Detailed metrics for a mitral valve repair weekend very semi athlete

[msiwik]

Ok with being a numbers guy

Ok with being a numbers guy

I'm a numbers kinda guy.

MitralMan - that's a good thing. I am much more disciplined with the numbers and science of running since OHS - as I think it's crucial for training/rehabbing. I will never run again at least for the next ten years with a HR monitor. Best regards, Mark

 

[MitralMan]

Interesting new wrinkle

Interesting new wrinkle

I haven't recorded each exercise session, but I've been following the pattern you've already seen.

But here's the odd thing: in the last week, my Polar HR monitor is telling me that I'm burning 1/3 - 1/4 the calories I was 6 weeks ago. I know my HR is significantly lower than it was.

I think this means I'm getting in better shape, but it also means I have to work harder to get the same benefit.

I like this kind of problem!

 

[msiwik]

I haven't recorded each exercise session, but I've been following the pattern you've already seen.

But here's the odd thing: in the last week, my Polar HR monitor is telling me that I'm burning 1/3 - 1/4 the calories I was 6 weeks ago. I know my HR is significantly lower than it was.

I think this means I'm getting in better shape, but it also means I have to work harder to get the same benefit.

I like this kind of problem!

Hi Hugh - noticed a typo in my last post to you - meant to say I will never not run again without a HR - great tool! I would use distance as a rule of thumb for calorie burn. My formula is 100 calories per mile, regardless of pace. Yes a faster pace will result in more calories burned but to me it's not worth worrying about. You should a lower heart rate over time as you progress. When I started in Sept., I couldn't run a mile at a 12 min. pace and keep my heart rate under 156. Now I am in the 9 to 10 minute range and still under 156. All set on this end for Vermont - looking forward to meeting you and your family. Mark

 

[MitralMan]

Mark, I knew what you meant!

Mark, I knew what you meant!

I'm going to shift to a fuller running schedule now. I'm psyched to meet you and the team in VT in a few months.

P.S. I'm a much better runner downhill than up!

Hi Hugh - noticed a typo in my last post to you - meant to say I will never not run again without a HR - great tool! I would use distance as a rule of thumb for calorie burn. My formula is 100 calories per mile, regardless of pace. Yes a faster pace will result in more calories burned but to me it's not worth worrying about. You should a lower heart rate over time as you progress. When I started in Sept., I couldn't run a mile at a 12 min. pace and keep my heart rate under 156. Now I am in the 9 to 10 minute range and still under 156. All set on this end for Vermont - looking forward to meeting you and your family. Mark

 

[msiwik]

Correction - Calorie Burning

Correction - Calorie Burning

Hi Hugh - noticed a typo in my last post to you - meant to say I will never not run again without a HR - great tool! I would use distance as a rule of thumb for calorie burn. My formula is 100 calories per mile, regardless of pace. Yes a faster pace will result in more calories burned but to me it's not worth worrying about. You should a lower heart rate over time as you progress. When I started in Sept., I couldn't run a mile at a 12 min. pace and keep my heart rate under 156. Now I am in the 9 to 10 minute range and still under 156. All set on this end for Vermont - looking forward to meeting you and your family. Mark

Well, you are supposed to keep on learning in life right? Runner's World just had an article on this point and apparently you burn twice the calories running that you do walking. The typical person will burn about 125 calories with an easy jog (per mile) and about 60 to 70 walking a 20 minute pace (my preferred walking pace). The old 100 calorie per mile is oft-quoted, oft-cited standard that is falling by the wayside. Mark

 

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Christine,

So many people here are so much more knowlegable in the numbers department than I, and I am always impressed. It is hard to find support from doctors that are not runners. Myself, I consider very fortunate, for my GP has run the Chicago marthon 4 times, and my cardiologist is a runner. Both of them have continually pushed the point, of just listening to my body. Their support has been awesome, and for that I contribute greatly to fact I have now run 4 full marathons and will be doing my 5th in May.

You may think the world of your doctor, but a second opinion from a cardiologist whom deals with athletes and runners may be in order. (maybe at a university ?)Hey, if he or she comes up with the same advice, then so be it, but at least you can adjust your life to the correct advice. My heart was enlarging and I have a St Jude mechanical valve now in place, just over 6 years. The only thing my cardiologist does annually is an echo, just to make sure things are in order. My running he admires, but worries more about my knees and not getting enough rest. If there is any doubt, see another doctor if not for just one appointment. You enjoy fitness, and I find it hard to understand a doctor will hold you back from a controled planned activity that can not only strengthen your heart but give you the enjoyment and quality of life you deserve. I hope that helps some. Feel free to drop me a line any time.

