134

Yes, 134. That was my heart rate during my warm-up this morning when I was averaging just under a 9 m/m pace.

This is a shockingly low number for me.

Recovery heart rate is usually around 138-140. When I am falling into really good shape at the latter part of the season, I may see 133, 134, 135. But usually at paces around a 9:20-9:40 mile.

But this morning, I look down at my Garmin and it says 133 while I am running an 8:5x pace. What?! Fluke? Maybe, but I am pretty excited about it. Typically, my heart rate doesn't really start to drop during my training until I am in the 65+ mile per week range. I am no where near that yet, but I am really starting to see things come together.

The rest of my run this morning was solid, but my HR didn't stay anywhere near the 130s, since after I finished my 10 minute warm-up, I launched into 7 miles at goal marathon pace. I ranged from 7:43-7:53, but some fluctuation was expected with hills, etc. HR was primarily between 167-172, which isn't bad. Although I can't proclaim any real experience in this as I don't often run many MP miles like this. The numbers were pretty similar to last week.

This week is going well and I am looking forward to my long run this weekend. I am scheduled for 2 hours 40 minutes, which should be a good 18+ miles. Hopefully it will go well.

I am also looking forward to spring racing season to start. It will be fun (hopefully) to see where I am at.