for the runners - heart rate monitor

anne

Some of the vets may remember that I have asked about running watches before but I know we have some new runners on the forum now.

I am trying to decide whether it is worth getting a heart monitor as part of a GPS running watch or not.

Do you of you use one?

Love to hear your comments!

13 years ago

Off Topic

5 replies

Latest reply was from cheryle (Dianthus)

Raisin

Veteran

I was thinking about getting a GPS watch as well, but I did not want the heart rate monitor. Most require you to wear a band around your chest...not too comfy. And really, for me I'm not at all interested in my heart rate. I can take it myself if I really want to. I just want the speed/pace/time. If you have a condition that you need to keep your heart rate at a certain level, then yes I would say it would be worth it. But most watches cost $30-$50 more for the heart rate monitor, and for me it would be wasted money. I know a few runners and have asked the people that work at the stores, and most of them agree that they never use it. No one likes to have the chest strap on.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I love my Mio Motiva petite. I wear it every run. I do have sinus tachycardia, and an unusually higher max heart rate. I should top out at 178 according to the 220- age formula, but have hit 190 on sprints just this summer. Anyway, the Mio does not require a strap. You use your fingertips on the sensors.
I use my Fitbit for mileage and pace.

13 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have a Garmin Forerunner and love it. They have a website that you can upload to and get extra statistical data. As to the HRM, I remove the strap and stick the main piece under the bottom edge of my sports bra and it is much more comfortable than the strap.

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks!!

Rae, one of my hard core runner friends was similar to you - didn't use her HRM much.

Mo - I can see why you would use the HRM!

Dianthus I am trying to decide between the Garmin Forerunner 110 ( which includes the HRM) and their new Forerunner 10, which lacks it, but is 1/2 the price.

Do you use the HRM all the time?

13 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I don't use the HRM all the time but quite often now that I don't use the strap. I sometimes forget that I have it on when I get home.

I have an old garmin 301 and my partner has the 305. My knees and hips are not as strong as they used to be so I do intervals of run with 1-1.5 minutes walk in between and like to make sure I keep my HR up. The 301 has a large screen which is a downside but the large screen means I can read pace, HR and keep track of intervals at the same time AND see it without my reading glasses. We both thought about getting the 405 but decided to stick with the ones we have because we really like them.

13 years ago

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