Hear rate monitor data

The "bonk" recorded during an Ironman triathlon

The following data is from a 33 year old male and is used to illustrate the "bonk" as recorded by a heart rate monitor. The information is provided as an example only. The data does not represent a comparison standard for other athletes. Individual athletes must determine there own heart rate "ranges" .

Note the progressive decline in the heart rate during the marathon. This individual went progressive slower per mile during the marathon and finished doing only a "shuffle" pace.

Contrast this with the following information from the same individual 7 weeks earlier. Data is from the marathon only. Note the even heart rate during the entire run, with a slight increase at the end. The average heart rate is greater (10 beats per minute) and the overall time is faster. During the run, the individual was able to negative split the marathon.

Why is there such a big difference? There are many things that may contribute to bonking during an Ironman distance race;

dehydration
low blood sugar/glycogen depletion
hyponatremia
heat injury
poor race strategy leading to any of the above.
- Perhaps the most common error for those new to this distance is going too hard on the bike and then having nothing left for the marathon.
  26.2 miles is a long way to walk!
overtraining and improper taper

Keeping all of these things in mind and using the heart rate monitor as just one of many guides can help you stick to your race strategy. Develop a plan that incorporates pace, feeding, and hydration so that you can survive the challenge of an Ironman.

Good luck everyone.

Return

The "bonk" recorded during an Ironman triathlon

26.2 miles is a long way to walk!

Good luck everyone.