Hear Rate During Running

[InRunner8]

Hi All, I am in late Forty's and started the couch to 5K 3 weeks ago and now in 5 minutes runs. While it has been surprisingly smooth, unlike what I was fearing this to be. I do find my hear rate in third split run going as high as 170. During walks it comes down to 125-130. Is this normal?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I wouldn't get too hung up on HR numbers .Wrist worn measuring devices vary quite a lot.

You say it's surprisingly smooth and that's great .

You would certainly know if your HR was too high .

Perhaps this post may put your mind at rest .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

During my first run when I was 63 my watch told me my heart rate peaked at 185 which is way above the max for my age, after pondering for a while whether if it went above maximum it would just stop I asked my medically trained daughter. After she finished laughing, she giggled a bit, then chortled then sniggered, once she'd calmed down she asked me how I felt. I told her I felt fine, although a bit puffed out and wheezy. She giggled some more and explained that if I was running I would get puffed out, that as I smoked I had to expect wheezing, so I carried on, gave up smoking, put on some weight, and my heartrate rarely goes above 170bpm now, nearly 4 years on, although when I ran with my granddaughter we put in a few sprints and I noticed afterwards the watch said it peaked at 195. I still felt great. Watches may be good at resting heartrate but they go a bit doolally when you are running. The point of this story is if you feel fine you probably are

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I love this... your girl sound so like mine!

[nowster Graduate]

Could be perfectly normal. If you've got any concerns, maybe chat with your GP.

I'm 54 and my HR often gets as high as 180bpm in a hard run (like today's parkrun).

If your HR is too high you might feel faint or even nauseous (sick), and struggling for breath.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi InRunner8 …oh my goodness, when I first started the programme, coming up to 5 years ago, I though my heart was trying to get out of my chest & I was convinced that if anyone saw me they would phone an ambulance immediately!!! I know exactly what you mean…but you’re saying it feels smooth…don’t always go by what your watch says x