Discussed with someone today the following:
They performed a 15 minute Balke test used for benchmark fitness - the result 4000m covered.
Using Balke's formula for estimated VO2max (6.5 + 12.5 x Km (4) covered) this runners' VO2max "is" 56.5. This formula is generally beleived to be 95% accurate.
They want to use Daniel's VDOT charts to determine training paces. Thus using a VDOT of 56 (their estimated VO2max). Trying to explain that VO2max and VDOT are not the same was next to impossibe ... they are ignoring the word "pseudo" in Running Formula. Not to mention some basic concepts of human physiology.
At this point, my suggested approach would be to convert the 4000m 15:00 performance to a more conventional race distance (3k or 5k) and then use that time to choose the appropriate VDOT level for training. In this case, more in the 53 range (11:01 3k / 19:03 5k). For training at LT pace we are talking a 15-20 second difference per mile between 53 and 56 VDOTs.
I wondered if using VDOT charts to plan training, why they would not eliminate a step in the process and just run a time trial at either 3k or 5k.
Thoughts ...