Heart rate remains slightly elevated for a while after running.?

Question

22 year old male. 170 pounds.

If I run for 2-3 miles and get my heart rate up to about 160 or so....immediately after the run my heart rate will drop down fast. I am down to 144 after just one minute...then down to 100 within 3-5 minutes.

Then it will hover at 100 for 20 minutes...then 90 for 20 minutes...etc...etc....until finally dropping down to the 66-74 range where my normal resting heart rate is.

Is it normal for it to hover at those elevated rates for so long? What kind of shape is my heart in?

Answer 1

It varies from person to person - even with similar fitness level. It also depends on the temperature, your hydration level and time of the day. So, as long as you do not feel any sickness or uncomfort, it should be OK. As your fitness level improve, if you still do the same amount of workout, your heart rate should drop faster.