Training In Peak Zone

[bcalvanese]

When I trail run I like to stay in zone 4 & 5 using a 5 zone system (80 to 95 percent of my max heart rate), and pretty frequently hit my max heart rate trying to run up hills. Some workouts I stay in zone 5 for up to an hour throughout the workout. It's very difficult to maintain my breathing and I can feel my heart really going, but it feels good at the same time.

I have read that doing this is harmful and people should not do it. I had to see my cardiologist yesterday to go over the recent stress test that I had done a few weeks ago. He told me that my heart ramped up nicely during the treadmill portion of the test and I was able to maintain my max heart rate very well. He said my heart was strong and the test came out excellent.

I figured I would ask him about training at peak heart rate and he said it was fine, and probably why my heart is in such good shape.

Cooool!!!

🙂

Edit: Forgot to mention, I'm 59 years old.

[Esya]

Congratz on having such a healthy heart! That is quite the work you put in and the achievement you got there. I think it is still wise for other people to have their heart checked before doing what you are doing.