What a VO2 Max Test Reveals About Your Real Running Heart Rates

A runner undergoes a VO2 max test to pin down her true heart-rate zones, learning that generic formulas like MHR=220-age and standard zone splits often misalign with an individual’s physiology. The findings show Garmin and Strava zones can be closer to VO2 max results after manual adjustment, and that VO2 max is trainable while RPE remains a useful fallback. The piece emphasizes using personalized data rather than chasing fixed numeric targets.