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?
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