Training for Century, need to know how to use HR Manitor

[Derf]

Good work on getting an HR monitor. It is a great training tool. Do you do spin classes at a gym by any chance? Sometimes the instructor will tell you how much time you should spent at what % of your maximum. I think the rough forumla for max heartrate is 226 minus your age. Do a search on the net and you should turn up some suggestions for building a training program. I've used my monitor for almost 2 years and love it.

[maillotpois]

I agree - there are a lot of good books out there which can give you training programs. Most of your riding should be done at an endurance pace - I believe, but am not certain, that this is about your 80% of max level.

I think Veronica trains with a HRM and when she gets back from her trip she can probably give some pointers. I gave up the HRM years ago and haven't looked back!

[Nanci]

"Sally Edwards' Heart Zone Training: Exercise Smart, Stay Fit and Live Longer"

Sally Edwards has one of the more popular, in-depth HR training books out there.

Nanci

[FreshNewbie]

Thank you all for responses... I do take cycling classes 3 times a week, one double class. What I noticed is that when my cycling instructor says she has 80% mhr, I usually have about 82-85%. Not sure if it's good or bad, maybe she has different resistance on her bike, maybe she is using her VO2 better, who knows.... I know that on my sprints i go to about 92-95% and that I think is pretty good according to some info i found on net. All in all , my average is about 75% for a cycling class.

[alpinerabbit]

Just note that even a double cycling class will hardly prepare you for a century. MY opinion.

Long term endurance training in the 130-140 bpm range is the basis everyone should do. So I hear.

[FreshNewbie]

I def. understand that, I am doing double classes just for the heck of it, plus the instructor is great and it's a shame to miss a class with her. On the other side i am trying to make up for the rides that i can't do outside during the week, On weekends i am planning to do long rides.

[Derf]

I def. understand that, I am doing double classes just for the heck of it, plus the instructor is great and it's a shame to miss a class with her. On the other side i am trying to make up for the rides that i can't do outside during the week, On weekends i am planning to do long rides.

While there may be no substitute for actual road miles, I've found that my endurance and climbing skills have improved since I've started spinning at the gym. I used to use my trainer at home and watch Spinervals DVDs, but I wasn't pushing myself as hard as I should have.