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Heart rate for a runner new to cycling

[Deleted User][Deleted User]
in General Training Discussions

 I have spent the past almost three years running, and have just taken up tri's this past summer. I had not ridden a bike on over 10 years. As I am training (Bike focus plan, beginner) I notice that my legs get tired far sooner than my heart rate goes up to the levels I see others hitting when training. 

 

For example last Friday I did a 45 minute ride (per the plan) and averaged power of 141 and a heart rate of 146. Today I did the exact same ride and averaged power of 151 and a heart rate of 140. (While on the 2 x 8 minute zone 4 sections it hits about 160).

 My legs are giving everything they have during the cycling. I assume this is normal with my cycling legs being so far behind my cardio. Am I correct and soon my leg strength and endurance will increase to the point that my heart rate will soon head up.

 

Thanks

--Larry

Comments

  • Brenda RossBrenda Ross
    Larry, when you did your power test did you also record your HR numbers? If so, I would use your power numbers as boss and just note your HR zones when you are in those power ranges. There are some great discussions in the power and pace forum about this. Perhaps a search in there might yield you some answers.
  • rmillerrmiller
    I believe it's pretty common (I know I see it, and others have mentioned it as well) that your HR just doesn't hit the same numbers for biking as compared to running when RPE is approximately equal. I think part of the reason is that cycling uses fewer muscles. For example, a HR of 165 or so, for me, is sustainable for a half marathon - but when I hit that number on the bike there is no way I can sustain that for as long as I can when running at the same HR.

    However, as someone in a similar boat (traditionally running and relatively new to cycling), I have noticed my ability to maintain higher HR's in cycling has gone up. When I first started, a HR of 165 in cycling was going all out and I couldn't keep that up for anything. Over time, I've been able to hit that number and gradually extended the time I can maintain it. Still nowhere near as long as I can for running, but after reading your post and reflecting on changes I've noticed - there is a difference over time.

    So I think your assumption is correct - over time your legs will adapt to be better at cycling, being less of a bottleneck and able to demand more from your cardio system, and you'll see changes in your HR when cycling.
  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    I think there are 2 factors at play:
    1. Your cycling muscles are not conditioned so they fatigue quickly. This will change as you train.
    2. Generally, many people seem to have a lower HR in general on the bike. I am one of those...I think my max is ~195 or so and I can come really close to that on the treadmill. In doing z5 running work or z4 intervals on a hot day I'll get up to 190 or maybe a bit higher, with 187-188 very typical. But on the bike, in a really hot basement, I rarely break 180.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    Posted By Larry Rodman on 07 Dec 2012 04:10 PM

     I notice that my legs get tired far sooner than my heart rate goes up to the levels I see others hitting when training...



    In addition to all the caveats noted above, it's never a good idea to compare your HR to others. Each person has his own unique min and max HRs. My 132 may be equal to your 140 equal to Matt's 170' for example dor the same power output or RPE. Age also makes a difference. Ten years ago, 167 was my max HR, and I was easily in the high 150s for a 10K or 5K, low 150s for a sprint tri bike. Now, if I get over 150, I am flirting with the redline.

  • Peter WickPeter Wick
    Yup. I agree with the others here. Don't worry about it. Your HR numbers are yours. Your power numbers are yours. Your paces are yours.

    You're just here to improve them. So get to work and let us know how it goes.
  • Jason BaldomirJason Baldomir
    No worries, your leg strength just isn't there YET, even though your cardio may be. This is why we train. Trust the training, don't get discouraged, and good things will come to those who do the work and are patient image
  • Bruce ThompsonBruce Thompson

    @ Larry - First welcome to EN.  This is the place where you will get faster if you do the work.  As a long-time runner new to tris and cycling a few years ago, I experienced the same thing as you are.  My cardio was much higher than my cycling leg power and endurance.  My advice is to follow the EN plan, do each workout as best you can but don't over do it, and you WILL see improvement in cycling power. So you need  3 things:  consistency, patience, and discipline.  Good luck and  soon you'll be over 200 watts and looking for more.

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]

    Thanks all. Excellent advice, and it all makes sense. When I took the FTP test I did not note my heart rate, though it was not that high. I will just keep working and know that eventually that my legs will catch up with the rest. It is amazing the improvement I have experienced already. 

    --Larry

  • cgres123cgres123
    @ Larry, yep same as it did in running, can't add any more than the above bout covers it.
  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    Posted By Al Truscott on 07 Dec 2012 04:54 PM
    In addition to all the caveats noted above, it's never a good idea to compare your HR to others. Each person has his own unique min and max HRs. My 132 may be equal to your 140 equal to Matt's 170' for example dor the same power output or RPE. Age also makes a difference. Ten years ago, 167 was my max HR, and I was easily in the high 150s for a 10K or 5K, low 150s for a sprint tri bike. Now, if I get over 150, I am flirting with the redline.

    Totally agree...my post was around the bike vs. run differential in HR, the absolute HR numbers are not the relevant part.



     

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    @ Matt, I responding to this in the OP: "...my legs get tired far sooner than my heart rate goes up to the levels I see others hitting when training."

  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    When you measure your FTP and its equivalent in running, it's pretty common for them to be 5% different (running higher) even when you're really fit. Even 10 bpm not uncommon. I don't really know the physiology of why this is; some people say it has to do with having to fight gravity more on the run. But while I acknowledge that this is true, I don't quite understand what it has to do with the level of effort you can put out (as opposed to the level of achievement).

    And, as others have noted, you may be limited by musculature right now on the bike. That will change. With a bike wattage of 150ish to start, you're doing fine, but there's definitely room to grow. But you may just need to get those legs a bit stronger before it's your heart that is slowing you down. :-)
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