Heart Rating

Why the title?  I'll tell you.  Tonight, after watching my wife say she was only going to do 2 miles, then busted out 3 because she wanted to complete her goal (tough act to follow!), it was then my turn to work out in the Cowboy Fit Zone.  My zone for maximum fat burning right now is 142bpm-163bpm.  I usually stay around 145-155 on a treadmill.

I'm not sure if it was the heart rate monitor strap sliding around or if my heart didn't feel the need to beat any faster, but I couldn't seem to get up into the zone.  I started out with the Biggest Loser DVD that I did a week or so ago, then I switched to a Walk Away The Pounds, then I switched to our little stairway.  I used one step to go up and down.  Then I came in and started some push ups.  Nothing that I listed above got me to my Cowboy Fit Zone!  So I counted all of this as a warm up and headed outside.  I walked as fast as I could and even broke into a "kind-of" jog for about a half of a block.  When I reached what I thought would have been a half-way point, I headed back.  Again, for good measure, took about a half of a block to do a little jog.  I walked in, with a bitter-sweet feeling.  Accomplished, but disappointing. Did I reach my HR goal?  I honestly have not a clue.  I didn't figure out how to get the back light on my watch to work.  The whole time I was working, I heard the beep that signals when I am above or below my target HR.  So I imagine that I was above and below all throughout the walk.  I know that I was sweating pretty good, plus it was a little chilly, which felt good.

I am contemplating going in to work early tomorrow to use the ancient treadmill there so I can be certain that I am working out in the target HR zone.  But, my goal right now is that if I cannot get in every-other-day workouts, then at least I get in 3 workouts a week.  I am on track.  But, am I being too hard on myself?

I have blogged before about being disappointed.  Really, I am not a hard guy to satisfy.  I have mellowed out quite a bit since being married.  That is probably a good thing.  But when you're struggling with money.  Feels like you owe money here and there. Don't know how you're going to get your car repaired.  Trying to show upper management at work that you're worth something.  Health issues at home with the kiddos.  Not being able to go buy a certain food you want to eat better.  All of that stuff adds up.

Both of my brothers told me about being hard on myself as well as being resilient.  I am just venting, but it would be nice to have a dinner table to eat dinner with my family, instead of on the couch.  It would be nice to have some healthy food supply.  All we wanted to do tonight was be able to get in a good workout.  I like walking outside as much as the next guy.  Heck, I prefer being outside.  Them videos are helpful, but I can only stand so much pain in my hips.  Maybe I was meant to go outside?

But I did it.  I may be disappointed about a few things, but I am definitely comfortable saying that I used to just figure "I'll do it tomorrow" since it didn't work out the way I wanted it to.  It may not have been in my zone that I like, but I'll take getting out and moving around, over procrastination.  Eventually, enough procrastinating will take 1 week and turn it into 3 years.  Or even more!

So, I am a little concerned about my HR monitor.  We'll have to see how it works the next workout.  But I reckon I can tell ya'll a little something that actually made my week.

I posted about the total inches lost so far... well, this workout tonight and on Monday, I had to tighten my chest strap and go in an extra notch on my belt.  Eh?  That is some good stuff!

My wife even told me, when we were getting into a cuddly spot, that my chest was too hard. Ha ha.  That is a good thing.  Hopefully that means my "chesticles" are getting bigger the right way??? :)  So, back to the Heart Rating title.  If you want it bad enough your heart, you'll find ways to make things work.

What is YOUR Heart Rating?