I was prepared to interrogate my Dr. about my blood pressure today. I had a list of questions to throw at her and even thought she might refer me to some specialist. I don't know what type of specialist, but I was sure that my situation of being overweight with high blood pressure, with my heart rate through the roof when I exercise would call for some type of special treatment.
The nurse wrapped my arm in the adult large cuff. I tried to relax and breathe deeply. Doesn't she know I'm not supposed to talk during this part. She keeps asking me questions. The cuff inflates tightly around my arm. I can feel my pulse bouncing through my arm. I'm waiting to see if she has to reinflate, because she hadn't started high enough, which means my blood pressure is higher than she expected. Don't think about it, don't think about it, just relax and breathe.
"Good," she says. I hate in when they don't tell me what my numbers were, and I have to ask. "114/76." Really!? That's fabulous. However, now I feel like my planned interrogation has lost its foundation. According to their records my blood pressure has been completely normal. I decide to ask the Dr. about it anyway.
She told me that I must work out as close to 85% of my max heart rate for as long as possible to lose weight. I can spike up, but only for 30 seconds at a time. She gave me an equation to find out my target heart rate. Two-hundred twenty minus my age (34) equals my max heart rate (186). Then take 85% of 186, which is 158. Hmmm.... this seems pretty low based on what I've seen my heart rate do during my workouts.
I felt armed with knowledge and hit the gym that night for my run. It started off really well. I was staying around 155. After a mile, it started creeping up. I tried to stay relaxed and breathe steadily in rhythm with my steps. Finally I had to back off. It got to the point that I was barely faster than 15 minute miles and my heart rate was still over 160. I felt like I was working, but not that I was struggling. How can I be going at 85% if I don't even feel like I'm working that hard?
Still confused about how all this heart rate training works, and how my body fits into the equation.
But, hell yeah!, on my low blood pressure! booyah!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Namaste
Today the training schedule called for Stretch and Strengthen. My gym has a yoga class that fits perfectly after my Weight Watchers meeting.
I've been going to WW meetings on Mondays. My husband and I finally agreed on a night that he could consistently be home in order for me to head off to the meeting. My first Monday, I thought I would have to change because of the meeting leader. She's a little rough around the edges and has a strange manner about her. However, after my third meeting with her, I have to say she's growing on me a bit.
I jumped out my seat at the end of the meeting and headed toward the gym. I had my yoga mat in hand, a cheap one I bought at Cost Plus years ago. I had decided to wear my black capris and a snug blue, sleeveless top. We're in a dark room, who's going to notice. Once I got into the studio, I discovered it was freezing and didn't remove my longsleeved shirt. I became tremendously thankful for my overshirt, as my snug tank top started rolling up over my belly and up towards my ribs. I was secure enough to wear a tank top, not show my belly fat.
I did pretty good keeping up with the moves, since it's been a long time since I've done any yoga. I'd forgotten how much strength you really need. My biggest frustration is there is so much of me it keeps getting in the way. I can't even hold my hands in the prayer pose in front of my heart, without my EE's causing me to hunch my shoulders forward and look all humpbacked.
We'll see how my yoga class is after my 12 weeks of marathon training. Let's hope for a little more breathing room.
**Positive Note**
Went to the Dr. today and my blood pressure is 114/76. Yea!!
Hmmm....I wonder why getting my blood pressure taken by the handsome firemen makes it higher? (half joke/half not).
I've been going to WW meetings on Mondays. My husband and I finally agreed on a night that he could consistently be home in order for me to head off to the meeting. My first Monday, I thought I would have to change because of the meeting leader. She's a little rough around the edges and has a strange manner about her. However, after my third meeting with her, I have to say she's growing on me a bit.
