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Runner's Training Tips: HR Monitors Worth It

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Membershday98
    • CommentTimeJan 8th 2008
     
    shday98

    Hi, I'm a recreational marathoner, have run two of them and planning to run the country music marathon this April, and I was wondering how a HR Monitor improves training/the marathoning experience (or distracts from it).

     Please let me know your thoughts!

     Thanks,

     Stephen

  2.  
    changingground

    Stephen-

    You're up on me as far as training goes (I've yet to run my first marathon) but I have run a bit with a HRM. My guess is that you'll likely enjoy having the extra data. I've been using mine (a hand-me-down Polar from my wife) to get a better sense of how hard I'm actually working, as I've started my first structured training plan (Higdon- novice marathon) in 29 years. My way of addressing those runs where it feels really fast, but turns out to be domething else.

    • CommentAuthorFree Membersulynnja
    • CommentTimeJan 13th 2008
     
    sulynnja

    I've been using my HRM for just over a year and love it (basic Polar model).  It gives me a better sense (and confirmation) of how I'm feeling.  It's too easy to push it too hard at the beginning of a long run, and the HRM keeps me in my target range from the start.

     A feel-good bonus is that you learn how your heart rate will drop much faster the further into the program you get - a sign of better conditioning.  And that you will not hit your target rate until you've been running longer.

     

    Question: does anyone have any training plans that target what the HR ranges should be during the programs?  (e.g., should you do speed training at 90% of your max HR, and long runs at 70%???) 

  4.  
    changingground

    Sulynnja-

    I've found the Running for Fitness site to be full of useful information and calcualtors. Here is a link to their heart rate training zones- http://www.runningforfitness.org/calc/hrzones.php.

    Take a spin around their site. Very helpful.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberchiggy_
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2008
     
    chiggy_

    I'm going to have to disagree with these guys on this one. If your a recreational runner a HRM is just another level of complexity to your training that you dont need. Many people, given to much information, tend to overthink things. I've done it plenty myself. Just listen to your body. If you go out to fast in a run so what, just learn from it and do better the next time.  After about 6 months of trial and error you should be able to tell exactly what you are capeable of on any given day.

    So in short, just run and have fun.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberBen424
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2008
     
    Ben424

    Chig,

      Your comment is refreshing, and I think every once in a while we need to be reminded to just run and have fun.  It is so easy to over complicate this.

    • CommentAuthorFree Membercc4life07
    • CommentTimeFeb 6th 2008
     
    cc4life07
    Apart from just running...I have tried a couple of HRMs (Polar included) and found them to be uncomfortable.  I am not a big fan having something strapped to my chest.  Even the most lightweigh HRM makes me feel tied down.  I'll stick with going out with shorts and a t-shirt and running as free and as fast/slow as i'd like.  I've run for a while and I've gotta agree with Chig a little bit, the HRM tends to overcomplicate for most runners and the best thing to do with the HR is take your resting heartrate periodically to tell your progress. 
  8.  
    mhamersma79
    I've thought about getting one to track my heart rate so that I have a base to compare it to later this year when my husband and I might try to start a family.  I thought perhaps using a heart rate monitor me stay on track and not push myself too hard...  Though I pretty much figure that my body won't let me go too hard.  I'm not an accomplished athelete, so I figure I'll probably feel like walking more often than running anyway.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberbigredrock
    • CommentTimeFeb 26th 2008
     
    bigredrock

     

     

    not against them at all, and coaches swear by them.  don't get me wrong by no stretch am i a pro but i do have one question ...........  do the kenyans use them ?????    i doubt it.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdcoest79
    • CommentTimeFeb 27th 2008
     
    dcoest79
    I guess it depends on how you use them. I tend to use them as a general guideline. If you're super anal about the values then you have to take into account temperature, climate, the time of day etc...  I'd rather take more time to train or relax. Also, I've noticed mine can be different week to week, so I don't treat the values as that important. They are most useful for me in the gym when monitoring my circuit training intensity or in between sprint intervals, but this may not be part of your routine as a marathoner. anyways, goodluck!
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberAPDuncan27
    • CommentTimeFeb 27th 2008
     
    APDuncan27

    I have never used a HR monitor and doubt I ever will.  Running is supposed to be about the most natural form of exercise out there, it seems like the more technical we get the more we get away from this. 

    I know I have incorporated more technology into my running (ipod, gps watch, GU)  but I am considering getting away from this.  After all one of the greatest things about running is that all you need is a pair of shoes and some determination! 

