VO2 max intervals & Heart Rate (Read 521 times)

So everything I read says that to improve VO2 max, one needs to do intervals at a pace that corresponds to 95% V02 max -- which in turn corresponds to @ 98-100% max HR. So Daniels and others provide target paces to improve for interval training. If I run at those paces, though, my HR does not get near 98% max. In fact, I'd have to run ridiculously fast paces (for me) to get there -- and then I just flame out. What gives? Should I run to hit 98% max HR or just stick to the recommended paces?

How did you determine your Max Heart Rate? How do you know what your VO2Max is? Train by pace or HR. It's tough to do both.

How did you determine your Max Heart Rate? How do you know what your VO2Max is? Train by pace or HR. It's tough to do both.

I'm a big heart rate guy, so I've tracked it for years. I know that at the end of a 10k or 5k, when on the verge of chunking, I can hit 168. I have no idea what my Vo2 max is. I'm just trying to increase my ability to utilize some share of it as I prep for a mid April marathon. I chose to just go by pace, figuring it's better than blowing up. But I can't escape the nagging feeling that I could (should) go faster and I'm just being wimpy.