heart rate vs legs. Does heart rate matter?
04-27-11, 11:37 PM
#1
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heart rate vs legs. Does heart rate matter?
background.
These scenarios are minimal in my rides.
I have studied for hours the theory of heart rate so I know about lag, zones, etc.
1. I am sick and my heart rate is skyrocketing and 15-20 above average. Legs feel like its the normal base lsd ride that it is and I feel great. So If I am past LT at 180bpm am I still lactating even though my legs are just spinning?
2. low rpms legs straining low heart rate. Am I fatiguing my legs even though well below LT?
3. the mega spin: high heart rate, low and medium maybe some high speed, high cadence. This is like scene 1 but without being sick, more like a running HR. Definitely an inefficient ride. not sure where I was going with this one.
I feel that heart rate is reliable most of the time except for the first two scenarios; is this where a power meter comes in handy?
These scenarios are minimal in my rides.
I have studied for hours the theory of heart rate so I know about lag, zones, etc.
1. I am sick and my heart rate is skyrocketing and 15-20 above average. Legs feel like its the normal base lsd ride that it is and I feel great. So If I am past LT at 180bpm am I still lactating even though my legs are just spinning?
2. low rpms legs straining low heart rate. Am I fatiguing my legs even though well below LT?
3. the mega spin: high heart rate, low and medium maybe some high speed, high cadence. This is like scene 1 but without being sick, more like a running HR. Definitely an inefficient ride. not sure where I was going with this one.
I feel that heart rate is reliable most of the time except for the first two scenarios; is this where a power meter comes in handy?
04-28-11, 01:16 AM
#2
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Or Yes.
You pick it.
HR variability was one of the major reasons power meters came on the scene. But they have their imperfections and drawbacks also.
04-28-11, 07:33 AM
#7
Making a kilometer blurry
All the funny ones are grown ups.
04-28-11, 08:57 AM
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My opinion...
Power meter=accurate measurement of how hard you're working, not so much how your body is responding.
Heart rate=indication of how your body is responding to a multitude of variables...power output, hydration, if you're sick, fatigued.....
Personally, if I'm sick, I'm not pushing it hard. 2 reasons...one, I'm not going to achieve the levels I need to in order to improve and it's wasted energy. Two, my body is already trying to repair itself, adding to the burden makes for a slow recovery from what was already a poor workout to begin with and is likely to make me more sick or at a minimum, slow the recovery.
Also, if your heart rate is erratic, clearly there is an issue. One, as you said you're sick...two, if all else is good, your base is poor or you're fatigued.
Power meter=accurate measurement of how hard you're working, not so much how your body is responding.
Heart rate=indication of how your body is responding to a multitude of variables...power output, hydration, if you're sick, fatigued.....
Personally, if I'm sick, I'm not pushing it hard. 2 reasons...one, I'm not going to achieve the levels I need to in order to improve and it's wasted energy. Two, my body is already trying to repair itself, adding to the burden makes for a slow recovery from what was already a poor workout to begin with and is likely to make me more sick or at a minimum, slow the recovery.
Also, if your heart rate is erratic, clearly there is an issue. One, as you said you're sick...two, if all else is good, your base is poor or you're fatigued.
04-28-11, 09:48 AM
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04-28-11, 10:27 AM
#17
stole your bike
04-28-11, 01:03 PM
#19
fuggitivo solitario
04-28-11, 08:01 PM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
ha ha ha ha. The only reason I was fooling around at 180 when I was sick, I had to catch up to this broad that was riding against traffic, riding hard but at every hill she would slow way down lol.
I like to try to catch people without going over 160.
I like to try to catch people without going over 160.
Last edited by Nick Bain; 04-28-11 at 08:06 PM.
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