*insert post title here, since i can't think of one*

Just like Glaven is convinced his dog is out to maim him, I'm convinced my car is jealous that I run, and ignores my request to start on cold days just to piss me off.  We were forecasted to get about 1 cm of snow last night, we got quite a bit more than that, and it has been c-o-l-d, getting colder later in the week.

After looking outside and seeing all the roads still covered in a nice layer of thick slushy snow, yet to be cleared, I decided it would be another run on the TM. Ate, had my coffee, digested a bit, got dressed and ready to hit the gym.  Got out to the car, nothing.  Wouldn't turn over, just silence.  After about 10 minutes of patience and continuing to try starting my car, my dad, who was outside shoveling at the time said "uh, i don't think it's gonna start."

I sorta had a feeling this would happen, so i'm happy that I didn't get up to meet my running group at 7:30am! I had a late night last night, so there was no way it was going to happen.  A little frustrated, I came inside, changed into my bike shorts, and did a 30min easy spin, still staying within my HR aerobic zone.  I followed this with a weight circuit workout, so a decent workout despite the sudden change of plans.  I had every intention to hit the gym tonight to complete my scheduled run, but here I am blogging about not running instead.  I am wiped, drained, tired, bagged.

Today is Jay's birthday, so after I showered and got ready after my ride, we headed over to my MIL's place for a family lunch, then hit a few stores for some errands, picked up my son, took him to his swimming lesson, then took the boys out for a birthday dinner.  There was no way after that meal that I could run.  I had good intentions, but it didn't happen.  ;o(

Yesterday's run went well.  Slow, well.  7k on the treadmill, 57:15, 8:11 km/hr.  I started off at 4.6 mph on the treadmill, HR hovering at about 155-158.  After 30 minutes, I decreased the pace to 4.5 mph as my HR was creeping up slowly, and about 15 minutes later, decreased again to 4.4 mph. Avg HR was 161, max 166.  Depending on which formula I use from the 4 I calculated, I was within range for 1 of them, the Karvornen formula:

Maximum Heart Rate - Resting Heart Rate = Heart Rate Range (HRR) 

196-60 = 136 (HRR)

HRR X 60% = 81.6 + RHR = 141.6

HRR x 80% = 108.8 + RHR = 168.8

HRR x 85% = 115.6 + RHR = 175.8

I was above by about 5-7 bpm with the other three calculations.  My RPE (rate of perceived exhaustion, discussed in my previous post) was a 12, falling within the desired range, and definitely would have passed the talk test.  I think I'm getting a grasp for following this a bit now.

Marci, in response to your question about the accuracy of my HR, I was curious about the same thing, and often put my hands on the TM sensors, when using a TM of course, and they're equal. Sometimes a delay of a second or so before they're equal, but regardless of the TM I'm using, I've never seen a difference.

Sonia, in response to your question about my max HR... possible, but I wouldn't think by very much.  The way I got my max HR was from a run last year, 3k warm up to hills, 6 hill repeats. The first 4 repeats were at a decent clip, the last 2 I ran full speed ahead and left only enough in the tank to keep me upright. My heart rate went as high as 196, and no higher. This number apparently doesn't change with age, time or fitness level.  Is it just my perception that that was my maximum, and could not have gone any harder?  Maybe. I may look into getting a 'for reals' test if I can find somewhere around here that will do this at a reasonable price.  Times like this I wish I was a professional athlete with access to these types of resources, coaches, tests, just to have a better guideline.  In any case, I'm using an average of the 4 formulas, and not stressing too much if I go over by a few bpm in case "my max HR" is not high enough.  Does that make sense?  Remember, I'm tired, not sure if any of this post will make sense if I reread it tomorrow.

Nikki, thanks for the reminder about the patience I will need.  :o)

Not overly concerned about having missed my run today, but glad I got the cycling in, and my hamstrings are starting to bitch a little from squats and lunges that I did. I figure that HR training is HR training, whether on the bike or running -- still the same heart I'm working with.  Roads are cleared now, will try for another run tomorrow, and then kickboxing tomorrow night!

Have a great week everyone.