VT Biker

First of all - I understand this is a highly unscientific question, and that there are formal methods for determining VO2Max, which living in Denver are available to me.

However - out of curiosity, I was hoping to get some feedback from other riders as to whether there are tell tale signs of a low natural VO2Max.

As some background, I am actually a fairly good rider, especially climbing, and consider myself one of the stronger riders in my club. For reference, my time up Lookout Mountain is currently around 26 minutes.

However - I literally breath harder than everyone else (as compared to those who are similar to my riding abilities currently), with a short, quick breathing pattern, to the point other riders have commented on it as I ride next to them. Having read about VO2Max, my concern is that this need for oxygen (indicated by the quick, short, panting like breathing), is a sign that my VO2Max is low, and therefore, jump into oxygen deficit sooner than others. I might be compensating for this through a higher Lactate Threshold than others. However, while LT can be trained, VO2Max cannot for the most part change, and thus, means I might be reaching a limit in terms of ability.

Question: In general, are there signs of people with lower VO2Max, especially those who are fit, such as more labored breathing or other signs that someone might have a low VO2Max. This has been bothering me more and more, as I have wanted to get into racing next year, and worry that perhaps I am genetically at a severe disadvantage.

zerocool5468

you should take long deep breaths using your stomach. much more efficient this way

chasm54

You worry too much. If you're faster up the hill than the next guy, first of all you're unlikely to have an unusually low VO2 max and secondly, prizes are awarded for winning races, not for having a certificate that tells you that your VO2 max is stratospheric. If it really bothers you, go and get it tested. But you won't be any faster or slower after the test than you were before. And in my completely unqualified opinion, it's more likely to be that you're in the habit of panting rather than taking deep breaths.

gregf83 

Reaching your VO2Max limit is not a function of how much air you can breath in and out through your lungs. There is a much more complicated process involved in getting the oxygen through to your muscles. Breathing deeper or faster might help you relax but it's not going to raise your VO2Max unless you have asthma or some other problem with your lungs.

It sounds like you have decent enough power to race. You won't have the same power as the pros but you should be able to be competitive and enjoy racing at some level.