Mar162025March 16, 2025March 23, 2025by Masters TTRacer

Unexplained High Heart Rates

Posted in Training Reports

FOUNDATION 4.2 TRAINING REPORT (03/10 – 03/16)

HIGHLIGHTS: As noted in last week’s post, there was no change in my Functional Threshold Heart Rate (FTHR) numbers/zones after my speed test produced increased Functional Threshold Power (FTP) numbers/zones recently. During Wednesday’s workout, a Recovery-Endurance effort at 73-111 watts, I noticed that my heart rate numbers displayed on the Rouvy application during the workout were extraordinarily high. That mismatch between my power and heart rate numbers continued through today’s workout, displayed below.

According to my old FTHR zones, I should be gasping for breath after the 33:20 mark. Doublechecking with my smart watch, it showed my heart rate 30+ beats per minute lower than my chest heart rate monitor was displaying. I used my backup HR monitor for today’s workout with the same results as yesterday’s workout with my regular HR monitor.

There may be several different explanations for this discrepancy. First, I need to update my FTHR numbers/zones to match the recent increase in my FTP numbers/zones. This should resynchronize my readings. Second, several weeks ago, I started sipping endurance hydration sports drinks during my workouts, rather than plain water. The increased sugar in my blood stream may be affecting my heart rate. I will switch back to plain water this coming week to see if that makes any difference. Third, I will replace my chest HR monitor data stream, if Rouvy permits, with my smartwatch readings for next week’s workouts.

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

DETAILS:

  • Monday’s Endurance Miles-“Kitchen Sink Ride” workout was 9.52 miles in 0:41:05. Average speed was 13.9 mph; maximum speed was 17.6 mph. Average power was 73 watts; maximum power was 160 watts. The 45-minute strength routine, a mix of strength machines and bands, was completed.
  • Tuesday’s Time Trial Intervals (5 x 4/4 minutes) workout was 16.02 miles in 1:06:01. Average speed was 14.6 mph; maximum speed was 17.7 mph. Average power was 83 watts; maximum power was 139 watts.
  • Wednesday’s Recovery-Endurance Blend workout was 13.01 miles in 0:56:07. Average speed was 13.9 mph; maximum speed was 15.8 mph. Average power was 73 watts; maximum power was 111 watts.
  • Thursday’s Fast Pedals Speed Intervals workout was 14.80 miles in 1:02:03. Average speed was 14.3 mph; maximum speed was 17.6 mph. Average power was 73 watts; maximum power was 153 watts. The 45-minute strength routine, a mix of strength machines, free weights, and rope exercises, was cancelled.
  • Friday’s Endurance Miles-“Coffee Shop Ride” workout was 15.82 miles in 1:11:26. Average speed was 13.3 mph; maximum speed was 14.2 mph. Average power was 64 watts; maximum power was 83 watts.
  • Saturday’s Sweet Spot Tempo Intervals (3 x 10/5 minutes) workout was 19.79 miles in 1:23:03. Average speed was 14.3 mph; maximum speed was 17.1 mph. Average power was 79 watts; maximum power was 138 watts.
  • Sunday’s Foundation Miles Medley (4 x 10/4 minutes) workout was 18.73 miles in 1:20:02. Average speed was 14.0 mph; maximum speed was 15.7 mph. Average power was 74 watts; maximum power was 109 watts.

BY THE NUMBERS:

  • Total Distance: 107.70 mi
  • Longest Ride: 19.79 mi
  • Total Time for Week: 8:24:47 (h:m:s)
  • Avg Speed: 14.1 mph
  • Max Speed: 17.7 mph
  • Avg Power: 75 watts
  • Max Power: 168 watts
  • Calories: 2,282 C
  • Avg Weight: 177.1
  • Chronic Training Load: 52 (0)