Weird Bike HR test results! HELP!!
Did my bike test last week and everything was off. Tried to figure it out but still scratching my head. Thought I might summon the group for more insight.
|
Week |
Distance (miles) |
LTHR |
|
|
1 |
13.05 |
142 |
|
|
8 |
13.53 |
135 |
|
|
14 |
13.16 |
147 |
|
Distance dropped and LTHR increased? Did I get less fit on bike?
Only difference in test was that week 14 temp was in the low 40’s so I wore a jacket that was a better fit when I was 100 pounds heavier so I know some of the distance and speed was for that. Could that also account for teh HR increase?
There was a light wind for each test first 2 out of east last test from west. Course was the same.
Did Sat workout with new HR zones and dang near killed myself. Legs were still filling it today. Also on today’s workout could not seem to get HR close to the new zones for more than a few minutes before my legs turned to mush and I had to back down.
So should I use to new zone and just suck it up? The hard work will pay off or is too much too much and should I adjust my zones?
Also if I should adjust my zones how would you do it. Split the difference between last 2 tests or go with the zones from the first test. Thanks for any insight and recommendation.
Comments
Things are complicated in your story.
A few questions: Are you testing on the same road section every time? What were the temps for the other tests? Are you on any medication that could affect your HR? Are you sleeping well? Are you over trained? Do you need a rest day?
HR is an imprecise metric and highly variable based on weather conditions, hydration status, etc.
The loose jacket likely had an effect, like a sail that would increase your effort. Was your PE the same as previous tests or did you feel you were working harder? In your training, you want to combine HR with PE so as not to kill yourself trying to achieve a HR that under different conditions may not be attainable.
When I was training by HR, I also focused on PE and pedal pressure consistency.
Are you testing on the same road section every time?: Yes
What were the temps for the other tests? 60's
Are you on any medication that could affect your HR? No meds at all
Are you sleeping well? Yes normally 6-7 hr per night which is normal for me.
Are you over trained? Do you need a rest day? Thought maybe but resting HR is still in the 40's to 50's and have taken days here and there when needed and/or life dictates
Was your PE the same as previous tests or did you feel you were working harder? Did not feel like working harder. Tests felt similar.
I to feel like the answer is in the jacket as that and temp are the only 2 major variables for the tests. I agree that PE and pedal pressure are very important when training with HR but I do have trouble assessing them and maintaining them so I like to have HR to help. I also like to have the HR zones as something to strive for and/or maintain. Not sure what to do for ride tomorrow guess I will see how it goes. Just worried about over doing it and hurting rather than helping. All will change when I get my PM. Thanks again/
In colder temps, I have to warm up for almost double the amount of time in order to feel ready for testing. And colder is a relative term since I live just a few miles from coach P. So colder here means well below freezing. I test indoors and I still have at least a 15 minute warm up.
Good luck.
@ Coach P splitting the difference felt a lot better today. Best bike I've had since the test and my Garmin was not beeping at me the entire time.