Get in the ZONE.

So. Looks like I have a heart of steel...or gold...or something else that's awesome. And my high heart rate isn't actually a bad thing since I have a decently low resting HR. Here's how my heart rate zones break out...


Running.
Max HR is 218 (holy smokes!)
Z1: 109-131
Z2: 131-152
Z3: 152-174
Z4: 174-196
Z5: 196-218


Now it makes sense that I am so comfortable doing my long runs in the 160-range. It's exactly where I should be! Although it makes for a challenging HRZ1-2 run. Like today's run, for example. It was supposed to be 1h 45m in HR Zones 1-2. Hahahaa...real funny. I ran out trying to maintain that zone and I would have to walk every 2-3 minutes to bring it back down to the right zone. By the time I turned around after Soldier Field I was frustrated with all the walking and slow page and decided to run back. It felt really good to be out in the sunshine (and the lakefront wind!) getting my legs moving. Covered a little under 8 miles in the end, thanks in large part to having to be pokey in the beginning. Good times!


Biking.
Max HR is 208
Z1: 104-125
Z2: 125-145
Z3: 145-166
Z4: 166-187
Z5: 187-208

Right on. This makes a lot of sense to me as it's really easy for me to be in Z2 and be super comfortable. Looking forward to moving up and outside those comfort zones as training progresses and in our weekly "let's kick your ass" bike endurance and technique class. Last night's 1 hour long ride on the bike averaged a nice 128...just where I needed to be (long ride in HRZ1-2). Nothing like tossing on one of my favorite movies and getting lost in it while spinning the night away. I love the feeling of refreshment and accomplishment after spending a good amount of time in the saddle. Ahh...I'll miss him this week (yes, my bike is a boy).

Swimming.
Max HR is 203
Z1: 101-122
Z2: 122-142
Z3: 142-162
Z4: 162-183
Z5: 183-203

Now the thought of wearing my HR monitor in the pool has never actually crossed my mind. Perhaps we'll go there when my training calls for it. But until then, I'll keep swimmin' my lil' heart out and pray that one day I have the endurance in the water that I need to sustain me for the HIM. Thursday night's 1200 yard swim went over brilliantly compared to Tuesday night's sink or swim extravaganza. I found my rhythm early on and did a great job cranking out the distance in a very limited time.

So yeah...training is going really well! I'm both excited and surprised by my performance so far. It'll be interesting to see how far I can push myself this training season. With half iron training taking up the first half of the year, and marathon preparation focused in the back half, we're bound to see improvement across the board.

But for now...we set sail. Like Lisa, we're leaving the freezing cold midwest and headed to sunny, warmer skies. We'll be back in a few days on the flip side of the Bahamas.

Peace out, yo.