vo2 max not showing up even after multiple runs and walks.
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There are multiple Vo2Max related topic, so not sure to which to reply, but here we go. I have switched from Vertical to Race and while on Vertical I got a Vo2Max reading immediately after the first run. Now on the Race, after multiple runs (from 1 to 4 hours) with OHR and also with HR belt there is no Vo2Max reading. I have read a lot theories here - but is there a final conclusion how to get a Vo2Max reading?
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Mystery solved for now. Yesterday myself and my wife went for a run and there was a steep hill where I was already tired and went slowly up. But she started to do uphill intervals. She almost vomited, but she got her first Vo2max reading
My conclusion: to get a Vo2max reading you have to get into very high HR numbers a few times during a run. I was 13 minutes in Z4 during the run and this was still not enough for me to get a reading. -
@timecode Sorry, but I have to disagree. It took me almost two years to get my first VO2max result on my Vertical. The first successful activity was a 65 minutes walk (average 6 km/h) and my HR stayed mostly in Z1 and briefly touched Z2.
Funny thing: the result appeared immediately after the last big SW update and I’ve been getting the results steadily ever since.
A long time ago I asked for exact requirements from Suunto support and there were all kinds of stuff: flawless GPS and HR recording, a specific period of time in Z3 or above etc etc. My activity did not fulfill those requirements which makes me think they have lowered the bar in software.
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@BrunoH interesting. As far I understand walking shouldn’t produce any Vo2max readings, or? Strangely enough when I had the Vertical it was able to get a Vo2max reading from the very first run, and for each run. Since I have the Race, there’s nothing.
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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 …
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@timecode I think running and walking have always been the supported activities for VO2max. I remember it from my days with S9B.
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@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.
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@timecode no vo2max reading here either. I do mainly race biking, I did 3 run exercises, with Suunto hr belt. No vo2max.
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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

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@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.

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

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@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
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@matteo_000 tried that, unfortunately not working for me. Neither does walking @BrunoH
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@timecode have you tried doing the same kind of run, with a mix of zones, on flat terrain?
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@isazi I mostly run on trails, but going to try today and report back.
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@isazi It was a success. Flat terrain + chest strap and I got a reading. Thanks!

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@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
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@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 : )
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