Anyone tried running to a heart rate? eg MAF running

[Comaltdel]

Hi all you fab folk. This week on consolidation runs 12 and 13 I thought I'd try MAF training having read a little about it via a link that I saw here earlier in the week (apologies I can't recall who wrote it. Anyway for both these runs I tried running at my 180-age bpm rate. Really hard I was failing and having to walk to bring it down. Its a challenge but I am assuming it will help me? Would appreciate any advice or learning from other's experience. On monday I was determined to finally run 5km however long it took (36 mins) Today with MAF I did 5km in 39.5 mins. I enjoyed it more today...but I want to feel I'm improving/progressing. Any help gratefully received.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Have a look at the 'Related Post' section alongside your post - the website picks up your subject title and links to related posts.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Comaltdel Graduate in reply to John_W]

Many thanks John I will do that 👍🏻

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Yes, Garmin drives me nuts keep giving me warnings! The heart rate formula might not be a fit for you. This article might help:

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Speedy60]

Alerts and warning do nothing but make my heart rate increase - very stressful and completely negate the principle of MAF training. I switch them all off and only have HR displayed.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to John_W]

I've been meaning to switch it off for the last three runs. It's only when Mrs Garmin starts telling her off that I remember 😡. She really spoils my runs.

[Comaltdel Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks for the link I’ll check it out. I’ve not got a Garmin. Not sure I can justify another gadget😂

[Instructor57 Graduate]

It will take months of doing 80% of your runs using MAF to make a noticeable difference ,

I personally will probably run a higher HR in future , still in the aerobic zone but not as low as my MAF HR

[Comaltdel Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Gosh it’s a long haul then. Not that I thought one run would fix me up!! I’m going to try it out and mix it up like you. I think I’d be bored very quickly😉

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Comaltdel]

Yes, I just like to vary my runs and try things 😁

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Yes, you need to commit to doing at least 3 months, and minimum of 5 hours a week, of NOTHING but MAF runs, for it start having a tangible benefit - that's if increasing pace is your goal.

BUT, as a way of running to improve how much you do (volume), to prevent injuries, to increase mindfulness, then it's a great choice. I wouldn't worry too much about going slightly over your MAF number - I believe (180-age) is as accurate as (220-age) for max HR.

[Comaltdel Graduate in reply to John_W]

Interesting. Such a full time path to take it seems.