What is Heart Rate Variability? How triathletes can use HRV to track recovery and optimise their training

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can be a useful metric to help you fine tune the balancing act of triathlon training as an age-grouper. We speak to three expert coaches to get their insights on what HRV is, what the data means for endurance athletes and how to use it to optimise your training and recovery.

By Jenny Lucas-Hill

Content Director

Last updated -

25 Nov 2025

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a data point which is getting more interest. Smart fitness watches and wellbeing-focused wearables have added HRV as one of the many tracking measures in recent years. ...

This is a premium article as part of the subscription

Join Now

Written by

Jenny Lucas-Hill

Jenny Lucas-Hill was Content Director at TRI247 until Sept 2025. A five-time Ironman finisher, she's also a qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist.

Discover more

Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia

Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you

Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023

Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport

Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?

Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade

The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing

latest News

Els Visser describes the moment she had to swim for her life.

3 Dec 2025

Triathlon journey comes full circle for Els Visser as she announces retirement and a return to medicine

Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 Finish Line

2 Dec 2025

IRONMAN 70.3 La Quinta: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to follow

Georgia Taylor Brown Dubai T100 run 2025

2 Dec 2025

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live as GTB and Vincent Luis look to double up

wc 1st Dec 2025 collage triathlon highlights

1 Dec 2025

The start of December but still so much to look forward to before the end of the triathlon season

Sam Long is using Navy SEALs techniques to improve his swimming. [PTO]

30 Nov 2025

Why Sam Long is turning to the US Navy SEALs as he looks to continue swimming improvement

triathlon on your terms

Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

HOME

SHOP MENU

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

What is Heart Rate Variability? How triathletes can use HRV to track recovery and optimise their training

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year £95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Start your free 7-day

trial to keep reading

Become part of something epic. Join our TRI247+ community to get full access to our exclusive library of premium content and support us on our mission to elevate the world of endurance sport.

£47.95/year
£95.40/year