Easy Run

Yesterday I had an easy run and then lifted weights for an hour. I ran 5.3 miles in 60 minutes. Still far below my goal of the magical, mystical 10 minute mile but endurance is just as important as a fast pace, I believe. I am happy to report that this pace was very easy for me - my heart rate reached 154 - so my heart is getting very healthy and has, once again, become a very strong muscle. You would not know it by my tummy, but it is so! Today I will pick up the pace on my run because, obviously, 154 is too low for a work out heart rate.

I remember that when I worked at the VA the nurses used to delight in taking my blood pressure (I know, sounds silly, but when you work at a research facility opportunities for these types of shenanigans abound) because my resting heart rate was so low - an average of 52 beats per minute. I asked once if they often saw rates like this and Sue said "only once in a while, when we get athletes in". And that is a good goal, I think. Not weight, not so much size or running pace. But to get back into that arena where I am proud of my self and surprised to be considered an athlete!