.runnersworld.co.uk forum about something called base training' and thought I'd give it a go."Building an endurance base by slowly adding mileage to steady runs is a tried and tested technique, but base training using a heart-rate monitor (HRM) is an idea conceived

that you can't just transfer what you've learnt from ordinary training onto the race course. If you've worn your HRM in races before, one of the first things you'll have noticed is that, unlike in training, your heart rate rises extremely quickly once

do all of your running in buil-up areas or spend a lot of time in forests where GPS signals can be erratic then an SDM - and HRM (hear-rate monitor) - with a footpod that relies on the movement of your feet to measure distance and speed could be just

GETTY IMAGESCross-training can be quite an education for an HRM user. You've probably spent time fine-tuning ideal heart rate bands for your various running sessions, to the point where keeping to them is almost second nature. But when you climb

. Here are six of our favourites.Polar RS800sd - £354.50 As well as the usual features you’d expect from a Polar HRM – such as sports zones and Polar OwnZone – the new W.I.N.D transmitter can measure intervals between heartbeats to give a picture of your

and split) are easier to read, but that’s all. (There are also versions with fewer laps and some women’s versions).Pros Massive memory; easy to use; big numbersCons Buttons on the side rather than front Polar S610 HRM £180Key feature Interval training

up the back of the screen evenly, usually with a bright blue glow). We reviewed 8 good running watches in April 2002:Adidas FX100 £80Adidas SF100 £50Nike Triax 300 £99.99Nike Triax S Series Stamina 100-lap £99.99Polar S610 HRM £180 (with heart

is done up. This ensures no creases and the possibility of rubs. The bottom hook can rub at times if not covered properly by the protective flap. As a plus you can also wear a HRM without the strap as the Enell is tight but if you are "chubby" then you may

(Thomas Styles)In Short: Excellent HRM that helps you train more efficientlyStrengths: Suunto Coach is an excellent addition to the Suunto HRMs. It helps you plan training sessions and more importantly recovery sessions. Using the Training Effect meter

point, press the store button on your HRM (or tell your partner your rate)Speed increase should be about 2-3 seconds per 200m (or 0.5km/h on a treadmill)Keep going until you can’t increase your paceJog gently afterwards to cool down graduallyPlot your