I used my HR monitor during the run to see if I were still in a resting zone during my run. The monitor said 70%, so it was a good rest run.
I'd like to run the 5K on June 30 at a 9 minute pace, so I'll be using my HR monitor before the race to see if 9 minutes looks feasible. I want to stay away from my lactate threshold.
Hello Allen, my name is Andrew. I was wondering what brand/type of HR monitor you use? How long have you used one? Has it helped to improve your pace/times? I enjoy reading your blog. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI have the Polar FS2 that I bought online. I wish now that I had got the FS3. The FS3 allows one to put in his age, and it gives the percentage of his maximum heart rate. My FS2 just gives the HR, and I have to calculate the percent when I get home.
I don't use the monitor much, because I prefer to control my running by how I feel. However, I get it out once in a while to check on something. For example, when I run the 5K on June 30, I want to go as fast as I can but not be in my anaerobic threshold. I'm using my monitor just to see how close I am to the AT.
If you're interested in reading about anaerobic thresholds, hereis my page on it.
My friend, Bruce, who comments in this blog a lot uses his HR monitor , because he runs by zone more than by feel. I think that beginning runners should stay in the comfortable zone of 65-75% until they have a good base of endurance. Then they can vary their training during the week according to their over-all plan, such as speed, recovery, tempo, etc. A HR monitor is useful to gage that you're in the right zone for that day.
Ops, I forgot to thank you for visiting my blog. It's nice to know that people are benefiting from what I've written. So, thanks, Andrew, for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteYup, I love my "toys" like the Polar Heart Rate Monitor as it can distract me from a boring run, keeps my easy runs EASY, judges my morning heart rate, and shows my improvements, if any, during those hard speed drills. Perceived effort works well too, but can be deceiving.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for the replies and the welcome; the feedback is appreciated. I'm just starting to run longer distances ranging from about 20-30 miles per week--it's an experience. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete