By the end of the test you will be running at a very high intensity, close to your maximum heart rate.  Expect to be sweating and breathing hard!  At the end of each stage of the test, you will be asked to jump to the sides of the treadmill so we can take a blood sample.  We use a lancet to draw blood from your finger; it may feel pokey or like a pinch, but the pain is usually short-lived.  You will be given a cotton swab to apply gentle pressure to the area while you are running.  We get you back on the treadmill as soon as we can after drawing blood.

• Falling:  The biggest risk of the test is falling on the treadmill.  We mitigate this risk by going through the process before the test, and wearing the treadmill safety clip.
• Fear of blood and needles:  If you don't like seeing your own blood or getting needles, you will be at a higher risk of falling during the test.  You will likely see some blood, and your finger is going to get poked several times.  This test might not be appropriate for you if you react strongly to seeing blood or getting needles.
• PAR-Q:  Before the test, you should have been screened using a PAR-Q form to assess your readiness for physical activity.  If you are on any medications or believe there is any reason that you should not be performing aerobic physical activity, please let your tester know.  Medical consultation may be required before performing this test.  
• Physical activity risk:  There are risks to any form of physical activity.  We mitigate these risks by screening you thoroughly before the test.  If there is an elevated risk, we refer to the appropriate medical provider before performing this test.  If there is no known additional risk, we can schedule the test and begin!

• Your own chest strap heart rate monitor is required.  We like to use the equipment that you are going to be using after the test is over.
• Water bottle
• Athletic / running clothes (shorts and t-shirt)

Intake forms are very important to fill out, well in advance of the test.  The intake forms will be sent to you via email upon booking your appointment.  You will have to complete a screening form to make sure the test is appropriate for you to take (if it isn't, we may require a doctor's note).  There are also questions that help us to setup your test appropriately.

• Have a normal meal 2-3 hours before the test.
• You may have small snacks leading up to the test.  We just don't want you running on a full stomach.
• Avoid caffeine or other stimulants before the test.  If you like your coffee, try not to have any coffee for at least 3 hours before the test.
• Racing:  You need to be recovered, so please do not race close to the test date.
• The day before the test:  A light "recovery run" the day before the test is okay, but nothing more.  No other strenuous exercise is recommended the day before the test.  Your objective is to be fully recovered for the day of the test.
• Do not train on the day of the test.

We set aside 1 hour and 15 minutes for the test, but not all tests will take this long.  You will be running for about 30-40 minutes, but we set-aside time for explaining the test and taking baseline vital signs.  We also have some time at the end of the test to go through the results.  The occasional tests requires a little extra time, so it is better to have more time than less.

• Wearing the treadmill safety clip is mandatory.
• We will review going on-and-off a moving treadmill before the test commences.  The test starts slow, so you will have time to practice for when the treadmill track starts moving faster.
• Your resting heart rate and blood pressure will be taken prior to the test.
• All intake and screening forms must be completed at least 48-hours before the test date.

Please keep in mind that we reserve 1.25 hours to do this test.  If you need to cancel, the sooner you can cancel the better.  Stride has a 24-hour cancellation policy; a fee may be applied to any cancellations within 24-hours of your appointment.