Heart rate

[Archer1]

I graduated awhile ago now and I am now managing to run 8k takes me 53minutes but I get there. I am really worried about my heart rate the treadmill said 165 am I pushing myself too hard? Is this normal ?

[MarkyD Graduate]

Good progress with your running, Archer1.

If you are “really worried” about your HR when exercising then you must consult your GP. We cannot make a judgement whether 165 is ‘normal’ or suitable for you. Your GP will know your age, risk factors and medical background to make an assessment.

You’ll find an approximation of max heart rate = 220 - age.

But this is very misleading as the study did not consider/define max heart rate and it was conducted on healthy soldiers (ie younger, mostly male, fit) so may not be relevant to the wider population.

Please do not run again until you’ve been given the go-ahead by your GP.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I read that the formula originated in the late sixties when William Haskell, an exercise physiologist and Sam Fox, a cardiologist, provided a formula for maximum heart rates for people who were having treadmill stress tests for heart disease. It wasn’t intended as a formula for athletes or people who were used to exercising. It has since been adopted by the fitness industry, cardiologists - and healthy soldiers! It has been shown to be out by as much as +/- 20/30. The speed at which your heart rate returns to normal is a much better indicator... as is how you feel during and after exercise. As MarkyD says, if you have concerns, go and get checked out for peace of mind if nothing else 🙂

[Archer1 Graduate]

Thank you for your reply

I'm 42 and no past medical history I do feel exhausted after my run but in assuming that's normal. It does worry me though as that seems very fast to me I'm not sure what my resting heart rate is so maybe I should check it does come down quickly when I walk at the end of the run though

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate]

Firstly, I agree with Marky, get yourself checked out by the Doc to be on the safe side.

Just out of curiosity, how is the treadmill reading your heart rate?

This morning I ran 6.3k in 40.33 and my Polar H10 chest strap ( pretty much the gold standard of HR monitoring outside the Lab ) recorded an average HR of 132 and a max HR of 150, obviously this is all subjective as we are all different, with differing levels of fitness.

[Archer1 Graduate in reply to Andy14st9lbs]

That's for your reply I just held onto the treadmill handles and it gave a heart rate reading not sure if it is accurate though. Great time on the 6.3k

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Archer1]

To be honest, Archer...I'd take that treadmill reading with a pinch of salt, as I don't think it is going to give you an accurate reading from just holding onto the handles.

But, still get yourself checked out, just to be on the safe side.

Thanks re the time, before starting C25K about 15 weeks ago, I couldn't run for more than a minute or less, just goes to show that this plan works.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

We are not medical experts... please if you are concerned then get checked out by your GP.

You describe your 8K run in a way that makes it sound as if it is a struggle... so maybe... just relax and slow right down. You maybe pushing too hard and be quite tense and even a little stressed...So... pull back... slow it down and see how that goes heart rate wise

[Archer1 Graduate]

Thanks I will give that a try