5K OK but heart rate too high?

[Horatio77]

Graduated on Sunday, covering 4.1K in 30 mins, so I went for the full 5K this morning, which took 37 mins. I'm fairly pleased with that, but my heart rate averages at 160bpm. I'm 69 years old and my maximum HR is supposedly 151 (I think). Should I just ignore it, or what? I feel fine.

[Alsor]

Those heart rate maximums are averages. Some will be higher and some will be lower. Fitter people tend to be able to push their heart rates a bit higher. If you feel fine then you probably are ok. If you've any doubts though you should always consult a doctor.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I agree with Alsor and his very concise answer.

[Chris274 Graduate]

Hi. Well done on graduating. I am 72 with one more run to do before graduation. My heart rate is always in the high 150s and if my run includes any uphill sections it goes above 160. Like you I was a bit concerned but totally agree with Alsor that if you feel ok you probably are ok. I think that there are quite a few factors that influence heart rate and everyone is different.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

How are you measuring your heart rate? If you're using a wrist-based device (eg Fitbit) then I'd always take their HR numbers with a pinch of salt.

[Horatio77 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Hmm. Interesting. I use an Apple Watch.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Horatio77]

And you were just jogging, taking it easy and feeling perfectly fine?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Horatio77]

I find looking at the plot/graph of HR far more useful than just the average number. Wrist-based devices are notorious for losing the signal from the pulse and instead 'locking' onto your cadence (steps per minute).

Have a look at your plot (please post it here if you can) and see if you can very sharp sudden increases and decreases (almost vertical) in your HR. These are tell-tale signs of cadence lock.

[Horatio77 Graduate]

Yes, just jogging fairly comfortably. I’m not worried, just interested in what anyone else thought. The old ticker seems in good nick (says he, hopefully!)