What to think?

Okay, many of you know I have been running. I think I started running in February, although I have been walking since last September...anyhow...I got a new watch. Previously mentioned...it is the Garmin Forerunner 305. It has a heart rate monitor that I wear around my chest, and my heart rate is displayed on my watch. Well, I know nothing about heart rates, or anything about the heart really. So, Heidi - my running partner - is a nurse. I decided to wear my monitor one morning, and I would look down, and I told Heidi what my heart rate was. While running, it varies from the 170-188 range depending on terrain, but typically stays in the high 180's during running. Now, this means nothing to me. Heidi thought that was WAY high. My trainer told me that in order to have my body in fat loss mode, I shouldn't have my heart rate more than 130-140. If I keep my heart rate at 130, I don't feel like I'm getting any exercise. My trainer SWEARS most people push their bodies too hard, and don't get results, and that by doing exercise, just taking it easier, will make all the difference in the world(in losing fat).

My problem, is that I'm training for the half marathon. I have worked so hard, and I want to accomplish this goal, but I also don't want to die in a race because I was clueless about my heart. So, I decided it was time for a physical. I got blood drawn, cholesterol checked, and talked to the Dr. about my heart. He told me my heart rate should NEVER be above 190. NEVER. At the highest work out point for me (which is 85% of maximum) is 161. So, really it shouldn't ever be above that point. For me, walking straight up a hill we frequent, my heart rate is about 167. I really expected to go to the doctor, him tell me that running is good for my body, suck it up and continue it. Instead, I had an EKG done. A lay on the table do nothing EKG. All was normal. They referred me to a cardiologist, and I am hoping they'll do an EKG while I'm running on a treadmill - you would think that would tell them more since that is my reason for going in. My appointment is on Monday.

The thing is, I am wondering if this is all a huge waste of time. I really wouldn't know my heart rate was that high unless I had my watch (which I tested by manually taking my heart rate and the watch was accurate). I would just keep running. Not knowing anything was wrong. My cholesterol is good, my blood pressure is good, I have no chest pains. I would assume 5 months ago, my heart rate would have been a lot higher, doesn't your heart get stronger through exercise? I am still breathing(currently).

The doctor told me to take it easy and keep my heart rate under 170 until I got in to see the cardiologist. I need to find a big 9 mile hill to run down on Saturday morning if that's the case. I am now a month away from the half marathon. What do I do? I don't want to slow down Cherice (my training partner), and I also don't want to push myself too hard.

Oh, on the humerous side, I also learned a VERY interesting fact. I am 4 foot 11 3/4 inches. I am not shrinking. Everyone else who has measured me has just rounded up. I think that legally makes me a 'little person'.