So, yesterday was our heavy workout day. We started with a long run at 6:30AM. The more experienced folks in the group were planning for a 10-mile run, while the newbies (like me) had our sites set on something more in the 3-5 mile range. Well, I was ALL excited because this was my first chance to use my new Garmin outside and actually test out the GPS. Because of that, I was constantly looking at the display. Oddly, after just a mile or two, it was already 'yelling' at me that my heart rate was in zone 5 -- you know the upper echelons reserved for short sprints or other strenuous activities just before you keel over clutching your chest and gasping for air. I mentioned that to Geoffrey -- our super cool assistant coach who was kind enough to hang back with the slowpoke. Well, even after walking a bit and taking a water break, this high heart rate persisted. I ended up with an average heart rate of 145 bpm (beats per minute) and a maximum of 185 bpm. I mentioned this to Geoffrey and he was a bit concerned and asked me to let him know how I did on the bike.
That afternoon -- after a glorious brunch on the deck with the boys -- I went for an 11-mile bike ride. Silly me -- I assumed that we were riding on some secluded trail. I was shocked to find that we were rding a loop up and down Lakeshore Parkway which is effectively a two-lane highway on the outskirts of town. The good news is that in my panicked state about being peeled off of the front grill of a Silverado, I didn't have time to concentrate on how bad my rear end was aching. Finally! I've found the secret to relieving saddle sores!
After reviewing the data on my bike ride, I found that my average heart rate there was 185bpm with a max of 188bpm. Suddenly, even I was a little worried. I mentioned it to Andreas and yet again he provided me with the missing sections of my brain. "Do you think it could be your mitral valve prolapse (MVP) that's causing your heart rate to be a little high?" Oops. I totally forgot abou that little heart condition of mine. In a panic, I called Sherry -- thank goodness she was an actual medical doctor in a former life. Fortunately (for her), she didn't answer. So, as usual, Andreas calmed my nerves and convinced me to sit in the hot tub with him, look up at the starts and relax. Great advice!
This morning, Sherry called me back and I told her my whole story. I swore to her that I DID get medical clearance to train again -- but I didn't actually tell my doctor that I was going for an Olympic distance event this year. Fortunately, Sherry wasn't worried. She's going to bring me into her gym this week for a lactate threshold test to determine my true heart rate zones. Then we'll know when to REALLY panic. I LOVE HER! She always has the answers and restores my confidence. What better coach could one ask for?
Well folks, its 2AM, raining cats and dogs and I'm supposed to be in the pool in four hours. I'd better slip in the boys rooms to make sure that the thunder and lightning hasn't scared them and get some rest.
Stay dry and warm Alabamians!
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