Learning to love numbers

I went back to OHSU to get another VO2Max Test on Thursday. Last November I was less than thrilled to hear my VO2 Max was 51 and Threshold HR was 155. My "Numbers" have never been exceptional. Which is why I've always chosen to rely on Heart, thinking that never-give-up mentality would take me a heck of a lot further than having a VO2 Max better than him or her. Somehow seeing the numbers felt more limiting than encouraging. The science told me what my limits were. I didn't want to know. Because if you don't know, you can accomplish anything right? Childlike, perhaps, but it had served me relatively well in my athletic pursuits. I've changed my mind.

I'm 37 years old. Yes, 37. I'm running longer and faster than I ever thought I could. I'm working hard no doubt about it. But when I falter, or want to slow down, there is something else besides that beating organ that I've become obsessed with through my watch, pushing me forward. It's numbers. It's knowing I am physically capable of running the last 6 miles of my three hour run at 7:40's because I've run faster in my tempo runs. Now I think merely, "I've done it before, I can do it again." My taxed heart has only to beat accordingly as my mind blocks the excuses and reasons to stop. Numbers don't have to limit us. I think the key is not to be attached to the meaning we put into them. 53.6 isn't a good or bad VO2 Max. It's a where I'm at right now. My threshold went up to 166. I'm using 86% of my capacity. There is room for improvement. Nothing limiting there. 7:40 miles aren't fast or slow. They are just the tools I'm using to get faster. And I am getting faster. So next time you think..."Oh she's just doing 7:40 miles," you better look over your shoulder because that was yesterday and I'm coming for you. ;] Cheers.