It's not a 'gimmick'. It analyzes the content of inspired and expired air to assess where someone is on the aerobic-anaerobic continuum. It doesn't do anything to make a person run better, it is just an analysis tool to help tweak the individual training plan.
Serious question: How would knowing a snapshot of your VO2Max today, for example, help with adjusting your training pace tomorrow? Wouldn't a pro runner already have a pretty good idea of VO2Max?
I'm not familiar with real-time lactate testing, but can't it be done on the track right in the middle of a workout? It seems to me that would be a more accurate way to test workout pace.
Could someone who is knowledgeable of field testing for VO2Max and Lactate Threshold comment, please?
Sure. Given the time of year, and the move to a new event, they are more than likely bench marking. So it's not necessarily about establishing her paces - it is about determining what her oxygen consumption (VO2) is for a given pace, as well as measuring her running economy. More than likely they'd also be measuring lactates pre/post interval(s) as well as part of the session.
Combined these measures provide detailed insights into how her body is responding at a given pace, and can then be reassessed after a training block, altitude camp, etc. This was also done for the Breaking 2 project with Kipchoge, and for the Breaking 4 project with Faith.
Judging from the pace she must completely misunderstand what going longer means, that's half pace (if even that) and it looks like she's aiming for 1:55 over 1 lap! :-P
The stroppy replies to this well-intentioned message suggests a huge number of people here have a negative father complex. Can't you check it at the door or leave it with your therapists? It's wearing.