Peace.

Mark

 

[GregB]

10K heart rate

10K heart rate

Hi Guys,

An interesting discussion
I completed a 10K road race last Sunday.
For the first time I wore a heart rate monitor and kept an eye on heart rate throughout the run. I seemed to be around 150- 155 much of the way and moved up to 160 a couple of times.
I actually have no idea if this was a safe or wise rate??? But I am still here.

My race target was to beat my age ie 60 years -60 minutes.
I actually came in at 55minutes 12 seconds. I was pleased with that.

The best part was I ran with my daughter much of the way. (This has nothing to do with the fact that she is training to be a nurse).
Even better my little grandson ran in the 2k event. Three generations hit the track.

I am now preparing for a 15k event in about 3 weeks and possibly a half marathon a bit later.

Cheers,

Greg

 

[MitralMan]

OK, I'm a slug but at least I'm exercising again.

OK, I'm a slug but at least I'm exercising again.

Gorgeous day today in Southeastern PA -- just what I needed to get myself in gear.

I walked/ran outdoors for the first time with my 16 year old daughter. It's a 2.5 mile circuit I created with hills.

total distance: 2.42mi
total time: 42:18.3
average HR: 118
max HR: 182

mile 1: 13.29.2; avg HR 125; max HR 176); flat, fartlek
mile 2: 19:42; avg HR 120; max HR 182; up hill, mostly walk
mile 3 (.42): 9:07.1; avg HR 103; max HR 113; walk slowly only

(my daughter was mad at me, but by the end she agreed to do this circuit with me regularly)

I just may be able to get to 12:00 by end of May!

 

[tommy]

I think that the higher heart rates coincide with higher lactic acid build up and depletion of glycogen (carbs). It also coincides with sore muscles and longer recovery.

In the interest of weight loss, avoiding the demotivating soreness, and exercising more regularly, I'm trying to keep my heart rate below 135 - burn more fat, and still get the cardio endurance benefit.

This was a good week. My resting heart rate is down a few more beats to 49. During my 15 mile bike ride today, I bounced off the 135 BPM at the top of a hill and 20 seconds later was coasting at 28 MPH and below 105 BPM. Woo hoo!

My muscles and joints feel better than they have in a long time. My cardio says to ignore the PVCs and keep going. Yes sir!

 

[Mary]

Tommy,

My primary focus has been to lose weight by jogging, and I'm keeping my HR 10 points on either side of 125. It seems to be working; I'm down 12 pounds.
Woo hoo!

 

[MitralMan]

Outstanding, Mary.

Outstanding, Mary.

How long has it taken you to drop the weight?

Tommy,

My primary focus has been to lose weight by jogging, and I'm keeping my HR 10 points on either side of 125. It seems to be working; I'm down 12 pounds.
Woo hoo!

 

[Mary]

How long has it taken you to drop the weight?

I started between Christmas week and New Year's Day-- probably 12-13 weeks. I'm planning on dropping 10 more, so if I can get it off by the first of June, I'll be pleased.
I'm happy to say that the jogging is easier with every pound I lose!

 

[msiwik]

Good Results

Good Results

Hi Guys,

An interesting discussion
I completed a 10K road race last Sunday.
For the first time I wore a heart rate monitor and kept an eye on heart rate throughout the run. I seemed to be around 150- 155 much of the way and moved up to 160 a couple of times.
I actually have no idea if this was a safe or wise rate??? But I am still here.

My race target was to beat my age ie 60 years -60 minutes.
I actually came in at 55minutes 12 seconds. I was pleased with that.

The best part was I ran with my daughter much of the way. (This has nothing to do with the fact that she is training to be a nurse).
Even better my little grandson ran in the 2k event. Three generations hit the track.

I am now preparing for a 15k event in about 3 weeks and possibly a half marathon a bit later.

Cheers,

Greg

Greg - I am an experienced runner and think that you should be very pleased with your results. Congrats and best wishes. Mark

 

[msiwik]

Way to keep plugging Mitral Man

Way to keep plugging Mitral Man

Gorgeous day today in Southeastern PA -- just what I needed to get myself in gear.

I walked/ran outdoors for the first time with my 16 year old daughter. It's a 2.5 mile circuit I created with hills.

total distance: 2.42mi
total time: 42:18.3
average HR: 118
max HR: 182

mile 1: 13.29.2; avg HR 125; max HR 176); flat, fartlek
mile 2: 19:42; avg HR 120; max HR 182; up hill, mostly walk
mile 3 (.42): 9:07.1; avg HR 103; max HR 113; walk slowly only

(my daughter was mad at me, but by the end she agreed to do this circuit with me regularly)

I just may be able to get to 12:00 by end of May!

