Half Marathon Training, Heart Rate Variability,

Hello Everyone, and thanks for reading my Blog!

It's been quite a while since I blogged, which runs counter to the idea of having a blog in the first place.  There are so many things going on, so that's not the reason I haven't posted in a while. 

Half Marathon Training
When it comes to running (or anything, for that matter), it is important to set goals.  I know that there are quite a few runners that don't focus on racing, improvement, etc., but just do it to enjoy their time in the outdoors and to stay healthy.  And to those types, I salute you and promise some day to join you.  But for now ... I think I will just keep trying to get to a level I am comfortable with.  This years goal has always been to compete in the Green Lake Road Race (Minnesota thing).  That's a 12 mile loop around a busy recreational lake in my area.  To meet that goal (including the word "compete", meaning to "be competitive") I decided to take on one or two Half Marathons this year prior to the Green Lake race.  I have been preparing by 1) no change to the idea of Tempo Runs and Intervals, and 2) big changes to the Endurance runs.  So far I am up to 9 miles on my once-a-week endurance outing.  So far, what I have noticed is that running 4 or 5 miles is not as much of a challenge as it once was - proving, at least for myself, that these endurace runs really are a good method for improvement.  Wish me luck - I hit my first Half on March 24th.

Heart Rate Variability
Have you heard of this???  The heart rate varies more when the body is relaxed or not under stress, and varies less when under stress (like from extreme exercise).  Check out some of the comments in the blog on this topic at www.moxymonitor.com.

I PROMISE to keep you updated on my exploits to complete a Half.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Stu