Initiation of Commitments

Well, there is no better time to initiate any New Year's Resolution involving physical activity than on New Year's morning. It is so peaceful out as most people are sleeping off the party of the night before. I traditionally fish on New Year's day so I have kept that tradition going today.

I kayaked and fished Newport Harbor. This is great exercise and very relaxing. Only caught three bass that were released as usual.

This evening, I did my indoor aerobic routine for thirty minutes which basically just consists of a variety of movements like squats, running in place, twists, kicks, etc., at a level that keeps my heart rate elevated between 135 and 170. I know this is well beyond what the charts say you should do. So, I might be writing a log that documents the reasons for my death.

Many "rule of thumb" suggestions floating around are that you can take 220 and subtract your age. This is theoretically your max heart rate. Some suggest that beginners (what I qualify as) should target 50% of their maximum rate. Well, that would have me only thinking about working out -- what's the point? What does it mean if I routinely exceed my max heart rate? I'm not sure, but I have read this same question posted by many people on the internet. So, either my pulse capture mode is defective, the rule of thumb is not valid, I am teeteering precariously on the line at which my heart may fail, or, well, I don't know.

I have experienced pain in my heart at various times throughout my life and even when I was young and used to run, my heart rate was always on the high side in comparison to others. I also tend to get a bit of what I can only describe as very light athsma when I run. I think this history coupled with my age puts me in a position of peril. At one point about five years ago, the pains I felt in my heart (area) were enough to prompt me to check in with the doctor. They put me through the treadmill tests with a heart specialist who determined that there was no problem. My doctor said the pains I felt were muscoskeletal.

I have used two different brands of heart rate monitors, both with the same results. When the rate indicates 185 or so, I will occasionally double check it with a manual pulse count. This usually confirms that the reading is correct. Also, I have had the reading jump up to over 205 beats per minute. At these time I immediately recalibrate the unit (push a button and hold the watch to the transceiver around my chest) and it jumps back down to about 165. So I assume that this is a problem with the monitor. I do have good recovery however. If I stop the activity or slow it down, my heart rate immediately adjusts accordingly, and will return to about 100 in only a few minutes.

Just doing my constant motion aerobic exercise routine easily puts me into the 135-155 heart rate range. Then pushing it a bit and I easily register 185 which is theretically beyond my maximum rate.

For food, I have simply decided to cut out some of the fast food and pre-plan a bit more with smarter options. I still rely heavily on fast food. I had a McDonalds breakfast and a left over take out spaghetti lunch. For dinner, I basically satisfied myself with some cereal and some parmesian crackers with cheese. Yeah, it not looking good for the heart at this stage, but I aim to sharpen this up a bit if I last long enough.