Whats the big deal with running & heart rate? no clue?

Question

I'm been a real fitness freak for the last 5 yrs, i run every morning & i was professionally boxing for 3 yrs, but during this whole time I've never really experimented with heart rate's & pedometers(not sure if that has anything do with it). Could somone please explain to me the basics of checking your heart rate while running, how to do it, what numbers i should be aiming for. I need all the help now since i've stop boxing & major training seasons, i want to keep my body in shape.

Answer 1

im in xc and once a week we use heart rate monitors and run for about 30-40 min. we try to keep our heart rate at 180 because that is the point where the heart does something or other to let a good amount of blood in.

Answer 2

well i think running and heart rate monitors are not important on easy runs but on hard runs it can tell you how well your improving basically

Answer 3

Been running with a heart rate monitor for over 10 yrs., pedometers aren't so good especially for running.  Checking your heart rate monitor while running is a really great way to determine the shape your in.  I can really get into detail, but I'll give you 1 example.... Say your just getting back into running and you go to a track, say you do 3 miles at a steady 8min. pace.  If just getting back into running (this is using your weight, 84kg)probably see most of first mile heart rate around 150, second mile will move up a little to around 155, then for last mile still at same pace will get to around 160-165.  This is b/c your not in good shape and the further you go at same pace (if a little strenuous) the more it will rise.

Now after running consistent for 1-2 months you do this run again....results might be like this 1st mile 145, 2nd mile 150 and 3rd mile 150-155....this let you know your getting in much better shape over time.  Also when your done running the better shape your in the quicker your heart rate will come down after training.  Hope this explained it somewhat.