Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variability in the time between heart beats. It’s a new metric smartwatches use to judge your preparedness for running.
Every runner has a normal (aka baseline) HRV and most running watches now calculate your baseline HRV, especially if you wear the watch while you sleep.
A HRV lower or significantly higher than your norm is an indication that you may not be ready for a long and/or hard effort and that additional recovery is in order.
When your training is balanced, your HRV is often lower (indicating you are still recovering) for 24-48 hours after an intense or long run but then returns to your baseline by the time you are ready for your next challenging workout.
Recommended: McMillan Heart Rate Zone Calculator
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Written By Greg McMillan
Called “one of the best and smartest distance running coaches in America” by Runner’s World’s Amby Burfoot, Greg McMillan is renowned for his ability to combine the science of endurance performance with the art of real-world coaching. While getting his graduate degree in Exercise Science he created the ever-popular McMillan Running Calculator – called “The Best Running Calculator” by Outside Magazine. A National Champion runner himself, Greg coaches runners from beginners to Boston Qualifiers (15,000+ and counting!) to Olympians.
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