Heart rate advice please..

Can anyone give me advice about my heart rate? I am a 62 year old female who has never run before but I have completed C25K and am continuing to run. According to my Fitbit my resting heart rate is in the 50s but when I run (pretty slow) it usually goes up to the 160s and on my first Parkrun last week went up to 173. Should I be concerned? It does seem to come down quite quickly.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

We are all slightly different when it comes to heart rates, so many things come in to play. I always say if it is making you feel unwell in any way check it out. My resting is in the 50’s and raises fast to 188, I got it checked out with my GP and I am fine to run. The more your body gets used to running the more it regulates as well, because you learn to do different paced runs that work your heart rate differently. A fast paced speed run will always have you at the higher end of your heart rate zones as low comfortable runs should have at the lower end. As I say all normal but if it ever makes you feel unwell it needs to be checked.

[Hidden in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks that all makes sense.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Firstly,not all heart rate monitors are always accurate.

A resting HR in the 50s is pretty respectable and quick recovery is a good sign, but upper ranges can be variable and the averages that often get quoted may be way off for you.

I agree with RFC, if you feel okay during and after the sessions, you probably are okay.

It might be worth having a chat with your GP next time you see them, or if you are concerned.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes I feel fine but like you suggest at some point I will mention to GP.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Hidden]

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it is full of tips.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes but I will reread. I always find something different each time!