Ask the Coaches: High Heart Rate

Q: I come from a family of runners.  After turning 18 I decided to start running as well.  My goal was in a year or two to be able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes.  I have been training consistently (using programs written for beginners similar to the one shown on your site) for over two years and still haven't been able to run due to my pulse getting too high when I try to do the slightest jog. Even after all the miles I've logged walking I still can't walk at over 3.5 MPH without my pulse going over 160! 

A: Who says that there is a problem?  If you had a normal physical exam and your blood work was normal, you are probably normal.  If you are not experiencing symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness during exercise, you are just one of those people who can generate a very rapid heart rate.  Base your workout on how you feel, not your heart rate. 

Exercise will often (not always) lower your resting heart rate.  It will also lower the heart rate at a certain level of activity, as fitness is achieved.  It will not alter your maximum heart rate.  This rate will decrease with age. If you are experiencing dizziness or other symptoms as your heart rate increases, talk to your physician about a stress test.  This will determine if your heart is functioning normally, albeit rapidly during exercise.  It will also allow you to determine your maximum heart rate.

If you feel fine while exercising, then keep doing it.  Start running and stop worrying!

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