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?
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Yes- the weather makes a huge difference. You’re working much harder in the heat and humidity. Also, getting your thyroid in the right place should help the situation!
I hear you on the strength training. The Caroline Girvan workouts (and most Peloton, I believe) are the lower weight, higher rep and shorter rest style. It helps things move along quickly. But I know we’re supposed to be lifting heavier, so that’s what I’m doing now. But I’m kind of bored in between sets, like, “shouldn’t I be doing something? Why am I just sitting around?” Maybe that’s why people like to have a gym buddy.
Ha- I like Scooby’s tongue in Saturday’s photo.
Scooby’s tongue is a good indicator of the humidity!
Peloton has been adding more “heavy” strength classes, but I don’t enjoy them. 😛
The thyroid sounds like the most likely culprit. Have you explored HRT as well? Does wonders for me. Yes, the heavy lifting with longer rests works so well for me and I feel a lot stronger. Rebecca programs the same way. I thought about trying Robins’s split with tread walks instead of runs.
The tread workouts in Robin’s split would be easy to adapt to walking/hiking. Two days use a bench — which I did like, and you probably would too.
Good luck with the thyroid! Hopefully you figure everything out. I love Scooby in that photo! He looks like he’s panting after a hot day. It’s been very humid here too.
Here’s hoping you can figure everything out and that your endocrinologist is on the right track with your thyroid med adjustment.
If you’re able to do another set during your rest time, you’re not lifting heavy enough. And if you don’t like the longer recovery time, you’d probably enjoy the other classes with lighter weights and higher reps (probably what you’re used to doing?). As Deborah mentioned, I really enjoy the heavy lifting and what it does for me. Hope you find classes that you like – good luck!
For some exercises I don’t feel healthy enough/strong enough to max out — I don’t want to over-tax my hip or hamstring. I did max out upper body work, but I’d rather to crunches between sets than nothing!
Well, look at you, turning into a Garmin data detective! 😄
I’m glad you went digging, though, and that you now have a possible explanation for what’s been going on. The thyroid issue certainly seems like an important piece of the puzzle.
I also love that you’re letting go of the ego and accepting that 4+ miles is currently a test of endurance. That’s exactly where you are right now, and the endurance will come back.
Your Labour Day run: isn’t it amazing how nice a run can feel in cooler weather??
This is interesting–my resting heart rate has been higher than usual. I first blamed it on the wine. Then the steroids. I hadn’t considered other causes like thyroid… food for thought!
Well, wine and steroids could have an impact too, but it wouldn’t hurt to find out.
Aw that sucks about your thyroid, but also good to get an explanation, and if it’s as easy as increasing the dose of something you’re already taking, that’s great.
I love the heavier weights with less intensity and sometimes I wonder if I should be doing more of that, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I hope the other program suits you better, you have to enjoy it too!
I think it all depends on your goals. My primary goal is to enjoy my workout time. 😀
I hope you get some answers. Sorry for the current frustrations on your plate. That said, I’m glad you’ve had some good runs!
Oh gosh – great detective work! Let’s see if the endoncrinologist can put it all together! I hope you get answers and get to feeling more like yourself, soon!
I hope you figure things out…
I get overwhelmed with the Garmin data. I stopped looking at my sleep stats.
But you got me intrigued… My RHR is in the 60s. You must be fitter than me.