I have been running for a few months (34m), and I can feel I have become more fit when it comes to how I feel and achieve while running. Now my session is more than double the time than when I started, and even when I end it, I would still be in zone 2 as my heart rate and breath rate are lower, unlike when I began running and I would always find myself at zone 4 by half the time (similar pace). Even when I try to run faster, I can do so for longer than before.
Yet, my VO2 max has dropped from 39.8 to 37.8! I would get very surprised every time I see it drop. Why would that be?
It depends on how hard you’re pushing. The higher your heart rate goes above a certain average across the total distance VO2Max may decrease because you’re pushing harder than you’re running farther.
Yes, the transmission or the clutch is slipping.