HRM while racing?

dna_leri

Do you wear a Heart Rate Monitor while racing?

For the last while I have used one because my only watch did not work properly without HRM function. Now that I have a new ordinary stop watch I am debating which to use in an upcoming race.

When wearing a HRM you can adjust your pace based on your HR - this can be either an advantage or disadvantage, either stopping you from over-cooking it or holding you back from giving everything.

The strap can be a pain in the t1ts as well.

Anyone think you should not wear a watch at all when racing?

Bambaata

I wear mine, races prove very valuable to look back on and see how hard you actually pushed. I also find im the opposite to a lot, i undercook myself very easily. Having HR data keeps me honest and stops me losing concentration. If i dont feel good i wont push etc but likewise i can at least test the waters and push harder if i know im below certain HR levels etc.

gottarun

Lots of people advise training with the HRM and then racing without.

Personally I use the HRM for everything both for a record and to be able to judge my overall pacing, feel on the day etc.

TFBubendorfer

I wear mine at races but have a rule not to look at them, especially during short races (at longer races they can be useful for pacing).

Just like Bambaata I find it helpful to check how hard I actually pushed as I find the subjective rating of effort can be off at times.

tunney

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I wear mine at races but have a rule not to look at them, especially during short races (at longer races they can be useful for pacing).

Just like Bambaata I find it helpful to check how hard I actually pushed as I find the subjective rating of effort can be off at times.

Pro cyclists will tape over the power readings on their power meters. Track riders will ride with srm under their saddles. During a race the numbers do not help, are counter productive, or just illegal but after a race the numbers tell lots.

Post race reviews........

pgibbo

I would have thought it depends on the race type and distance.

For 5k road races, etc I'd wear it and review after but I wouldn't look at it during the race. Same applies for shorter distance triathlons.

For longer distance Ultra, HIM, and IM I'd imagine it's fairly important to ensure you don't overdo it too early in your race. I have paced my bike for HIM based on HR as I don't have a PM.

So, used on a case by case basis.

menoscemo

Like many others here, i wear my HRM during most races but have the HR field turned off on the watch. I have found it can be too distracting especially if you are getting Gammy readings.

I still find it useful to study the HR data after the race though.

Muppet Man

My dog ate my Garmin 405 HRM...

Didnt buy a new one.

TBH, I found it was holding me back. Trying to run a set Heart Rate... additionally, if your fcuked while running you dont need to look at a watch to tell you... you will know it

So no, I havent replaced it and feel I am running quicker without it.

Muppet Man.

Tec Diver

I used to use my HRM with the garmin for both training and racing. Then during the 8k race last month the HRM strap dropped from my chest and stayed around my waist for the duration, so I don't wear it for races anymore. It may be a bit loose, but if it was any tighter it would constrict my chest, so I'd prefer not to wear it.

Sport101

I always wear the HRM for training and racing and know pretty much to the BPM reading what level I can sustain for certain periods without blowing up. Don't see why you wouldn't use it to be honest, unless doing very short races,but each to their own.

TFBubendorfer

Sport101 wrote: »

I always wear the HRM for training and racing and know pretty much to the BPM reading what level I can sustain for certain periods without blowing up. Don't see why you wouldn't use it to be honest, unless doing very short races,but each to their own.

A couple of years ago I was at around km 7 of a 10k race and inadvertently caught sight of the HRM display while running up a hill. Seeing a sky-high number immediately caused me to tense up and I was simply unable to keep the effort at that same level. Nothing had changed physiologically but the guys developing the central governor theory would have had a field day had they been there.

The lesson I learnt that day was never to look at the HRM or pace field while running at top effort.

Tec Diver

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

The lesson I learnt that day was never to look at the HRM or pace field while running at top effort.

Gotta agree with you on that...

Sport101

Do you not wear a HRM doing intervals like 400s or 800s? Very high HR readings should be a pretty normal sight if you do!
To be honest, I'd rarely look at a watch at that final stage of a race either as the blowing up window has pretty much past.

TFBubendorfer

Sport101 wrote: »

Do you not wear a HRM doing intervals like 400s or 800s? Very high HR readings should be a pretty normal sight if you do!

Never in training have I managed to get the HR up to the same level as in a race, no matter how hard I think I push.