Can you really enjoy a MAF test?

I guess my workout this morning doesn't really count. I didn't take a picture to post, so it didn't happen, right? I don't even know that I can write this entry! I guess I'll try and push through.
Today was my first day of base building for the Houston Marathon, taking place January 15, 2017. My half marathon a couple weeks ago didn't go as planned so I can't sign up for the guaranteed slot the only registration open now. I can sign up next month.
Like I said, today was my first day of base building. This year, I am trying something different. As I wrote in my previous blog, my wife and I started the primal diet 3 weeks ago. Results have been good as I lost 8 pounds and got through that rough first week. Don't worry, I won't put any before and after pics up. Tied in with the diet is a new approach to training. It is a Dr. Phil Maffetone-inspired, Mark Sisson-prescribed diet that focuses on the slow and low methodology. Therefore, the first day is designed to gauge your level of fitness with a 45 minute test. The goal is to stay in your aerobic sweet spot and run for 45 minutes straight. Luckily, I read this (https://philmaffetone.com/maf-test/) article before taking off for the track. So, I knew that my run would be much slower than normal and my miles would get even slower. Using the formula, my heart rate needed to be kept between 143 and 153. Well, that came surprisingly fast sometimes. I'd periodically think I was doing fine, then have to hit the brakes for a bit because my heart rate would be at 155 or something close.
My splits ended up being:
10:37
11:11
12:10
12:30 pace (for the last .88)
Now, moving it for me normally would be about 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 minutes per mile quicker than that. So, this will take some adjusting. And faith. It'll definitely take faith. And humility. Watching people fly by me on the track this morning was rough!

Tomorrow is a 45 minute aerobic bike ride. I'll have to steal Mila's bike!

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