Question: I do a lot of long-distance rides, including double centuries and brevets. During the first few hours, I can raise my heart rate to 160 or 170 bpm for several minutes at a time with few ramifications. However, as the ride goes on, particularly after the first 100 miles, it’s impossible to get my…
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: I’m 32 and been riding for 16 years, but I’ve just begun using a heart monitor. Last winter, when I was training only three or four times per week, I checked my max HR on a hill and it was 189 bpm. My average for a time-trial effort was 170-175 bpm. Now, after several…
Question: In a past RBR Newsletter, you said there are studies showing that although hard intervals on the bike can improve running performance, the opposite isn’t the case — running doesn’t seem to improve cycling performance. Some of my running and cycling friends dispute this. Are you sure you’re right? — Jon P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies:…