I jumped out my seat at the end of the meeting and headed toward the gym. I had my yoga mat in hand, a cheap one I bought at Cost Plus years ago. I had decided to wear my black capris and a snug blue, sleeveless top. We're in a dark room, who's going to notice. Once I got into the studio, I discovered it was freezing and didn't remove my longsleeved shirt. I became tremendously thankful for my overshirt, as my snug tank top started rolling up over my belly and up towards my ribs. I was secure enough to wear a tank top, not show my belly fat.
I did pretty good keeping up with the moves, since it's been a long time since I've done any yoga. I'd forgotten how much strength you really need. My biggest frustration is there is so much of me it keeps getting in the way. I can't even hold my hands in the prayer pose in front of my heart, without my EE's causing me to hunch my shoulders forward and look all humpbacked.
We'll see how my yoga class is after my 12 weeks of marathon training. Let's hope for a little more breathing room.
**Positive Note**
Went to the Dr. today and my blood pressure is 114/76. Yea!!
Hmmm....I wonder why getting my blood pressure taken by the handsome firemen makes it higher? (half joke/half not).
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I'm ahead of the game...what!?
So I find out that I actually started my half marathon training two weeks early. How in the world did I mess that up. I've had a really good week of running and workouts following my Easter morning run.
Monday - Rest day
Tuesday - Back in the gym with my trainer. JT had me for an hour and was punishing me for being away for so long. Push ups, mountain climbers, push ups using sliders, lunges, gassers. When I changed my training appointments from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, I discovered that I really didn't like JT after 35 minutes.
Wednesday - 3.5 mile run on the treadmill at the gym. I wasn't able to get to my workout until 8pm, an issue that was fiercely argued about with my husband. Running outside was not my first choice, it was dark and cold. Despite my irritation, I was pleased with how I felt during and after the run, having enough energy to pick up the pace for the final bit.
Thursday - Hill training. I hemmed and hawed about going out, but I finally just changed my clothes and and walked out of the house. The schedule called for a 2-mile run or cross training, so I kept telling myself I only had a little bit to do before I could come back in. I just used a low-traffic hill next to my house. I ran around the block for a quick warm up and headed down the hill. My heart rate monitor was having trouble finding my heart rate, always a bit disconcerting. I was trying to adjust the band under my bra strap before any cars came by. Once everything was where it should be and I had a confirmed heart beat, I started up the hill. Slow and steady, up to the top. By the time I got there, my heart was racing, my quads burning, and my lungs gasping. I turned around and went back for more. After 6 climbs, I just kept going through the neighborhood on the flat. I was amazed at how different my legs felt and how fast my turnover was, now that I was on the flat.
Friday - Back to the gym for more strength training with JT. A slightly easier workout, but it included pull ups. I hate pull ups.
Saturday - Rest day. Signed up at a new gym that I feel comfortable leaving baby J in the Kids Club. I'm very happy for this change. I think it will be good for both of us.
Sunday - My long run - 4 miles. Baby J and I went with my husband to Marymoor park. He was joining his bike teammates for a track work out and I was to push Baby J in the Bob for my run. I was less than thrilled with this idea. Unless the trail is a straightaway, maneuvering the Bob is so draining. Of course the bright side is a full body workout and resistance training during the run. I was convincing myself just to walk with the stroller, and try to run later in the day by myself. Then I decided I'd start running, and just stop whenever it got to be too irritating. Finally, I ran for 3 miles and walked for maybe another 1.5-2. I was fine with that.
Monday - Rest day
Tuesday - Back in the gym with my trainer. JT had me for an hour and was punishing me for being away for so long. Push ups, mountain climbers, push ups using sliders, lunges, gassers. When I changed my training appointments from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, I discovered that I really didn't like JT after 35 minutes.
Wednesday - 3.5 mile run on the treadmill at the gym. I wasn't able to get to my workout until 8pm, an issue that was fiercely argued about with my husband. Running outside was not my first choice, it was dark and cold. Despite my irritation, I was pleased with how I felt during and after the run, having enough energy to pick up the pace for the final bit.
