[atp33]

I’m using the beginner FM plan and my question is should I slow down (walk even) to stay within specific zone e.g Zone 2?

I’m have a heart-strap monitor.

Thanks.

[Charles]

Coaches on the forum can better address your plan.

Heart rate gets a bad rap. I personally prefer HR for most of my activities.

It’s important to make sure you perform the maintenance of your heart strap IAW manufacturer instructions, washing it regularly and making sure the battery is in good condition. If not, you can get some very misleading measurements.

If your watch can read HR from your wrist I would suggest you remove the strap temporarily and see if you are getting similar readings. You can also just do the count manually to be sure.

I’ve had a couple of instances where I’ve had to transition during a workout from the strap to the wrist. Training Peaks has a “fix” capability that can bridge the readings on your workout log so you can still get a good estimate for TSS of the workout.

[coachanne]

Training in heart rate zones typically is a bit challenging when you first start; however, the rewards and benefits are well worth the patience!

A heart rate strap is always more reliable than wrist based heart rate so you are on the right track! Staying within your prescribed zone might mean that you have to walk to lower your heart rate in the beginning; however, over time you will notice that you are running farther and faster while your heart rate stays in the zone.

My biggest recommendation is to have patience, and trust the process even on days when you might feel like you are walking too much.

Hope that helps!

Anne

[Charles]

Anne,

While I agree with you that the heart strap is the better choice, it does deliver more data than the watch itself, it is also susceptible to interference that can make it less reliable than wrist based (optical) measurements. Tips for Erratic Heart Rate Data

“Always” is always a dangerous modifier, best applied to the word “depends”…

Your comments on heart rate training are spot on with my experience. I’ve observed a lot of comments on the forum dissing heart rate training that I believe unfair, reflecting unfamiliarity with the devices leading people to conclude that power or pace is best when the correct answer is “it depends”. It is refreshing to hear your take on heart rate training…

Charles

• This reply was modified 2 weeks ago by Charles.

[Charles]

I tried to paste the link to the Garmin website referenced which didn’t take. If you google “Tips for Erratic Heart Rate Data” you will find a full description.

[atp33]

To be more specific my 80/20 FM plans has me doing for one of my workouts:

5.00 in Z1
20.00 in Z2
5.00 @CV

My question is if my heart rate goes beyond Z2 during my workout should I reduce intensity (or even walk) to stay within Z2?

I’ve just come out of a 6-week MAF training block which saw little or no improvement.

As I’ve just started my FM training block so not sure if i should be walking to stay within a specific zone and compromise my FM training plan?

[coachanne]

The very simple answer is, “yes” you do need to slow down to stay in the prescribed zones.

Hope that helps!

Anne

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