Heart rate monitoring
2
Member
1429 days
km2262 posted 3 years ago.
After more than a few seasons training with a heartrate monitor I've learned one thing start with a good max heart rate. That requires you to be well rested and physically put yourself to the test. both on the run and bike. There are many ways to do this. My method is to I get warmed up, find a good half mile hill and start doing repeats each one should bring your heart rate higher. It sounds awful, but it has given me good numbers to work with more than once.KM
64
Member
1965 days
mike101 posted 3 years ago.
The answer KM gave you on establishing your max hr is a good method (the same one I use only a 1/4 mile instead). Make certain the zones your using are actual zones for your body, not 220-age as that number isnt always accurate. Without knowing your max hr nubmer you cant establish the training zones.
The fact that your hr was so high is normal. I think it's a phenomenom that most people discover the first time they train with one. The body learns to function at the level we train it at. As you found out, the body can function quite well at zone 3 or 4 when exercising. The key is teaching your body to function at zone 2-3 instead. The only way to accomplish that is to teach your body how to functon at that level.
Does that mean you should begin training at a lower hr levels? The answer depends on what your goal is. The longer the distance of events you plan on competing in, the more lower hr training should be incorporated into your program.
I would bet my house that you'll be walking the first few weeks of training if you decide to keep your hr in zone 2 or lower. I'd make the same bet with over 90%of the population. Its normal and in my opinion its the single greatest factor in people leaving their hr training program. As one who went from non-hr training to hr training I can tell you the first few weeks suck. I spent last winter ensuring I kept the hr below 145 from November to the end of March (zone 2 for me is 139-148). Say hello to 12 and 13 minute miles. Its ok, because when it came time to introduce some speed work and longer tempo runs my body was ready for it. Soon I was running at the same pace as I was before the base training phase, but at a little lower average hr. In the end that means improved performance over greater distances.
"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it."
Margaret Fuller
103
Member
1565 days
TIM G posted 3 years ago.
I know your right but, I can't bring myself to run that slow. It's like if I am running I have to be running fast because of others that might be looking. How do others overcome this problem???. Same with cycling.
It's a pride thing huh???
tim
64
Member
1965 days
mike101 posted 3 years ago.
If you were to decide to train right (hr train), why would you make that decision?
You're right, it is a pride thing, and its a pride thing that I too had to face. I'd be lying to you if I said the first, second, third, fourth maybe even fifth time I said I would develop a hr training plan and stick to it I really did. I didnt, because of the same pride factor you're facing.
Eventually I had to ask myself a question. Did I want to get better. Did I want to become faster? Did I want to become lighter? Did I want to become healthier? If so, what did I need to do to accomplish those goals? Is hr based training the the best method to attain those goals? Once the answer becomes yes to all those questions you will know what you'll need to do.
If you decide to move forward with hr based training, who cares what anyone thinks. In the end you're doing this for yourself anyways. Will anyone think anymore or less of you if you're running 7 minute miles or 12 minute miles while training? Does it really matter if you're being passed by grannies with walkers?:eek:
No, it doesnt because in the end you will be a better person than you were before you started. Thats all that really matters isnt it?
"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it."
Margaret Fuller
I bought a heart rate monitor on the week-end and used it for the first time yesterday. I pushed myself a little bit because I added some hills to my run. I was suprised to see how much higher my heart rate went even when I didn't feel I was pushing too hard on the flat roads.
Before I started my heart rate was at about 80 to 85 beats per minute. Shortly after I started it went up to 165 BPM, and when I was pushing up the hill I hit 190BPM. When I finished, I had only spent about 20 minutes with in the programmed training zone out of an hour and 15 minutes. It only took a couple of minutes to get my rate below 100BPM when I finished.
Should I be slowing down? I just read the article here about keeping your rate lower is better for training. If I go much slower I will be walking. Any advice?
Thanks.
PS If it helps, I am 32 years old, about 5'11", and weigh 210. Even the monitor tells me I'm overweight.