Heart rate and tiredness

[lulubel]

Since I started cycling again, I've noticed some changes in my heart rate.

When I first came back to it, it fluctuated wildly between dramatic highs and lows, as I struggled up hills, then stayed in a low gear for a while to recover, or freewheeled down the other side. Gradually, it has started to even out. The average has stayed much the same, but the highs and lows aren't so extreme, which I've taken as a sign that my fitness is improving.

Today, I went out on my 6th day in a row of cycling (103 miles in 6 days) and I found it hard - I knew I was tired - but was suprised to find my heart rate didn't get as high as usual. It was fluctuating more than it has recently, but the highs weren't as high as I felt like they should have been!

Is this a sign that I've done too much? (I'm taking tomorrow off anyway, but it could be a useful indicator that I need to back off a bit.)

 

[Crackle]

Yes, it definetly could be. Not being able to raise your heart rate is a sign of fatigue normally. Heart rate higher than normal is a sign of illness, so I've noticed anyway.

 

[Garz]

Today, I went out on my 6th day in a row of cycling (103 miles in 6 days) and I found it hard - I knew I was tired - but was suprised to find my heart rate didn't get as high as usual. It was fluctuating more than it has recently, but the highs weren't as high as I felt like they should have been!

Fatigue in the muscles.

Your fitness is in good order, time for a deserved day of R&R followed by the next day of slow spinning to stretch out those stiff limbs. Until you get used to it, be careful of over training.

 

[lulubel]

Thanks for that.

I've just had a rest day today and I feel like I've got more energy, but this evening I seem to be suffering from a bit of delayed onset muscle soreness, which is a bit strange. I've never heard of it happening from cumulative effort before.

Anyway, I want to do a decent length (20+ miles) ride tomorrow, but I'll take it steady. And probably take an extra rest day next week!

 

[lulubel]

I did 23 miles today after a rest day, and felt much better. I was breathing hard on the climbs rather than hoping my legs would make it to the top. When I got back, I found I was faster, and my heart rate was up where I expected it to be.

I actually think I've got noticeably fitter in the last 7 days!

 

[Garz]

Well done lulubel!

Give the muscles a chance