who here races with one? do you let it dictate to you the pace you take? or do you go by feel more than anything?
in an ironman distance race, what sort of % max heart rate are ya doing???
On the bike the heart rate monitor is very useful, the run less so for me.
As a general rule I would say that the longer the race, the more useful a heart rate monitor. Though I recently realized I was loafing on shorter distance races and now I use it to make sure I am working hard enough.
For the longer races, it is especially helpful early in the race to contain the adrenaline rush you get when the ride starts. It might not feel like much, but generally what feels easy early on is still way to hard in a long (Half-IM) ride. I have not done one, but I would guess this is even more important in Ironman racing.
The more often it is used in races and general training, the more you know about what to expect for the next race. Power meters are even better for this, but they are expensive and mine was just recalled by the manufacturer, so I’m sort of regretting the expenditure.
Chad
I’ve used one for years in racing and training. I found I was loafing in sprint races. The monitor actually makes me go faster. I’ll race sprint races with the HR at over 170 (49 years old). If I look and the HR is in the 160’s I’ll force myself to speed up!! If I don’t use the monitor I’ll race at a pace of barely breathing hard, which is too slow in a sprint.
You’ll need to figure out if it slows you down or speeds you up. Its different for each person.
I found that me bike computer slowed me down. I’d be cruising along at 25.5 MPH and know I can’t hold that speed for the entire race, so I slowed down, DOH!!! So I covered the computer in the next race and biked lots faster for the same distance. Again, its different for everyone. You’ll need to experiment as to wether it hurts you or helps you!
cdw wrote: As a general rule I would say that the longer the race, the more useful a heart rate monitor.
That’s about all I use a heart rate monitor for anymore. Keeping my efforts toned down enough during long races…until the last few miles of the run. Then, turn the darn thing off.