HR and Pace Differences

Triathlon Forum
1

Two days ago I ran for 45 minutes. I ran in zone 2, which is between 155 and 164 BPM. My average pace was 8:28 and my average HR was 163.

Today, I ran the same exact route for 45 minutes. Again in zone 2. But, today my average pace was 8:59 and my average HR was 164.

It was maybe 5 degrees cooler today with everything else being constant.

Is there any reason why my pace would be 31 seconds slower today than the other day?

I just started doing the “train by HR” method about two weeks ago. So it is new to me.

Would it be better to train at certain pace zones as opposed to HR zones? I know, before, that I was not running my slow days slow enough and my fast days fast enough. I would just run, and if I was feeling good, I’d push it a little more and if I wasn’t…well, I’d slow it up. So, in order to get slow enough, I went with the HR zone method…but should I maybe just do pace zones? Both?

Appreciate any advice.

2

Many variables influence HR - diet, caffeine, mood, fatigue, illness, etc. I suggest reading Friel’s book - http://www.amazon.com/...tomize/dp/1569755620

3

Fatigue?

4

How old are you? Tim

5

I am 26.

And appreciate the input thus far. I reckon I need to do the route a few more times to get more data points as opposed to just two instances.

6

I have been using HR/GPS data on all my training/racing runs and bike rides since 2006. You need a lot of data points in order for this information to be of use to you. Keep track of your history and eventually it will be of use to you. In the mean time, get the lead out of your pants and start to actually run like you stole something, zone 2 is for wimps. HTFU Tim

7

I have been using HR/GPS data on all my training/racing runs and bike rides since 2006. You need a lot of data points in order for this information to be of use to you. Keep track of your history and eventually it will be of use to you. In the mean time, get the lead out of your pants and start to actually run like you stole something, zone 2 is for wimps. HTFU Tim

Ha! I appreciate that advice! Zone 2 is boring…

8

I have been using HR/GPS data on all my training/racing runs and bike rides since 2006. You need a lot of data points in order for this information to be of use to you. Keep track of your history and eventually it will be of use to you. In the mean time, get the lead out of your pants and start to actually run like you stole something, zone 2 is for wimps. HTFU Tim

Ha! I appreciate that advice! Zone 2 is boring…

Before you take that advice, I’d read some of BarryP’s running advice posts. MOST of your training should be in a zone 2/3 range.

Run. Run lots. Mostly easy, sometimes fast.

Best summation I’ve ever heard.

John

9

Many variables influence HR - diet, caffeine, mood, fatigue, illness, etc. I suggest reading Friel’s book - http://www.amazon.com/...tomize/dp/1569755620

Yup. Many variables. Most likely culprits: Fatique, food or illness.