General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers? Rss Feed  
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2008-08-07 9:10 PM

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Subject: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?

Ok, so I have an HR monitor (a good working one now-my old one sucked) and have read all about max heart rate and LT testing in the BT articles. Even did a couple of field tests. I did the test indoors because its soooo hot and humid and I know that affects your heart rate. I'm 23, in decent shape, yet the numbers seem low to me. Average HR on the Bike LT test 134, Average HR on the Run LT test 151. It always seems like I have trouble getting my HR up unless I'm out in 90 degree temps+humidity. I do a cardio workout DVD with a friend (whose about 10 years older) and she has no trouble getting her HR in the zone; on a good day, when I'm going all out I get in the 130's. I do take a beta blocker, Propranolol, for migraines. I know that it affects blood pressure, not sure about HR, never was good in biology. But I do seem to have an even more difficult time getting my HR up in the AM after I've taken my morning dose. Resting HR 42bpm, fyi.

So are these numbers too low for my age? Does the medication I take have something to do with it?  



2008-08-07 9:14 PM
in reply to: #1589082

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?
jenni4 - 2008-08-07 9:10 PM

Ok, so I have an HR monitor (a good working one now-my old one sucked) and have read all about max heart rate and LT testing in the BT articles. Even did a couple of field tests. I did the test indoors because its soooo hot and humid and I know that affects your heart rate. I'm 23, in decent shape, yet the numbers seem low to me. Average HR on the Bike LT test 134, Average HR on the Run LT test 151. It always seems like I have trouble getting my HR up unless I'm out in 90 degree temps+humidity. I do a cardio workout DVD with a friend (whose about 10 years older) and she has no trouble getting her HR in the zone; on a good day, when I'm going all out I get in the 130's. I do take a beta blocker, Propranolol, for migraines. I know that it affects blood pressure, not sure about HR, never was good in biology. But I do seem to have an even more difficult time getting my HR up in the AM after I've taken my morning dose. Resting HR 42bpm, fyi.

So are these numbers too low for my age? Does the medication I take have something to do with it?  

That is your answer.

2008-08-07 9:16 PM
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2008-08-07 9:20 PM
in reply to: #1589082

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?
Thanks-something I did not know-now I feel better.
2008-08-07 9:23 PM
in reply to: #1589082

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?

Here's an interesting factoid that's tangentially related to your post. Back when I was more into playing golf, which was some years back, I read in one of the golf magazines that some golfers took beta blockers as performance enhancing drugs. The idea was that it slowed their HR and made them less nervous. I don't know if this is still an issue or not.

So, the answer to your question is to take up golf!Laughing Just kidding.

2008-08-07 9:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?
MikeTheBear - 2008-08-07 9:23 PM

Here's an interesting factoid that's tangentially related to your post. Back when I was more into playing golf, which was some years back, I read in one of the golf magazines that some golfers took beta blockers as performance enhancing drugs. The idea was that it slowed their HR and made them less nervous. I don't know if this is still an issue or not.

So, the answer to your question is to take up golf!Laughing Just kidding.

Hmmm, I do have a set of clubs, now if only I could hit the ball more than a 100 yards and putt in less than 8 tries-I could be the next Annika Sorenstam.



Edited by jenni4 2008-08-07 9:38 PM


2008-08-08 4:20 AM
in reply to: #1589082

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?
LOL.

The "performance enhancing" effect of beta blockers has to do with reducing nervousness and adrenaline rush...things that can occasionally be useful to triathletes.

For fine motor actitivies like golf, surgery and even public speaking, beta blockers are sometimes used to be helpful.

SO it seems you have your answer, and you'll have to sort out your migraine treatment with your tri training.

You can be a triathlete who is on beta blockers, and it's hard to train if you have a migraine, so there isn't much of an issue there.

If you are new to training, you may find that yoru migraines are reduced simply due to a generally more active lifestyle (or not...sometimes I get exercise induced migraines).

Anyway, good luck. You may be better off trianing by rate of perceived exertion rather than HR because of your medication.
2008-08-08 8:13 AM
in reply to: #1589082

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?
Just base your zones off of your LT. For you, for the bike it's 134, for running it's 151. Joel Friel has a book: "Total Heart Rate Training" that is really good and helpful.
Your LT number is unique to you and will not ever match anyone elses'.
Some HRM's make it confusing because they base the zones off of the max HR formula. I have one that lets me program in my LT number and then it bases my zones off of that number. My LT can change from week-to-week, etc.
I wouldn't get so hung up on why your numbers are low (meds)- just know that they are and then learn how to work with those numbers. Good luck!!
2008-08-08 4:12 PM
in reply to: #1589082

Elite
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers?

using HR with beta blockers can be inaccurate.  you may need rely more on RPE and/or watts but I don't know (and can't know) for certain.  However, I do know a coach with physiology and pharmacology academic training and he coaches an athlete that is on a beta blocker and he NEVER uses HR trng with that athlete.  this is NOT to say you can't train with HR...this is just a statement I know is true that relates to the topic we're discussing.

there are VERY few coaches that have the training and education to properly advise you how to train on a beta blocker so be sure to consider this when taking suggestions under advisement.  as i probably don't need to state the obvious, medication affects people differently and only a trained professional can properly advise you on how to train while taking into consideration your medical history.

FWIW

Train safe. 

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Heart Rate/LT Conusion?Low Numbers? Rss Feed