Wk4 r3: I reached out on here a few weeks back... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,191 members159,534 posts

Wk4 r3

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate
12 Replies

I reached out on here a few weeks back - running after long covid.

Now I have finished wk 4, still amazes me.

But, I am now becoming aware of my heart rate and pace.

Im 49, max hr was 177bpm today, I feel that's quite high. I was running at 7.9km with an incline of 1% - treadmill.

Is it better to bring down the km's so the hr is reduced but better cardioover time? Every day is a school day

Written by
WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeG
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
12 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

I would remove the treadmill incline to start with and then run at a conversational pace !If you cannot speak full sentences while running without gasping for breath then it's too fast .

You will benefit more by running at this pace

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate in reply toInstructor57

Thank you, maybe too fast then 😊

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

I would forget about your heart rate and just make sure that you can speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you run........if you cannot, you are going too fast.

This FAQ Post about heart rate may help you understand the issues involved healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

That article was helpful. Thank you 😊

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate

"max hr was 177bpm today, I feel that's quite high."

Why? How did it actually feel? What was your breathing like?

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate in reply toJohn_W

I think reading info regarding MHR, age, kph, pace.. I kept seeing this was too high for my age.I enjoyed the run, I wasnt gasping for breath, I was out of breath as I expected, but not struggling.

I do think I was running a little too fast.

But its all learning

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate in reply toWeeMeeG

and what are you using to measure your HR?

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate in reply toJohn_W

I've been using my fitbit

John_W profile image
John_WGraduate in reply toWeeMeeG

Ok... So Fitbits are notoriously inaccurate when it come to HR. They are a marketed as lifestyle devices rather than dedicated running ones.

If you look at your cadence (steps per minute) was it similar?

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate in reply toJohn_W

I haven't got a record of those actually, I will try that tomorrow and compare and see if there is any similarity

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

Ignore the heart rate numbers. Some people have higher numbers than others. Everyone's different. As a 53 year old guy, 180bpm is about normal for me at peak effort.

If you're not gasping for breath, feeling as if you're about to faint, etc. you're going to be fine. Slow down and take things easier.

Don't let the treadmill dictate your comfortable pace.

WeeMeeG profile image
WeeMeeGGraduate in reply tonowster

Thanks, I feel sometimes, reliance on external validation takes away the experience

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Wk4 R3 !!

So week 4 completed and I enjoyed it !! Bring on week 5 which I'll start on Thursday!! Just had a...

WK4 skate 2 !!!

Well I've been out for WK4r2 tonight and spent most of the time skating on the snow. Lol I have...
Jase44 profile image
Graduate

Wk4 R3 - wibble wobble

OMG that was hard. After waking up in a bit of a daze, following a night of indulgence, it was...
RunningMigster profile image
Graduate

WK4 R3 finished but potentially picked up an injury

In the very last 20 meters of tonights Week 4 Run 3 I felt a pain in my right calf. Not sure yet if...
SnafuDad profile image
Graduate

Wk4 R3

Week 4 done, that was tough in places but achievable, haven’t looked at week 5 it will b a surprise...
happyhammer73 profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.