Training & Nutrition - HR question

I've searched the forums and haven't been able to find anything on this...

When I ride up a decent climb it seems that my heart rate will plateau at about 180 irrespective of effort. I'm able to raise it further but it takes a lot of effort. What does this number represent? I am thinking LT since the effort is high and I can hold it for atleast 30mns on my training rides. But on the other hand my max is only in the high 190's I think so it seems too high to be LT.

It just seems weird to me that I can manipulate my heart rate really easily from ?-177 but then after that it just kind of pegs at 178-182 like it's my max or something. Thanks in advance!

If you can hold 178-182bpm for 30 min, you max HR is much higher than you think.

No that's not too high to be LT. My LT is 92% of max. It does take some commitment or excitement to get it over LT. Not uncommon. Try doing some shortish LT efforts and a few uphill sprints, then give it some recovery time and try a highish cadence hill climb. You'll probably see it go over LT. Or attack in the last 1/3 of a long LT hill. That works for me, too. Personally, I hate structured anaerobic intervals as I have the same problem as you. So I just go hard in a group ride/attack context. I guess they used to call that racing into shape. It works.

I've heard that raising LT is the best way to get faster. So does this mean that I've made most of my speed gains already (I'm not very fast yet)?

I've heard that raising LT is the best way to get faster. So does this mean that I've made most of my speed gains already (I'm not very fast yet)?

No. You can increase your power output at LT, with no change in LT HR. The power increase, not a higher HR, will make you faster.

Well that's good to know! So initially the body adapts by the LT-HR getting closer to max and then once it reaches a certain point it no longer climbs but instead power will start increasing at that HR? This stuff sure gets confusing.:rolleyes:

But on the other hand my max is only in the high 190's

How did you arrive at your MHR? Remember, if that's not valid - nothing else is either. If your LTHR is where you say (relative to max), your fitness level is very good relative to cardio.

... Brad

I don't know my exact max HR but I've hit 192 on interval workouts so I always just assumed it would be a little bit higher if I went until I started seeing stars, etc. I know I can hold 178-182 for awhile but it might be a few beats above LT as it does hurt quite a bit. So maybe my Max HR is 205 and my LT is 175? I'll have to get it tested one of these days just to make sure.

Sorry for all the unknowns but the purpose of my original post was just to find out why my heart rate increase isn't linear in respect to effort level after 180.

Just go out on a real hot day and watch the HR go up as your body sends blood to the skin to try and cool itself. Then max your HR by finding a good long hill and ride it like you stole it.

Just thought I'd let you guys know that I tried a LT test this AM and my numbers are MUCH lower than I previously thought. I'm going to try to max my HR soon but I'm guessing it is probably the 192 that I've hit before. This definately explains why 178 is so hard to pass!!