Heart Rate Monitors

[ekeen]

Has anyone used one to train on the board? I bought one this Spring and started tracking my aerobic/anaerobic thresholds. So far so good. I have been able to train 6-7 days a weeks (including two bricks) and have stayed within my aerobic limit about 70% of the time. The great thing about these toys is that they track your progress (speed/distance/heart rate) and show progress in your fitness level. I have not mastered all the science behind training (VO2 max, etc.) but am hoping to continue to push the envelope.

The model I purchased was the Polar S520.

 

[Taosman]

I've gotten excellent results using a heart rate monitor, in the winter get stronger for summer cycling.
You just need to know what your goal is.
Build up stamina or for speed work.
Read the handbook that comes with one.
My best time over a 5 lime loop went up by 2 mph! to 18.4 averg.

 

[ORD_Buckeye]

I was given one as a sign-up gift from my gym. I didn't think that I'd usethe thing, but now do so all the time. My particular model works with their cardio equipment, so that I get my heartrate on the machine's screen instead of having to look at the watch constantly.

 

[Steve19]

I got a Polar S610i as a gift a few years ago. It has been very helpful. I manage my heart rate during training and it cut my time per kilometre by 30 seconds. I love the thing.

 

[ekeen]

I got a Polar S610i as a gift a few years ago. It has been very helpful. I manage my heart rate during training and it cut my time per kilometre by 30 seconds. I love the thing.

I am reading a book about lactate tolerance workouts. I pretty much try to stay around 151 bpm when I run (ditto swim) and 141-145 on the bike. Does that seems to make sense? I do mix up some harder rides and runs if I feel like I am reaching a plateau.

It would be nice to be @ 22-24 mph on the bike and running 6 minute miles but that it was I am working toward and I am giving myself two years to get there.

Taos, are your loops hilly in NM?

 

[Taosman]

"Taos, are your loops hilly in NM?"

I live in the southern Rockies.
My house is at 7400ft above sea level.
ANYWHERE I go is a climb!
Our typical route is a 20+ mile loop at a park. Smooth roads. Rolling terrain.
If you get winded it really, really hurts!
When we first moved here I couldn't do 3 miles at a crawl.
We had race gearing on our bikes. 12/25. It's now 13/30, with the 30 as a "bailout" gear for things like Taos Ski Valley road. And high, 9000ft passes.
I'm up to 4-5 days of 20+ miles.
Some times I work on speed. Some times on stamina.
I purposely limit my mileage because of a swollen prostrate. :(

 

[Taosman]

The best way to work on speed is to do interval training! Using your heart rate monitor.