Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

🔍 What is HRV?

HRV, or Heart Rate Variability, measures the average time gap between two heartbeats—measured in milliseconds (ms).

  • Your heart doesn’t beat like a metronome—it pauses slightly between beats.
  • A higher variability means your body is more adaptable and balanced, which is a sign of better recovery and performance.
  • Example: If your HRV averages 40ms and increases to 50ms, that’s a 25% improvement—a positive sign of increased fitness and resilience.

🧬 HRV is Personal

HRV values are genetically determined and differ from person to person.

  • Don’t compare your HRV to others—it’s more important to track your own baseline and aim for gradual improvement.
  • If your average HRV is 40ms, aim for small, consistent gains over time.

📈 Why Higher HRV Matters

A higher HRV indicates:
✅ Better cardiovascular health
✅ Improved recovery and stress response
✅ Higher adaptability to physical and mental stress

🚨 Why HRV Drops

A low HRV can signal that your body is under stress or not recovering well. It can be affected by:

  • Fatigue from intense training
  • Poor sleep or irregular sleep patterns
  • Stress (mental or physical)
  • Illness

👉 If you notice a drop in HRV, adjust your training intensity, prioritize rest, and improve sleep habits.

A higher HRV means a stronger, more resilient runner—and a smoother path to that marathon finish line! 🏅

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