Heart Rate Training

[groovyforster]

As some of you know I've started heart rate training.  This past weekend I ran a 5k race slow as expected.  I was getting quite frustrated as even though I was running slow (4.5 mph), I was still stopping to walk as my heart rate exceeded 150 bpm.  This seemed to happen even 20 yards or so until 2 miles in I tried holding the chest strap against my chest.  At this point I was able to run again without stopping as frequently.  My advice to anyone else which I have found to help with the chest strap is to adjust the strap and then use a safety pin to lock it in place.  I guess the plastic buckle loosens up over time.  Also, I'm curious as to any reviews from other runners that use wrist strap based heart rate monitors as to what watches are good and bad.  Thanks in advance. 

[Rignold]

Most HRM straps are adjustable. Which watch do you have?

[groovyforster in reply to Rignold]

Currently I'm using the garmin FR15, 110 and 220.  Why so many?  I can look at individual watches to give me different data without having to press buttons or use the auto scroll to change screens.  Might sound confusing but it works for me.

[Rignold in reply to groovyforster]

You wear all three at once? Lol. Up to the elbow?

[groovyforster in reply to Rignold]

Fortunately, I have long arms.  Usually I wear 2 on each arm.  The fourth one is my every day watch.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

The chest straps need to be quite tight - I amusing a Garmin soft strap with a FR220 which seems to work quite well - only time I have ever had any problem with it was when I had it on too loose. 

[groovyforster in reply to Bazza1234]

When I was runnin this race this weekend it didn't feel loose at all but it obviously was.  Once I got home, I tightened it a bit more and put a safety pin through it to hold it in place.  So far it seems to be working out well.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I have a Garmin 225 with a very effective HR monitor on the wrist. I totes ❤️ It and it has worked out all my zones too.