Thursday - Hill training. I hemmed and hawed about going out, but I finally just changed my clothes and and walked out of the house. The schedule called for a 2-mile run or cross training, so I kept telling myself I only had a little bit to do before I could come back in. I just used a low-traffic hill next to my house. I ran around the block for a quick warm up and headed down the hill. My heart rate monitor was having trouble finding my heart rate, always a bit disconcerting. I was trying to adjust the band under my bra strap before any cars came by. Once everything was where it should be and I had a confirmed heart beat, I started up the hill. Slow and steady, up to the top. By the time I got there, my heart was racing, my quads burning, and my lungs gasping. I turned around and went back for more. After 6 climbs, I just kept going through the neighborhood on the flat. I was amazed at how different my legs felt and how fast my turnover was, now that I was on the flat.
Friday - Back to the gym for more strength training with JT. A slightly easier workout, but it included pull ups. I hate pull ups.
Saturday - Rest day. Signed up at a new gym that I feel comfortable leaving baby J in the Kids Club. I'm very happy for this change. I think it will be good for both of us.
Sunday - My long run - 4 miles. Baby J and I went with my husband to Marymoor park. He was joining his bike teammates for a track work out and I was to push Baby J in the Bob for my run. I was less than thrilled with this idea. Unless the trail is a straightaway, maneuvering the Bob is so draining. Of course the bright side is a full body workout and resistance training during the run. I was convincing myself just to walk with the stroller, and try to run later in the day by myself. Then I decided I'd start running, and just stop whenever it got to be too irritating. Finally, I ran for 3 miles and walked for maybe another 1.5-2. I was fine with that.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
A windy 4 miles
My sister and I met for a run before Easter brunch today. She actually had to run 9 miles today in preparation for her half marathon, so she ran 5 miles then met me for 4 more. We ran on a nice gravel trail in Snoqualmie. Nice, but so windy.
We met at the Starbucks and drove to our starting point. We now had 4 miles until we arrived back to a huge water and nice warm coffee. She said she would run whatever my pace was, which was slow. It's a nice trail that travels through pasture land with peaceful views of cows grazing, follows the river, darts through a golf course and supposedly goes all the way up to Rattlesnake Ridge.
The wind, however, makes the run a tad uncomfortable. Although it was sunny, the cold wind stung my cheeks and froze my ears. My sister is a great conversationalist, at least at my pace, and she kept my mind off the discomfort. I was able to keep a nice, steady pace. I have no idea what my heart rate was because I'm giving my girl bits a break. The strap of my heart rate monitor rubs the underside of my boob (let's just be straightforward here), because it's tucked up under my sports bra. I now have some stinging sores there. Maybe I can move it down more, but it may not pick up my heart rate if I move it too far. I might have to take this one back to REI. Which is too bad, because I love the watch.
We reached the turn that takes us through town, across the river, and finally to Starbucks. I thought I even picked up the pace a little bit with the promise of my warm treat just ahead. But, my sister burst my bubble and I think this was our slowest mile. Oh well.
I felt really good after the run. Nothing was chafed, no tightness. A perfect start to Easter Sunday.
We met at the Starbucks and drove to our starting point. We now had 4 miles until we arrived back to a huge water and nice warm coffee. She said she would run whatever my pace was, which was slow. It's a nice trail that travels through pasture land with peaceful views of cows grazing, follows the river, darts through a golf course and supposedly goes all the way up to Rattlesnake Ridge.
The wind, however, makes the run a tad uncomfortable. Although it was sunny, the cold wind stung my cheeks and froze my ears. My sister is a great conversationalist, at least at my pace, and she kept my mind off the discomfort. I was able to keep a nice, steady pace. I have no idea what my heart rate was because I'm giving my girl bits a break. The strap of my heart rate monitor rubs the underside of my boob (let's just be straightforward here), because it's tucked up under my sports bra. I now have some stinging sores there. Maybe I can move it down more, but it may not pick up my heart rate if I move it too far. I might have to take this one back to REI. Which is too bad, because I love the watch.
