VO2 Max Calculations

bitterbrownie
bitterbrownie Posts: 369
edited January 30 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey,

I've gotten fitter and so am trying to re-calculate my vo2 max to estimate calorie burns more accurately

last week i ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in 22 minutes 25 seconds, giving me an average speed of 7.2 minute miles.

the vo2 test can be done by running, flat out, 1.5 miles. I ran this race flat out so is it OK to use it as my calculation?

if so, it gives me an answer of 48 as my vo2 max which seems high but I'm training for a half marathon, play sports and go to the gym for 60mins+ 3-5 times a week on top of running 4 times a week.

do you think 48 sounds OK?

Replies

  • dieselbyte
    dieselbyte Posts: 733 Member
    Hey,

    I've gotten fitter and so am trying to re-calculate my vo2 max to estimate calorie burns more accurately

    last week i ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in 22 minutes 25 seconds, giving me an average speed of 7.2 minute miles.

    the vo2 test can be done by running, flat out, 1.5 miles. I ran this race flat out so is it OK to use it as my calculation?

    if so, it gives me an answer of 48 as my vo2 max which seems high but I'm training for a half marathon, play sports and go to the gym for 60mins+ 3-5 times a week on top of running 4 times a week.

    do you think 48 sounds OK?

    48 is correct from the calculation. Did you take your time after the first 1.5 miles though? Your vo2 max can actually be higher. Even though you were running flat out, your first 1.5 miles would most likely be faster than your last 1.5 miles. Also, you might run faster or harder knowing you only had to complete 1.5 miles vs 3. It is a rough estimate, but a good estimate and baseline nonetheless.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    This site gives you a VO2max of 43.5 from the 5K race. http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2race.htm

    It probably is a little higher though because running in summer heat will give you a slower time than you are capable of in ideal weather.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Think you would be better off doing a one-off test over a shorter distance if you want to estimate your max.
    If you were running as fast as you can for 1.5 miles you couldn't have completed the race!

    Cooper test is 12 minutes to run as far as you can.
  • bitterbrownie
    bitterbrownie Posts: 369
    thank you all!

    I know that if I did the actual 1.5 miles I could run faster, I just don't want to put in a higher vo2 max than i might have - I don't mind if it is slightly lower.

    At the moment, however, i'm using one of 37 and I think that's pretty inaccurate now!!
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,661 Member
    Hey,

    I've gotten fitter and so am trying to re-calculate my vo2 max to estimate calorie burns more accurately

    last week i ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in 22 minutes 25 seconds, giving me an average speed of 7.2 minute miles.

    the vo2 test can be done by running, flat out, 1.5 miles. I ran this race flat out so is it OK to use it as my calculation?

    if so, it gives me an answer of 48 as my vo2 max which seems high but I'm training for a half marathon, play sports and go to the gym for 60mins+ 3-5 times a week on top of running 4 times a week.

    do you think 48 sounds OK?

    I would say if you really did run that as fast as you could, it is definitely okay to use that calculation,

    48 is a high number, however, you are training for a HM and do lots of other activities so you are obviously very fit, keep at it, great VO2 max reading!!
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