racing with heart rate monitor

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2011-08-24 11:37 PM

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Sydney
Subject: racing with heart rate monitor

I'm training for the Canberra HIM in December and, on the way, will compete in my first full marathon (Sydney) in mid September.  Main focus at the moment has been on running, however, after the marathon I'll back off and concentrate more on swim/bike and cut back to one long and one short run per week.

During all of this I've been using a heart rate monitor on both run and bike and try generally try to keep myself somewhere mid to top zone 2 (just below 145 pbm) for the most part on the run, lower on the bike.  Following Don Fink, I try to avoid zone 3 and head straight for zone 4 if I'm feeling good or if the workout requires.  Seems to be working well and my endurance has increased significantly in the last few months.

Given that I've been using the heart rate monitor in most training, what are the general thoughts around using it for the race as well - both for the HIM and the marathon?  I think I've now got a pretty good feel for how my body feels and when I'm starting to strain but I'm not sure how this might pan out in a face scenario.

2011-08-25 1:07 AM
in reply to: #3658154

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Master
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Houston
Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor

I've only done shorter races so far, but have a HIM in April.

I have worn my HRM under my jersey and while it won't pick up on the swim it also won't hurt it (at least not the Garmin). 

 

It might get uncomfortable after the kinds of hours you put in for a Marathon or HIM, but as long as it isn't chafing etc I don't see a problem wearing it.

 

2011-08-25 5:56 AM
in reply to: #3658154

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
It really depends.  My first IM I did wear one for a little security on keeping my HR in check, but, I was a high BOPer/low MOPer.
2011-08-25 6:35 AM
in reply to: #3658154

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Master
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University Park, MD
Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
I always wear one in races, as it helps as a reality check when I'm on the bike. I don't wear my glasses on the run, so it's no use to me then, but I never notice that I have it on. There are plenty of other things causing me discomfort by that point in the race.
2011-08-25 7:38 AM
in reply to: #3658154

Master
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
I wear it for basically everything.  All distance tris and the few running races I've done, 5k, 10k, and half marathon.  Helps to give me confidence in what I'm feeling.  My perceived effort can fluctuate some, more than I'd like it too, so having the actual numbers to see helps out quite a bit.  Especially since various levels are thrown out of whack with the excitement of a race.  Just under threshold suddenly feels normal, not rather hard.
2011-08-25 9:41 AM
in reply to: #3658154


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Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
I wore mine for Eagleman 70.3 earlier this year and it wasn't a problem at all.  I typically wear it on all training rides and runs so I don't really even notice the strap is on anymore.  I also plan to wear it for the bike and run at IMFL in November.

2011-08-26 5:07 AM
in reply to: #3658154

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Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
I do not race with a HR monitor. 
2011-08-26 9:40 AM
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2011-08-26 10:00 AM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
I train about 1/2 the time with a HRM and have worn it for my last two races (70.3, 140.6) I was worried about rubbing and being uncomfortable but had no problems.

I mostly race on perceived effort rather than making a bunch of adjustments to my HRM. I do look occasionally to see if I'm pushing too hard or too easy.

The main reason I wear it is to help analyze my race afterwords. I like to know my HR for each of the splits and see how my RPE served me.

I'm just a geek for data but at the same time, like to run without too much feedback and distraction...am I weird?



2011-08-27 6:34 AM
in reply to: #3658154

Member
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Sydney
Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor

I kind of like the geek stuff as well so I don't think you're alone.  I think it mainly gives me extra confidence that I'm not burning too much energy too soon and I'll make the distance.  I had a bad experience hitting the wall during a half marathon a few years back and I don't EVER want to do that again.

For those who do use it during a race, do you generally wear the chest strap under your wetsuit for the swim or do you just grab it at T1?

2011-08-27 7:05 AM
in reply to: #3661717

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Subject: RE: racing with heart rate monitor
KarlB - 2011-08-27 7:34 AM

I kind of like the geek stuff as well so I don't think you're alone.  I think it mainly gives me extra confidence that I'm not burning too much energy too soon and I'll make the distance.  I had a bad experience hitting the wall during a half marathon a few years back and I don't EVER want to do that again.

For those who do use it during a race, do you generally wear the chest strap under your wetsuit for the swim or do you just grab it at T1?

I weart it for the swim and glance at my heart rate once or twice to make sure I'm not going too hard.

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