The Humblest is the Peer of the Most Powerfull

December 06, 2025

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Location:

Salt Lake City,

Member Since:

Feb 11, 2010

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

I had some success in high school and college. Winner 1985 Rod Dixon Run

Had a fair amount of success as a Masters runner for most of my 40s.

Short-Term Running Goals:

Have fun with running, explore more trails, stay healthy.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep running and racing consistently for as long as I can. Find what is sustainable for me over the long run.

Personal:

I teach AP European History and other courses at Alta High School. I coached the track and cross country teams at Alta for 16 years.

Married, two kids - Abby and Andy

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Miles:	This week:	31.75	Month:	31.75	Year:	1752.62

Sat, Jul 12, 2025

Easy Miles	Marathon Pace Miles	Threshold Miles	VO2 Max Miles	Total Distance
15.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	15.00

AM: 45 miles on the bike in 2:59

OK, I have a couple questions...

According to my Garmin, my three hours on the bike burned just over 1000 calories. Can that be right? That's what I burn in an hour of running on the treadmill. If it is correct, cycling is a really inefficient form of exercise.

Also, my average heart rate was 101 BPM which also seems really low. When I'm hiking (not running) up Grandeur Peak its 115 BPM on average.

Despite all this, I'm really tired right now and I feel like I worked out harder than the data suggests.

Night Sleep Time: 0.00	Nap Time: 0.00	Total Sleep Time: 0.00	Weight: 0.00	Calories: 0.00

Comments

From Tom K on Sat, Jul 12, 2025 at 14:05:39 from 47.206.202.65

Is it that you are using muscles you don't normally work while running? Is that the fatigue?

From Blake Bennion on Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 01:06:38 from 73.65.226.168

Garmin determines calories burned directly from heart rate, and for biking the actual calories you are burning is best determined by a power meter- how much mechanical work you're doing.

Garmin calorie estimate has like a 60% range of error, so I'd imagine you burned more.

From Jason D on Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 06:44:28 from 73.161.42.48

What Blake said.

Cycling HR zones are different from running HR zones. My easy aerobic stuff cycling is generally in the 120 BPM range, but for running it is in the mid to upper 130s and even in the 140s. If you are using a wrist-based HRM it is likely wildly off. A well-fitted chest strap is the best way to get consistent readings.

With cycling in your 50s HR under 120 for endurance efforts wouldn't be out of the question. At 40, my endurance efforts are almost never over 130, even for a couple hours. Indoors, it can be at 120.

You are also a lifelong runner, so you likely have a lower HR.

From Rob Murphy on Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 09:03:35 from 73.228.106.104

Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate the feedback.

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