Jul132025July 13, 2025July 13, 2025by Masters TTRacer

Resting Heart Rate Dropped to 38 BPM

Posted in Training Reports

PREPARATION 3.1 TRAINING REPORT (07/07 – 07/13)

HIGHLIGHTS: I regularly record nightly resting heart rates between 39 bpm and 42 bpm. However, on Monday morning, I recorded a resting heart rate of 38 bpm. This is not the lowest heart rate I’ve ever experienced. I’ve recorded a resting heart rate of 30 bpm twice. The first time was part of an exercise laboratory study of distance runners when I was in my 20s.

The second time was when I was in my mid-50s. I had been using an internet coach’s cycling training plan that relied on Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to gauge my level of effort. This particular coach did not trust heart rate monitors or power meters, more precise and objective methods for determining level of effort. Anyway, the Monday morning after a weekend of particularly hard workouts, as I was getting out of bed, I experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke. Not realizing what was happening, I went to work. Fortunately, my boss realized what had happened and summoned emergency personnel.

I was hospitalized overnight for tests and observation. I made a point of notifying the nursing team that I had a low heart rate in the 30s. When their shift ended, they forgot to inform the night shift. The next morning, my nurse told me that the night shift called her in the middle of the night as they were about to resuscitate me when my heart rate dropped to 30 bpm. She told them that this was normal for me.

All indoor cycling sessions were completed with my recumbent trike on a Kinetic by Kurt Road Machine smart trainer + Rouvy application. One of two strength workouts was completed.

DETAILS:

  • Monday’s Recovery-Endurance Blend workout was 16.05 miles in 1:04:04. Average speed was 15.0 mph; maximum speed was 17.3 mph. Average power was 87 watts; maximum power was 132 watts. The 45-minute strength routine, a mix of strength machines, free weights, and rope exercises, was completed.
  • Tuesday’s 3-Step Accelerations (3 x 3/2/1 minutes) workout was 17.32 miles in 1:08:03. Average speed was 15.3 mph; maximum speed was 19.2 mph. Average power was 91 watts; maximum power was 176 watts.
  • Wednesday’s Recovery-Endurance Blend workout was 14.47 miles in 1:01:03. Average speed was 14.2 mph; maximum speed was 15.8 mph. Average power was 75 watts; maximum power was 104 watts.
  • Thursday’s Aerobic Tempo-Sweet Spot Blend workout was 19.60 miles in 1:15:04. Average speed was 15.7 mph; maximum speed was 18.1 mph. Average power was 97 watts; maximum power was 155 watts.
  • Friday’s Recovery-Endurance Blend workout was 11.28 miles in 0:47:03. Average speed was 14.4 mph; maximum speed was 16.0 mph. Average power was 78 watts; maximum power was 105 watts. The 45-minute strength routine, a mix of strength machines, free weights, and rope exercises, was cancelled.
  • Saturday’s Time Trial Intervals (4 x 5/4 minutes) workout was 15.69 miles in 1:01:03. Average speed was 15.4 mph; maximum speed was 18.8 mph. Average power was 95 watts; maximum power was 163 watts.
  • Sunday’s Endurance Miles – “Coffee Shop Ride” workout was 15.57 miles in 1:10:03. Average speed was 13.3 mph; maximum speed was 14.1 mph. Average power was 65 watts; maximum power was 76 watts.

BY THE NUMBERS:

  • Total Distance: 109.98 mi
  • Longest Ride: 19.60 mi
  • Total Time for Week: 8:11:23 (h:m:s)
  • Avg Speed: 14.8 mph
  • Max Speed: 19.2 mph
  • Avg Power: 84 watts
  • Max Power: 176 watts
  • Calories: 2,464 C
  • Avg Weight: 177.6
  • Chronic Training Load: 44 (+1)