Home› Group Discussion-OutSeason October 2010

Interpretation of Weird Test Results

talltimtalltim
in Group Discussion-OutSeason October 2010

Team-mates and fellow OOS sufferers --

 I had to test this week instead of last for a variety of reasons that aren't particularly important, but got some weird (to me, anyway) results and thought I'd see whether anyone can validate seeing this kind of thing before or elsewhere in their training.

First bike test was end of Sept, beginning of Oct:13.9 miles, 40 min, avg HR 162 ... did this on a weekend at about 8 am, after a day off and it was probably about 60-65 degrees and pretty calm wind-wise. 

Test today: 14.2 miles, 40 min, 152 avg HR ... it was 6 am, breezy and 46 degrees .. so riding with arm-warmers, fingered gloves, booties and vest .. and it was also dark for most of the test.  Course was the same as before.

So ... I  am pleased to have ridden farther at a higher avg speed (23+ mph), but the HR is a mystery to me.  I am inclined to write it off to an early, cold start and inadquate warmup, among other factors like tesing mid-week, etc. and just be glad that I've gotten good performance in less than optimal conditions. 

But, I'm thinking that I still should work with the old HR numbers from the first test?  I know from experience that as I get fitter HR @ ;a given effort will come down, but I have a hard time correlating that with this result.  I would have expected to see HR flat at increased pace

 

Comments

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    There's lots of forum posts these days about lower HRs earlier in the a.m.; as well as another one I remember about colder temps improving results (or at least requiring less effort, paraphrasing of course).

    Calling Nemo and her search-fu, to the lobby...Nemo to the search lobby...

    Outside, I've never been able to TRULY replicate the exact same testing protocols and conditions. Heck, you can barely do it inside on the trainer; just too many variables.

    I'd say you can split the HR difference if you feel uncomfortable with the new zones, it's only 10 BPM.
  • talltimtalltim
    Thanks Scott. I've read those other threads too, and it seems to have at least some value-add.

    Appreciate your taking the time to comment. I know I still owe you a PM on the saddle as well!

    Tim
  • thugbusterthugbuster
    Heart rate has always been a tough one for me to nail down on the bike. On the run, its easy and predictable, but not so much on the bike. To be honest this is the first time I have really paid attention to HR on the bike, now that I'm in the haus. There are way too many variables to get a solid answer, but consider the fact that you were probably in a different state of mind during the first test as a new member (as I was) and my HR picked up on that nervousness and race like mentality. Mine also came down for the second test, and chalked it up to a combo of better fitness and less test anxiety. I'll leave it to the wicked smart members to give you some definite advice on what HR to use, but for me I'm using my new HR (along with RPE) to make sure I'm getting the most out of my pain cave sessions. Happy Training!
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    Don't discount better pacing either. If you had gone too hard early in Test Numero Uno, then continued on your HR would have drifted up...up...up. Now you are smarter you'll do a better job. Split the difference and work on it, but if I were you I'd take the avg speed from that test and use that as my baseline work effort for the indoor intervals, it's far more objective than HR.
Sign In or Register to comment.