Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2007-02-28 2:12 PM

Regular
95
252525
Boston. MA
Subject: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink
I'm currently using Friel's method of heartrate training Z1-Z5c which is working well w/ my training program that I devised from the TTB.

I recently read Don Finks beIRONfit and his method of heartrate training seems to be different. He uses Z1-Z4, Z1 being 67-74%, Z2 75-85%, Z3 86-89%, and Z4 90-95%. He advises in the book to use the 220 - your age to get the starting number and then you can figure out the percentages from there. The basis for his program is off these percentages. He does mention a field test but doesn't state what to use for numbers to begin compiling specific zones.

His plan looked pretty good, and it beats making up my own for an IM. I may be interested in using part of it for my training this year and for a run at IMLP next year. For those of you have knowledge w/ Friel and Fink is it possible to incorporate Friels magic LT number and zones into Finks program? If so how would I break down the zones?

2007-02-28 3:24 PM
in reply to: #706602

User image

Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink

Regardless of the plan that you will follow, what I would do first would be to test your functional threshold via a bike and run time trial and then use then use BT HR calculator to get my HR zones. For swimming I would train by pace determining different paces by also doing a swim time trial…

If you want the time trial test protocols shoot me an email/PM and I’ll send those to you or do a search on BT

2007-02-28 4:25 PM
in reply to: #706602

User image

Coach
9167
5000200020001002525
Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink
Hmm. WAs my post yanked? The one that said 220-age formula is Crapoopy? Maybe the bad word monster got it. I had a link to an article about the max HR formula on my website, you can just navigate to it below. Maybe my laptop battery is dying.

Stick with Friel's HR zones if they are working for you, but the training plan in the book you mention may also be beneficial for you if you combine the 2 methods.
2007-02-28 4:32 PM
in reply to: #706602

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-02-28 6:16 PM
in reply to: #706602

Regular
95
252525
Boston. MA
Subject: RE: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink
No doubt Friel is the man. I have my LT numbers. Question is how would you brek them down in Finks zones 1-4. For example my run is 159 and my bike is 149
2007-02-28 6:44 PM
in reply to: #706895

Coach
9167
5000200020001002525
Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink
nel34 - 2007-02-28 5:16 PM

No doubt Friel is the man. I have my LT numbers. Question is how would you brek them down in Finks zones 1-4. For example my run is 159 and my bike is 149


You'll need to read the plan and figure out what his intention is with training in each zone. Since his zones are based on a Max HR formula, there's no way you can know that your calcuated Zone 3 (Fink) for example is goign to be in your lactate threshold range or whatever. Read the plan and if he is saying somethign along the lines of LT work shoudl be done in zone 3, and anaerobic efforst done in Zone4, then you can just transpose all of his zone numbers. THis is what I meant when I said an experienced coach might be able to help you decipher the zones (in my post that mysteriously dissappeared...)

2007-03-02 8:01 AM
in reply to: #706602

Master
1989
1000500100100100100252525
New Jersey
Subject: RE: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink
I had the exact question a while back. I really like IronFit, but I just didn't like his methodology for HR zones. So, being that I sort of know his wife, I shot off an email, and his response was to use the book....period. Wish I got more of an explanation, but then again, he is quite a triathlete - he ought to know.

However, having said that...
I am looking to do an IM this year, and will follow his plan (generally), but I'm just going to use Friel's zones instead. And if Fink says Zone 2, then I'll do Zone 2, but Friel's, not his.
2007-03-02 8:12 AM
in reply to: #706602

Regular
95
252525
Boston. MA
Subject: RE: Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink
What are you going to do when Fink says do 8 min at zone 4 and your hr is 170 for example (not sure what your age is etc.) are you going to be able to do this? I'm not sure I could hold that type of HR for 8 min especially on the bike. I'm interested to hear more about how you plan to mix and match the hr's if you have time. Will you incorporate your LT into the zones?
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Different methods of heartrate training, Friel vs. Fink Rss Feed