Qs about heart rate and fitness levels

cathymg2

Hi! Fairly new here, first time poster, occasional lurker. I'm four weeks into my eight-week half marathon training. I'm running the VA Beach Rock N Roll, my very first half marathon, ever. I'm nervous!

Anyway, I generally run outside, but the other day I did my mid-week four mile run on the treadmill, thanks to a late start and 95+ degree weather. I noticed running at my usual pace, about 11-11:30 min mile, my heart rate hovered aroune 140. In the past, I've noticed it usually is higher, like 160 range at the same pace. I realize I'm getting into better shape, which is a good thing! So my question is, should I push it harder, or is this the pace I'm at? Running faster feels more uncomfortable still. I can hang in a 10:30 mile for maybe a mile, but I need to figure out how to pace. What should be my target heart rate?

Thanks!
Cathy

dr3wman

Running outside and running on the treadmill are completly different. Your heart rate may be lower now due to your conditioning, but it you want to improve your time i suggest always pushing it at a higher rate and your body will be forced to adapt. Your target HR depends on your goal. For running a marathon in the shortest time period, you need to train with high intensity to push your lactic threshold. For fat-loss, train at 65% of your max HR (Max HR = 220-age)