pulse

[hywell]

I find my pulse sits at 150 whilst running at a steady 9.2 k average isn't this high for some one of my age and is it healthy ( noting that good book the says I should average 128 bpm i.e 80% ), I'm not a worrier as my recovery rate is good , but would like to know experienced runners thoughts on this . thanks .

[Hidden]

What is your resting pulse?

[hywell in reply to Hidden]

hi cath my pulse sat at night resting is about 52----- 56 average

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

And what's your age? (Apologies!)

[hywell in reply to John_W]

hi john w my age is 62

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to hywell]

Hmmm, so your theoretical maximum is 158 (only a rough guide of course). Mine is 173 and I'm often running 5k or 8k with a heart rate average of about 165 bpm and often peaking at 175 or even higher.

I wouldn't worry too much about it - it could be that your actual maximum is quite a bit higher than 158 (the 220 minus your age is only a rough rule of thumb). IF you feel comfortable at 9.2 km/h, then carry on. If you're concerned then slow down a little

John

[Hidden]

If you have any concerns why not talk to your GP and if necessary get a referral to cardiologist. (easier said than done I know)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I am sixty and occasionally use my HRM to check my heart rate while running. I am by no means an expert on this matter, but what I have learned is that we are all individuals and the guidance is generalised. There are various formulae for calculating your expected HR relative to your age and they all give different results. My resting rate, tested first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, is generally mid forties, which is considered low. However when I last checked on a sub 60 minute 10k run, my rate was sitting between 150-160bpm for the entire run. According to the generalised stats this is too high and I should not be able to sustain it, but I can, without difficulty. Also my recovery is pretty good after two and a half years running.

We all have different ranges and patterns and by monitoring yours you will become aware of your normal and therefore more likely to be able to identify abnormal, should it happen. I keep meaning to have a chat with my GP about it, but never get to see them.........I don't want to be classified as one of the worried well.

You have prompted me to search out my HR strap and check this weekend. The results should be interesting, though not representative, as I have only run twice since 20th December, owing to a nasty cold and a non running related leg injury. I would recommend reading around the subject, but don't get hung up about it.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I run at a slightly higher heart rate that the charts suggest when I am out for a run. (170-180) We think this is due to the fact I was sub clinical hyperthyroid for a lot of years and my body is sensitive to heart rate raises. But I checked it out with my doc and she is happy for me to run. She sent me for an ECG just to double check and everything was fine. So I suppose in answer to your question we are all different but if you have any concerns just have a conversation with you doc.

[harveyemm Graduate]

Hi there,

I know this link has been posted before but I could not find the thread--so I thought I would just post it again.

The article discusses older runners and heart rate ranges.

runnersworld.com/ask-the-sp...

Good luck with your running.

[Unfitdad59 Graduate]

I'm 61 and my running rate varies between 145 and 160+. Like others, I recover quickly. I'm still alive so I am guessing it's OK. My rest rate is 50....