Giving my heart a workout!

[Oldgal68]

According to my new Fitbit (other gadgets are available!) I run pretty slowly at 12.11mins/mile. Don’t know what that equates to in KMs, but was impressed by the achievements of the other C25Kers this morning. Completed W8R1 successfully today, but apparently I have a higher heartbeat rate of 156 than I should have while running, so I’m wondering how I can moderate that and bring it down a bit. My resting heartbeat rate is 56 which is very good for my age (68) so am looking for tips so that I can run a bit more comfortably. Probably doing it all wrong though I have been trying to follow the advice from Oldfloss and IannodaTruffe to keep it slow and steady, as well as Sanjeev on the app!

[Hidden]

There was another thread about this yesterday or today. I'm 70, nearly 71, resting heart rate around 56-59bpm, but when I run, it can go up even above 160bpm. I just dont know that it's an issue. i usually feel wonderful after a run, and I'm sure we are all different and that deviating from the charts and tables for these things doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. I'm pretty sure it will come down gradually of its own accord anyway as you become fitter and run for longer. I did mention to my GP that it had gone up to 169 when i climbed a cliff to the top of a steep waterfall in Iceland, but she just assured me that running was the best thing for my heart.

[Oldgal68 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I’m with you, Hidden ! I feel so well after a run, energised and happy, so as IannodaTruffe said, I shouldn’t worry too much about averages. Your comments have reassured me, and I will continue to progress through the programme with worrying too much about heart rates and so on. I did read through the archive and found it very enlightening. But will take heart from your example, more power to you!

[SlowLoris]

This site continues to uplift and amaze me. You are an inspiration Oldgal68. I don't think you are running slowly.

I'll leave any advice to the two gurus you mentioned as I've no idea what heart rate would be too high. Dread to think what mine does.

[Oldgal68 Graduate in reply to SlowLoris]

Thank you, SlowLoris ! I think this is what the c25k programme is all about - finding out about yourself and what you’re capable of. If it is within the ability of older folk like myself to run for 30mins after such amazing training then everyone that can should consider giving it a go. Mygreat nephew has begun running with me, which is fantastic, I just have to exhort him to go slow, lol!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Without accurately ascertaining your maximum heart rate, which I am not personally going to recommend without medical supervision, although you will find ways to do this online, you do not really know whether your heart rate is too high or just higher than the averages used to calculate the suggested maximum on your Fitbit. If you feel fine while and after running at that rate, then there is probably nothing to worry about.

If you have concerns, consult your GP.

[Oldgal68 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, IannodaTruffe . I have just been reading through the archive on heart rate monitors and most of that reinforces your point. Think I just scared myself with the technology. It is good to have it but I shouldn’t let it get in the way of having a good run!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What IannodaTruffe said

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I am just impressed with your resting heart rate! One level below Athlete!

[Oldgal68 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Haha, Oldfloss ! Years of learning how to chill right out!! Aaaaand a session or two of yoga a week!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgal68]

I do yoga every day! Chilling... well it has started to snow

[Oldgal68 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Bring it on, Oldfloss ! I owe my niece a snowball fight, though I think we will have a frost rather than snow tonight as the skies here are clear. Enjoy your winter wonderland!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgal68]

I will.. I think tomorrow's run, maybe a winter walk