I do them regularly (every 4 - 6 months) at my training center - varying between gas exchange (with the scuba headgear which I HATE because I am claustrophobic and the nose plug is always threatening to pop off my somewhat flared nostrils) and blood lactate from a prick in the ear. The data is (are?) pretty interesting, and I really have enjoyed watching trends and development over the years.

Yes the sub max and VO2 max parts of the test are uncomfortable. But it is like a hard interval - it doesn't last long, and you just push through to failure. I like trying to push a higher wattage than the time before. Sometimes I can, and sometimes I can't. It's like climbing a hill at a high intensity or pulling into the wind hard - it doesn't last forever and you push through as best you can.

I don't use the values for heart rate training because I don't use a HR monitor. What I am using is the power values for my computrainer classes twice a week.

I used my new numbers tonight and boy did they hurt!!!