I thought A Good Night’s Sleep Would Lead to A Good Ride. My Heart Said Otherwise

It’s frustrating – today’s ride started off with the best of intent. However, the FatMaxxer App, monitoring the DFAA1 fractions on my Heart Rate Variability, showed more strain than my wattage allowed. In other words, for the PRESCRIBED Heart Rate and Wattage intensity for a Lower Threshold ride, the DFAA1 basically told me, “NO. Back Off. Something’s not right. We need to lower the intensity.”

I fought this for 45 minutes before backing off, and watching the DFAA1 float higher.

Today, there was a VERY thin line between TOO HARD, and TOO EASY. I could probably ride at 153 beats per minute, and have a DFAA1 around 1.00 or higher, but at 156 Beats per minute, DFAA1 sank well below 0.75 and stayed there longer.

I don’t have images of the next phenomenon, since it occurred on my Fenix 6X Pro, but more than once, I received warnings that I was having an “Abnormal High Heart Rate.” I didn’t feel it, but I have set the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro to receive my heart rate from the chest strap when it is in use. Unfortunately, I did not record from the watch; maybe I’ll have to do that in the future.

There is an EKG app available for the Android and the Polar H10. I don’t believe I’m suffering from Athletic Heart Syndrome, but honestly, it’s better to know than not know, and I’ll start recording EKG going forward.

Here’s todays summary; I love using PerfPro Studio for these rides – I also love switching between %load and %slope. I still prefer % slope, but if I can get my heart rate and DFAA1 calmed down and not swinging, I might see if I can ride at a known % load, and watch DFAA1 and HR from there.