HR Max

[CajonJon]

The HR max for my age is 157. On my last run I peaked at 170. Will the peak reduce with extra fitness or should I reduce the pace of my run to the 157 max. I am not running fast but there are some slopes on my route. If I slow down much more I will be walking not jogging. Having said all that I feel great at the end of the runs.

[Cazza26 Graduate]

The same happens to me. My route includes several inclines too and I also feel great at the end of the run, after which my heart rate soon returns to normal.

I think it’s a case of too much information (in my case from my Fitbit) and figure that if we didn’t know these measurements, we’d be none the wiser!!! I think if we’re feeling fine and completing runs without any major discomfort, we’re ok!! But what do I know?!!

[Helm108 Graduate]

I have a Fitbit that shows me my heart rate and once or twice during my runs it has shown me a heart rate that I actually found quite alarming! Searching around online I discovered that these wrist-mounted monitors are notorious for over-estimating heart rate, and like you I always felt perfectly fine, so I take the HR reading with a significant pinch of salt!

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Helm108]

I could have written that word for word. Exactly my experience as well - including the Google bit.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

I haven't really looked into it too closely but my Garmin has given me a new high heart rate since I've increased my fitness so to me it looks like the more we do, the more we can do. 👍😉

Its true though optical HR units are all over the place. Chest straps are more accurate but its also true it's a lot of info we just don't really need. 🤣🤣

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Your maximum heart rate is not the maximum recommended for your age: it’s the maximum possible. In other words it is impossible to exceed your maximum heart rate. Your maximum may be higher than average for your age, or your HRM may not be completely accurate. Very likely both.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The 157 BPM you quote is not your maximum heart rate, but an average max for your age. You may, and probably do, have a higher maximum HR. Until you establish your maximum heart rate, the figures you are using are only a guide, based on a very unsubtle formula.

If you want to pay attention to heart rate then I suggest you do a lot of research. It is not necessary to know your HR to complete C25K.

[CajonJon]

Thanks guys if I feel good I will just carry on.

[sallenson Graduate in reply to CajonJon]

If you exceeded your actual max HR you'd know about it 220-Age is notoriously unreliable. And optical readers add to the mess of conflicting numbers. If you're feeling good then carry on. If not so good, then slow down more.

Technology is our worst enemy sometimes