High Pulse

You might be in decent shape but may not be in decent running shape.  Sorry. 

Years ago, I could play tennis non-stop for 2 hours but I couldn't run a mile (slower than 12 min/mile) without my HR spiked up and asthma attack.  Start slow.  Very slow.  It takes time for you body to get use to a new exercise. 

Thanks for the response, that makes me feel a bit better.  I'm OK with being in lousy running shape... until recently I said that the only reason I'd run was if someone was chasing me.  I'm actually starting to enjoy running (or walking really fast as things stand today) and I'm looking forward to being able to jog at reasonable speeds for respectable distances.  My primary concern was that my performance was abnormal - it's good to hear that others have had slow starts, even when they already did other sports.

Thanks for the advice.  I'll mention it to my doctor the next time I'm in and make sure it's not a problem.  I'll have to keep an eye on HRM obsession... I could see myself falling into that trap.

 Jason

I had a treadmill test about 6 years ago.  Normally they stop when the heart rate gets to 170.  My doctor knew I was a distance runner and when I questioned him when my heart rate hit 183, he said the 170 limit was for "normal" people.  I took this as a compliment.

The above being said, a heart rate of 160 while out for a "jog" seems pretty high.  If you are concerned, you might consider a treadmill test.

Your doctor was likely using the archaic 220-age formula and probably has no idea about where HR should be during exercise.  It's an individual thing, and there's no "normal" HR.

I'm in the same boat- This is my 2nd tri season and I've trained alot more this season than last. I used to keep a constant 180 hr during a 12 mile bike ride (av 17 mph) and this has gotten much better and is down to 140. I'm worried about my run tho'. I run 3 miles 2 times a week and my av hr is 170 w/ a high of 187. I've been running for 1:30 sec and then walking 50 sec intervals for the 3 miles (using a Garmin)... I feel great during and after a run, but usually am very winded by the time 50 sec walk alarm goes off in the interval.

My doctor told me my heart rate shouldn't be that high.. But I'm not so sure if I really should worry? Phyically I'm in pretty good shape- 45, weight 160, ht 5'8".. Any thoughts- Especially from dr's and trainers here are much appreciated!

Just FYI, I am an internal medicine physician.  Most post above yours is my answer.  Most docs know as much about exercise physiology as they do about Mongolian basket weaving.

also keep in mind that the same person doing different activities would get different Max HR.  For me, running gave me the highest pulse.  180s without pushing too much.  Swimming is usually 20 bpm lower. 

I noticed my HRs are different on different days.  Some mornings my resting HR is around 60, sometimes it gets as high as 110 or so.  I was told this is due to taking alot of prednisone...it's some kind of an arrhythmia that means my resting HR is high.  Okay.......?

Anyway, I recently decided to not look at my HR monitor while I'm actually exercising and just download the data for grins and giggles.  From that I even noticed it goes up in the sun and is down when it's overcast! 

I just use RPE now.