How I Got Faster

These last four weeks, I have become a faster runner. I'm running about the same distances; the difference is I have been using my heart rate monitor again. The strap part broke back in February and I have been too cheap to get another one. (We've already established I am cheap!) I finally broke down and got one, and it has made a huge difference in the way I train. There are two fundamental ways to use your heart rate monitor. The first and most basic is to monitor your heart rate as you are working out. It's interesting to see how your increased effort or duration can push your heart rate up. It's a great way to get to know yourself better and ensure you are working hard enough to burn some calories.
The second way is to use your heart rate to drive the workout. It's a subtle but important difference. For example, if you are doing a 5-mile run, you can say I am going to run the first two miles at 145 heart rate and miles 3 through 5, over 160. Targeting a particular number will help to push you into a training place that is tough to get to without a heart rate monitor. That's how I got faster in the last 30 days. With my heart-rate strap, I've been able to bring these workouts back. I didn't realize how much I missed them.
The best way to get started using a heart rate monitor is to get a VO2 test at the club. The simple test will tell you what your training zones are so you can be super focused right off the bat. If you are not quite ready for a VO2 test, there are formulas that can help establish your zones and you can tweak them as you go. No matter what your fitness goals are you will benefit from using a heart rate monitor.