Polar Test

Not, as the title might suggest, a trek across artic wastes but a relaxing 5 mins laying in bed while my heart rate monitor checks my fitness. My Polar HRM performs a test that gives the equivalent of a VO2Max reading. This gives an indication of the body's ability to use the oxygen taken in while breathing. The higher the number, the fitter you are. I have increased a whole one point to 52 in the last five weeks. While this sounds like not much of an improvement the Polar manual suggests that it will take at least six weeks to notice any difference. My maximum heart rate has also dropped two beats to 172, again an indication of improvement. As stated in my earlier post Easter Runny Bunny I'd like to get my VO2Max up to 60 by September. At the rate of 1 point every 5 weeks that'll take me beyond Christmas so maybe 55 is more realistic. Still, 52 is good for a 20 year old and off the scale for someone my age so I can still feel smug knowing that I can beat most of the ipod generation up to the top of the nearest hill. Not that that would remotely bother them of course.

Planning to go for nice long and hilly road run tomorrow. Whilst I prefer to be off road I like the consistency of road running as it lets you get into the groove, or cruise mode as I call it. That feeling of effortless cruising down the road for miles can't be beaten (well almost). It's not so easy off road due to the variation in terrain and having to negotiate stiles and gates.

Whatever!

Easter Runny Bunny

Still trying to get back to where I was in February. Been out twice over the weekend, one 12k off-roader with the dog and a 19k roader today. Not sure what's going on with the legs but thighs were aching on the off-roader. Calfs were a bit sore too. Maybe it's just lack of miles recently but that's never been a problem before. Strangely enough they seem ok after today's run. I paid special attention to rehydrating today. Seems to have worked.

Wore my new road shoes (Asic Gel Kayano 13's) for the first time today. Felt pretty good.

I performed the Polar Optimiser test yesterday to check out my VO2max (or at least the Polar equivalent). It's 51 which is excellent for my age group and even good for a 20 year old (compared to Paula Radcliffe's 80). I reckon I need to try and get it near to 60 before the Jungfrau.

Will probably take the dog out on an easy run tomorrow.