OK, so HR zone question (Page 2)

What tests are they going to do and what do you plan to do with the results?

If you simply want to know the numbers and it is worth it to you, then by all means get the tests.  If you want the numbers to establish training zones, then I would do the field test.

Shane

Actually a combination of both...according to the woman who will be administering the tests they are even more accurate when establishing training zones because it looks at exactly when your body burns most efficiently and when it burns the carbs as opposed to fat and at what heartrates.  Now maybe a field test can give you close to the same numbers but I like exacts if I can get it and with what we spend on this sport, for me at least, it is worth 150 to get what I think I need.

Just my opinion...

I would disagree with that, I think a lab test is an excellent way to establish your initial training zones, especially if you have difficulties completing the field test. In a lab, with someone there pushing you on, you can get close to maximum efforts in a controled enviornment.

So you will have "exact" for the day when you do the test and for a few weeks afterwards.  But what are you going to do 1-2-3... months down the road, do more $150 testing?  IMHO, do the lab test and then also do the field test for the run and see how close the numbers are.  Later on when you need, redo the field testing and you can see the changes and adjust as needed.

Remember though, the HR numbers for a run test are not the same as on the bike.

And there's nothing exact about training. HR will be affected by environmental and physo issues.  You'll need to make sure though that whatever you use that you have something to cross it with to verify, HR vs RPE, etc.

Edited by Donto 2009-10-28 12:26 PM

If you feel that the $150 is worth it and the numbers are important to you then by all means get the test.  However, make sure that you know what you are getting from the test and make sure you sit down and ask questions when it is finished.  Also, be aware that although the numbers are determined in a lab that doesn't in any way make them more exact than what you would get if you did a field test; you may get more data but not neccessarily more useful data.

Also, depending on how the test is conducted and what equipment is used, the "exact" numbers might be nothing more than a guess.  For example, I would check to see if they are using NewLeaf equipment for VO2max and if so, I would not bother with a VO2max test.  Further, I would check to see if they are using blood samples to determine lactate or if they are interpreting it from the VO2 response.

Shane