guadzilla

Due to a bunch of reasons, I am in Base3 period of training, and it is nasty hot and humid when I go for my rides. The result is that for rides where I'd normally have an average HR of 140-145, it is around 160-165bpm - almost 20bpm higher. I am pretty certain that this is due to the weather, b/c the few days I rode when it was cooler (thanks to a passing hurricane), the HR was right back where it was supposed to be.

Now, I know that in general, it is preferable to train with power instead of HR b/c HR is unreliable/inconsistent? However, does that still hold when there is such a large gap in HR and power?

The goal of base miles is to train the body's aerobic system to be more efficient. If my HR goes up that high, I am not really doing that, am I?

Thoughts?

V.

umd

There is more to your "aerobic system" than how fast your heart is beating.

mattm

I would just keep riding.

euphoria

Your HR can also vary by 10bpm doing the same workout in the a.m. or p.m. (lower in the a.m.)

Not a whole lot you can do besides checking your resting pulse in the cool environs for well-restedness. If I'm already riding, I can tell if I'm overreaching if my HR spikes 20-30bpm for small inclines.

guadzilla

Yeah, I know... I just summarizing in order to make my question clear - viz, when trying to improve aerobic endurance, does it make more sense to go by HR rather than power?

I dont know the answer to that. If anyone does, it would be nice if they could share some details.

Based on what - power or HR?

gregf83 

I think you answered your own question. However, for base training and even long (20 min, SST etc) intervals HR will work fine. Figure out your LT HR and base your training on that. If it's hot when you ride test your LT HR when it's hot and humid.