One point I do agree on, wearing a HRM just for the sake of wearing one, without knowing how to use it and just looking at the HR is completely worthless.

But honestly, if you understand the mechanics and understand heart rate training. A HRM, regardless of your level is HIGHLY beneficial. Not to mention the motivational side of having a HRM. They don’t lie, and hold you accountable.

Lets use your example -

Every run is different. Your body, and um.. HR.. reacts different to your physical movements. Weather, fatigue, hydration all plays a part in how you are performing. A great way to monitor the effects of those variables is your heart rate.

Beginner runners often find themselves at a point where they just don’t feel good about the new sport they decided to take up. It is extremely difficult to maintain motivation when you are just starting out – remember those days?

I find when I’m coaching a new runner, is that if I outline time based intervals – with the “work period” and “recovery” all being within preset target HR zones this helps build up a good base. I suggest starting out with longer recovery times and slowly decrease the recovery and increase the work period until my client can now run continuously in a good safe HR zone. This helps with motivation tremendously and helps them ENJOY running instead of loathing it during the break in period. All without overtraining. And having this recorded is SO important for trending improvements over time. I don’t know a serious runner who doesn’t have a running log to help him plan every single season.

A lot of heart rate monitors now also have options for different sensors, like speed – running cadence – pace – stride length – altitude – downloading..etc.. When you get into running a bit more, and want other variables to compare your body reaction(HR) to these options could be very useful.

Comparing heart rate to something like cadence is a great way to gauge your efficiency. I know myself, I expend less energy with a higher running cadence. And if I extend my stride length while going up hills I can maintain a lower training load. Running to improve your performance is all about knowing your sweet spots.

I have also found in my years of training athletes that resting heart rate is a great way to prevent over training as well.

I could go on for hours on the importance of heart rate training. I would suggest one to every level of runner – but I would also suggest learning how to use it properly.

And as for the $$ thing – come on, running is a cheap sport. I go back and forth through running and cycling, needless to say my wife LOVES when I’m in my running mode because I spend 98% less money:)

PS I use 100% Polar HRM’s and wouldn’t go any other way.

http://www.sportsnutritionliving.wordpress.com

Wow, I’m glad that I don’t need to get myself a HRM (more money for me, woot!) Your argument are SO right!!!! I definitely agree with you on the “quality over quantity” part — I can see that exercise can be a chore instead of a pleasure if what you’re trying to do is to achieve a certain number/calories burned! I also LOVE the PRE scale … such an awesome indicator, and yes … the human body are not perfect – we have to listen to our body instead of a machine!!!

Cheers again for taking out time to respond to my comment :0) Hope you have a great day!!

Cecilia

What I really want to do is better hone my internal garmin or speedometer…to be able to say to myself, “this is what your split needs to be,” and to run it– not in training, where that doesn’t matter as much, but definitely for racing! I think maybe an actual Garmin or HR monitor might make it harder to develop that inner awareness.