Psycho-logist wrote:
Omnivore wrote:6'5 180 , low hr is too slow to give me the muscular training I need to have good biomechanics/stride length, and stay injury free going through build and peak. I assume this is because of the inefficiency of being 50 pounds heavier than the prototypical runner, but maybe there is some other explanation.
Also, My easy pace does not improve running under 130BPM with a max of around 185 BPM. 145ish on non-workout days is much better. I have fun and can run with better runners when I want to. Mileage is lower , cross training is higher and fatigue is lower, or no worse than with LSD( carrying 50 pounds around for hours for no good reason is tiring) .
^^^This. Faster-twitch muscle fibers are slow to adapt aerobic adaptations, and may not be recruited enough if your pace is kept too slow.
Heart rate training is great for aerobic fitness, but often ends up sacrificing neurologic fitness.
Another item often ignored is that higher intensity exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which makes it easier to burn fat. For runners who are not already lean, long slow runs may not be the optimal way to lose weight, as these runs do not yield the hormonal changes needed to become lean.