Notes:
Ok, today was supposed to be a tempo day, but I decided against it; well, I also sought Sheryl‘s advice and she thought it was a good idea, too. We both began reading (independently) more and more information about optimum training whilst using your HR monitor.

I found out that my max HR is roughly at around 185 bpm. That means, if I want to burn “more” fat and less of my glycogen stores, I’d have to operate at 50-60% to get the best results. Working out at around 60-70% is actually the optimum zone as I’ll be burning fat and glycogen (50/50) however, I’d rather get rid of the fat first. lol.

So today, I focused on keeping my heart rate between 111 bpm and 130 bpm (that’s the 60-70% zone). Well, it was easier envisioned than performed! I started off with a light jog and my heart rate jumped from 90 to 150 bpm! That was just a freakin’ easy jog! I kept slowing down until I finally entered a brisk walk. My HR varied between 130 – 135 bpm and thereabouts

I got terribly bored, though and wanted to just forget all about it and break into a run but I stuck to it and eventually finished 40-minutes worth of semi-brisk walking. You’ll see via my Garmin Connect report below that my average HR for this workout was 134 bpm. Not too bad but I’m not sure if I can keep it up. Or maybe I should keep it up because I might’ve been workout out incorrectly this entire time? Or perhaps I don’t have my real max HR? ugh.

Stats! Garmin Connect. Nike+

Notes:
I was amazed at how I felt during this run. Sure, it was a bit labourious as usual but the soles of my feet were ok considering that I’m still breaking in the insoles. I was also able to run the entire 4.5 miles without stopping! I slowed down here and there, but at least attempted to keep the pace close to 11:00 min/mile. That’s with the mini hills at the park where I run! Anyway, I think instead of swimming this evening, I’ll actually do my prescribed 40-minute tempo run. I have to figure out again, though, what a tempo run is! LOL.

Stats: Garmin Connect; Nike+

Notes:
Not too bad of a run; scary thing though — I thought my ankle was giving way, but I kept my pace and eventually it warmed up. My insoles are still in their break-in phase. At the end of my 3-miler, the soles of my feet were sore! Then, whilst stretching, I kinda felt my butt muscle twinge! EEK. I must’ve stretched wrong but shook it off and applied Kool ‘N Fit when I got home. I feel better now but man, I’m afraid my insoles will give me a hard time during my 9-miler this weekend.

Garmin Connect stats, here. Nike+ below: