VO2.. Very Optimistic2?

[kurtpenter]

Hi all, I feel like the watch is a bit too generous with me!

When looking at the Progress widget on Suunto Vertical, the Running VO2 Max is 56.7. I’m not sure how correct this value is… but I’m super sure the running estimates right below are far from my top performances: from 5k (18’44" => but I can do 20-21’) to 10k (38’ but I never managed to get below 42’) and finally marathon in 3h8’… I’d love to but there is no way I can do it in about 3h.

Why is this so optimistic and not considering my regular performance?

Thank you!

[VoiGAS]

@kurtpenter I have the same experience, VO2MAX is very optimistic. I my case the estimations are about 30 Seconds per Kilometer too fast.
Not sure if thats special for Suunto, when I had my last Garmin VO2MAX estimation wasn’t invented yet

[Łukasz Szmigiel]

@kurtpenter there’s more to that but it’s essentially based on tables with HR vs pace with some adjustments.

Don’t pay much attention to it. And especially not for long races like the marathon.

[MKPotts]

I see the opposite - this year just before running a marathon and then a half marathon, my watch estimated times about 8% longer than I took (about 13mins extra for the marathon). My Garmin watch is similar but even more pessimistic (about 10% extra).

For me, I think that’s because I mainly run off-road, so the terrain (rocks, mud etc) isn’t accounted for. Even more so if I’m also running with a rucksack/race vest. And I also run quite a high volume but not much faster stuff (which I think the calculations favour).

In your case, when it’s showing times that are too fast, I’d guess that’s because the speed:hr ratio is good over short distances but you haven’t done enough volume consistently to build the endurance/aerobic base. If that’s not the case, I don’t know.

All this assumes that the HR data is reasonably accurate!

[kurtpenter]

@MKPotts Thank you! This may very well be one of the reasons.