Max Heart Rate during 2000 m?

[Dragone]

I just finished my 2nd ever 2000m row and am happy with the result. As I was halfway through the row, I noticed that my hear rate went up past 85% of my max HR. I got concerned and scaled back the intensity during the 2nd half. Since I am out of shape and just starting, I didn't want to push it. What is the consensus in the forum about % of max heart rate during a 2000m row? Do people exceed 85% of max HR during most of the row, only at the end, or never? Thanks for your help.

[hjs]

I just finished my 2nd ever 2000m row and am happy with the result. As I was halfway through the row, I noticed that my hear rate went up past 85% of my max HR. I got concerned and scaled back the intensity during the 2nd half. Since I am out of shape and just starting, I didn't want to push it. What is the consensus in the forum about % of max heart rate during a 2000m row? Do people exceed 85% of max HR during most of the row, only at the end, or never? Thanks for your help.

depends. If you do a hard 2k you will get close to your max hartrate. If you reach 85 % you have much room left.
If you are healty there is nothing wrong is reaching a high hartrate now and then. It's more how you feel in general that is important.

[TomR]

Dragone--

My HR approaches max during a 2k, but I never pay attention to it during a race. I would never adjust my pace dujring a 2k based on HR. (I might have a different view if I had a heart problem, but then I doubt I'd be doing an all-out 2k. Also, if you're not in top shape, taking a more conservative approach makes sense.) My experience is that conditions like the build-up of lactic acid and difficulty breathing naturally limit your 2k. Some people can tolerate more and push themselves harder; other have less incentive or drive and don't get as close to the limits of their ability.

The only reason I sometimes monitor HR during a 2k is to look when the session is over to see the final HR, not to manage pace during the row.

Tom

[mpukita]

I just finished my 2nd ever 2000m row and am happy with the result. As I was halfway through the row, I noticed that my hear rate went up past 85% of my max HR. I got concerned and scaled back the intensity during the 2nd half. Since I am out of shape and just starting, I didn't want to push it. What is the consensus in the forum about % of max heart rate during a 2000m row? Do people exceed 85% of max HR during most of the row, only at the end, or never? Thanks for your help.

I would advise and comment as follows:

1) You did the right thing. You mention you are "out of shape". I would advise asking your doctor how much conditioning you should do BEFORE attempting an "all out", non-HR-limited 2K. Advice from people here is great, but most are not doctors and their advice may not be sound when it comes to matters like this that could be life or death depending on one's physical condition and past medical history.

2) As Tom says, you might not reach HR max during an all out 2K due to lactic build-up, etc., which will naturally limit your HR ... after all, that's a built-in protection mechanism of our bodies aimed at doing just that!

To find max HR, with doctor's approval and adhering to the other qulifications shown, you could try (from the UK site's Interactive Training Plan/Programme:

..........

Calculating Your Maximum Heart Rate

All the routines in this training programme are based around you working at a percentage of your maximum heart rate (MHR). There are two ways to calculate this. The first way, the formula 220 - your age, only provides a loose estimate. For a more accurate measurement, follow the below protocol:

First of all a word of warning, you should be fit and healthy before you carry out this procedure. You should not have drunk alcohol in the previous 24 hours nor have drunk strong tea or coffee in the previous 3-4 hours.

You will need a Concept 2 Indoor Rower and a heart rate monitor and interface. Run through your normal warm up routine and when this is done you are ready to start. Set up the monitor by first pressing READY+TIME and using the set digits, set the split time to 1:30.

With the main display set to 500m split time, row for 1m 30secs at a heart rate that does not exceed 140 b.p.m

Increase the power by 25 watts and continue for another 1m 30secs. Continue increasing the power by 25 watts each 1m 30secs until you blow.

(each of these paces is a 25 watt increase in power)


500m Pace:
4:01.0 3:11.3 2:47.1 2:31.8 2:20.9 2:12.6 2:06.0 2:00.5 1:55.9 1:51.9 1:48.4 1:45.3 1:42.5 1:40.0 1:37.7 1:35.6 1:33.7 1:32.0 1:30.3 1:28.8 1:27.4 1:26.0 1:24.7 1:23.8


By pressing recall you can read off your heart every 1:30 and you can record the highest figure, which will be your own MHR.

If you don't have an interface then you will need someone to help you by recording the heart rate from the wrist monitor.

When you have found your own MHR, you can amend the programme, substituting your own figures for the training percentages indicated.

..........

The plan is at:

http://www.concept2.co.uk/training/interactive.php

Keep up the good work!

Regards ... Mark

[Dragone]

Thanks a lot for the replies. I guess I just don't understand the concept of max heart rate very well. I always thought it was kind of like a "third rail" that you don't ever want to touch/reach.

The built in mechanism to keep you from reaching your max heart rate makes sense. Thanks again for the tips.