Learning my limits

One of my first concerns was to learn how hard I could push myself. The VO2 maximum or amount of Oxygen my lungs can provide is very useful information.

I donned a mask over my mouth and nose and ran on a treadmill. At first the run was easy but as the incline and speed increased, my breath came faster and soon I hoped this test would end.

Casey told me more than once, I could stop the test by pressing the red button. The problem with pressing it though was an incomplete test. I asked to retake the test again and finished the test.

I learned about my heart rate zones. Each zone is determined by beats per minute (bpm). In zone 1, I burned more fat that sugar which partially explains why I can run a longer time than when I'm exerting more. Each zone trains a different aspect of running.