maximum of 170 (220-50, my age). That’s well below the 80-90 per cent suggested in RW. Am I doing something wrong?A Heart rate monitors have had a positive impact upon runners’ ability to train ‘smart’. But what many users don’t fully appreciate

between more than one zone in a session. Summary memory Time spent in target zone during your last run; may also include time spent above/below the zone, and average and maximum heart rate in the session. Sampled memory Storage of your heart rate

, slow runs.How do I work out the stats?First, work out your maximum heart rate (HR max) using a heart rate monitor. Run easy for 15 minutes, hard for five, then as hard as possible for another minute. The highest number your monitor records is your

When you go on holiday, you'll no doubt want to take your training with you. After all, you are off to enjoy yourself. However, this will often mean running in conditions that can affect your heart rate quite dramatically, both at rest

are 30 years old and fit into the second category: 180 - 30 = 150, and 150 - 5 = 145. This is your maximum aerobic heart rate. Maffetone believes you should train at or below this level for at least three months before adding speedwork, threshold runs

Q I regularly run hill reps at 85 per cent of my maximum heart rate (MHR) but when I’m halfway through the session, I feel like giving up. What should I concentrate on to get me through the repetitions? A Training in the 85 per cent MHR zone

are some of the biggest fans of heart rate monitors, for two main reasons. Keeping track of your heart rate ensures that you're working hard enough to reap fitness benefits. But setting a maximum heart rate zone on the monitor can also keep overzealous

supply, which leads to an accumulation of lactate and rapid fatigue: go too easy and you may not be training hard enough to gain the maximum benefit to your aerobic capacity. In short, there must be an element of control, which is where your heart rate

, or to analyse set interval tests in terms of your average recovery values, maximum, minimum and average heart rates.The more you play with the data, the more you’ll be able to find ways in which it can help you in your training. You can use the weekly log

to report back on the pros and cons of each.The result? These frank and honest assessments of some of the most recent models to emerge from the major brands. Cardiosport GT5 £149 Tested by Andy FowlerFeatures Heart rate shown as a % of maximum heart rate