So I like to train with my HRM and wear it during the race to capture the data. I think training in certain zones for certain types of workouts makes sense. I did a Road Race yesterday and had the HRM on. Did not pay much attention to it at all since you are either in the pack off the front or getting dropped - you can’t try to stay in a certain zone like a tri.
Here is where I am puzzled. Have not done any testing in awhile, but I peg my LT at 167-170. Looked at the data from the race:
3:15 total time
Max HR - 192
Avg. HR - 168
Total time above 160 - 2:32
So how is it that I was able to stay at that high a level for that long without slowing down or bonking? I know there were some recovery periods where the HR was down, but not very many. I took in about 800-900 calories and I know that helped, but I thought you could really maintain LT for about 1.5 to 2 hours or so max without slowing down. Is it possible that my LT is higher or can you sustain that level due to fueling and just mentally pushing?
I don’t see why you are so confused? You were AT your LT (or just under). That is where you are supposed to be when you are racing like this. Below LT = aerobic (well, mostly aerobic, the actual LT number is somewhat varied in its definition). For practical purposes, below LT, you are producing less lactate than your body can adequately process. It is not like as soon as you go over LT, that you will stop, it is just that then lactic acid starts to build up faster than you can process it, but how that affects you will obviously be varied.
So your race confirms what you suspected – your LT IS pretty close to 167-170.
And given that you hit 192 during the race, your HR for the first half was probably lower than during the second half, so you were probably outside of LT range and then slowly built up over it.
Thanks - just thought that you could not stay at LT quite that long. At least my training zones are correct then!
Actually the first half was harder than the second (except for the sprint finish) as the roads were just brutally rough and there was a big climb about 10 miles into the race.