Hello!
I’m a middle distance runner (600/800) at a DIII school, currently training/competing with the cross country team. My general training plan currently fluctuates between 50/65 mile weeks and I’ll occasionally be asked to run some specific speed stuff here and there. My workouts are generally broken up versions of what the true distance guys do, but I’ll always go on normal and recovery runs with them. For the distances I specialize in, the training is a little unconventional, but the aerobic base works wonders for my confidence when competing in an 800, and I have seen a considerable improvement from my 35 mile per week days.
I’m 6’2, 173 lbs, and by far the largest person on the xc squad. Since I’m pretty active on strava, I’ve been able to compare my bio-stats with the people I’m running with, and I’ve noticed that my heart rate is noticeably lower than my teammates’. Like double digits in difference.
On a regular 8- 10 mile run, 7 min/mi), my avg will be 150 bpm.
On an 8-10 mile recovery run, 7:35-45/mile, 135-40 bpm.
Long Run/Tempo, 12-14 miles, 6:45-50/mile, 160 bpm.
8k Race @ 6 min/mile, 170 bpm Avg.
Essentially, I’m wondering if I’m getting enough out of my runs at their current pace. I have talked to some people who have said that being bigger has a role to play with this phenomenon, but I’ve also heard that you’re supposed to train faster to get your heart rate to a certain point in order for the activity to optimally improve your fitness. I will say that I haven’t felt particularly like I’m breezing through any of these efforts, except when I hit a good rhythm on a regular run, but that’s not necessarily and indicator that I should be pushing the pace.
Please let me know what you think! Thanks.