Heart Rate monitors - Triathlon Week

LoughreaMan · 09-27-2005, 05:04 AM

HI All,
i Am a marathon runner who has decided to switch to triathlon, i am really enjoying the challenge. I recently bought a good bike and have been put in the millage, however i find that using a heart rate monitior, even though i feel i am pushing quiet hard, i dont seem to be getting near the same rate rate cycling as i do when i am running, i wonder why is this, is it normal becos it is a different activity or am i holding back on the bike cos i am less familiar and comfortable with it. Perhaps some of you have had the same peculiar problem and can advise me. What confusing about this is that cycling is known to require so much fitness, maybe i need to cycle up steep moutains to get the same workout. thanks so much, great site by the way, so helpful. :bannana:

themenace · 09-27-2005, 01:04 PM

Yes, on the bike the heart rate is lower. It's a non-weight bearing activity and you're only using your legs, not legs and arms. You can get lots of info on the net about HR training. You certainly can get your HR up to normal aerobic levels - you might have to peddle a little harder. What's your Perceived Effort compared to your running? It's not necessarily a bad thing to be holding back on your new activity. Giving your body a chance to get used to it will help in the long run. Also, from personal experience, have your bike properly fit if you're doing lots of miles. Knees can start aching if you're too low.

sprint50:43mike · 09-27-2005, 03:43 PM

also a higher cadence may help, if not on the bike it will help your run. Big gears = big quad's,lots of little gears = endurance

LoughreaMan · 09-28-2005, 05:07 AM

yes, i guess it makes sence, when you are cycling there is less of your body working hard, so even though when running your legs aren't working very hard, your whole body is. Its going to mean harder work for my mid section.

I quess i have been a bit wimpy choosing gears, Its like i have to learn how to put more in to cycling, where as in running it comes more natural.

Thanks for advise. :)