My exercise heart rate is very low

Husavik

Some weeks ago I did a max HR test after a light week of training as per the P&D book, as I was concerned that my HR was not going up very high. My theoretical max is 181 but the highest I saw on monitor was 163bpm. My lowest recently recorded rate is 38bpm. I did the DCM last year in 3.28 and a recent HM in 1.34.

Based on searches round the internet, it is would seem likely that my max HR is 163 or thereabouts. What does this mean? Should I be concerned? I would be most grateful for any perspectives/thoughts on this.

911sc

How did you go from max HR of 181 (39 year old) to 163 reading on the internet? that a difference of 18bpm..

The basic rule of "220 - age" is good enough for 90% of us.

Husavik

911sc wrote: »

How did you go from max HR of 181 (39 year old) to 163 reading on the internet? that a difference of 18bpm..

The basic rule of "220 - age" is good enough for 90% of us.

I may not have made the OP very clear. I performed a Max HR test, the one outlined in the well known book 'Advanced marathoning'. That is, run 3 times at your max up a hill for 600m. Once I saw the figure achieved, I did some searches on the net to learn more and came across articles that would suggest that there can be a wide deviation from the formulaic approach. The mid 160's therefore could be my max?? See below:

http://www.coachr.org/heart_rate_training_for_improved.htm

http://www.best-running-tips.com/my-heart-rate-is-too-low.html

Assuming it is correct - it may not be, my question basically is, is this ok?

Thanks.

TFBubendorfer

Your max heart rate has no effect on your running performance. Some runner might have a max of 200 and the next guy might run the same speed with a max of 170.

Just make sure you run the workouts relative to your true max HR and forget about the useless "220 - age" formula (and no, it is not good for 90% of us).

Husavik

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Your max heart rate has no effect on your running performance. Some runner might have a max of 200 and the next guy might run the same speed with a max of 170.

Just make sure you run the workouts relative to your true max HR and forget about the useless "220 - age" formula (and no, it is not good for 90% of us).

I was just leafing through a book by Jack Daniels, the famous US coach and he referred to a 30 year old elite runner whose max HR was 148 and similarly, ex pro 50 year olds with max's of 190.

So yes, as you say, we really should scrap the std formula. If one is going to work closely with the HR, then do a test. Personally I'll keep my eye on the rate but try not to loose a sense of 'feel' at the same time.

hot to trot

Good friend of mine. Male, tall, always involved with sport and still quite fit. 46ish. has a max rate of 150. Makes me laugh as this is my 70% WHR and my max rate is 194.
But we both still have a pulse and seem healthy, so dont sweat it.