Heart rate data from my TomTom Cardio

[John_W]

Hi, haven't posted for a while.

Since my last post, I've managed to do a lunchtime 10k in 55 minutes but since then have had back-to-back colds (very unusual for me) which has seen me confined to the treadmill. Finally over them and have been playing about with the CSV data files from my TomTom Cardio GPS/HRM monitor watch

I attach some data - I'm pleased to see my heart rate finally coming down for the session I'm doing.

John

[Tomas Graduate]

Over the relatively short time th graph shows, you have improved your recovery rate quite dramatically. Well done!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Tomas]

Thank you Tomas. I've been determined to stick to the same session, if only to see if my HR improved, both recovery and maxima. It seems this morning was a bit of a breakthrough. Will keep going for a while longer and see if it continues to change. Hope so! I'll post again if it does

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

That is a quite remarkable set of data.....you must be doing something right.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks IT. Do you think so? I've been grimly sticking to the same session for nearly 2 weeks and it seems to be paying off. Obviously pleased with today's numbers - and physically it felt better. I'm hoping it will translate to better outdoor times soon

Thanks again

John

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to John_W]

I only check my HR every few months, but not against a consistent workout, as you have done, so my results are a bit more random and haven't changed considerably in the last year or so. I will watch out for your future posts.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Thanks again IT. I *do* like a bit of data as you can see.

When I have a significant update, you can be sure I'll post it.

John

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I have been saying here for quite some time that my limited exposure to treadmills has caused me to think that they are really good to use for HRM training - and your post has confirmed this to me. I am slowly converting a large room in my house to my version of a "man cave/gym" and have been considering getting a second hand treadmill for it. I think you have convinced me to do so. HRM training is quite difficult to do when running on the roads. Obviously I would not want to only run on a treadmill -- but anything that maintains interest and motivation is good ( and I also like the intellectual side of running (yes - there is one!! )

One thing I also find a bit "difficult" to do when running outside is fast intervals - running outside is great for long slow distance and tempo paced running but now , looking at your stats , I can see how much easier it would be to practice interval training on a treadmill ( even if that is the only thing I do on one!)

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Bazza1234]

Hi Bazza,

Yeah, I don't mind the treadmill and I really like how you can control everything and therefore make run to run comparisons more easily. Combine that with my newish watch with built in HRM and hey presto

Re: interval sessions, the treadmill is brilliant for them and I've also found intervals hugely beneficial from a speed perspective. My outdoor 5K PB came down from 26 to 24 mins rapidly once I'd done few speed sessions. The same sessions (1 min jog, 1 min fast,, x7 or 8) also got rid of a general tiredness and lethargy that I'd started to feel a few weeks after graduating. It was like my insides had had a steam clean!

I'm glad this data has helped you in some way

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Looks to me like you have lowered your heart rate by around 3-5 BPM over the course of 6-8 runs over 2 weeks?? ( bit hard to see exactly how many runs you did) -- but frankly that is amazing!!!!!!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Bazza1234]

Yeah, it's 6 runs (Mon, Wed, Fri , x2) over past 2 weeks.

Thanks! I really wasn't expecting this reaction

John