Extreme Cardiac Fatigue

[StephenU]

This past weekend, I raced the inaugural Ellison Project 6 hour enduro and then the Kelowna Xterra the next day.

We've always thought I had a cardiac limiter/weekness. (respiration has actually been a compensator for me)  I am pretty sure after what I went through this weekend that this is confirmed.  I hope I can see some feedback on this.  I'm sure Spiro is going to help me 'compensate" longer but my limiter is cardiac.

I rode pretty much as hard and fast as I could for just over 6 hours on sunday.  My Heart rate was just over BP (169) for the first few laps and then I tried to settle in for the long haul at BP or BP -5.  I was able to do this with the exception of two laps where I suffered mentally and physically which is common in an long endurance mountain bike race.  For some reason, I found some motivation on the laps 9 and 10 to race at BP again and get my lap times down to 36 minutes.  I was turning 32 and 33 minute laps in the first part of the race.

After I got home on Saturday night, I measured my resting HR at 83!!  I tried to get a good rest that night and hope to recover for Sunday.

Well, the first 4.5 km run told me I was not recovered AT ALL as my respiration was taxed and my HR would not go over 150.  even in the race situation where the adrenalin was pumping, still no go!  I hoped things would be better on the bike, but again, respiration was struggling and I could not get my HR over 155, even while I was seemingly hammering up the hills.  As a result, I stood on my pedals and used a super slow cadence to climb the hills to keep my respiration rate down.
The last 8km run leg was more of the same, max HR of 150, even when I tried to switch to 2 / 2 . 

What kind of feedback would a "physioflow" give if I were to get hooked up to it on my second day? (my fatigued day)

I'm definately worried about my recovery ability from intense cardiac efforts like the 6 hour.  I'm able to blister a one day event but day to day recovery and stage racing is looking very grim.  I fear I am going to be reduced to a snails pace on day 8 of BC bike Race!!

[GinnySellars]

Hey Stephen

I suppose you knew there would be SOME KIND of limiter on the Sunday, but were just waiting to see what it would be!!

Another possibility with the HR that couldn't get over 150...it reminds me of a few rides I've had, including today. If you completely deplete yourself of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen, you can not replenish it in 12hrs, 24hrs, or even 48hrs. It may take a few days to get your stores back after a 6 hr enduro at your intensity. So even if you were taking in plenty of food after the race, had a great brekkie, and carbs/sugar in your drinks and gels en route, it's not enough. You may feel alright briefly, but you can't keep up with the needs when you are totally empty.

This would affect your intensity over a multi day race. You may have to go UBER hard for sections such as getting to the single track in a good position, or getting on to a peleton on the road, but then you will likely have a better outcome over the week if you choose a lower intensity. Having said that, it sounds like some days at BC bike race are much shorter. Racing for 2-3hrs is pretty different than 6!!

[Andrew]

Stay tuned...there will be a Physioflow in town in two weeks time, and I will be lining up a few athletes for testing. As we will be borrowing the unit, there will likely be a fee involved, but I would like to get as many BPR athletes tested as possible. First crack will go to athletes who have already signed on for BPR and paid their dues. Please talk with Chris if you have not done so, but want to be considered for physioflow testing on the week-end of the 15-17 of October.

[StephenU]

Thanks Ginny! 
I am sure I was depleted of muscle and liver glycogen stores as I only took in 300 cals/hour + plus maybe 100 more worth of gel per hour.  right after I finished, I could not eat anything for an hour or two as I was feeling horrible.  I think it was 2 hours until I finally  took in some real calories.  I know the rules are to eat right away to stop the invisible workout, but I was sickened!!  hehe!
Went out today to try the toonie race and the 55 min ride to the trail was not good! (I did a series of intervals up to BP and I had that labored, heavy, dead leg feeling that we all know when we are not recovered)  Well, I crashed out 400m from the start on the gravel road so I did not get a chance to see if I really was cooked.  The beer and burger was a good consolation prize though!

[GinnySellars]

Hey Stephen
I'm struggling like you are. Initially my HR skyrockets, then shortly afterwards it's feels really effortful to get over HR 135, which would normally be LBP -25-30.
My 'coach' tells me it's more than nutritional, and fits nicely with your assessment of cardiac fatigue. Initially the HR is super high, as my stroke volume is super low...ie tired heart muscle can't push out blood with any force. Shortly afterward the speed of the contraction also fails, so I can't push out small amounts fast either.

So...what do to. I'm going to WALK in my vibram barefoot shoes in the trails, as it meets my goal to strength feet and achilles, allow my heart to recover, and lose fat. I will also do respiratory training with Spirotiger, cuz my breathing is weak and my HR can stay low....so why not. Lastly, I'll do tons of swim drill, HR low, and get more efficient in the water. Andrew also suggested that I could do high muscle tension with low HR, such as low cadence, slow hill climbing on the bike if I need to get out on the bike.

I'm looking forward to getting close to nature with my Kal Park barefoot walks!!

[StephenU]

Some great idea's there Ginny except for the swimming part.
I've had to alter my normal riding as well!  After I crashed on wednesday, I find myself with a left hand that I cannot put any weight on.  I took it as a perfect chance to pull out the TT bike and ride with a small group in Kelowna.  I just rode at the back the whole ride staying on my arm rests most of the time, even climbing in a slow cadence.  If I hadn't injured myself, there is no way I would have been on the TT bike!

[StephenU]

I have been "outted" by two peters.  Turns out the quail was not in complete control..