Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

Question:

Should I go with my instincts-in this case feelings-or do I accept the standard formula for Maximum Heart Rate? Consider the following circumtances.

Yesterday I wore my heart rate monitor. I let this determine my pace.After about 30minutes I hit the "150s". Considering the standard formula-220-age- this would,theoretically, amount to 90+% of my MHR. But it felt like about 75-80%. Combine this with the fact that my pace was a good minute slower than Iam usually comfortable with.

So do I go with feeling or the standard formula?

BOB

[Anonymously Posted by: 'bOB BUNCH']

[Dan]

Hi Bob,

I would definitely go with instinct. I have no faith in the standard max heartrate calculation, as I have gotten mine over that level just with a warmup jog.

Here's one thought: Consider how rapidly sports medicine evolves (I just read that the field of study is only 30 years old). How accurate can a rough calculation be that hasn't changed in at least 10 years, probably longer? There are far too many factors for age to be the sole determinant.

Dan

[Guest]

Thanks Dan,

I will definitely go with instincts.

Respectfully,

BOB BUNCH

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Bob bunch']

[Adam]

The 220-age formula yields a value that is 68% likely to contain your actual max heart rate to within +/- 10 bpm. Personally, I like to know to a little bit more accuracy.

You can know your exact max HR by going out and running for about two minutes, or 600m as hard as you can, with of course, a gradual warmup of at least 15 minutes. If you don't know your precise max HR, then you'll usually be more accurate in determining intensity going just by how you feel, and you don't need a HR monitor.

[Dan]

That's the most logical max heart rate calculation I know of!

Dan

[training2run]

Back when I was 40 or 45, I was part of a study at Methodist Hospital, Houston, comparing endurance athletes, normally active people, and non-active people.

At that time, the formula showed my maximum pulse rate to be between 180 bpm and 175 (depending on what age I was actually at).

As part of the study, I took the maximum stress test on a treadmill. Rather than continuing to exhaustion (as is normal on this test), the test was terminated after 20 minutes of running uphill, because my pulse had plateaued, and just wouldn't go any higher: 208

This, of course, is considerably higher that the formula indicated. My conclusion, therefore, is the only way to get an accurate measurement, is to gradually work up to maximum effort, and hold it. This procedure may be potentially dangerous, so it really should only be undertaken under medical supervision. Mad Dog Mike www.training2run.com