Why Cardio Recovery Rate Matters for Running and Heart Health—and How to Improve Yours
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a44729735/cardio-recovery-rate/
If after stopping exercise, you rest completely for five to 10 minutes and notice that your heart rate hasn’t budged much from its peak, that’s a sign something concerning might be going on, says Singh. It may be as simple as the fact that you’re low on sleep, overtrained, dehydrated, or just really caffeinated. But it could signal an abnormality in your cardiovascular or autonomic nervous systems, Singh explains, which is why it’s worth flagging to your doctor.
---
Running in Hot Weather Can Cause Gut Issues—Here's How to Avoid It
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a44775444/running-in-hot-weather-gut-issues/
Over the past decade, research has pointed to a breadth of functions affected by the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system—a collection known as the gut microbiome. Studies have linked a happy microbiome to lower risk of dementia, depression, insomnia, and even athletic performance.
Research also details how easily the microbiome can tip out of balance, due to factors like stress, poor sleep, antibiotic use, and ultra processed foods. One more to add to that list, according to a new study in the journal Temperature, is exercising in hot weather.
Looking at variables such as duration of outdoor exercise and gastrointestinal symptoms, researcher found that as core body temperature increased, so did the risk of gut damage and inflammation. Once the body reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit, researchers concluded, it can kick off a condition called exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome, which can cause bacteria to leak from the gut into the bloodstream. That may lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Although it’s not always possible to avoid heat and humidity—especially if they occur on a race day—there are some strategies for minimizing their influence on your gut health.
---
The 3 Best Core Exercises for Runners
1. Side Plank Leg Raise
2. Alternating Arm and Leg Plank
3. Glute Bridge March
---
How to Execute Long, Slow Distance Training for Serious Endurance Gains
https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a44684591/long-slow-distance-training/
“The goal is twofold: to increase muscular endurance and condition ourselves to be more aerobically efficient.” Running long and slow boosts your cardiovascular system, so delivering blood and oxygen to your muscles becomes less taxing on your heart and lungs.
“The long slow day doesn’t necessarily increase our race pace—it’s what helps us sustain our race pace,” says Wooten. “Ultimately, this keeps a runner from falling-off of pace as the race endures, which, consequently, leads to faster finish times.”
But remember: The main purpose of the long run is to build aerobic efficiency, and that won’t work as well if you veer into anaerobic territory. “A harder effort on the long slow day will likely take a greater physical toll and could have a negative effect on the quality of the following week’s workouts,” warns Wooten. You’ll also be more likely to hit the wall during your long run or suffer an overtraining injury.
If you prefer to gauge effort by RPE, aim for less than 5 on a scale of 1 to 10.
If you’re training by heart rate, think mid to upper zone 2—no more than 60 to 70 percent of your max heart rate—as the sweet spot you should try to settle into for your long runs.