QUACKERY & RUNNING

Used one a few times (not extensively sorry) just another useless tool in my book.

Stupidity wrote:Used one a few times (not extensively sorry) just another useless tool in my book.

When I first used mine it was telling me the same thing every run, so I assumed it was useless. Now I understand how to use it and it provides me with a tremendous amount of information that I can't (and you can't) read from what my body is otherwise trying to tell me.

Sorry, but opinions from occasional users don't really add much to the discussion, nor do opinions from sworn non-users.

Anyone else?

So in other words, people that disagree with you can't have an opinion? I don't think you are going to find a consistent user that thinks it's stupid (or they wouldn't be using it, get it?).

Stupidity wrote:So in other words, people that disagree with you can't have an opinion?

Well, the reality is that if you haven't used one, you have no basis in fact for believing that they are of no value, unless you can offer up some published proof. Therefore, opinions from those who have no experience don't add anything to the discussion.

It's sort of like me telling my mother-in-law that a particular needle she uses for quilting is a useless toy. I really have no basis for offering up such a ridiculous opinion.

Why do you think there would be no dissenting opinions among people who have used them under proper guidance? I would think there should be some of those opinions, particularly if HRMs are a useless toy. Wouldn't you agree?

Honestly, it floors me, the nearly unanimous lack of love for HRMs on this board, and the equally nearly unanimous lack of experience using them.

Oh, well...

I've used one for years and the feedback is interesting at worst. I enjoy comparing HR with time and temp. and seeing where it plays out. Running isn't exciting enough standing alone, thus the number crunching is an informative adjunct to the act itself. On the other hand, I don't train using HR guidelines, but I see nothing wrong with doing so, especially for the overwhelming majority of runners. In short, it doesn't hurt one in the least to train using HR criteria. Go for it.

bucs wrote:

Sunglasses. I never understood why people wear them running, & they make you look like a retard.

yeah, totally agree, i'm really looking forward to cataracts later in life. and, while you're at it, add "sunblock" to those bullshit products. skin cancer only makes you stronger.

I said I have used one, now read along. I don't use one consistently, because I have used one and see no benefit. I know how to train and don't need another gadget to tell me more information. I have a watch, that's enough. I don't use GPS, because I don't need to know exactly how far I ran when I ran on trails or whatever. I know when I am working hard and I know when I am taking it easy, what is a HR monitor going to do for me?

The POSE method of running is absolute bullshit and is designed only to make money for dr. Romanov. Avoid at all costs.

Stupidity wrote:

... what is a HR monitor going to do for me?

that's really one of the keys to this whole "quackery" thing; some people will see benefits/need to have certain things. a lot of runners -- mostly in the "recreational" category -- don't need a HR monitor because it will tell them virtually nothing they don't already know. when you start getting towards the elite levels, where the slightest of things become all important, a HR monitor can give you rather significant insight into your training.

Stupidity wrote:I don't use one consistently, because I have used one and see no benefit.

I contend that you saw no benefit because you didn't know how to use it, or how to interpret what it was telling you. Of course I could be wrong.

I know how to train and don't need another gadget to tell me more information.

Then you must have reached your absolute potential. I agree, then, that you need nothing more.

I know when I am working hard and I know when I am taking it easy, what is a HR monitor going to do for me?

I'd try to explain it to you, but my heart's just not in it, and it's clear that you're really not interested.

No problem Pete I wasn't looking for convincing, agree to disagree.

Stupidity wrote:No problem Pete I wasn't looking for convincing, agree to disagree.

Pete wrote:

I'd try to explain it to you, but my heart's just not in it,

...too easy...pass...

Bullshit:

Everytime Runners World comes out with an article entitled, "Train less, run faster" !

bucs wrote:

Sunglasses. I never understood why people wear them running, & they make you look like a retard.

For the same reason that people wear them when they're not running. To shield their eyes from from the sun.

To not understand this makes you sound like a retard.

I confess that I used to think wearing sunglasses while running was only for posers. Then I bought a really nice pair of proper running sunglasses and completely changed my opinion. I did feel a bit of a idiot first time I wore them, but I got used to them very quickly - you should hardly notice them if they are a good pair. I found them useful when living in London and runnign around the congested traffic-filled streets - they keep some of the excesses of smog out of your eyes. Similarly, nowadays I like wearing them when running across the fields as the keep out pollen, flies, etc

I do still think they look a bit silly on people running a track race - especially indoors!

Bazza wrote:

I do still think they look a bit silly on people running a track race - especially indoors!

or at night.

Unfortunately for many people who were needlessly operated on, we now know that many knee surgeries are quackery.

I think chondroiton/glucosamine supplememts are helpful.

Anyone remember gatorgum? Do they still sell it?

According to many, the air in nike air's and gel in asics is just quackery.

The dumbest thing I've seen of late is motion control socks.