[maforbes2000]

Lets say I want to keep the intensity very low to work on increasing volume. Say 20 bpm or more below AeT (say 65% to 70% of hr max).

Should the heart rate still be stable at this intensity, or will it be more unstable because it is closer to walking intensity but I am trying to run?

Should I expect it to be difficult to hold the hr here, because it is a low intensity?

Will cardiac drift be a bigger issue as hr will tend to drift upwards to AeT?

Presumably you cannot keep on reducing the hr intensity? At what sort of low hr intensity should the average runner be capable of running at, 55%, 60% of hr max etc?

Topic

[TerryLui]

TerryLui on September 15, 2021 at 3:05 pm #57057

1) I would expect HR to be more stable as you’re not taxing your system as much and you can adjust your intensity with more margin to stay in Recovery zone. Of course, over enough time HR drift should still occur as you eventually get more tired.

2) No I would expect it to be easier because the effort is easier

3) Again, no I would think since you’re training as such a low intensity (65% max HR…assuming that’s well into Z1 if not even lower into the Recovery zone) it should only take longer for HR drift to present itself. See #1.

4) What is “average?” I advise against comparing oneself to others as everyone’s genetics, training history, self-care, nutrition, rest, injury, etc is different. As you develop a larger Z1 you will be able to run faster at lower HRs. This will be a matter of personal discovery for you to determine what HR you can run at.
(side note…even how 1 person defines “running” is different from how another person defines “running.” 5km/h? 10km/h? 20km/h?)