Running: time to step it up?

[DontBurnMyFlag]

Hey everyone,

I went for my daily run today and I noticed something odd. I usually run 3+ miles a day at about a 9:00 pace. Nice and slow, Im going for endurance and distance. I measured 3.5 miles at about 30 minutes.

So today I take off at a faster pace and end up going much further than usual. When I ended my heart rate was only 140 bpm. It is usually in the 160 bpm area. I ran with a sweatshirt on and hardly broke a sweat.

Is it time to step up my running? Should I go for faster and longer?

Thanks for any advice

[Switchback]

Do you have $50-60 to buy a heart rate monitor?

The Timex Ironman one is pretty decent for the money. Set your target HR and forget about the distance and go for time. Why limit yoruself. You'll find that you are running farther at the same level of exertion in no time. You'll be stepping it up without even knowing it.

[DontBurnMyFlag]

Thats a really good idea. I got the cash to blow, So i might as well. Sounds like a plan, thanks.

[APO2B]

If you are taking recommendations, I recommend the Garmin Forerunner 301. It is more expensive (about $250 I believe) but has pacing, GPS, heart rate zones, it tracks your speed, distance, elevation and a myriad other things that you can upload to your PC for a history. I love mine!