Do you use a HRM? WHY?

I use one often.

On easy days, it ensures I don't go too hard. It's like a leash. Especially if it's a an easy day and I feel good, sometimes I just want to run fast. The HR monitor reminds me to take it easy and save it for tomorrow's workout.

On tempo and fartlek days, it helps me find the right pace. Also, you can compare workouts. Let's say last time I ran a certain 8 mile course and my heart rate was in the 160-165 range the entire way. One month later if I do the same route at the same heart rate range, I can compare my past times to my current times assess my fitness level. Otherwise how would you compare effort levels?

I don't use it on track days. I just hit the goal times in whatever workout I'm running.

The cons would be:

1) Hot, humid days throw things off

2) If you rely on the monitor too much, you might not develop your inner sense of pace and effort, which is important to a runner

3) It looks stupid if you're a guy and you want to run with your shirt off

I used to train all the time with a heartrate monitor and now I won't even look at one. The problem with waring one is the fitter you get, the more they hold you back. So called "training zones " don't really apply and are merely hypothetical parameters that are in constant change.

I also believe that running with a heartrate monitor inhibits your ability to really get in tune with what's going on with your body. This ability to truly "listen" to your body is only hampered by that plastic piece of shit. Run by feel and just let go. When you feel bad, go easy. When you feel good, let it rip. The important thing there is to know when to ease off and avoid struggling and tying up. Save that for racing!

"I'm trying to get you to 'feel' Kung Fu, not 'think' it."

-Malmo

Firstly, I'm going to thank you for the serious replies before it [potentially] gets silly (as is the LetsRun way).

I do use one for the reasons that 'yaka' said but also want to become more in tune with my body and how it feels like 'Someone who knows' said and worry that a HRM might hold me back from getting it completely right.

Oh well. Something to think about anyway.

I started wearing one to watch for consistent effor levels over hilly terrain to do better at Boston, also because I felt like I was running too hard on easy days.

I think it has helped a great deal. It is not so useful during a race except for giving yourself a baseline of what pulse is necessary as an average for racing

I started wearing one because I didn't think I was getting my message across clear enough. But now that I run with one, everyone in town knows that I love having discreet 'encounters' with any man (or groups of men) in the local park bathroom.

HRM = Ghey

We got a bleeder! wrote:

I started wearing one because I didn't think I was getting my message across clear enough. But now that I run with one, everyone in town knows that I love having discreet 'encounters' with any man (or groups of men) in the local park bathroom.

HRM = Ghey

phew, well at least it's not gay. cuz if it was i wouldn't wear one.

I currently use a heartrate monitor on every run. I specifically wear it to track my heartrate recovery and my effert levels for the run. If used properly it is only positive tool. Good luck!

Missy HRM wrote:

[quote]If you do, WHY?

It gives me something to look at on easy days. Seriously - I'm not in good enough shape (yet) to run an interesting workout, so the HRM just gives my my mind something to do beside think about how out-of-shape I am. The sheer novelty gets me out the door.

If you don't, WHY?

What do you think the pros/cons are of using a HRM?

Pro: If I could change my habits of 25 years, it would help me run my easy days as easily as I'm supposed to. But I've been doing them the same way for a while, so inevitably my judgement (or lack thereof) trumps what the HRM is reading.

Con: My judgement is hard won, and I think it's smarter than numbers on a dial. I'd hate to think what my running would have been like over the years if I'd used a HRM right from the start.

Someone who knows wrote:

The problem with waring one is the fitter you get, the more they hold you back. So called "training zones " don't really apply and are merely hypothetical parameters that are in constant change.

Wrong. And you need to make up your mind. If the parameters are hypothetical, please explain how they can be in "constant change".

Actually, don't bother. They are neither.

I also believe that running with a heartrate monitor inhibits your ability to really get in tune with what's going on with your body. This ability to truly "listen" to your body is only hampered by that plastic piece of shit. Run by feel and just let go. When you feel bad, go easy. When you feel good, let it rip. The important thing there is to know when to ease off and avoid struggling and tying up. Save that for racing

Wrong again. What inhibits your ability to "get in tune" with your body is simply the fact that you apparently cannot use a gadget without becoming a slave to it

I've never used one so take this with a grain of salt, but I have known several people who use them religously and they all seem to be tied it that it almost seems like running is a chore.

I can't go to fast or I'll be out of my zone.

I feel like crap today, but I gotta speed up to get in my zone.

Last week I ran 5:45's at 90% HRM this week it was only 5:50 at 90%. Am I losing fitness?

I don't know. Running is a simple sport and I think HRM can make it too rigid. If you do use one, I would say only use it for certain types of runs and never in a race.

A HRM is a key ingredient for my running. I recently had a (ICD) cardiac defrillator put in my chest due to a out of the blue cardiac arrest. . so I am now taking a beta-blocker to help control irrigular heart rythms. .

All my so called "training zones" have changed because of this. . I rarely used a heart rate moniter before but now find it essential. .

the bad thing about them is the strap you have to wear. But I do not care what someone else thinks if I am wearing a HRM. I was a 2:33 marathon, 1:11 half guy and looking to get back to where I was before this incident happened.

I never do but I can see why people would. I typically like to check my heart rate at the end of reps during a hot day just to make sure my effort is good because I know the speed won't be. But I use the old fashion method...two fingers to the throat..:)

If you use it on a regular basis it's just another number to put down in the log book, like distance and time.

Alan