Hey guys,
I’ve been basing my training on both PE and my HRM for the last few months. While doing race-prep stuff this week, I tried doing some runs on PE alone and had trouble finding my comfort zone…I ended up feeling more tired and ran slower than usual (maybe just an off day?). Further, I think it would bolster my confidence knowng I’m following my racing strategy by keeping my HR at X at point Y.
At any rate I’m considering wearing my HRM during Ralph’s this weekend. It will be my first 1/2, so I’m a little apprehensive in general, but even more so because this will be my first race with a HRM. Any tips? What to watch out for? Recommended target HR (% of max)? What to do if I find my HR is abnormally high/low?
I figure if my heart is acting weird, I can always fall back on PE alone. During a race, is the HRM useful? Or just one more thing to worry about?
I appreciate your thoughts.
I race with my hrm when it’s a wetsuit swim otherwise I feel it’s too much trouble strapping it on after the swim. When I do wear it it is just for reference and interest I race by pe unless I feel like I’m going to blowup. I think the main value may to for evaluation after.
the bad thing about HR is that it is influenced by many factors and will drift up over the course of the workout/race. Your hydration level will play a big part in that, as you lose fluids your heart beats faster to get the same volume of blood to the working muscles.
I use how I’m feeling as the primary monitor and the hrm as a back up. If I feel good and am putting out a normal race effort but the hrm is spouting off some numbers that are higher than normal i will usually go by how I feel. ultimatley you have to use what you feel is sustainable in the race.
Just my thoughts:
I like racing half IM with HR - oly is +/- and sprint PE is better. I mainly use it to try and ensure I don’t go too hard early in the race…is it better than PE? Do not know. I do know that the last 2 half IM’s I did - I felt I paced quite well due to the HR keeping me under control…my numbers:
For a half IM - I average about 150-155 on the bike and start the run at 155 - building every 3-4 miles toward 170. My 30 min TT HR’s for the bike is low 170’s and mid 170’s on the run. If I run hard 1/2 mile repeats - 175 is pretty hard and 180 hurts. If I just go out and cruise run or bike its usually 140-150 HR’s. I don’t have my Aet (gordo site) pegged but Gordo estimated my bike Aet at 130-135 and run 140 (that may be a touch low). Resting HR 40. Max low-mid 190’s. Age 33.
I can give you oly numbers and some shorter races too if you want.
I’d say come up with a plan - wear your HR monitor - see what happens - ditch the plan if its not feeling right and then look at your numbers at the end - you’ll likely get the feel of things after a few races.
Dave