Week 3, HRM Training

I've now finished week #3. Running with the HRM is getting to be less annoying. I find that I am able to run within the range for the most part. When I do set off the monitor, just slowing down for a few steps typically puts me right back into the range. I haven't missed any of my recovery range runs because, quite frankly, they are too enjoyable to miss. I finish feeling refreshed/invigorated. My recovery pace seems to be falling at 10:30 min miles.

I have also found a coach to work with. This guy owns the local running store and had formally run on the Hanson's team, up north in Michigan! He's quite a bargain at $40 for the entire training period. Since my goal race is in March, it's $40 for now thru March. I'm currently in a base building phase and he's also doing some experimenting to narrow down my HR zones. My runs this week have been:

Mon - 4 recovery
Weds - 5, with 6 2min x 2 min fartleks in the middle
Fri - 4 recovery
Sat - 8 at 75%, but run the last mile hard

I ran today's 8 miles an avg of 30 secs per mile faster than last week, a 10:15 pace. Again, I finished running strong and feeling good. I've been on my feet all day and I am just now getting tired. Also, I ran the entire 8 miles with only exceeding my zone 2x and that was on hills. I still ran the hills and then slowed it down once I crested. Again, the hr fell right away.

I am enjoying the training and seeing the potential enough to stick with it. Like I said, the recovery runs are soooooo easy and enjoyable there is no sense in skipping them. It would be like skipping a chocolate milk shake. The harder runs are few enough that I'm typically feeling like I want to push it a bit. It's also leaving more energy for me to get some strength training in.

If I could just get my nutrition under control, I would be gold. I was traveling 2 weeks ago and this week was busy, so it's been way too much take out. I guess there's always something to complain about.