I have been running on and off for about 2 years now. I have one of those Polar running whatches with the heart rate monitor and foot-pod. I recently started using some programs that the Polar website offers. It sets targets for you, do a certain distance in a certain time at a certain heart rate. I have never had a problem finishing the distance in the allotted time. Its my heart rate that is always way over what the program say what it should be.
For example for a 3 mile run done in say 25 mins they say my heart rate should be around 150 max (I am 27 years old). My heart rate is usually in the high 170-180 range. Am i pushing my self too hard? Its not like I am ever totally exhausted or completely out of breath after a run and while I run I feel very comfortable. The program on the website is for beginners. What can I do to reduce my heart rate while running? what is your heart rate when you run?
I should point out that I used to smoke quite a bit but I stopped smoking 2 years ago. Well there this one time when I had a couple but that dosent count.