We reached the turn that takes us through town, across the river, and finally to Starbucks. I thought I even picked up the pace a little bit with the promise of my warm treat just ahead. But, my sister burst my bubble and I think this was our slowest mile. Oh well.
I felt really good after the run. Nothing was chafed, no tightness. A perfect start to Easter Sunday.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The zone
I'm officially training for the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon (June 27). Today was 3 miles and I felt great afterward. However, during my runs my heart rate is through the roof. I'm in my max heart rate zone for almost the entire run.
I know that heart rate zone training is very effective and used by many athletes, but I find it very confusing. Do I want to stay in the fat burning zone to be most effective in losing weight? Or is it better to push myself and grow my speed and endurance? What about my high blood pressure. I know exercise is the main treatment, but do I need to be careful about what zone I'm in? Who can I go to that will answer these questions?
I know that heart rate zone training is very effective and used by many athletes, but I find it very confusing. Do I want to stay in the fat burning zone to be most effective in losing weight? Or is it better to push myself and grow my speed and endurance? What about my high blood pressure. I know exercise is the main treatment, but do I need to be careful about what zone I'm in? Who can I go to that will answer these questions?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Here we go again
Well, since my last blog, I don't know how long ago, I have let my running dwindle down to occasional power walks on the treadmill. Nevertheless, I signed up for the Mercer Island Half Marathon. I had a little pressure. My good friend was the co-chair of the event and how better to show my support than to sign up and run it. Also, the confirmation was printed out and gifted to me in my Christmas stocking by my loving husband. No turning back now.
Well, with the race looming on the horizon, I decided I wouldn't be totally evil to my body and I switched from the Half Marathon Run to the Half Marathon Walk. I always remember hiking to the summits of Mt. Whitney in California and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I was on my feet for 15 and 17 hours on summit day. What's a little 3 hour walk around Mercer Island after doing that? Do you get the feeling that I'm a feast or famine type of gal?
I trudged around the island, making it to mile 10 before the first marathoner passed me. The run started 1.5 hours after the walkers departed. The second half of the course was a lot tougher than the first half, so my plan to walk a mile, then run a half mile fizzled to just walking. I finished the race in the middle of all the marathoners and even managed to run across the finish line.
I saw my husband on the left side, our traditional method of spotting each other. They snipped off my chip, and after a quick kiss from Evans, we made our way to the food tent. I inhaled half a bagel, a banana, an orange slice and some water. After a quick stop at the bathroom, Evans and I jumped in the truck and headed home.
My only thought: Thank goodness that is over.
Lo' and behold, I find out the next day that I placed second in my age group. I even get a medal. I halfway think to myself that I shouldn't be awarded for my lack of dedication to my half marathon RUN training; ie I didn't train. But, then remembered my goal is to be fit and healthy. If walking around an island for 3 hours and 11 minutes doesn't count, I don't know what does.
So, what is next? The Mercer Island Half Marathon was on Sunday 3/21. On Monday, I started my training for the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon on June 27th. So, here we go again...Let's see if I can do a little more feasting, and a little less famine-ing.
Well, with the race looming on the horizon, I decided I wouldn't be totally evil to my body and I switched from the Half Marathon Run to the Half Marathon Walk. I always remember hiking to the summits of Mt. Whitney in California and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I was on my feet for 15 and 17 hours on summit day. What's a little 3 hour walk around Mercer Island after doing that? Do you get the feeling that I'm a feast or famine type of gal?
I trudged around the island, making it to mile 10 before the first marathoner passed me. The run started 1.5 hours after the walkers departed. The second half of the course was a lot tougher than the first half, so my plan to walk a mile, then run a half mile fizzled to just walking. I finished the race in the middle of all the marathoners and even managed to run across the finish line.
