Lost Bike Mojo?
This past week, I've been experiencing a troubling phenomenon. I can't get my heart rate any higher than Z3 on the bike workouts. Unfortunately, I don't have a power meter so I have to go by RPE and heart rate. It "feels" like I'm putting in the same effort (same gearing, cadence) but my HR is way low and dives throughout the 15 minute interval sessions. I've noticed on my runs too that my HR is dipping quite a bit but I'm not worried about my run because I know my pace hasn't changed. I know what being overtrained feels like but I don't feel that this is the case this time. I'm not sure if I've mentally hit a brick wall with regards to putting myself through more pain on the bike or if I've maxed my fitness at week 17 of the OS. Anyone else gone through this? I hate the idea of "wasting" my bike sessions.
Comments
There could be several issues at play, First is being overtrained, maybe you do not feel it but it could be your are right on the edge. Second, you could be getting sick, once again maybe right on the egde and since you are paying attention you caught it quick. Third, how much of change is it, could you have gotten a lot fitter?
Was there any signs leading up to it?
What Steve said. Whenever that happens, I'm usually getting sick. How's your running?
Bonus mojo thought: Sometimes my mojo needs a workout without structure or measuring device. On the trainer, I'll substitute in a game called "song" --- fast intervals for one or two songs and then chill for one or two songs, repeat. If this isn't fun and the numbers aren't working, it is usually time to chill for a few days.
No signs leading up to it. I felt strong last night before I hopped on my bike. When I launched into the 1st interval, my heart dove from 150 (very bottom of Z4) down to 137. It happened on all 3 intervals. I ended up riding 1:15 @ Z3. In the past , I would go from 150-160 over the course of a threshold interval. I did gain about 6 lbs. in the OS. My legs are getting big from all the tough biking and running. So I'm not sure if I just maxed my fitness all the sudden or if I've hit a mental brick wall. Wish I had a power meter. I was just wondering if anyone else has gone through this. Maybe I need a night of junk food and beer.
My HR has been dipping (but not as dramatically) on the run too but my pace hasn't slowed down at all.
Heart rate monitor working correctly?
Hydrated? Sleeping well?
HR is a symptom of the work you are performing. If you are running/riding at what is/feels like a Zone 4 effort/pace/speed, you are doing Zone 4 work and getting Zone 4 adaptation, even though your HR might only be in Zone 3...which isn't to say you need to blow this off, I just wanted to put your mind at ease about any missed training opportunities you think you might be experiencing.
Never a bad thing to just stand down, take a day off (or 2-3), rest and get back at it. Looking at my calendar...this is Feb 3
. PLENTY of time to make anything you want happen and 2-3 missed workouts in Feb will make zero difference on race day. ZERO