    • CommentAuthorFree Membermichaeln
    • CommentTimeMar 2nd 2008
     
    michaeln
    I have been using a HR monitor to help me keep track of time, average and max HR etc.  I am training for my first full marathon and the information has been a motivation.  I like to keep track of heart rate to compare the long runs, speed runs and hills to see just how much more my heart is working during the more strenuous runs.  I am not sure if I will use it during the marathon - I hope I will have the training and times down by then so that a wrist pace band will give me the information I need.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberwrs68
    • CommentTimeMar 3rd 2008
     
    wrs68

    Hi

    I've been using a HRM for about 8 months now and recently added a foot pod to give me speed and distance. I never run without them now.

    I don't find them uncomfortable or overly complex, but importantly they do provide me with an extra motivation by allowign me to monitor my progress/performace and make sure I am putting in the work.

    Regards

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGilly32
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    Gilly32
    Amen to wrs68.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberPhinny
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2008
     
    Phinny
    NO! NO!! NO!!! no heart rate monitors run to enjoy yourself we must draw the line
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGilly32
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2008
     
    Gilly32
    To imply that a Heart Rate Monitor prevents running enjoyment is ludicrous.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberPhinny
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2008
     
    Phinny
    my verbose friend HEART RATE MONITOR takes you mind off the running and onto something else it its data et omnis ergo there is less of your mind enjoying the running hence ludicrous might not have been the best word choice i reiterate my statement that HEART RATE MONITOR should only be said with the same tone and intensity of Mr Micaweber saying HEEP
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercpkurilko
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2008
     
    cpkurilko
    Running is enjoyed anyway you want it to be. Wear the HRM, it's new and fun.  Motivates you to test yourself, see what you're made of.  I'm not the greatest runner, but I push myself to be better.  If a HRM will help you achieve your goals then there should be no question.  If you want to go jog around and smile at the pretty flowers and think about soy, do that.  Some of us like to challenge ourselves.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberPhinny
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2008
     
    Phinny
    those who require electronics to challenge themselves belong on the short bus happy trails to all
  20.  
    rpetreccajr
    Sounds like Rocky III (?) where Drago has all the high tech training aids and Rocky has to lift logs and such. I've never used an HRM personally cause I'm too cheap. I'm sure that they can be helpful for folks, but lots of very good times were put up by elites who never had access to the technology. A stopwatch, your fingers and awareness of your body can do you well too.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGilly32
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    Gilly32

    Amen to  cpkurilko.

    No one said a HRM is a requirement; but it also isn't a hindrance.  It's a personal choice.  If you want to wear it, do so.  If not, don't.  But don't disparage those whose choice is different from yours.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdanwbadger
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    danwbadger
    In some cases a HRM frees yourself up to focus on the run.  When I interval train I set the upper and lower limits on the monitor and it beeps when I need to speed up and again when I need to slow down.  Not only do I not have to think about it, it doesn't let me cheat, because my HR won't hit my top limit unless I'm pushing myself and it tells me when I need to stop taking my break.  I have actually had the most use out of it strength training, because it keeps me moving at a steady consistent pace while I lift.  I don't see why its needed on long runs, thats when you need to listen to your body.
    • CommentAuthorFree Membereoinie
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2008
     
    eoinie

     

    I love using a HRM(hand me down, didnt think it would be of any use), on days when im feeling wooden I know I have to pick up my pace, if anything I have more awareness of my body and my capabilities and I enjoy thinking about it when Im running and am genuinely interested on the effects of my running on my heart and body

    Listen to the pretentious people & their talk of the purity of running, thats just silly, train how you want to train, gadgets can be fun and give a focus and make the experience more enjoyable for some people.

    And Im pretty sure any top athlete monitor themselves regularly in a range of conditions to test their cardio responses!!

    • CommentAuthorFree Membertruck38
    • CommentTimeJun 27th 2008
     
    truck38

    I run/train and I race to be competive... I do not use much over a wrist watch or a garmin for plotting new routes. Perceived exertion is just as an effective training tool as monitoring metrics through a device.

    The devices are neat and provide useful data and for the people who love data they will make you feel better about your training... if you're one of those people get one. Get one anyway they are relatively inexpensive and if you don't like it sell it to someone who might.

    But don't think that if you forgo a HRM, iPod or Garmin or even a fancy wrist watch that you'll be less prepared or able to win your marathon/5k or Tri. That is a result of training both phsyically and mentally.

    I do like the question, "Do the Kenyans use them?" but remember you're probably not Kenyan and you probably like devices.

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