Masters Athlete Testing

Comprehensive fitness assessment for masters athletes:

• Your Actual Max Heart Rate: Not a formula-YOUR tested maximum. This is the foundation for all zone calculations
• VO₂ Max Value: Compare to age-group norms. Elite masters athletes maintain VO₂ max values 20 to 30% above average for their age
• Five Training Zones: Personalized heart rate zones from recovery (Zone 1) to maximum (Zone 5)
• VT1 (Aerobic Threshold): Upper limit of conversational pace. Most masters training should be at or below this
• VT2 (Lactate Threshold): Your "threshold" pace for racing-hardest sustainable effort. Critical for 10K to half marathon pacing
• Efficiency Metrics: How economically you use oxygen at different intensities
• Baseline for Tracking: Retest annually to see if training is maintaining or improving fitness

Evidence-based training modifications for ages 40 and beyond:

• Polarized Training (80/20 Rule): 80% of training in Zone 1 to 2 (easy), only 20% in Zone 4 to 5 (hard). This produces better results with less injury risk than moderate-intensity training. VO₂ max testing provides exact zones
• Longer Recovery Between Hard Days: Insert 48 to 72 hours between threshold or interval sessions instead of 24 to 48 hours
• More Emphasis on Zone 2: Build aerobic base with lots of easy running/cycling. Zone 2 has lower injury risk and excellent fitness benefits for masters
• Reduced Volume, Maintained Intensity: Can train fewer total hours per week but maintain high-quality interval sessions. Quality over quantity becomes more important
• Strength Training Integration: 2 to 3 sessions per week prevents age-related muscle loss and maintains power. Combine with VO₂ max data for complete program
• Periodization: More structured training blocks with adequate recovery weeks. Testing at start of each training cycle guides intensity targets

Know how you stack up against other masters athletes:

• Ages 40 to 44: Average 35 to 38 mL/kg/min. Elite 50+
• Ages 45 to 49: Average 33 to 36 mL/kg/min. Elite 48+
• Ages 50 to 54: Average 31 to 34 mL/kg/min. Elite 45+
• Ages 55 to 59: Average 29 to 32 mL/kg/min. Elite 42+
• Ages 60 to 64: Average 27 to 30 mL/kg/min. Elite 40+
• Ages 65 to 69: Average 25 to 28 mL/kg/min. Elite 38+
• Ages 70+: Average 23 to 26 mL/kg/min. Elite 35+

These are male values; female values are typically 10 to 15% lower. Your test report includes age and sex-specific percentile rankings.

Masters athletes who train consistently can dramatically slow fitness loss:

• Sedentary Adults: Lose 10% VO₂ max per decade after age 30
• Active Adults: Lose 5 to 7% per decade with moderate exercise
• Masters Athletes: Lose only 3 to 5% per decade with consistent training
• Elite Masters: Some maintain or even improve fitness year to year with optimal training

Key Factors in Maintaining Fitness: Consistent training year-round (no long breaks), maintaining training volume, including high-intensity intervals (Zone 4 to 5), strength training 2 to 3 times per week, adequate recovery, optimal nutrition and sleep.

Use testing data for race strategy:

• 5K Racing: Slightly above VT2 (threshold). Sustainable for 15 to 25 minutes
• 10K Racing: Right at VT2. Your lactate threshold heart rate is your 10K race pace
• Half Marathon: Just below VT2 (95 to 98%). Slightly slower than threshold to sustain for 90 to 120+ minutes
• Marathon: Zone 3, approximately 85 to 90% of VT2. Aerobic endurance pace
• Century Ride/Long Triathlon: Zone 2, sustainable for many hours

For masters athletes, proper pacing becomes even more critical. Going out too fast is harder to recover from than it was at age 25.

Vibrant masters athletics scene in Santa Cruz:

• Masters Running Groups: Santa Cruz Track Club, Fleet Feet running groups, Wharf to Wharf training
• Masters Cycling: Santa Cruz Cycling Club, Coastal Peaks ride, local masters racing
• Masters Triathlon: Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, and Wildflower triathlon training groups
• Local Races: Wharf to Wharf, Santa Cruz Half Marathon, Turkey Trot, numerous local 5Ks and 10Ks with competitive age groups

Took time off and coming back to competition?

• Establish New Baseline: Fitness will be lower after time off. Know where you are starting from
• Realistic Expectations: It takes longer to regain fitness after 40. Plan for 6 to 12 months to reach previous levels
• Injury Prevention: Testing ensures you do not train too hard too soon
• Progress Tracking: Retest every 8 to 12 weeks to confirm fitness is improving

Combine VO₂ max with RMR testing ($300 Performance Pack, save $25):

• Metabolism Slows with Age: RMR testing reveals YOUR metabolic rate for precise fueling
• Protein Needs Increase: Masters athletes need 0.8 to 1.0 grams per pound body weight to maintain muscle
• Recovery Nutrition: Adequate calories support adaptation and prevent overtraining
• Weight Management: Maintain race weight without sacrificing performance

Cardiovascular screening recommendations:

• Men 40+ and women 50+ should discuss cardiovascular screening with physician
• If multiple risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history), may need medical stress test before VO₂ max testing
• Most healthy masters athletes can safely undergo VO₂ max testing
• If cardiovascular disease diagnosed, obtain physician clearance

Masters athletes using testing effectively:

• Age Group Podiums: Using zones to balance hard training with recovery
• Boston Qualification: Masters runners achieving BQ times with optimized training
• Ironman Success: 50+ triathletes completing full distance events
• Longevity: Athletes competing successfully into 60s, 70s, and beyond

VO₂ Max Test: $250

RMR Test: $75

Performance Pack (Both): $300

Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Behind Hindquarter restaurant (second entrance off Dakota St.)

Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com