MAF Test #1

Well I just finished my first MAF run test.
I didn't want to do it at night after working all day but it was the only way to fit it in.
I am a little disappointed in the results but considering the time off over the holidays and the fact that I only have had two since being back I can't expect much.

So here are the results.

Total time for 5km - 29:05
Max HR 158
Avg HR 154
1-5:34 Avg Hr 152
2-5:40 Avg Hr 154
3-5:52 Avg Hr 154
4-5:56 Avg Hr 155
5-6:01 Avg Hr 154

I think my HR should have been a little lower for each one. Something to work on for the next one. This will give me something concrete to compare against every few weeks. No more guessing whether I am improving.

I have also been keeping some baselines for the pool. For all my long swims I am taking split times every 500m.

Dec 13 - 2km
9:36,9:32,9:36,9:42
Total 38:28

Dec 20 - 2km
9:10,9:01,9:12,9:23
Total 36:48

Jan 24 - 1.5km
9:09,9:21,9:32
Total 28:04

It was nice to see I hadn't lost that much in the pool.
I really wish I had recorded more data from my last go at Ironman but at the time I wasn't really into the numbers, I just wanted to finish the thing.
The more I read and learn about training, the more I realize the importance of tracking your progress to make sure the work you are doing is making you faster. You see it all too often. People train hard every year but never get faster from year to year. Now this isn't the only factor but it definitely plays a role.