VO2Max Calculations

[MarathonStan]

From trolling around some of the discussion boards, I know there are a lot of math- and tech-savvy CII rowers. I was wondering if anyone has a formula or website that could assess VO2Max across a range of rowing distances. As you likely know, the CII site has a calculator, but only allows you to plug in a 2000m time: http://www.concept2.com/us/interactive/ ... vo2max.asp

As a runner, I found it useful to be able to use calculators (e.g. http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2race.htm) to assess the relative value of different results. We usually know our strengths and weaknesses, but if 5K results score consistently higher than 10Ks, or vice-versa, or ½ marathons better than the shorter distances, it's a good reminder to do more speed or endurance work, depending on the case.

I'm posting CII times from 500m up to the ½ marathon, but the running rule of 'add 5% as you double the distance' (a 20' 5K worth 42' at 10K) is too rough a guide for the CII, where my times slow much less. I'd still like to plug in my best current times at all distances (500m might be too short for accurate VO2 assessment, but all others, anyway) and see which scores best. I'm interested in all thoughts on the topic. Thanks.

Stan

[jlawson58]

From trolling around some of the discussion boards, I know there are a lot of math- and tech-savvy CII rowers. I was wondering if anyone has a formula or website that could assess VO2Max across a range of rowing distances. As you likely know, the CII site has a calculator, but only allows you to plug in a 2000m time: http://www.concept2.com/us/interactive/ ... vo2max.asp

As a runner, I found it useful to be able to use calculators (e.g. http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2race.htm) to assess the relative value of different results. We usually know our strengths and weaknesses, but if 5K results score consistently higher than 10Ks, or vice-versa, or ½ marathons better than the shorter distances, it's a good reminder to do more speed or endurance work, depending on the case.

I'm posting CII times from 500m up to the ½ marathon, but the running rule of 'add 5% as you double the distance' (a 20' 5K worth 42' at 10K) is too rough a guide for the CII, where my times slow much less. I'd still like to plug in my best current times at all distances (500m might be too short for accurate VO2 assessment, but all others, anyway) and see which scores best. I'm interested in all thoughts on the topic. Thanks.

Stan

VO2max doesn't change over various distances. It is what it is for your physiology and fitness level. What I think you are asking is a way to view your strengths and weaknesses at various distances and compare those.

The rule that I read for rowing was to add 5 sec per 500m for every doubling of the distance and that has gotten me pretty close (I actually have found that I am more like 5" at distances up to 2k and then 4"/500m at longer distances. If I am correct though about what you are asking then I will tell you what I do.

I input all my times/distances at nonathlon.com and see how my percentage compares to the world record for my age and weight class. In my case my general trend is to go from upper 80 percent figures for 500m and 1k to almost mid 90s percentage of the world record for longer distances. Where it came in really handy was figuring out a goal pace for distances or times that I hadn't yet attempted, or that seemed slower than they should have. My 6k was like that. I plugged in a fake time until it showed 91% which is what the other distances bracketing that one were, and I aimed for that figure when I tried for a new PB. It worked perfectly for me and I was within a second or two of what it predicted.

[MarathonStan]

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I do understand the nature of VO2Max calculations, whether using Bruce or other protocols, but I was indeed trying to assess relative strength at different row distances precisely because such a calculator, if it existed, would give different estimated VO2 values unless one's training were consistent across the board. Interesting to see the formula that works for you. Right now, my /500m pace is dropping off less than that as I go longer, but perhaps I haven't done enough quality pieces yet and am not pushing hard enough at the shorter ones.

Best,

Stan

[Tinus]

From trolling around some of the discussion boards, I know there are a lot of math- and tech-savvy CII rowers. I was wondering if anyone has a formula or website that could assess VO2Max across a range of rowing distances. As you likely know, the CII site has a calculator, but only allows you to plug in a 2000m time: http://www.concept2.com/us/interactive/ ... vo2max.asp

As a runner, I found it useful to be able to use calculators (e.g. http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2race.htm) to assess the relative value of different results. We usually know our strengths and weaknesses, but if 5K results score consistently higher than 10Ks, or vice-versa, or ½ marathons better than the shorter distances, it's a good reminder to do more speed or endurance work, depending on the case.

I'm posting CII times from 500m up to the ½ marathon, but the running rule of 'add 5% as you double the distance' (a 20' 5K worth 42' at 10K) is too rough a guide for the CII, where my times slow much less. I'd still like to plug in my best current times at all distances (500m might be too short for accurate VO2 assessment, but all others, anyway) and see which scores best. I'm interested in all thoughts on the topic. Thanks.

Stan

VO2max doesn't change over various distances. It is what it is for your physiology and fitness level. What I think you are asking is a way to view your strengths and weaknesses at various distances and compare those.

The rule that I read for rowing was to add 5 sec per 500m for every doubling of the distance and that has gotten me pretty close (I actually have found that I am more like 5" at distances up to 2k and then 4"/500m at longer distances. If I am correct though about what you are asking then I will tell you what I do.

I input all my times/distances at nonathlon.com and see how my percentage compares to the world record for my age and weight class. In my case my general trend is to go from upper 80 percent figures for 500m and 1k to almost mid 90s percentage of the world record for longer distances. Where it came in really handy was figuring out a goal pace for distances or times that I hadn't yet attempted, or that seemed slower than they should have. My 6k was like that. I plugged in a fake time until it showed 91% which is what the other distances bracketing that one were, and I aimed for that figure when I tried for a new PB. It worked perfectly for me and I was within a second or two of what it predicted.

The method you describe is a good one but you should also keep in mind that the world records at the large distances are less competitive. Also, it is normal to be specialised in certain fields and you should not aim to be equally good (or bad) in every aspect.

[ThatMoos3Guy]

This link: http://www.onlinerowing.co.uk/LactateTrainingBands.xls gives you a 2k time and then what your equivalent times should be for other distances. It only goes up to 10k, but can be useful.

I also like to use http://www.freespiritsrowing.com/conten ... -predictor . If you put it two newish PBs then you can see where you should be for other distances. It can also point out if you're lacking in either strength or endurance.