Ok, lately since it is getting really hot and humid in Kentucky, I have started using my polar heart rate monitor that I got for Christmas. When I swim, my heart rate is at 65-70% of my max, when I bike my heart rate is 70-80%, but when I run it usually is close to 90% What should I do? I don’t feel like I am putting myself under distress when I am running, because I run so slowly anyway. I do push it on the bike, but not the run. If I slow my run down, then I might as well walk, I am 32, with a resting heart rate in the 50’s, I am 5’8 and weigh about 160, I could probably lose 5 if I had a better diet. My heart rate moniter figures my percentage on 220-my age(32). I can run 4-6 miles at my slow pace but my heart rate is usually between 85-93% of my maximum heart rate, am I putting myself at risk? Help! Please! I do avoid heat by training in the am or late pm.
If your dehydrated, its hot and/or humid, your hr will go up. As you exercise your heart pumps harder to maintain blood flow due to fluid loss. You hr will go up. I see people all the time say they have to slow down b/c their HR is just above their prescribed zone. If it feels fine and you are recovering from your runs maybe pay more attention to how you feel than the HRM. my .02c
220 - your age has been proven to be totally inaccurate with some people…my max on the bike is 205 from a max heart rate test on the windtrainer…obviously 220 - 34 would be 186…no where near my max…get a max heart rate test, or better yet get a lactate test done
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How about sprinting up a short and very steep hill? Is that a good way to evaluate the max heart rate? My heart has reached rates that I have been unable to get when running mile reps on a track.