I saw my husband on the left side, our traditional method of spotting each other. They snipped off my chip, and after a quick kiss from Evans, we made our way to the food tent. I inhaled half a bagel, a banana, an orange slice and some water. After a quick stop at the bathroom, Evans and I jumped in the truck and headed home.
My only thought: Thank goodness that is over.
Lo' and behold, I find out the next day that I placed second in my age group. I even get a medal. I halfway think to myself that I shouldn't be awarded for my lack of dedication to my half marathon RUN training; ie I didn't train. But, then remembered my goal is to be fit and healthy. If walking around an island for 3 hours and 11 minutes doesn't count, I don't know what does.
So, what is next? The Mercer Island Half Marathon was on Sunday 3/21. On Monday, I started my training for the Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon on June 27th. So, here we go again...Let's see if I can do a little more feasting, and a little less famine-ing.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Over the river, and through the woods...
I love trail running. It was the perfect cool morning for it. In fact, I thought I was going to be too cold for once. When we got started I found that I had layered just right. I met Kerrie in the trailhead parking lot and once we found the bathroom and adjusted clothing we got going.
I had walked these trails quite a few times with my mom while I was pregnant. I have a very good general sense of where I am compared to the parking lot, but admittedly, the trails do get a bit confusing. I just know if I keep looping to the right I'll eventually get back to the car. I think Kerrie may have been a little nervous with my changing observations. "This access road would take you to the parking lot."...Two minutes later, "or, maybe it's this one." If you have read her blog, Mom vs. Marathon, you will know she has a fear of creatures jumping out at her during her runs. Luckily, there were no wild forest beasties to scare us today, just a decrepit skeleton of a school bus covered in moss, giving the trail its name, Bus Trail. Still, she jumped when she saw it and started sidling to the other side of the trail until she could understand what she was looking at. Nice stop for a picture.
We continuted winding our way around small lakes and over fallen trees, manuevering our feet to avoid tree roots and rocks. I liked that there was so much more to look at and concentrate on than the monotonous stretch of pavement before you, like the Cedar River Trail. CRT is such a great resource for bikers and runners, and is close to home, but sometimes the long straight-aways can seem endless.
After 2.5 miles we made it back to the bathrooms, and decided to run to the bus again to get in at least 3 miles. And, honestly, I had slowed down in that last mile. I don't know whether I started a little faster than usual and tired out more quickly, if it was the more demanding path, or the fact that I haven't been doing as much running as I have been strength training. Most likely a combination of the three.
But, I learned two things. I need to dedicate more workouts to running and I can't wait to hit the trails again.
I had walked these trails quite a few times with my mom while I was pregnant. I have a very good general sense of where I am compared to the parking lot, but admittedly, the trails do get a bit confusing. I just know if I keep looping to the right I'll eventually get back to the car. I think Kerrie may have been a little nervous with my changing observations. "This access road would take you to the parking lot."...Two minutes later, "or, maybe it's this one." If you have read her blog, Mom vs. Marathon, you will know she has a fear of creatures jumping out at her during her runs. Luckily, there were no wild forest beasties to scare us today, just a decrepit skeleton of a school bus covered in moss, giving the trail its name, Bus Trail. Still, she jumped when she saw it and started sidling to the other side of the trail until she could understand what she was looking at. Nice stop for a picture.
We continuted winding our way around small lakes and over fallen trees, manuevering our feet to avoid tree roots and rocks. I liked that there was so much more to look at and concentrate on than the monotonous stretch of pavement before you, like the Cedar River Trail. CRT is such a great resource for bikers and runners, and is close to home, but sometimes the long straight-aways can seem endless.
After 2.5 miles we made it back to the bathrooms, and decided to run to the bus again to get in at least 3 miles. And, honestly, I had slowed down in that last mile. I don't know whether I started a little faster than usual and tired out more quickly, if it was the more demanding path, or the fact that I haven't been doing as much running as I have been strength training. Most likely a combination of the three.
But, I learned two things. I need to dedicate more workouts to running and I can't wait to hit the trails again.
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