blaine

I have just recently started using a HR monitor, and have found some interesting results.

I have chosen 142 as a good aerobic hr to train at. When I ride at 140 bpm for 40 minutes (on trainer) I feel that I get a fairly good workout right now. If I were to run at 140 bpm for 30 minutes, I feel like I am barely moving.

I have felt, in the past, I have trained more anerobically than not, without having a good foundation. I have since committed to training more aerobically, both running and biking. I have read Moffetones book, and have ordered a Sally Edwards book, but it has not arrived. My main goal is to do some harder rides (Mnt Mitchell) next spring ('06), but will run twice a week, riding the other 3 as training for the ride.

What do you make of the difference in perceived exertion and heart rate of biking vs. running?

alison_in_oh

This has been discussed here and elsewhere but the simple explanation is, the sensor that tells your heart how much blood it needs to pump is located in your neck, above your heart. When you are upright, your heart has to work harder to get the blood up there whereas when you are bent over in a cycling position, the blood has less vertical distance to travel and the heart doesn't have to work as hard.

I believe that your heart rate will be 5-10 bpm higher running at a similar level of exertion vs. biking. Your max heart rate must be calculated differently as a result.

blaine

thanks..that makes some sense, and makes me feel better, too!

Doctor Morbius

To add to this I've noticed that when I'm on my trainer chugging along at a comfy heart rate and I sit upright and get a drink of water my HR always shoots upward several BPM even though I'll be pedaling with less effort.

Blaine, why have you chose 142 as a magic number? What does that represent?

blaine

well, now that you mention it, I have noticed that too. Thought it was just the slight difference in saddle position.

I chose 142 after reading Maffetone and doing the easy 180 minus your age, plus...really I am shooting for 140, but added 2 for some spikes here and there...

I am 42, been exercising to one extent or another (things like a family and job take time) for 17 yrs...

velocity

Good call doc the funny thing is I hate holding my breath while I drink it makes for a uneasy ease back to breathing for the exertion. I hate that damn feeling of breathlessness after a drink but man that water tastes good when you are ready for it.
Blaine do not get hooked on a number it could be wrong for you as a individual where HR is based on your age yes but also on your genetics.
Velocity

joejack951

Max heart rate won't vary between sports. Max heart rate is your Max and that's it. I've noticed the same thing between running and cycling that to maintain the same heart rate during a run as I do during a ride, I don't feel like I'm working very hard. Also, I can run for 30 minutes with my heart rate at 175 or higher(94% of max) whereas cycling I can only hold it that high for maybe 10 minutes. The interesting thing to me is that I have never seen my max heart rate during a run but I've seen it numerous times on the bike.

blaine

I have trained for 2 wks using the numbers I am comfortable with. I was able to ride a ride (34 miles) that usually I could do at 16 mhh at 17.1, and thought I was being conservative. It may be a combination of acquired fitness, or it may be the heart rate training, but I do feel like I am being more scientific with the HRM instead of just going "oh, I'm a little tired and shouldn't push it today". I will also be careful not to overtrain. (like I could do that hahaha)

cyclwestks

I can get quite a workout between 75-82% on the bike, but I started going to the track (shuffling,jogging), & the dang monitor keeps embarassing me by beeping all the time.