoH

@timecode I think running and walking have always been the supported activities for VO2max. I remember it from my days with S9B.

timecode

@BrunoH if this is the case, then there something really broken. How come walking is producing Vo2max readings, but not running… makes no sense. I know you don’t know that, I am just thinking out loud.

brechtvb

@timecode no vo2max reading here either. I do mainly race biking, I did 3 run exercises, with Suunto hr belt. No vo2max.

far-blue

Honestly, you aren’t missing out on much. The VO2Max value I and all my running friends get regardless of watch or brand is generally pretty useless and the estimated race times based on it equally poor.

I personally find the ‘Effective VO2Max’ value calculated by Runalyze to be far more practically useful.

To give an example, My Race S tells me my VO2Max is 52.3 and it suggests I can currently run a HM in 1:32’50 which is a pace of 4’24/km. Runalyse suggests my ‘effective’ VO2Max is 41.33 and suggests I can currently run a HM in 1:48’20. My last HM (march) was very hilly and 1:47 and my PR in 2023 is 1:40 so I think Runalyse is far closer to reality. I’ll find out on Sunday but I’m not expecting faster than 1:45

timecode

@BrunoH I still don’t understand how can walking produce a Vo2max reading. I went for a run today and tried to push a few times to get a higher HR, still nothing. I am honestly getting a bit frustrated. If this is still not enough to get a Vo2max reading, then I don’t know… Max HR was 176.

timecode

@far-blue I know that the value itself is not accurate. But at this point for me it is about principles : ) I would like to see at least a trend and it’s virtually impossible to get a number from the watch.

BrunoH

@timecode This is a snippet from Suunto Vertical documentation. The watch does not measure how exhausted you get but VO2max comes from TSS score.

matteo_000

@George-Katsanos I have had the same problem with my Vertical. I have made a soft reset and the Vo2max appeared after run. ciao

M

timecode

@matteo_000 tried that, unfortunately not working for me. Neither does walking @BrunoH

isazi

@timecode have you tried doing the same kind of run, with a mix of zones, on flat terrain?

timecode

@isazi I mostly run on trails, but going to try today and report back.

timecode

@isazi It was a success. Flat terrain + chest strap and I got a reading. Thanks!

isazi

@timecode unfortunately it is quite hard for an algorithm that is based on pace and effort to estimate anything with enough precision (meaning, not to just have a random number) over hilly terrain

timecode

@isazi this is interesting because on all previous watches I owned (S9B, 9PP, Vertical) I’ve got an instant reading after the very first run, independent of whether it was a trail run or normal run. This just started with Race, so I am not sure if there was a change of the algorithm or what is different. But I am glad it’s finally working : )