Vo2max (Read 2769 times)

So we are told that VO2MAX is not the only important variable that is important in running. It is possible for sombody to be a good runner with out having a particularly great VO2max. What I would like to know however... what sport is most dependent on VO2max? Would Cycling be high on that list? I don't see there being a huge difference in efficiency between various cyclists on the same equipment. What about rowing? Also is there any research on this specific question?

Define good runner.

Vo2 max, again, is just an indicator but it isn't the final determining factor, example, you could have someone with a high V02 and he might wear high tops and do 100 yard dashes, he wouldn't do very well in a marathon or even a 1/2 probably. I would say for a long distance race, running mechanics and proper diet are more important than Vo2 max, but all within the context of a group who is at least over 60 for example. I use my RS200sd built in VO2 max indicator to measure mine and its fairly accurate which indicates to me at least that the Daniels book is approximately correct.

Here are some numbers: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--12408-0,00.html It appears that Bjorn Dahlie, a Norwegian skier, has the highest ever measured Vo2 max, 94.

So we are told that VO2MAX is not the only important variable that is important in running. It is possible for sombody to be a good runner with out having a particularly great VO2max.

The thinking on VO2max in the Exercise Physiology community has changed in recent years, mostly due to researcher Dr. Tim Noakes. He revisited the premise of VO2max and discovered that only a small % of runners actually reach a true VO2max during a VO2max test. In other words, most of the athletes tested reached exhaustion prior to ever reaching VO2max - i.e. something other than limited oxygen consumption was limiting their running performance. Further, Noakes found that the single best physiological predictor of running performance was how fast the athlete was running when they reached exhaustion during the test. Those who were running the fastest at the end of the VO2max text were the fastest runners in a race. The correlation was about 98%, as I recall. The interpretation of these 2 findings is that better runners have muscle fibers that can propel them at faster speeds for longer periods of time than the average guy. For example, the average runner can run at world record 5K pace; he just can't run at that pace for very long. Elites can hold that same pace for a much longer period of time. Running faster longer requires more energy than slower running, so the guy who is running faster is consuming more oxygen in order to produce that energy. In short, the speed at which you run determines how much oxygen you consume, not the other way around.

What I would like to know however... what sport is most dependent on VO2max?

In accordance with the point about muscle activation driving oxygen consumption, the sport which actively uses the most muscle mass is the one where oxygen consumption will be the highest

nordic skiiers have a bit of an unfair advantage in VO2max tests as they are measured roller-skiing on a wide, special treadmill. In other words, they are getting full use of many more muscles than either a runner or cyclist. Since VO2max is a measure of max oxygen consumption, someone using more muscles is going to be able to drive that number higher than, for example, someone only using their legs.

VO2max is irrelevant.

Irrelevant? Really? Or do you mean... "less important than other things"? Seriously?

I'm so proud right now. (I think I just got something in my eye.)