Home› General Training Discussions

Bike Test HR only confusion

carls10carls10
in General Training Discussions

I'm not really sure what is going on here.  I did a HR bike test today.  My avg HR was 20bpm less than the last test I did.  Normal or not?

So now some background.  My last test I have to confess was 11/09.  I didn't think without a PM it was necessary to retest.  Now I am rethinking that   I have taken a few physiologly classes in my day and realize that the better shape I am in the lower my HR should be.  Also that the position that I sit in can have an effect on the HR.  I also have been having a really difficult time hitting my numbers in the past few weeks.  The only other difference is my bike and position.  Last test was on road bike this one on tri bike mostly locked into aero position.  I really didn't feel like I was dogging it.  Looking at my new zone #s they seem much more manageable at this point. 

Do I retest to see if I can go harder?  Do I just assume I have gotten fitter and these #s are now a better fit?

Comments

  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    This is why HR is not favored in the house! Did you go faster? Further? Got that other data for us to consider? IF you went faster avg speed (trainer) or futher overall (distance) then we know you are fitter (more work done in same time).
  • carls10carls10
    P- I wish I had a PM, next season. Unfortunately test was on a trainer both tests actually. No other data at all.
    I think I will just use the new #s for a week or so and see how it goes.

    Gotta get more $$$ in that tri account!
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    Carly, you can also put a magnet on the rear wheel and try to stay in same gear for the tests, then measure speed/distance. That's a good work around. Gotta work with wheelbuilder.com for a payment plan option on the PT!!! image

    P
  • rah2774rah2774

    FWIW, Carly, I'm in the same boat... no PM.  I never did the bike test over bc then I'd be at lower zones for the reasons you mention (so I struggle on many days to hit the higher zones) ...

    don't worry coaches, I'm saving away for a PM ...  not sure if it will happen in time for general prep for IMFL or in my out season...

    hang in there and keep riding strong, Carly!

  • Barbara SpitlerBarbara Spitler
    Becky and Carly, I'm in the same boat without a PM. Haven't tested HR since last fall. I will probably test again soon. Gotta get over some respiratory stuff first, but will re-test. I do know for a fact however, that my avg. speed is faster on the road this year than last year. And that was riding on my road bike, NOT in Aero. So, I truly believe I am fitter. Rode my tri bike with my friend Debra a couple of weeks ago. She always leaves me in the dust....until this year. On our ride, she commented "You're killing me!" That was a true compliment!!! Thanks Rich and Patrick!!! image
    Patrick, I like the payment plan idea for PM, as no way I can afford it this year. In anticipation of a smooth, happy outcome of IMLOU, I plan to be in the Haus again next year, for IMMOO or AZ or FL. Depends on time and $$$$
  • Beth_SBeth_S

    I  trained with HR all last year. From the beginning of the OS to the end, my average heart rate on the run and bike dropped about ten bpm.

    How are you doing with perceived exertion? While training with heart rate, I learned to feel the zone interval interval sweet spot and could sit on that number through an entire interval without looking at my monitor.

  • rah2774rah2774

    as I was running last night I had a question... about the non-retesting of bike for HR athletes...

    I was wondering if we should retest knowing our zones might be lower... I ask because as we get fitter it's harder to hit the old numbers... so, we're working more to get to those zones... which might fry our legs when it's time to run.

    I'm doing my RR tomorrow, and I plan to program my garmin to beep if I drop below Z2 and above Z3 for the bike... then do an hour run (will program the garmin for that too).  I worry that I'm gonna use too much juice staying in z3, per the directive, assuming I'm in better shape than January when I took my first and only bike test...

    your thoughts?  well, other than more reason to get a PM! 

  • carls10carls10

    Thanks everyone for the input.  I actually did a retest outdoors today to get some more info.  I felt like it was a good test and showed a drop of 11bmp since my original test.  I feel like this is most likely accurate.  I'm going to give these #s a go for a week or so and see how it goes.  I also kept some more info (time/speed/distance) so that I can compare it in the future if necessary. 

    Definitely is more incentive to get a PM!

Sign In or Register to comment.