Breathing and pulse

As you are probably aware, you can control your pulse by breathing and concentration.

If you adjust your breathing and concentrate on slowing down your pulse after a workout or sprint, is that bad for muscle recovery?

I'm thinking of this because of the decreased amount of oxygen and removal of CO2 and other waste or byproducts.

Thank you in advance.

[ccrn]

Originally Posted by Martin

As you are probably aware, you can control your pulse by breathing and concentration.

If you adjust your breathing and concentrate on slowing down your pulse after a workout or sprint, is that bad for muscle recovery?

I'm thinking of this because of the decreased amount of oxygen and removal of CO2 and other waste or byproducts.

Thank you in advance.

Why would you even bother?

There are exercise physiology journals that address many facets of exercise and literally hills of research done on runners. When I get home I can give you some links.

From my own experience running a warm down is alawys in order, at least a walk for ten minutes and many will recommend a jog so I would think lowering your HR quickly after a workout would be counter productive.

Also, protein replacement during the two hour window right after a strenuous workout is crucial if you want to avoid soreness and even more important tissue damage.

Considering hear rate, VOmax and lactate threshold my goal is to keep my HR up as long as possible then bring it down slowly-

Originally Posted by ccrn

Considering hear rate, VOmax and lactate threshold my goal is to keep my HR up as long as possible then bring it down slowly-

I was thinking of when doing intervals or fartlek. I understand now that I shouldn't bother.

Thank you.

I'd appreciate the links though.

Originally Posted by Martin

I was thinking of when doing intervals or fartlek. I understand now that I shouldn't bother.

Thank you.

I'd appreciate the links though.

Oh hell, bring on the links and we'll see if they touch upon it. Otherwise I'd like to U-turn and be more specific:

The idea was that the lowering of pulse between sets or sprints could be good simply because it tells the body to be calmer at heavier loads. After training this would translate into raising the threshold and lowering of time needed for recovery.

The downside I was thinking of was if it would limit the oxygen supply and thus impair overall performance, thus recovery. The muscles would become exhausted because they would not be "fed" enough.

[ccrn]

Research indicates that intervals of 600m and up are best. 400 is easier but doesnt work VOmax as well.

From the reading Ive done rest between intervals should be 50-90%. So if your interval takes 6:00 cool down for 3:00-5:30 then go again.

I also like hills. I'll find one 300-400m. Sprint up it then walk back down for a cool down.

I dont like fartlek myself I dont know why. Most everyone I know does them.

Youre on the right track though I think if you focus on your VOmax that in itself will increase your threshold for work.

Depending on how far you want to run you might get into lactate training. This is best for half and full marathon. For any less youwant to focus on VOmax.

jap.physiology.org

www.acsm-msse.com

www.sportsmedicine.com

www.kicksports.com (cool running)

The Cool Running forums might be the most useful. The others are a wealth of info but are time consuming. I have more if you want. I also recommend Pete Pfitzinger's "Road Racing for Serious Runners"-

[jatx]

CCRN, how would you suggest that someone focus on VO2 Max? It is not observable at home or during a workout, and is not a frequently administered test for most athletes. Frankly, the information isn't even all that useful outside of competitive sports. I'm not sure what you mean here.

Martin, I assume that you are training with a heart rate monitor at all times? IMHO, it makes no sense to run complex interval workouts without one, as there is no other way to get an accurate feel for the direct linkage between fine gradations of effort and heart rate. And until you get the feel for that, there is no way to do productive training just below your anaerobic threshold.

In any case, I highly recommend a book by my former coach, Rob Sleamaker: SERIOUS Training for Endurance Athletes. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

Good luck!