a couple of running questions

[bach]

Runners:

I just started to jog a bit on my days off from weight lifting, and today the ekg thing told me my heart rate was 175 and I was like holy ****, that sounds like a lot. It was after running 6 mph for 30 minutes.

Is that abnormal? I'm 19, 6'3ish, 180 pounds FWIW.

Also, I get this lightheaded-ish feeling while running the above-mentioned 30 minutes... It's not like I'm about to pass out or anything, another way of describing the feeling is that I'm "in the zone"... is that what most people experience when they run? I still have plenty of energy at the end of these runs and I would keep going if it weren't for these two concerns.

 

[Squall.Leonhart]

I don't think it's strange if your sprinting lets say, but I wouldn't advise running medium-to-high intensity for extended periods, unless you like seriously using up your glycogen stores.

You're better off doing some sort of interval training (such as HIIT) or doing a low-intensity form of cardio (long-walks at a brisk pace, power-walking on an incline).

 

[bach]

Originally Posted by Squall.Leonhart

I don't think it's strange if your sprinting lets say, but I wouldn't advise running medium-to-high intensity for extended periods, unless you like seriously using up your glycogen stores.

what would using up the glyco entail? sounds bad.

 

[Squall.Leonhart]

Well you'd be depleting all of the glycogen stores within your muscles, and if you're doing an intensive activity for extended periods of time, your body will use proteins and fats for energy (since there are no carbohydrates to draw from).

Granted, this is a really simple overview of what occurs. Not necessarily bad, but you just have to be aware of it. If you're doing really low intensity cardio (such as incline-power-walking) and you are already carb-depleted (such as after a session of resistance training), the body won't draw as much from protein sources, since the activity is not nearly as intense.

 

[boo]

Sounds to me more like you're enjoying it. I seriously doubt glycogen depletion is going to be an issue for you running a half hour at a 10 min/mile pace.

 

[greg_atlanta]

175 heart rate is normal for your age. It will drop as you get older.