Wow, fabulous advice! Thank you!

My RHR, 45, has NOT changed. It sits right there, and has for a very long time.

I do keep a detailed workout log, over at Beginning Triathlete.com. Looking at it, I've seen my weight come up (about four pounds) and heart rate go down, and that's over a period of several months.

I tried a little experiment just after my original post this morning - I ran 5 miles, and pushed it, running at a race pace (9 minute miles - I'm not fast!). My heart rate sat in the mid 140's and once or twice (on hills) barely broke 150. I felt FINE, really good, in the zone, and all that.

I'm thinking I may be seeing a combination of 1) fatigue, needing a rest, and 2) a higher level of fitness.

I am riding the Tierra Bella metric this coming Saturday. After that I'll slow it down a bit. At the end of the month I am the "run" portion of a relay team at the Wildflower Triathlon, so I will keep running, but I will use the week after the the Tierra Bella to rest.

Thanks again, fellas!