I tried this last spring, trying to stay in zones 2/3 and really enjoyed it. Somehow I've lost my way with it a bit. Today my heartrate shot up with 5 minutes (maybe the wine 🍷 last night). Has anyone got any kind of "plan"?. Before, I just ran for 30 minutes in zones 2/3, then 35 mins, 40 mins etc etc, but there must be a better way.
Any suggestions very gratefully received xx
The 'Maffetone' method is a good way for HR training but you really need to give it several months and be very strict with it to see the benefits
Yes I've looked at that. I might try it, although I'll be crawling to keep my heart rate that low 😂
Yes, I found it almost impossible without having to walk every few minutes
Hi Maz1103 , if I apply the 180 minus my age (61) minus 5 for seasonal allergies formula, then even walking my dog this afternoon was problematic, if my Garmin is to be believed! Which, in fairness, it probably isn't, as I've not adjusted the zones at all and am only using the watch's heart rate monitor.
I run by perceived effort, as I live in a hilly area and the stress of attempting to run by numbers far outweighs any benefits I might get from the method. I hope it works much better for you, and hopefully a low heartrate running expert will be along soon to give you a more helpful response than this!
I'm beginning to think I need to do the same actually. Watching my heart rate constantly is stressing me and also slowing me down because I panic about numbers when I actually feel OK!!
Don't get me wrong, low heart rate running works really well for some people. I'm just not one of them.
This afternoon's dog walk was 6.5k, 127m elevation gain, which is pretty standard round here. I was walking fairly briskly most of the time, and at no point was I remotely uncomfortable. I'd actually run earlier in the day, deliberately minus Garmin, as I'm coming back from injury and found myself getting too hung up on what the stats said. So I'm now aiming to do one of my weekly runs minus technology, and just enjoy myself, regardless of numbers.
You have to do what's right for you. Happy running!
I have never used my heart monitor, like Cmoi , I go on effort and recovery time.
At 71 (nearly 72) , I figure if my pace is comfortable, if my breathing matches the effort of the type of run/weather conditions or terrain, and I recover in my own set recovery parameters,, that suits me.
We are all so different and for some runners the heart rate monitoring is very important . Do what you feel comfortable with, but remember to enjoy the runs
I find it helpful to set my max HR to about 10 bpm above the highest I've observed in actual hard exercise. The formulas are just an average approximation for the general population.
Well done for keeping going. That's the main thing. Certainly don't have your heart rate on screen. Check it after you run. There are so many variables but for me it's consistency. Without it you can't really build a platform for anything. I like to start my watch then walk the first 30 seconds or so and then break into a gentle jog. Steady comfy pacing 'by feel' consistently will hopefully get you where you want to go. Go with the flow of your runs over a few weeks and see how things look.
Any Advice /Information on Low HR Training? 
