Training & Nutrition - When does an elevated resting HR turn into illness/overtraining?

I know that a higher-than-normal resting heart rate can mean that you have an impending illness or are subject to overtraining your body. But, at what point do you know this? Is it typically 15-20 beats above normal? More than that? Less than that?

Later,
velo

i'm reading a CTS book by chris carmichael, and in it he says that even 5-7 beats above normal (for you) could be considered elevated. for someone like me that has a resting HR of 49, 5 to 7 beats would represent a greater than 10% to almost 20% hike (significant!) in resting HR.

carmichael also goes on to say that many 'trained athletes' have their best days after a high resting HR, indicating that persistant high resting HR can be a hint of overtraining.

the other heart rate indicators are: not being able to get your HR up high enough during exercise and the obvious loss of power.

Wow! Thanks for the info. That was exactly the answer I was looking for, and it supports what I was thinking in the back of my head. Thanks!

10 beats above your normal resting heart rate means you're overtrained (according to the Heart Zones and Sally Edwards). When you get to the point where you're 15 beats or above, it's time for full rest periods, with no exercise and plenty of rest until your heart rate stabilizes back to normal.

I'm glad to see you take resting heart rate so seriously. So many athletes ignore the numbers and wonder why their performance suffers... :-/ It's the simplest way to measure how well you're going to perform and prevent overtraining, which will lead to an increased performance, and it's just too simple to not use.

Koffee

carmichael also goes on to say that many 'trained athletes' have their best days after a high resting HR, indicating that persistant high resting HR can be a hint of overtraining.


Best days? You mean we perform better after having a high resting HR?? I'm not sure also, but I have heard that sometimes you will feel great when you are on the verge of overtraining, which would mean a slightly elevated HR, and after that performance suffers.

HR is a complex mechanism. Generally if you notice an elevated HR your in trouble.

Only careful logging of your HR and workouts as well as your own personal "feelings" for a long period of time will determine HR's significance.