Why Didn't I Look? 👀
Why didn’t I look at my Garmin more carefully?
I’ve never been able to get my heart rate zones to show on the display screen; although beats per minute is there. Somehow I thought that I wasn’t getting the breakdown of Time Spent in HR Zones; so for at least a year I didn’t even try to find it.
Well, why didn’t I look? That info is there. Just think of the data I missed! Of course I can go back through my history of rides and get what I want; but I decided that the last few weeks’ info gives me enough to go on.
I went back to May 5, and saw that much of my riding time — at least, on the road bike — was spent in Zone 3 and Zone 4. So now I have a decent idea of what my training load is.
Carrying a Load? 🧱
Maybe I really am carrying a load that’s a bit much. Zone 3 is called “steady”; and “just above your comfort zone”. Zone 4 is “brisk”; and the point where you begin to edge into working anaerobically. Since May 5, I actually spent a little more time in Zone 4 than I did in Zone 3!
I want to keep better track of this as I ride; and in order to watch which zone I’m in, I had to write the zones on a bit of index card, and tape it to my handlebars. Today I worked to stay in Zone 2; and it was surprisingly hard. I kept wanting to push harder and faster!
How do you determine your training load? Let’s say you went for a ride; and spent 10 minutes in Zone 2; 40 minutes in Zone 3; and 10 minutes in Zone 4. That’s (10 x 2) + (40 x 3) + (10 x 4) = training load 180.
You’ll really be carrying a load if you spend a lot of time in Zone 5. I think I need a little more time working at my maximum heart rate; but one day a week of such efforts is enough for an amateur like me!
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ABOUT ME
I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story.
I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling!
Website designed by Cecile Levert
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DISCLAIMER
I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.
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