HR Training

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2009-08-08 10:53 AM

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Subject: HR Training
I'm kind of a rookie when it comes to training with a HR monitor and I've found that it's really hard to stick with. The main reason that I'm finding this hard to work with is because my HR zones seem really low compared to my perceived effort.

Here's and example, if according to my training program I'm supposed to do some base runs in the Z2 and Z3 range it is practically impossible, since I can be at a brisk walk and be in Z2 and Z3. Now granted, I'm not a professional athlete, but I think that I'm in decent enough shape that I should be able to run under at 10 min pace in Z3, but according to my HR this is not possible. When I'm in Z2 and Z3 I feel like I'm not even breaking a sweat and I could go forever (probably because I could walk as fast as I'm running).

When I was training last year this bothered me so much that I actually went and had a Dr. test my LTH and VOX to create my zones. They were right about where a typical 31 year old male would be. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Any ideas on how I can fix this? I don't think I'll ever be able to be competitive in my age group until I get this figured out. It's kind of frustrating.

2009-08-08 11:30 AM
in reply to: #2335746

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Champion
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Subject: RE: HR Training
That does sound a bit odd, but "in decent shape" can mean a lot of things. Running is a pretty specific activity so your measure LTH should be specific to that activity.  Specifically what did you do to determine your HR zones from the LTH you were given?

Did you ever do a running Lactate Threshold test in the field? If so, did the numbers align with the physician administered test?
2009-08-08 11:35 AM
in reply to: #2335794

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Subject: RE: HR Training
marmadaddy - 2009-08-08 11:30 AM

Did you ever do a running Lactate Threshold test in the field? If so, did the numbers align with the physician administered test?


^^^^I would recommend this too.

Also, could you describe the testing protocol used that your Dr. used to obtain your LTHR...that alone may explain things?



Edited by Steve- 2009-08-08 11:35 AM
2009-08-08 12:05 PM
in reply to: #2335746

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Subject: RE: HR Training
The test was done on a treadmill. The Dr. would take a drop of blood and then ask what my perceived effort was. He then charted it out and created the HR zones for me. The zones were pretty close to what you would have expected for a 31 year old male. They weren't too far off.
2009-08-08 12:12 PM
in reply to: #2335746

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Subject: RE: HR Training
An LT test like the one you did should be accurate assuming it was done correctly. A LT field test could help to verify the data. It is not uncommon for those who begin training using HR to be forced to run very slowly for a while as their aerobic fitness builds. If you stick with it and are doing sufficient training, you will see your pace come up as the HR stays the same. This is the result of not only your overall fitness improving, but your aerobic efficiency improving as well as measured by HR.
2009-08-11 9:56 PM
in reply to: #2335832

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Subject: RE: HR Training
rrappleye - 2009-08-08 12:05 PM

The test was done on a treadmill. The Dr. would take a drop of blood and then ask what my perceived effort was. He then charted it out and created the HR zones for me. The zones were pretty close to what you would have expected for a 31 year old male. They weren't too far off.


this should be accurate if he identified the inflection point correctly rather than just assuming 4.0mmol/L; which I'm sure he did since he's a MD

I concur with Bryan (as usual..ha ha ha) that an LT field test will triangulate your results.

It would be nice to get the data from him so that you have it and can compare to your next blood LTHR if you get one so you can see the line actually move to the right on the graph; which will graphically illustrate you increasing your LTHR.

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