---
aliases: ["Resting HR Q1 2024"]
Is A: Target
Belongs to: "[[24q1]]"
Measure: "[[measure-resting-hr]]"
Goal value: 54
Actual value: 57
Status: Behind
---
# Resting HR Target Q1 2024
Target: resting HR < 54 bpm.

Resting heart rate is the primary health metric that [[person-luca-rossi]] tracks as a proxy for overall cardiovascular fitness. The Q1 2024 target of 54 bpm was set based on a late-2023 average of around 58 bpm, with the assumption that a consistent running habit (3-4 times per week) would bring it down steadily. Lower resting HR correlates strongly with better sleep quality and sustained energy throughout the workday.

## Progress

- January: averaged 58 bpm. Holiday indulgence and a two-week break from running over the new year period meant starting the quarter at baseline.
- February: improved to 56 bpm average as running frequency resumed to 3x/week. Added one zone 2 long run per week.
- March: ended at 57 bpm average. A mild cold in mid-March disrupted training for 10 days and caused a temporary spike to 60 bpm.
- Quarter average of 57 bpm -- missed the 54 bpm target by 3 bpm.

## Notes

- The 54 bpm target was likely too aggressive for Q1 given the holiday starting point. A more realistic target would have been 56 bpm, with 54 as a stretch goal.
- Illness-related setbacks are hard to plan for but have an outsized impact on HR trends. Building in recovery weeks after illness rather than trying to immediately resume full training would be beneficial.
