Garmin HR blip?

Slogger Jogger

Hi,

I've noticed that my garmin HR stats show a massive spike at the start of my run (to well over my usual max), then it settles into a normal rhythm.

This evening for instance on my 400m intervals the HR topped out at 167ish, but the initial slow jog spiked up to approaching 200bpm, for no reason whatsover, and this throws out the average.

Anyone else notice blips like this on their HR stats or does it sound like an isolated problem?

Taa.

Rusty Cogs 08

Just had a look back through my runs and 'erm no. No crazy HR spikes, I get crazy speed spikes so my top speed is +20,000mph but I'm guessing that's dem statelites getting confused.

sean_d

Do you start your run from the same place every time (your house?)
Does that involve running under a pylon/power line or anything like that with a strong magnetic field?

Otherwise, do you moisten the strap when you put it on, I find that helps maintain a good, consistant signal. I've heard that the gel they use for ultrasound scans is better still, but I've not been able to find any...

Krusty_Clown

Yes, always happens to me. Drops down after about 7 minutes.
Happens in my home and away runs. Wetting the strap helps, but doesn't eliminate the problem.

Racing Flat

Mine has a spike quite often, can go up to 229:eek:. But more often high 180s or 190s, when just jogging along easy. Was never sure if it was a fault with the monitor or an abnormal heart beat or something, but didn't want to chase it up in case I was told to stop running:o.

digitalage

Maybe try and update the firmware

Slogger Jogger

I'll give that a go (wetting the straps). Firmware is fully up to date. Latest runs were in a park so no powerlines nearby. I'll keep an eye on it and if a solution is apparent I'll let ye know. Cheers.

gerard65

Its called 'drift'. Read about it on trends on the RW forums, its something to do with the software on all hrm's, some are better than others but they all have this problem. As for the high hr at the start of the run this is normal, your heart rate jumps as you start any active, you'll see on an other trend where some of the dublin marathon guys posted the results from their hrm's, they all had a peak at the start and them it settled. If you stand up quickly while wearing your hrm your hr will jump very high and then settle, it also happens if you have a blood pressure monitor.
Don't worry about it, its normal.

Krusty_Clown

gerard65 wrote: »

Its called 'drift'. Read about it on trends on the RW forums, its something to do with the software on all hrm's, some are better than others but they all have this problem. As for the high hr at the start of the run this is normal, your heart rate jumps as you start any active, you'll see on an other trend where some of the dublin marathon guys posted the results from their hrm's, they all had a peak at the start and them it settled. If you stand up quickly while wearing your hrm your hr will jump very high and then settle, it also happens if you have a blood pressure monitor.
Don't worry about it, its normal.

I think it's down to the connection between the HRM and your body. There are some suggestions that static and friction can cause these problems, until you build up a level of sweat. My HRM reported 170+ at the start of Dublin City Marathon, but I know when I start to run that my actual heart rate is somewhere around the 100s (traditional take your pulse method!).

Slogger Jogger

Before my garmin battery went this morning I got about 10 mins use of it. I had wet the straps and had the chest strap on before I turned watch on... HR ramped up slowly and normally!

Woddle

I had this problem back in the summer, so I changed the battery in the monitor and it never happened again. I have a 405

Slogger Jogger

Wet the HR straps again this morning before my long slow run (see daily drudge) and no repetition of blip. HR rate recorded normally to a natural max of 171.