23% Grade - Heart Rate Approaching DEATH - Help???

[Thorn]

Thanks keeper for the explanation....(and, of course, Mr. Silver for starting the thread). I hit a new high BPM this weekend (the hill only peaked at 19% but in a series of rollers where the longest was 1/2 mile long). I hit the nausea point, but it doesn't sound as bad as Mr. Silver; DH took the route of valor and engaged "La Nona" and got off and walked. Darn...now I found out he probably did the right thing.

[lph]

jumping in late into the max HR discussion: I borrowed a HRM for a couple of weeks, and overshot my formula-calculated "max" immediately. I was then told that the formula was just to give a rough number to work with, because actually measuring your max HR is so uncomfortable - biking up a hill til you almost puke was mentioned - that a lot of people can't be bothered to do so.

Sounds like Mr. Silver just did

[Look]

You know, you can get assessed and find out what your HR max should be and what your "zones" are. My asssessment was called New Leaf but there's others, ask at your health club. Usually they'll cost you although your gym membership may discount it. But I found it truly useful information. For one thing, having never been an athlete I didn't really know how hard to work. And not having an objective standard, I worked according to whatever my inspiration was that day. Once I had something to shoot for, I improved my fitness rapidly and lost weight steadily.

Find an assessment, part with the bucks and make your workouts count!