TRAINING WITH A HEART MONITOR |
Before getting started, a term you should be familiar with is "maximum heart rate". The term can be defined as follows: as your workout intensity increases, so does your heartrate until it reaches a pinnacle and cannot beat any faster. This is achieving "maximum heart rate". |
A brand new formula has recently surfaced concerning the calculation of one's maximum heart rate. Here it is: MALES: 214 -.8(age); for example, I am 45 years old so my rate is as follows: 214 - .8(45), 214 - 36 = 178. FEMALES: 209 - .7(age); my wife is 37, so her max heart rate is 209 - .7(37), 209 - 26 = 183 |
Here's some tips to help you train (ALL PERCENTAGES ARE PERCENTAGE OF MAXIMUM HEART RATE): Tempo runs should be done between 80% - 90%. Strive for the higher end. Short intervals can be done at 90% - 95% Long intervals can be done at the same rate as tempo runs. In between intervals, let your rate drop below 65% before doing your next interval. For long runs, start out easy and work up to 70% - 75% for your run. For those easy days, run at a rate og 60% to 70%. |
For quick reference , the maximum heart rate (MHR) is determined in the chart below for ages 25 through 65. |
Locate your gender (green), age (yellow) and MHR (blue). You're ready to go !! |