Struggling to raise HR on some sessions.
wavefront
Posts: 397
Hi,
I've been training quite seriously with my HR the last six months, and have noticed quite a jump in my abilities so really happy with progress. However, in recent weeks, I've gone out for a few rides where I've really struggled to raise my heart rate into the 'zone' that I need for that day's training. On those rides, I felt I had to push far too hard to get into the HR zone I want - it's as if I just can't get my heart going! For example on 2x20's I try to get to a HR of 155-162 (just under my LTHR), and my course is always the same and I know it well, so it's quite easy to compare different sessions there. The other day, there was quite a headwind, and quite cold, and I was struggling to move forwards, but despite putting what felt like a hugely increased effort in to raise my HR. I couldn't get it above 150 for more than a few seconds without my legs really burning up, feeling like I've just done sprint type intervals.
A few questions:
1. I would have thought HR raises with increased effort? Why didn't this seem to be the case?
2. If my leg muscles were fatigued and as such lacked power, would I 'perceive' that I'm putting the effort in, but in reality the HR is showing I'm not?
3. I was wearing a new jacket on some of these occasions, which I don't think breathes well. I got really hot quick quickly - would this play a part?
Any thoughts welcome. (And before anyone mentions a power meter, one is on the way....!)
I've been training quite seriously with my HR the last six months, and have noticed quite a jump in my abilities so really happy with progress. However, in recent weeks, I've gone out for a few rides where I've really struggled to raise my heart rate into the 'zone' that I need for that day's training. On those rides, I felt I had to push far too hard to get into the HR zone I want - it's as if I just can't get my heart going! For example on 2x20's I try to get to a HR of 155-162 (just under my LTHR), and my course is always the same and I know it well, so it's quite easy to compare different sessions there. The other day, there was quite a headwind, and quite cold, and I was struggling to move forwards, but despite putting what felt like a hugely increased effort in to raise my HR. I couldn't get it above 150 for more than a few seconds without my legs really burning up, feeling like I've just done sprint type intervals.
A few questions:
1. I would have thought HR raises with increased effort? Why didn't this seem to be the case?
2. If my leg muscles were fatigued and as such lacked power, would I 'perceive' that I'm putting the effort in, but in reality the HR is showing I'm not?
3. I was wearing a new jacket on some of these occasions, which I don't think breathes well. I got really hot quick quickly - would this play a part?
Any thoughts welcome. (And before anyone mentions a power meter, one is on the way....!)
0
Comments
-
Don't be a slave to HR. Just because you are not hitting your HR target, does not mean you are not putting the effort in. HR varies on different days for all kinds of reasons, but in the absence of a viable HR reading, just train by RPE.0
-
Heart rate is a guide but fluctuates. The best indication that I'm tired is when I can't get my heart rate up for the equivalent output.0
-
+1 Tired. 9 times out of 10 this will be the case.The Human Cyclist - A blog, try it, you might like it...0
