Im attempting a proper winter base of running for the first time so was calculating an appropriate HR to stay beneath. I had previously used Coggan’s Zone Calculator so used this and then cross referenced with Joe Friels Training Bible. The results for lower end zones are markedly different and have left me really confused!
Average HR for recent 20minute test - 184bpm
Estimate Heart Rate Threshold 184bpm - 5% = 175bpm
I’d do some test runs or, if you have it, look back at previous data. You’ll know which runs were done at proper Z2 level, take a look at avg hr for those runs.
I run very high on HR. Similar to Rob’s point, but more extreme i.e. I did an easy Z2 run yesterday but it was about 160bpm. I couldn’t run at all at 130 or 140.
So I have had to adapt my own zones, as all the general formulae just don’t work for me.
The thing to note is that these are general guidelines not hard demarcations. Those zones for Friel look too high to me but on this blog he uses LTHR to set zones not max Joe Friel - Setting zones.
Thanks for the replies everyone, a general consensus is always useful!
@pacha just for the record, I have used LTHR to set both zones, I didn’t mention max HR anywhere which for me is currently 195. Seems to be quite high aged 39 but it’s a number I see regularly when interval training or at the end of a tough 5k race
and running, never. No such thing as recovery runs.
just have a chat with @JibberJim that will be aerobic
I would review historical data and work it out from there but if I take my THR is around 170 and I struggle to keep HR below 140’s but 140-150 Im not working hard. once Im over about 155 I can feel the efforts creeping up.
I used to agree with you on this but now I’ve changed my mind. I’ve had a lot of problems with tight calves after hard and/or hilly runs and in the last couple of years I’ve found that doing frequent short easy runs (10-15 mins morning and evening) after a hard/hilly run helps me recover. My theory is that putting a small amount of stimulus into the muscles stops them going into complete shutdown recovery mode.