The conundrum: push yourself too hard and run yourself into the ground. Don’t push yourself hard enough and never improve. The answer: start listening to your heart, not your head, by using a heart rate monitor (HRM).
What does a HRM do?
Training using an HRM makes sure you don’t train too hard or too easily by setting limits, making sure you get the most out of your training for the least amount of effort. Once you’ve worked out what your limits are and have started training with an HRM you’ll have clearer targets, more focus and better results.
When would I want to use a HRM?
The first step is to think about what you want to achieve - whether you’d just like to improve your aerobic fitness or have a specific race goal in mind. This will dictate how you will use your HRM and what functions yours will need.
The monitor will play a key role once you start following a schedule, specifically if you start threshold training (running at your maximum aerobic steady state to improve your speed in races).
Coming back into full fitness after a lay-off is also made much easier with a structured heart-rate training programme. It will keep you focused and stop you from being results driven by keeping your heart rate down until you’ve recovered sufficiently to train harder.
Can I use a HRM to perform better during races?
Yes! Wearing an HRM during a race helps prevent you from going off too fast in the early stages – by keeping your heart rate low – and more advanced models can tell you when you’re running at your target pace.
How will I know if I’m using it properly?
You will need to calculate your target heart rate before you start using your HRM. One you’ve done this and have stuck to training within your limits you’ll know you are using it properly when you start seeing the results of better fitness and faster times.
How does an HRM work?
If you haven’t used one before having a basic understanding of how a heart rate monitor works will help you to get the best out of yours.
There are two parts to most models. The chest strap you wear while you are running – this reads your heart rate – and the receiver you wear on your wrist that stores and displays the data. This also doubles as a watch.
More advanced models use GPS technology or foot pods to measure your speed and distance and give a range of more detailed and highly accurate statistics on your performance.
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How much will I need to spend?
You can spend £360 on a bells-and-whistles, top-of-the-range model or £30 on the most basic model. The key to choosing the right one is to ask yourself what functions you are going to need – and use. The more advanced your running and training becomes the more your HRM will come into play.
What will I get for my money?
Basic Models
"Basic HRMs let you set limits and control heart rate intensity for individual training sessions, record exercise duration, calculate calories burnt and record the time spent in and above your set heart-rate zone," says Tristan Haskins from www.heartratemonitor.co.uk. If this suits your needs then there’s no need to spend any more.
Intermediate Models
The mid-range HRMs include all the features of the basic models with additional functions including laps, split times, and average heart rate for each lap. You can also expect a countdown timer for repeated intervals (useful for speedwork sessions). For just a little more money, you’ll usually be able to set multiple target training zones. In addition, footpods and GPS units give distance feedback in real time and use alarms that allow you to control your pace.
The Most Advanced Models
The top range of HRMs have the capability to download your training data to your PC for analysis. "Recent years have seen function and performance of HRMs improve with larger memories and smaller footpods and GPS units that give more accurate data," says Haskins. They can also track the intensity of your training to prevent over-or under-training. Other models now tell you the status of your last completed session (over-trained – needs rest and so on). Other features include multiple timers for more complex interval sets and fitness tests.
