Checking your pulse during a run ?

Question

why is it so important to check your pulse while running, i see all my fellow runners do it... but why ?

what does it change ?

sometimes when i run i can feel my heartbeat rapidly under my collarbone ( weird, huh ? )

but why do joggers/runners check ?

Answer 1

People check their heart rate while running because they want to see if they are in the aerobic or anaerobic workout zone. Everybody has a different zone. If you want to see what you aerobic or anaerobic zone there is an equation you use.

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/hrm1.htm

This explains everything very well and helps you fund your zone.

Answer 2

Mostly likely they are trying to stay within a certain target heart rate zone.  Many exercise guidelines tell you to stay in between 60-80% of your max heart rate for routine cardio work.  There are tables aimed at picking a target heart rate zone (see link below).

One warning, tables should only be used as guidelines, because people vary in maximum heart rate and resting heart rate depending on level of fitness and genetics.