On today’s episode, Debbie talks with triathlete and coach Mark Allen about his approach to heart rate training. Many will know Mark as one of the premier American triathletes of all time, and he is now a coach to high-level triathletes and runs his own coaching business at http://www.markallencoaching.com/. He is partner in another business to promote mental health, stress management and fitness on all levels called Fit Soul, Fit Body (http://www.fitsoul-fitbody.com/) Finally, he is also co-author of the book The Art of Competition with Nick Borelli.

Mark talks about the importance both of heart rate training, and in making certain that you are going slow enough to build aerobic strength. Aerobic strength is what allows you to endure, and a good aerobic base is essential for being able to stay strong throughout a long race, and throughout the season.

Both Mark and Debbie recognize that trying to focus on aerobic strength, and making sure that your heart rate will stay low throughout a training session can be frustrating. We are naturally focused on going harder and faster, and it will take a change in our mindset to spend our time on lower-intensity, aerobic work instead. However, though it may cause some irritation when we are force ourselves to go slower so that we can build aerobic strength, the rewards are well worth it, as we can stay strong through a race or throughout the season.

Heart rate training and aerobic exercise also train the body to burn fat instead of calories from carbohydrates. This means that an athlete can tap into a far larger source of energy, and as Debbie points out, can free them from the need to be constantly providing the body with more nutrients throughout a race. Aerobic strength is one of the keys to becoming a fat burning machine.

Heart rate training is also a key aspect of Debbie’s WHOLESTIC coaching program. Download the app from iTunes.