Just read your article on performing a SUP AT test..

How important is training in HR zones for fit athletes with higher AT zones in other sports (IM, running and cycling)? Should the HR / AT values be similar?  From my past SUP races and training workouts, I am not able to get my HR values similar to running, cycling HR…  example: BOP 10 mile race my avg HR was well within my aerobic zone.. under 120bpm, 1/2 run marathon avg 170bpm, IM tri avg 150bmp..

- Steve, San Diego

Hey there. Thanks for the question. Your question is a good one and this is something we address in the book .  If you are coming to paddling from a different sport, you will find that AT is sport specific. Stated another way, you will have different heart rate parameters for different sports. For example, your swimming AT is likely going to be lower than cycling, and your cycling AT, will be lower than that of running. Paddling generally falls somewhere between swimming and cycling.

The reason that AT will be different for different sports has to do with the numbers and sizes of muscles recruited for the sport and whether the sport it is a weight bearing activity. For example, while running you are supporting your full body weight and using the larger muscle groups of the legs. Cycling uses these large muscle groups, but is a weight supported activity and thus the lower HR (unless you are standing up ‘out of the saddle’). Swimming uses smaller muscle groups as the prime movers (the arms) while water supports the body. SUP uses your legs more than swimming as you need to support your body weight but your legs do  not do any significant movement.

The bottom line with all of this is that your AT numbers for other endurance sports do not apply to paddling. What you are experience is expected and very common. Do a paddling AT test and get your paddling AT

Roch