I admit it. I had a great time not running. After running the Iron Girl half marathon in Clearwater in April, I decided to take it slow. With our increasing summer heat and my disdain for treadmills, it was time for a break. June and July were for the most part “Run Free” months for me. August came around and I started spinning classes again and before I knew it, my running feet were asking for some pavement. While I enjoyed my time off from running, I’m so excited to have started training again with a heart rate training plan.
What’s a heart rate training plan?
A heart rate training plan is a plan where you monitor your heart rate to stay in a specific heart rate zone. I’m not a medical expert, so I visited a few pages on the internet like this and this. In the past, my training has always been an adaptation of the many online half marathon running plans. This time, my training won’t be that much different. I plan on running three times a week and if time or energy allows do one more activity (yoga, spinning, weights?) to round out the training. However, I will be paying more attention to my heart rate monitor.
My heart rate training will be composed of three runs: a long run at a recovery heart rate (70%), tempo/race pace (80-90%) and an interval/speed (90-100%). I’ve noticed all my past training runs were done at the interval/speed heart rate. Not good. I’m lucky I have not injured myself. I’ve completed this 1st week of training following my heart rate and it’s been quite interesting. The hardest thing was running a 13:00 min/mi during my long run. That was my pace so I can keep my heart rate in the correct zone. It took everything in me to stay focused and not give up.
Having completed my first week of heart rate training, I’ve found a new love for running. I’ve also realized I need to push myself a bit more to meet the heart rates for the tempo/race pace. I’m looking forward to see how this goes in September!
Do you exercise with a heart rate monitor? If so, what kind?
Have you ever tried “Heart Rate Training”?
WOW! That sounds like a lot to keep up with. I’m not sure if I could do that. I am also out of shape, so that could have a lot to do with it.
Yes, it’s a little overwhelming at first. But the garmin itself is super easy to use. There are other products out there which make it even easier, like pear sports.
I don’t have a heart rate monitor, but I find this training really interesting! It makes me think about getting one. Good luck!
I didn’t have one for along time (1-2 years), I kept debating whether the expense was worth it or not. I ended up buying one from Nanci’s friend so I got a really good deal. Now, I can’t imagine not having it!
One of the books I read recently on marathons talked a lot about training with a heart rate monitor. I have never used the heart rate monitor strap that came with my Garmin, but you may have just convinced me to try it. Keep up the great work! 🙂
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