Question: I have read with great interest the discussion regarding stress tests for heart health. I’m 59 and just bought my first road bike in over 30 years. I’m addicted! I use a heart rate monitor and my maximum heart rate should be 161 beats per minute, but when climbing or riding hard I easily…
Question: I race in the 45+ masters division and use daily bike commutes for training. After a day or two off the bike, I can stay above my lactate threshold heart rate for long intervals. However, after commuting 30 miles per day for a few days, it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve a high heart…
Question: I like to do rides of 100 to 200 miles and find that as a long ride goes on, my hear rate increases even though my speed and perceived effort remain constant. What’s going on? — Macklin G. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: What you’re experiencing is a phenomenon called “cardiac drift.” If researchers put you on…
Question: I’ve noticed that my heart rate at lactate threshold decreases as my fitness increases. This seems counterintuitive. I would think that a better-trained athlete should be able to push to a higher heart rate before reaching lactate threshold. — Justin M. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The question that occurs to me is, How do you calculate your lactate threshold? Are…
Question: After warming up and beginning to push, my heart rate climbs to 85% of max and I breathe hard. It’s uncomfortable and I’m hurting. In about 15 minutes, my heart rate climbs even higher, to 90% of max –but I’m not breathing as hard and the effort is more comfortable. What’s going on? —…
