How high does your heart rate get ?

[Bladerunner2049]

After graduating on a thread mill in November I decided to run outside, a bit of a shock to the system but I soon got used to it after a few runs.

I decided to buy a sports watch to measure my distances better and allow me to go off piste (so to speak) while our on a run.

A side effect of this was that my HR was measured too. I knew I was pushing myself during my runs as I couldn’t hold a conversation but was surprised to see my HR up to 175. I’m 49.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying to run while keeping my HR around 150. It’s easier on the thread mill than outside, but I’m feeling better at the end of the runs than before.

My 5k time has dropped but only by 5mins. I think this is a small price to pay and I read that it will give me more heart benefits over time and my pace can increase. In a few weeks I’ll probably move to one faster run a week and two 150 runs (as I call them).

Anyway I didn’t want to get all data driven with HR zones and the like but just wanted to share.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds like you are doing it right.

HR can be a useful training aid but only if you establish your actual maximum heart rate, as opposed the theoretical average that is used by default on your HRM.

Again, theoretically, maximum heart rate declines with age.

[RunningMigster Graduate]

So, I've just looked back at my last 4 runs.

It usually peaks at around 170. It has got as high as 178.

Individually, each run has averaged around 150.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what it all means. I feel good when I'm running and I recover pretty quickly, so I'm ok with that

I'm also 49

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I completely ignore mine; I'm pretty sure it makes it up as it goes along - either that, or my heart has exploded and I haven't noticed. Much better to listen to your body. If your runs feel good, and you're generally healthy, I doubt you're doing yourself any harm (I'm NOT a health professional though). A better indicator of health health is your resting heart rate, recovery time and blood pressure.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Blood pressure is a big one for me. It's too high.

Its come down dramatically since I started C25K, but more work to do on that one!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Mine was slightly elevated before I started running, now it's text book. My resting heart rate is that of someone half my age 😇😂. It's stats like that that give me motivation to get out there.

[Bladerunner2049 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

I’ve been on blood pressure meds for 10 years. It was getting high again even on meds. Since getting fit again, C25k and gym activities have put it back on track. Still need the meds though. But maybe I can reduce them in 6 months time if docs agree.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Bladerunner2049]

Good luck, you've made a good decision 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Mine went to 186 on our first run and we are 63 but now it usually peaks at just over 150 six months later

[SteveWebbo Graduate]

Mine has peaks and troughs , I think it’s better to look at the average . We all sound about the same to me ❤️