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Road vs. trainer HR.

Ralph MooreRalph Moore
in General Training Discussions

OK, I live where it is warm so I haven't spent much time on the trainer to date.  This week, I did 2 similar interval workouts, one on the trainer and one on the road.  The Trainer workout seemed MUCH harder on my legs but never got my HR up as high.  The Trainer workout had a HR range of 105-121 with an average speed of 17.5 and the road workout had a HR range of 113-134 with an average speed of 17.5. On the trainer it is difficult to meet my HR goals but on the road, I find it much less difficult to hit my zones.

Is this just how it is or am I doing something wrong? If I just need to suck it up, that's fine but I was just wondering why it is like this.  Inquiring minds want to know...

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/384430394  Trainer

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/385427410  Road

Comments

  • Peter NoyesPeter Noyes
    One big difference is that the trainer speed doesn't correlate to real world speeds. On my trainer (Kurt Kinetic Road Machine), 17.5 mph correlates to 195 watts. In the real world on a flat course, 17.5 mph is no big deal, I doubt anywhere near 195 watts. However, I would think this should cause your heart rate to be even higher on the trainer. Do you have a fan blowing on you when on the trainer? Maybe there is some other factor limiting you?
  • Ralph MooreRalph Moore
    Well, I feel a little give when I push hard at the beginning of a stroke which I feel may represent some tire slippage but I may just not be used to the trainer.
    Hmmm.
  • cgres123cgres123
    @ Ralph, The best way to train with your trainer and training on the road is to have two sets of numbers; HR for inside and HR for outside. This might mean a new test to get your numbers but this way you will always know what they are.
    Once you have both sets ( solid numbers ) you can always percentage the tweaks between the two , inside and outside, as the season moves along so you don't always have to do a double test when you are told to test on your bike as the plans ask you to do.
  • Ralph MooreRalph Moore

    Thanks David, good advice.

    I will get on that.  I am getting traine rroad set up also so that might give more information too.

  • GeekByExampleGeekByExample

    I started using a trainer a few weeks ago and noticed the same thing; I just couldn't get up to my 'outdoor' cycling zones, try as I might. It was frustrating & perplexing at first, but eventually I just got over it and did most of my trainer sessions by RPE.  I never bit the bullet to do a specific time trial, but that is probably what I'll do after my last triathlon this month.

    If you wind up doing an indoor time trial, curious how different your zones are versus outdoors.

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