Sudden VO2 max drop

Training
1

I have been using TR low volume plan for about a year now and raised my VO2 max from 47 to 57 (according to Garmin watch), before I had to travel for two weeks. While on travel I still did four cycling sessions using the Peleton bike at the hotel and trying to mimic some sweet spot rides based on the bikes wattage reading. I also did a few trail runs. Upon returng home and doing my first TR threshold workout, my VO2 max dropped from 57 to 47 after one workout. I don’t feel like I should have lost that much after only two weeks away. Has anyone else seen this before?

2

Did you notice a difference in hitting the same power targets as you did two week prior?

3

The longer I own a Garmin watch, the more I realize its reported metrics are questionable at best…

4 Likes
4

I would 100% ignore that number. I just checked mine (which I never do) and it went down 5 points and up 5 point in the last 4 weeks. I have been consistently training during this time, including specific vo2 max work. It’s just not worth investing any energy into this estimated number.

1 Like
5

I probably fall to fatty part of some research bell curve, for me Garmin watch prediction is within 3% of other power based predictions:

Leaving Garmin prediction precision discussion aside (specific number is less important than trend), there can be different reasons for your change:

  • Garmin prediction algorithm software change, either intentional or bug
  • Uncalibrated power measurement device on your bike
  • Unexpectedly high HR for same power for some duration. This can easily happen after longer vacation or due daily fluctuation (coffee, sleep, stress etc)

I suggest simply to ignore this value initially and recheck after couple weeks/month consistent training.

EDIT: also check HR settings on watch, maybe max HR and corresponding zones got reset somehow?

6

Hey there and welcome to the TR community!

For what it’s worth, and from what I’ve seen, the metrics that watches like that can give you are sometimes… questionable as stated by @ingluis29. :sweat_smile:

The only real way to determine your VO2 max is to test it in a lab. I wouldn’t worry much about what the watch is telling you here.

7

What was the difference in elevation between the two locations?

1 Like
8

I would look at this first. What was de max HR setting before, what is it now? And most of all, make sure it is your actual max (cycling) HR and not just 220-age or whatever.