Comments on: Physiological Testing for Athletes: Update

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:40:33 +0000

Hi Aisling

Can you send me your email? Thanks, Avril avrilcopel@aol.com I tried to email you, but it got returned! the joys of technology.

By: Neal McQuaid

Neal McQuaid — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:12:47 +0000

Sounds fascinating getting the test.
I actually tried to get onto the tests with the Beacon when they were starting out a few years back, but I wasn’t running much at the time and didn’t know what to make of doing it on a climber :)

Always interesting to hear about running in the HR zone - it used to drive me mad when I tried it, unless it was at the speed I wanted to run at…..which potentially defeats the purpose.
Having said that, any time I’ve ever completely sold myself to following a proper training plan, it’s completely paid off in the long run. Currently putting my own one together today :)
Interested to see how you get on today.

By: Aisling

Aisling — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:19:13 +0000

I’d say the whole thing was about an hour but only 30 minutes of that was on the treadmill. When I started the 17k he said - ok this is the last one - so when the I got to the end of that I was expecting to stop. But anyway I gave him a thumbs up when he asked if I wanted to continue, I went on but felt uncomfortable. It’s well worth doing as an experiment for your own interests.

I’ve got my heart monitor on now and I’m going on a 16 mile run. I’m gonna keep Heart Rate low enough (about 150 ish) as instructed!!! Will let you know how it goes trying to keep within a zone.

By: Robin Blandford

Robin Blandford — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:58:31 +0000

18k an hour! f*** me.

(4.28mins/km) 14km/hr on a treadmill is about my max I can comfortably sustain.

How long was the test??

By: Aisling

Aisling — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:27:40 +0000

Yeah Robin it was a lot like that, but I had a top on! Actually I had a harnass on too and the breathing contraption didn’t look as crazy as that thing. What I had on was just over my mouth and nose with strapping and there’s no deprivation of oxygen, they’re just measuring.

I got up to 18k an hour on the test. He said before the test that people tested without the mask scored the same. It just gives a feeling of panic when you start to get uncomfortable. As soon as you stop you’re kicking yourself for not continuing!!

By: Robin Blandford

Robin Blandford — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:43:03 +0000

What speed did they have you run on treadmill? (or was that not memorable when dealing with a facemask?!) Is there breathing resistance or oxygen deprivation or anything going on? Guessing something like this?