Monitoring Your Easy Runs
One reason I love my heart rate monitor is learning how many calories I burned during a workout session. The number is always so gratifying.
A heart rate monitor is also great fitness tool, especially if you're training for an endurance race. Many training schedules include easy, long runs to build endurance while not pushing the body to move quickly. I find slowing down for my long runs difficult, but my heart rate monitor keeps my effort in check. You should take easy runs at 70 to 75 percent of you maximum heart rate. Many heart rate monitors have a zone setting along with an alarm to let you know when you are out of the designated zone. I like to push myself, but chilling out on the longs has helped me increase my distance. I have also found listening to a podcast rather than a playlist filled with driving beats helps me keep the run nice and easy too.
Not sure of your heart rate zones? Check out my calculator to help you figure out your target heart rate zone.
