I found today that I felt bad that my legs were so tired, and I didn't think I got much of a workout on my morning walk. I was wondering if I would really be able to complete a marathon. But then I compared my stats for just one week ago...heart rate slower, pace faster. In four weeks I've gone from an average speed of 3.2 mph to an average of 3.8 on the same route, with an average heart rate slightly lower now than 4 weeks ago on that route. So I am making progress even though I may not always realize it. Having a record to go back and look at really helps you see the progress you are making. I guess it seems like we're not making progress as it continues to "be hard" but in actuality we're working at a different, higher level, so it's still hard, but we're doing something we couldn't have done a few weeks ago.
I recommend you get a heart rate monitor -- and if you can get one that syncs up to a computer, even better. At least, though, get one that records/stores your low, high and average heart rate and then transfer that info to a log that lists the exercise, the time, pace, etc. I am sure there are all kinds of exercise diary templates available on the web.
I use a Polar S625X which has a pod for the shoe and a watch that records speed, heart rate, altitude, temperature, etc. (It also records cadence and power on a bike if you buy the additonal pieces for your bicycle.) It then syncs up to the computer and graphs your workout in the software provided with the HR monitor. There is an exercise comparison feature so you can compare two or more exercises.
I highly recommend everyone keep a diary or log of your workout statistics. The blogs serve as a diary of sorts of how we're feeling, what our worries and temptations are and the community really helps us face those issues, but the record of where you started and how far you've come is a real motivator, too.
Hope everyone has a nice day off tomorrow -- I sure am looking forward to it. Not only am I taking a rest day from exercise, but I'm off of work too! See ya on Saturday!
Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal. (Robert Collier)
Charlie, Me and RIta
Living the good life in Colorado
Favorite Quotes
“I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me.” -- Charles R. Swindoll ==============================
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner
About Me
- catseye
- Married for 33 years to Charlie. Mother of Bryan (31) and Mark (29) who live in Denver. :( Grandmother of Isaac (11 months) who also lives in Denver :(
3 comments:
After walking with you this past Saturday and learning about your "Polar", I went online and looked at some. I wasn't sure which you had, so it helped that you listed the model #. Maybe I can get an early birthday gift from my husband. I will need someone to help me set up the computer profile thing...if my son can't help me, I may ask you to be my helpdesk, if you don't mind! Sounds like you are making good progress and I agree, we NEED to know we are getting somewhere toward the BIG GOAL of starting line to finish line in Chicago. Have a great walk on Saturday!
I know what you mean about aches and pains. If my body were the federal government, I'd be impeached!!
Thanks for your comments on my last blog...always helps to know you are not alone with your problems. I have not done any training since Thursday so I gotta get to it this week. Hope all went well on Saturday.
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