I'm taking on a new challenge. 15 kilometer trail run with no previous experience. Part 1 of my training is a breath test. This is my experience with spiroergometry.
There I stood. Excited. And full of anxiety about what I had set out to do. I want to complete a run in September.
As you know, we love challenges. This time it was my turn. 15 kilometer trail run. Uphill and downhill in the forest. Without any previous experience. Without ever having run uphill.
And as a novice runner - without ever having worked with a running coach.
Sounds like a nice challenge, doesn't it? I'm already quite anxious when I think about it.
Time to change that.
Said. Done. The start of the 15-kilometer trail run is spiroergometry.
Table of contents
What is spiroergometry?
The spiroergometry test is performed under load on a treadmill. A breathing mask is worn for this purpose. It measures the composition of the exhaled air.
In this performance diagnostic, the breathing mask is strapped airtight around your head. Only a 3 cm hole remains open. The tube is mounted on this, which directs the breathing air into a measuring device.
The mask fits very tightly, but still quite comfortably due to the elastic and soft material. Changes in oxygen uptake under load are measured.
For whom is spiroergometry suitable?
Spiroergometry is good for anyone who wants to take on an athletic challenge. This does not always have to be a marathon.
With this performance diagnostics the optimal training zones can be determined. Those who run regularly will receive an evaluation with important load parameters at the end. Such as circulation, breathing and metabolism. The running style is also checked.
What are the advantages of spiroergometry?
For me, the performance test is the basis for my planned trail run. At the end of the test, you get an evaluation with individual training zones for effective training planning. So my trainer knows how high my maximum pulse may be. How fast I should run and how strenuous jogging is for my body.
A big advantage of spiroergoemetry is that you don't have to draw blood. :) One receives a professional evaluation and a final personal consultation.
Spiroergometry experience - The breath test in a self-experiment
Very excited, I walked to my spiroergometry appointment. My counselor warned me - no competitions on the days before the test.
Hach, that was sweetly meant. Well then just no half marathon on the weekend. ;)
Joking aside, you should not physically exert yourself before spiroergometry! Otherwise the performance and thus the measurement will be falsified.
In the practice, my weight, height and blood pressure were measured first. Next, electrodes are placed around my body - they measure the resting pulse. Everything in the green range.
On the mask, ready, fire, go!
Off to the treadmill. The doctor puts the breathing mask on me. I felt almost like an astronaut with the cables and tubes. Fortunately, the freedom of movement is only very slightly impaired.
When I put the mask on, I don't find it disturbing. However, the feeling of getting less air is a little oppressive.
This unsettles me a bit, after all, I'm about to puff until (almost) drop!
Speaking of falling over: To make sure that's exactly what doesn't happen, I'm strapped into a fancy "drop harness." This is attached to the bar above me with a rope. In the event of a fall, it's supposed to prevent me from hurting myself.
This is not a bad idea at all, after all, you should run to the maximum limit. And that is hard! On my appointment - in July at 12 noon - it feels like 40°. I'm sweating even before I start running. Great!
Off to the treadmill
The test starts leisurely. At 4 km/h we first walk for a few minutes.
Depending on fitness level (and mine is apparently pretty bad), the pace is increased by a fixed unit every minute.
For me it was 0.7 km/h. And then it's run as long as you can!
After about 17 minutes and a speed of 12.1 km/h, I'm done.
I gasp. I'm miserably hot under the mask. That's the only drawback - the moist, warm breathing air builds up underneath and you sweat even more than usual.
With hand signals for survival
No, it's not that dramatic. You can't talk during training. You can hardly.
Whenever the pace is increased, my supervisor lets me know. I give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to indicate what's next.
When I give the thumbs down at 12, 1 km/h, the treadmill is stopped.
I may/should/must go out comfortably for another 3 minutes. The air is also measured during this. An important part of the test, because it shows how quickly you regenerate after a load.
And then I am finally released from the mask. Under it pour torrents (okay, a little exaggerated), but I really sweat horribly. Then I finally get to take a shower - wonderful!
After spiroergometry
A debriefing follows. The doctor checked exactly how I was performing. Where my weak points are. After the final discussion, I get the very first rough results. I still have to wait for the detailed evaluation.
My conclusion:
Thanks to spiroergometry, I have a good basis for the trail run, which I'm already a little afraid of. I now know my lung function, my weaknesses in running technique and what my maximum pulse rate should be.
The spiroergometry experience was very exciting - now I know my body even better and can prepare specifically for the trail. In the next post, I'll tell you how I'm doing with the preparations.
To browse further:
* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more