pinky

So I just got back on the bike and such, and the one thing I have noticed is my HR. Before my injury (1.5 years ago) my normal max HR was about 186-190, and that only came out when I was turning myself inside out. Now I'm back with a new position and on my first set of intervals I went over 200. Not really worried about it but anyone have any experience with either time off or position causing changes in HR?

bac

MHR actually goes down a bit in the trained athlete. When I'm on form, it's very difficult for me to obtain my max. However, that does seem like a pretty big jump/drop. Obviously, your MHR is over 200 if your HRM is correct.

Are you using the same HRM?

... Brad

MDcatV

I dont have a 1.5 year "rest" sample, but I have noticed that in Dec/Jan timeframe, which is "base" my HR is like a hummingbird. I'll do what feels like a threshold effort and HR will be around 180 - 185 bpm. Whereas, this time of year when I'm in peak race form, my HR is lower except for end of race sprints (sprints will hit high 180s, low 190s), and threshold efforts stabilize around mid 170s.

I attribute it to a combo of being more rested in the base training months (HR seems more responsive and spikey when rested) and out of form (HR is higher because my body is not as efficient with its efforts).

This is one of the reasons I actually stopped using the HRM this year, the descrepancies over time vs. perceived exertion was kind of frustrating to me.

carpediemracing 

In the winter I have a hard time exceeding 165-170 on a trainer, warm conditions.

In the summer I might average 170 in a race.

I think that temperature, fitness, efficiency, and motivation will affect what HR you attain. Physiologically I don't know if your max is any different, I'm just saying that the highest numbers you see might be.

An 18 month rest period might get you more motivated to go hard, temps may be a factor. In a few months your max observed HR may go down as you get re-burnt-out and more cycling efficient.

cdr