General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded. Rss Feed  
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2007-08-22 1:04 PM

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Sensei
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Subject: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.
I have been training for 12 years with a HRM and I am very familiar with my HR, my body, and performance during training and racing - so I don't plan to change much BUT I sometimes get a nagging feeling that I train just a little too hard. I want to do a lot of base training this winter so I want to start planning for it.

I know to get true zones, I should get an AT test or VO2 max test (so you don't need to tell me that). BUT, based on the following - what should my zones be?

My data:

In general, I can maintain a HR around 173 (took a lot of research and experience to come to this "magic" number for me) for an extended amount of time (around 1 hr) - This is what I usually try to keep it at for a 10k race and what I use for my AT. Any more than 173 and I start to feel that I need to pull back some and the lactic acid build up.

I can go up to 185 for up to 10 to 15 minutes (as if I'm trying to sprint at the end of a 10k or climb a big hill on the bike or 5k race) Anything over 188, I know I can't maintain for much more than a couple minutes (red zone).

Around 135 and I can go forever, breath easy, hold a conversation - easy workout and what I use for a recovery workout.

Around 145 and I can still go forever but I start to get a little winded and it starts a sweat. (my aerobic base training does not exceed this number)

A lot of my long bikes and runs I like to keep in the 140's but end up creeping into the 150's by the end.

Into the 160's and I start to feel like I'm pushing it - use for some fartlek/speed training.

MHR - as tested was 201
RHR - about 45
Age 38

Something I have noticed about myself compared to research and other athletes - I seem to be able to run/bike at a slightly higher HR than most people and feel pretty comfortable.


2007-08-22 1:09 PM
in reply to: #936182

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Runner
Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.

I don't think training too hard is your issue.  And it sounds like you have your training areas pretty much set.

I'd work on upping volume more than anything.  Run more. 

2007-08-22 1:40 PM
in reply to: #936182

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Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.

Aikidoman - 2007-08-22 1:04 PM  In general, I can maintain a HR around 173 (took a lot of research and experience to come to this "magic" number for me) for an extended amount of time (around 1 hr) - This is what I usually try to keep it at for a 10k race and what I use for my AT. Any more than 173 and I start to feel that I need to pull back some and the lactic acid build up. 

Given the lack of real testing and the parameters you outline, I would use 173 as my LTHR and derive my zones from that.

RUN  
 My Lactate Threshold is: 173
  
 Running 
 Factor: Zone 1 
 0.660Low114 
 0.847High146 
  
 Factor: Zone 2 
 0.853Low148 
 0.907High157 
  
 Factor: Zone 3 
 0.913Low158 
 0.953High165 
  
 Factor: Zone 4 
 0.960Low166 
 0.993High172 
  
 Factor: Zone 5 
 1.000Low173 
 1.020High176 
  
 Factor: Zone 5+ 
 1.027Low178 
 1.053High182 
  
 Factor:Zone 5++ 
 1.060Low183 
 1.107High191 
     

2007-08-22 1:44 PM
in reply to: #936302

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Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.

Pretty much corresponds with your descriptions: 

Zone 1 Around 135 and I can go forever, breath easy, hold a conversation - easy workout and what I use for a recovery workout.

Zone 2: Around 145 and I can still go forever but I start to get a little winded and it starts a sweat. (my aerobic base training does not exceed this number) A lot of my long bikes and runs I like to keep in the 140's but end up creeping into the 150's by the end.

Zone 3 Into the 160's and I start to feel like I'm pushing it - use for some fartlek/speed training.

Zone 5c  Anything over 188, I know I can't maintain for much more than a couple minutes (red zone).



Edited by the bear 2007-08-22 1:45 PM
2007-08-22 1:44 PM
in reply to: #936182

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Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.
Ditto what bear said.  And, FWIW, I'm 38 and have zones very similar to that for running.  I'd guess your bike LT to probably be in the low 160s.
2007-08-22 1:51 PM
in reply to: #936311

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.
JohnnyKay - 2007-08-22 11:44 AM

Ditto what bear said.  And, FWIW, I'm 38 and have zones very similar to that for running.  I'd guess your bike LT to probably be in the low 160s.


Going by "feel" - its about 166. Also, what I mean by feel, is when the hundreds of times I start to feel like i'm pushing it, look down, and sure enough 166 (173 on the run).

Thanks Bear, that is exactly what I was hoping to see. Something like that. Is there a location to find the Zone generic descriptions?

Edited by Aikidoman 2007-08-22 1:54 PM


2007-08-22 1:57 PM
in reply to: #936182

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Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.

Then here's the bike zones:

1  108-137
2  137-148
3  148-155
4  156-165
5  166-169
5+ 170+

 

Edit:  Sorry, the table wouldn't post so there's the numbers now.



Edited by JohnnyKay 2007-08-22 2:00 PM
2007-08-22 2:00 PM
in reply to: #936322

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Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.

Aikidoman - 2007-08-22 1:51 PM Thanks Bear, that is exactly what I was hoping to see. Something like that. Is there a location to find the Zone generic descriptions?

Here's the article that does that: http://www.d3multisport.com/articles/beinginthezone.html

I also recommend you read through this (lengthy but worthwhile) thread:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=25733&start=1

and do the LTHR field test to verify what you think you know.

2007-08-22 2:04 PM
in reply to: #936182

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Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.

Ooh, more tasty HR zone info/reading.  I still need to hear from Jorge on this!   I'll be doing field tests and research on myself a lot this fall.

Cheers, -Sunny

2007-08-22 3:45 PM
in reply to: #936352

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Question for you HR zone experts - warning, long winded.
Thanks, all. I love this stuff. Good to confirm that my research and personal experience seem to be ok for now but I plan to take the field test with my local cycling club.
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