For the whole summer I have been completely un motivated to do anything. No work, no exercise, nothing. I made up my mind to start running again and decided I would use the methods described in the Low Heart Rate Training FAQ to build my base back up. So far I've found it incredibly hard to go this slow. My body wants to push the speed up until my heart rate is in the high 140s. It's not much higher, but... It's over my limit of 134. With time I know it will get easier and faster.

At least I've found the Trans-Canada trail up on Burnaby Mountain to take my mind off of it. This is a wonderful little section that follows around Burnaby mountain near my work. I wouldn't call it real "Trail" running but it's nice to get off the sidewalks and bike paths. Even better to be surrounded by trees and away from cars.

I'll be sticking to the low heart rate training until at least January. I'll review the program again at that time. If I've seen the promised progress, I'll stick with it, but if not, I'll go back to a more traditional program. Will I run the Vancouver Marathon this year like I'd hoped? That depends on where I am come Christmas. If I've dropped 15 pounds and the pace is good I'll sign up. That will be the real test to see if I can beat my predicted time based on the results from the half marathon this year.