Sorting Things Out

I am still sorting things out with my (lack of) cardio endurance, but a deep dive into my Garmin data and a visit with my endocrinologist shed some light on what might be going on.

Is there such a thing as too much data?

Sorting Things Out

It was Catrina who sent me digging into my Garmin data when she asked about my resting heart rate. Since I wear my Garmin 24/7, I was able to see that whatever Garmin records as my resting heart rate has crept up slightly since June, from the uppers 40s to the low 50s. I know a lower resting heart rate can be a sign of physical fitness, and that timing coincides with when I (mostly) stopped running after my hip flared up, but I’m not sure that correlation points to causation.

On the other hand, my endocrinologist may have the real answer. My latest blood work shows that my thyroid is getting out of whack again and creeping back into hyperactive levels. Before I was diagnosed with Graves disease, one of my first symptoms was how easy it was to get my heart rate up in my Orange Theory classes. I’ve also been experiencing hoarseness, which is another symptom caused by my enlarged thyroid. My doctor thinks 6-8 weeks on a higher dose of my Rx will rein in my thyroid and have me feeling better.

I also dug back into old Garmin heart rate graphs from my runs, and saw that being in the 160s-170s mid-run isn’t that unusual for me. Maybe I’m just not longer used to the discomfort associated with working that hard. 😉

My heart rate data from this week’s run seems more weather-related than anything else. Monday the weather was fantastic. I ran “easy” and felt good without any walk breaks.

Saturday the weather was nice but more humid. My pace was slightly slower than on Monday and I took a few short walk breaks, but still my heart rate was higher.

I actually felt worse during the last half when my heart rate was lower.

Weekly Run Down

As part of surrendering to where I am, I tried Robin’s Split + Run program, which is based on 45 min classes divided as 30 min of strength with 15 min of running.

I really liked the running segments (each class had a different intervals-based focus), and think they were really good for where I am, but I did not enjoy the strength segments. The programming is based on lifting heavy with long rests between sets. I know that type of workout can be effective. I hear that type of workout can be particularly good for women of a certain age. I just don’t enjoy it. I filled the “extra” time by fitting in another set or doing a round of core exercises. Even though Robin’s program is meant to be repeated for 4-8 weeks, this week I’m going to try Jess Sims’ Split + Run program which looks like it will be more my style.

Monday (Labor Day): I took Scooby out for an “easy” run. The weather was spectacular and that made all the difference!

Tuesday – Friday I did Robin’s program. I wore my heart rate monitor on the tread and took walk breaks when it crossed into the 170s, but was mostly able to follow the programming.

Saturday I took Scooby about for a run. I took it easy and let go of my ego realizing running 4+ miles is testing my endurance these days.

And that’s a wrap!

A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.

Do you dig into old Garmin data for insights?