Last weekend I did a “Volume of Oxygen Max” test. Erika Brown and her lab group at SDSU needed a guinea pig as they prepared for a practical exam, so I thought I’d volunteer. (Yes, I'm kind of a nerd… or is it geek?). This test measured how much oxygen the body uses during exercise. It’s often used as a measure of athletic performance… and so as a very amateur runner, I was curious as to what my V02 max might be. Elite endurance athletes typically achieve max scores in the 70’s and above. Cyclist Oskar Svendsen, scored a 97.5—the highest recorded according to topendsports.com.
Wired Up
I wore a heart rate monitor, a super cool (not) mask and a clamp on my nose. The mask had a one way valve that allowed me to breathe fresh air in, but when I exhaled, all my air would go through a hose to be analyzed for oxygen and carbon dioxide content. I’m terribly sorry, (not) but I was unable to snap a selfie with this equipment. ;)
The Protocol
After fitting the mask, putting on the nose clamp, and pairing the heart rate monitor, I warmed up on the biggest treadmill I’d ever seen. I started at 5 miles per hour, and the speed of the treadmill was increased every minute by half a mile per hour. Initially, the mask really was uncomfortable. I felt like I couldn’t get any air, and I’m pretty sure that I hyperventilated a few times during the test. But as the speed increased, I was able to find a rhythm. Oh, and the “Max” in V02 Max means to go until you can’t go anymore—as in maximum effort. So I maxed out shortly after hitting 10 mph somewhere close to 11 minutes. It was weird in that I felt like I could run faster, but the mask made it seem to me like I just couldn’t get enough air.
The Results
The Raw Data
10.8
Minutes
55.6
V02 Max
10
Miles Per Hour
I’m kind of surprised by the results. Well, either Erika’s lab group was being kind, or those numbers are respectable. Apparently, for a man my age, the 55.6 score puts me in the “Superior” category. *blushes* I’m no Oskar Svendsen, but I guess I did good for an old man