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Maximum Heart Rate
Maximum heart rate (HR
max
) is the highest number of heartbeats per minute (bpm) during maximum
physical exertion. It is individual and depends on age, hereditary factors, and fitness level. It may also
vary according to the type of sport performed. HR
max
is used to express training intensity.
Determining Maximum Heart Rate
Your HR
max
can be determined in several ways.
• The most accurate way is to have your HR
max
clinically measured, usually on a maximal treadmill or by
taking a bicycle stress test supervised by a cardiologist or an exercise physiologist.
• You can also determine your HR
max
by taking a field test together with a training partner.
• HR
max
can also be estimated by using the commonly used formula: 220 - age, although research shows
that this method is not very accurate, especially for older persons or those who have been fit for many
years.
If you have done some hard training in recent weeks and know that you can safely reach maximum heart
rate, you can safely take a test to determine your HR
max
yourself. Having a training buddy with you during
the test is recommended. If you are uncertain, consult your physician before undertaking the test.
Here is an example of a simple test.
Step 1: Warm up for 15 minutes on a flat surface, building up to your usual training pace.
Step 2: Choose a hill or stairwell that will take more than 2 minutes to climb. Run up the hill/steps once,
building to as hard a pace as you can hold for 20 minutes. Return to the base of the hill/steps.
Step 3: Run up the hill/steps again, building towards a pace you could just about hold for 3 kilometers.
Note your highest heart rate. Your maximum is approximately 10 beats higher than the noted value.
Step 4: Run back down the hill, allowing your heart rate to drop 30-40 beats per minute.
Step 5: Run up the hill/steps once again at a pace that you can only hold for 1 minute. Try to run halfway
up the hills/steps. Note your highest heart rate. This brings you close to your maximum heart rate. Use this
value as your maximum heart rate to set training zones.
Step 6: Make sure you get a good cool-down, a minimum of 10 minutes.
Running Cadence and Stride Length
Cadence* is the number of times the foot with the stride sensor* hits the ground per minute.
Stride length* is the average length of one step. That is the distance between your right and left foot
contacting the ground.
Running speed = 2 * stride length * cadence
There are two ways to run faster: moving your legs at a higher cadence or taking longer steps.
Elite long distance runners typically run with a high cadence of 85-95. On uphills, typical cadence values
are lower. On downhills they are higher. Runners adjust stride length to gather speed: stride length
increases as speed increases.
Yet one of the most common mistakes novice runners make is over-striding. The most efficient stride
length is the natural one – the one that feels most comfortable. You will run faster in races by
strengthening your leg muscles so they take you forward with a longer stride.
You should also work on maximizing cadence efficiency. Cadence does not progress easily, but if properly
trained, you will be able to sustain it throughout your runs and maximize your performance. To develop
cadence, the nerve-muscle connection needs to be trained - and reasonably frequently. A session of
cadence training a week is a good start. Incorporate some cadence work into the rest of your week. During
long easy runs, you could include some faster cadence every now and then.
ENGLISH
Polar Smart Coaching 45