Noob Runner - High Heart Rate
 

The preface:

I was a pretty avid cyclist last year and got into some great shape by the time my season dwindled down. I'm a 23 year old male, and I just started running for the first time in my life about a week ago. Tonight was my fourth run since I started. It was on a treadmill at the Y.

30 Minute Run
Speed: 6mph

Anyway, I'm concerned that I may be pushing too hard. On my run tonight, I wasn't out of breath at all. I was calmly breathing through my nose the whole time, focused on my thoughts. When I finally snapped too, I realized my HR was at 183. At one point, it hit 192 and the overall average was 182.

According to the formula, my max HR is 197... which means my avg was at 93% of my max. That seems way too high to me. But again, I wasn't really tired or out of breath.

Should I be concerned? Should I be deliberately slowing myself down?

Please help a total noob!

P.S. I also just got my HR monitor a few days ago. I have nothing to base this workout's readings on.

you should not be worried about heart rate/speed at all only your first couple days of running. Run in whatever feels comfortable for you for the first 2-3 weeks, gradually building up the miles (starting at 10 min./mile for 3 miles is a good start).

just enjoy it for now. you have a long time ahead you. for me I didn't even keep a watch and just ran 2 miles everday for about 2 months, which really helped my base, and now running 2 miles is a warmup for me.

that's right! if you're just starting out with running i would actually recommend tossing the HRM for a fews months and just running for 30-40 minutes at a pace that feels "natural" (whatever that means)

as far as HRmax is concerned: that formula is not always very accurate. some people have hearts that can pump at a rate well in the 200s...i myself am sort of a diesel-engine: i pump slowly.....from experience i would think my HRmax is in the 180ies...

were you using the tredmill's HRM or your own? There are a few tredmills at my gym that say your HR is 60-70 no matter how hard you run. Might be mechanical error.

Good advice all around. Don't worry too much about HR when you getting started. As stated by James, you could have a high max and the formula wouldn't work well for you. Once you get into a rythym with your running, you can do some tests to determine you max more accurately.

Some Heart Rate training articles that might help you out:
http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/hea...ning/index.php

I'm not a doctor or an expert on heart rates, but I can tell you my HR generally runs higher than most. I am a 35 year old female, 5'9", 140 lbs and my max heart rate (220 minus age) should be 185. When I run hills my heart rate is easily 185. I think it's all screwed up. Go by how you feel.

According the the cycling trainer videos by Carmichael Training Systems, your running heart rate compared to biking heart rate will be 10 beats more running. Take that for what it is worth :)

One of the most common reasons for people to experience high readings is because their heart rate montior isn't coded (on it's own "frequency") and is picking up interference from other gym's users monitors.

If you are interested in a more precise determination of your HR you will need to have a VO2 Max test done.

I've had the same concerns about high heart rates. I'm 25, quite fit and training for Ironman. During bike intervals I regularly get my HR up to 213. It is quite a personal variance, depending on how fit you are and how long/consistently you've been training. It is not a bad idea to mention it to your family doctor to ensure there isn't an underlying issue.

Good luck with your training!

The original 220-age=max hr comes from a cardiologist who did a study on his patients in the early seventies. It is really only a ballpark figure, as all of his patients had cardiac issues of one type or another.

Your HR monitor should have a fitness test that allows you to figure out your personal max HR based on your HR during exercise. That may be more accurate. Like anything else, as you gain experience with HR training, you will figure out what works for you.