I decided to take a walk on Friday instead of running. With today’s run, I did four days of exercise this past week. Today’s run was a surprise improvement of pace without an excessive heart rate.

I’ve fallen behind on posting my incremental marathon. Here’s the catch-up post to correct that error.

I am surprised at the pace. My first mile was under 13 minutes—a vast improvement over the past month. My overall pace of 13:10 is also an improvement for the past month. Over the past year and a half, my physical health took a beating. From a numbness affecting the left side of my face to an overall feeling of lethargy and fatigue, I’ve not been able to exercise regularly. I was even struggling with work.

It feels like I might be coming out of a bleak period in my life. At least physically. I am once again able to maintain regular runs. Next, I plan on adding some upper body exercise. However, that’s always been tough. About three or four years ago, I regularly engaged in planking and push-ups, helping reduce my pace. I even came close to cracking the elusive 9:00 minute mile. But it was not as enjoyable as simple running.

So, I have been mentally debating the resumption of planking and push-ups. I’m optimistic I’ll finish the debate with a win towards resuming upper body workouts. Until that time, I will continue to push for regular runs.

Nothing much to add.

Good morning! I managed a decent heart rate with an improved pace. And I ran one of my favorite routes.

My slowest pace this year. But that’s to be expected. I took a route with steeper hills than I’ve been used to tackling. Also maintained a lower average heart rate. And I only hit 161 a couple of times on some steep inclines. So, all in all, I’m happy with this run.

My pace was down. But my heart rate was in the range I like. I didn’t have the best night’s sleep, which explains my lower speed. But I’m okay with that. At this point, I’m looking to just put effort into maintaining an exercise routine. I’ll let the benefits be secondary.

I am pleasantly surprised by my heart rate. I managed my lowest max rate so far since resuming the marathon.

This is from last week. Just catching up on posting my runs.

*Incremental Marathon

My heart rate was much better than the last run. I peaked at 162 towards the end but managed an overall average of 151. So, yes, a vast improvement over last week’s run.

My heart rate was through the roof! My average was 162. However, I hit 172 several times at the end. But what did I expect? I haven’t run since February 19th! Thirty seven days without running. And I felt it!