The Importance of VO2max Zone Accuracy?

VO2 isn’t just a power zone, it’s a physiological response. It’s not just saying “ride at this power”, it’s about getting you close to your maximum oxygen intake for as long as possible.

So in fact, going over power in the first 30-60 seconds of the interval isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it can get your HR and breathing quickly up to that vo2 zone. Same with dropping below 105% - if your heart rate isn’t dropping then you’re still working hard.

I’d be interested to know the average and max HR for each interval as a % of maximum - but in general, they look like a good set of outdoor vo2 intervals to me.

Note how Rattlesnake starts you off at 140% before settling down into the traditional vo2 power zones.

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