Sock tans

2 miles, 8:34 average.

I recently got an Apple Watch that monitors HR so I wore that today (been using Nike run app instead of garmin lately, which is useful for regular runs. If I start doing actual workouts I'll switch back to the garmin). I averaged 163 bpm and highest HR was 178bpm, which is 84% and 92% of my max HR respectively. Which would've put me into Zone 3- tempo for an average of the run and Zone 5- anaerobic for my max HR. It kind of helps me feel like I can relax more and don't have to be so anxious about if I'm running fast enough, because I am. It also supports the evidence that my body is struggling with fatigue. I know that already, but to see proof in my HR that I'm working hard is reassuring because I've been discouraged about my effort vs. my pace. 

I decided to decrease the pace and see how it felt to go slower and if that feels more manageable than pushing myself to be sub 9:00. I just ran at a slower pace that felt comfortable. I ended up averaging 9:20/mile. My HR was lower with a 155 bpm average. My max HR was still 174 bpm but the average was much lower than Tuesday's run, confirming for me that I need to slow it down even though I feel like I'm running so slow. I need to listen to my body, and my body is extremely fatigued so of course I'm not going to be running super fast right now. 

Update on the fatigue. It's like fighting tooth and nail to get a doctor to test my iron and ferritin levels. They see that my hematocrit and hemoglobin are within normal range and automatically assume it can't be anemia, but anemia is different than iron deficiency. I've had low iron levels before so I'm highly suspicious it's that. But another explanation could be my thyroid, which I know is struggling, but my TSH has been in normal range for a couple weeks now and I've been taking thyroid medication for 5 weeks now and my symptoms are worsening not getting better. A couple different people have told me that they can see the fatigue in my face, and my hair is falling out at an alarming amount. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday the 28th but that's a ways away, and I'm suffering and have been for 6 weeks. I'm just so done. 

That's not to mention my ovarian cyst issues, which are ongoing even now. I have a hemorrhagic cyst on my left ovary currently and free fluid in my pelvis as of my most recent ER visit, indicating another ruptured cyst. Physically I'm just struggling, but I'm hoping I'll turn the corner here soon.