The joy of running. Have I mentioned before how much I love heart rate training? Yes I thought so. It feels so good to just run based on how I feel verses making sure I run a certain pace no matter what!
You know what else I love, you don’t feel totally wiped out after a couple hours or more of exercise as the sun rises. After an hour or so of running, some strength work, and foam rolling, I still feel energized and ready to tackle my work day. Truly the best part about Heart Rate Training.
I am just beginning my next training cycle after running a FUN half this Spring, and so far so good. To be honest, I am just happy to be running, injury free. The statistics are 1 in 2 runners are injured during their training cycle and possibly are unable to perform their best or make it to the start line.
Have you read Long Slow Distance by Joe Henderson? If you’re wondering if running slow is a waste of time, check this book out. I love the stories of real people who have been trained to RUN FAST by RUNNING SLOW. One example is Amby Burfoot who won the Boston Marathon way back in the ’60’s. He ran most ALL of his runs SLOW and shares why along with many others in this book. It’s fascinating to me.
Amby says one of his hobbies is encouraging others to run…
Start slowing in whatever event you choose. I will run as long as I enjoy it which should be for quite a while since I have a very relaxed, easy going attitude….to enjoy running for many, many years to come.”
My very first marathon was way back in the 80’s and I didn’t run any speed work nor did I do any long runs at pace. I just ran. Long and Slow and I managed to cross the finish line way under 4 hours. I fell in love with the sport of running and discovered the marathon was one of my favorite distances, especially when I run for pure enjoyment.
So is Heart Rate Training or Long Slow Runs a thing of the past? Is there some truth to the LONG SLOW DISTANCE? Or is all this stuff recreational runners have learned along the way better? I am thinking I’ll stick with HRT mostly because I am enjoying the ride so far and I have a feeling there is much less risk for injury. Sure I have some speed work thrown in my plan. A few miles at pace occasionally (but not the entire 20 mile run) or possibly a run with pick-ups.
I go hard when it’s time but easy is feels GOOD! Here’s to running for many more years to come
“What are your thoughts? Perhaps you’d be up for a mile or two and we can chat on one of my next 140 Heart Rate Easy Runs?”
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