Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Boring blogging for the next month

I knew winter would get the best of me. All the best intentions in the fall can't overcome the lack of desire which comes this time of year.

I decided (after much reading) to switch to strictly low HR training for the next two months. (Thanks Adam for the links on your blog).

Although I have been a runner most of my life, I don't think I have run intentionally at a such a low heart rate for long periods of time (distance, and days).

On a good note, we are going to down to visit my parents in south Carolina for most of February, so I get to have a little sun and warmth.

My plans for the next month are 50-70 miles per week, max HR 149.

In hindsight, my best years did have late winter/early spring running at easy paces. I did not make much progress following the "typical" marathon training plans. I always started them with a strong "base", but maybe not. I will evaluate in early/mid March to see how long I will extend it.

The first 20 at the HR will be interesting. I will probably have to run halfway around Hilton Head Island.

right now 6.5 mhp is where that HR lands. 3:15 20 mile run will be tough mentally, but at least it won't be on the dreadmill.

3 comments:

keith said...

Adam converted you? Interesting...I can tell you it is really challenging to stay under that low HR number. I couldn't run with anyone and stay below that magic number - I don't even know if I'd be able to now.

Good luck with it! Have fun in SC.

SteveQ said...

I went over all the low HR stuff again and was a little surprised that Stu Mittleman's book suggests training heart rates that are about what I do. The only difference seems to be periodization - I don't believe in training one way exclusively at any time, as it leads me to injuries when I try to add something later.

Adam said...

Keith, wish I could take credit. If matt decided to do low-HR training because of me it was indirect influence. Of course I do believe it will help your running. I'd like to see you do a Hadd test this week and then again in two months...would you be willing to humor me? If so let's discuss the details on email.