Training & Nutrition - I doubt I spent 3 and a half hrs in zone 3

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byrnemm
05-31-12, 09:32 AM
I'm hoping someone can help me with my HRM. I rode my first century with my wife last weekend in Clarksville, TN. It was hot, the heat index hit 100+.

Here's some data:
Age: 26
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 190
Average weekly mileage: ~120mi

Z1 - Endurance 0-114 1:06 0%
Z2 - Moderate 114-151 1:41:17 28%
Z3 - Tempo 151-169 3:37:29 61%
Z4 - Threshold 169-188 35:47 10%
Z5 - Anaerobic 188+ 0:00 0%

Recently I've started riding with a HRM and have not done a max HR test but I estimated 194 which I suspect could be low. I've also read that high temp can increase your HR by 5 or more bpm, and given that my average HR was 156, this could put the majority of my riding in Zone 2. Can I safely assume that's what happened? Does my max HR sound too low?

gregf83
05-31-12, 06:19 PM
Recently I've started riding with a HRM and have not done a max HR test but I estimated 194 which I suspect could be low. I've also read that high temp can increase your HR by 5 or more bpm, and given that my average HR was 156, this could put the majority of my riding in Zone 2. Can I safely assume that's what happened?Why does it matter?

Does my max HR sound too low?No, but the number you picked is neither accurate nor meaningful for training purposes. You're better off measuring your lactate threshold HR. I believe there is a sticky in this subforum that describes a testing protocol.
Carbonfiberboy
06-01-12, 01:14 PM
Nor does your time in zones seem unusual to me. Seems normal for someone who's trying to hold a good pace. And yes, heat does elevate HR.

Paul01
06-01-12, 07:45 PM
My Polar FT1 HRM gives all kinds of flukey readings from time to time. It's been known to read my heart rate at 239, and then, drop to 33.
Carbonfiberboy
06-01-12, 11:36 PM
My Polar FT1 HRM gives all kinds of flukey readings from time to time. It's been known to read my heart rate at 239, and then, drop to 33.That's because you're not using an electrode gel like Buh Bump cream or Parker Spectra.
velocycling
06-06-12, 01:20 PM
Not sure why when you are in Z1 - Endurance 0-114 1:06 0%? you spent 1hr and 6 min how is that 0%
Creatre
06-06-12, 04:00 PM
Here's a mountain century I did where I finished in the top 25 out of 1000. Your HR stats are freakishly similar:

http://app.strava.com/rides/9040501

Z1 - Endurance 0-118 0:22 0%
Z2 - Moderate 118-156 1:40:02 31%
Z3 - Tempo 156-175 3:08:08 58%
Z4 - Threshold 175-194 37:47 12%
Z5 - Anaerobic 194+ 0:00 0%

These are hard rides, but do-able. I actually should have had a significantly higher portion of time in the z3/z4 range, but cracked hard on the climbs, and climbed in upper z2/low z3.
caloso
06-06-12, 04:07 PM
I don't see anything particularly unusual either.