How To Run Like Forrest Gump: 1 Simple Rule That Helps You Run For Mile After Mile

“When you first start running the distance you can cover is proportional to how far your lungs will take you.” This is what most beginners think is true about running – I’m here to tell you that it’s completely wrong. In actual fact, the average human has the capacity to run until their legs give way, not their lungs. If you want to run like Forrest Gump, there is one simple rule that you need to abide by.

This isn’t a recent discovery or some experimental technique, the same science that applied to our cavemen ancestors still applies in the modern world. It’s a fitness fact that is used by everyone from Olympic athletes to recreational runners.

So that one simple rule? You must exercise with your heart rate at 50%-70% of it’s maximum. A simple rule no doubt but by doing this you allow your body to perform in what is called the ‘aerobic zone’. This is where your body uses oxygen supplies incredibly effectively, and in theory you should never be out of breath.

The easiest way to ensure you are in the aerobic zone is to track your heart rate using a heart rate monitor. If you don’t have one already it is well worth the investment, but until then there are a few field methods that can help.

One way that you can tell if your are performing at the right capacity is your ability to speak. As a rule of thumb, if you can easily communicate short sentences then you are within or below your aerobic zone. Sure, you might not be able to recite a whole section of prose, but you should be able to hold a decent conversation with your running partner.

You should also have the capacity to follow a train of thought. Ultimately the brain is just another muscle and if you are within your aerobic zone all your muscles get a boosted supply of oxygen. When settled in the right training zone you should be able to think of more than just your next stride.

Now you know the secrets of endurance athletes it’s time to try it for yourself. While the field methods highlighted are useful, the only guaranteed way to run for mile after mile is to track your heart rate using one of the many available heart rate monitors.