Nothing like spring to get you going! Good job Mitralman!

 

[MitralMan]

Mark, thanks for your continuing encouragement.

Mark, thanks for your continuing encouragement.

Was in Chicago yesterday and today, so no run since, but will get to it tomorrow, I think. My daughter had to admit she felt pretty good after a shower. Exciting! We can run together!!

 

[GregB]

Encouragement and support

Encouragement and support

Thanks Mark,
your encouragement and support is much appreciated. Obviously you know a bit about the running business.
I hope your own program continues to build and you can achieve your own goals.

Cheers

Greg

 

[MitralMan]

Nasty flu bug

Nasty flu bug

Swept through our house. Daughters, wife, now I have all succumbed.

Antibiotics, Tylenol, Advil...and to top it off, I was flying back from Chicago as this sucker really hit, and my ears are STILL clogged three days later.

BP is up (137/75), RHR is up (70), chills, fever, body aches, head aches... and I clearly have palpitations.

No running for me. Just going to crawl back into my hole and lick my wounds for another 24 - 48 hrs.

 

[MitralMan]

Over the flu, and now starting up training again.

Over the flu, and now starting up training again.

Two miles on the treadmill today. Flat.

Total time: 30 minutes

Total distance: 2.3 mi.

Routine:

Intervals for 2.0 miles: :30 at 8.0mph, 1:00 at 4:00mph except for the last few

.3 mi cooldown, 3.5mph

Avg HR: 135

Max HR: 159

First mile: 11:48

Second mile: 12:02

These were the fastest two miles I've run in a very long time. I was jazzed. Really got my heart going, but I was...FINE!!

Completely separate data point: flew tonight from Philly to LV. Had my pulseoximeter with me, remembering how out of breath I used to be on planes before the surgery. Not only did I feel fine -- NO shortness of breath -- but my pulseox reading was 94.

 

[MitralMan]

15 months post-op, and I have a new, higher max HR

15 months post-op, and I have a new, higher max HR

During a half hour interval training session yesterday, I hit a new maximum heart rate of 182. I didn't even know I'd hit it until I checked the results afterward to enter into www.polarpersonaltrainer.com, the web site I'm using to prepare for the marathon relay (PS -- I looked at the route map, and I'm volunteering for one of the all-downhill segments.).

My previous max HR was 173, not far off the traditional 220-one's age (I'm 49, which would equate to 171).

I'm amazed.

I'm also amazed because when I was done, I simply got off the treadmill, and THAT WAS IT. I used to get headaches and occasional nausea from over-exerting, but not yesterday.

And then today, I was even MORE AMAZED when my 12-year-old daughter asked me to play basketball with her. Now I know I shouldn't get too excited about beating our neighbor's young sons in a half court (who are we kidding, our driveway is more like a quarter court or even eighth court) game to 7, but given that I had to give up basketball YEARS ago and it wasn't too long ago that I couldn't raise my arms above my shoulders, this feels great. Of course, the real thrill was that my daughter asked me to play with her, and she hit a couple of nice outside shots (maybe 15 feet, and she's just 5' tall herself).

Life is good!

 

[msiwik]

Go Mitralman Go!

Go Mitralman Go!

During a half hour interval training session yesterday, I hit a new maximum heart rate of 182. I didn't even know I'd hit it until I checked the results afterward to enter into www.polarpersonaltrainer.com, the web site I'm using to prepare for the marathon relay (PS -- I looked at the route map, and I'm volunteering for one of the all-downhill segments.).

My previous max HR was 173, not far off the traditional 220-one's age (I'm 49, which would equate to 171).

I'm amazed.

I'm also amazed because when I was done, I simply got off the treadmill, and THAT WAS IT. I used to get headaches and occasional nausea from over-exerting, but not yesterday.

And then today, I was even MORE AMAZED when my 12-year-old daughter asked me to play basketball with her. Now I know I shouldn't get too excited about beating our neighbor's young sons in a half court (who are we kidding, our driveway is more like a quarter court or even eighth court) game to 7, but given that I had to give up basketball YEARS ago and it wasn't too long ago that I couldn't raise my arms above my shoulders, this feels great. Of course, the real thrill was that my daughter asked me to play with her, and she hit a couple of nice outside shots (maybe 15 feet, and she's just 5' tall herself).

Life is good!

Life is grand - go Mitralman go! Mark