Got my heart rate monitor!

[Offthegrid]

My heart rate monitor has arrived. Wow, it's nifty. I didn't realize from the pictures that the strap would be so comfortable. It's almost like not wearing anything. And it fits with room to spare. :D

My trainer is going to have me do the testing to determine the heart rate zones at my session next week. He said it's much better if he supervises so that he can really push me. Somehow, I suspect it may not be so fun. :p

In the meantime, I'm having fun with my new gadget. It's not as tough to use as I thought it would be.

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on your most recent purchase! Glad it's comfy! I like knowing and having access to my HR so I know to slow down/speed up to get the best workout. Although I love my HRM, sometimes I get TOO caught up in the numbers and need to leave it at home and just go for a run, or for a ride (and remember to enjoy it instead of getting upset that my numbers are too high/too low). I get number obsessed sometimes...

Have FUN with your new gadget!!! :D (oh and he's gonna work you hard, but you'll feel great when it's all done).

[KSH]

That sounds really cool. Keep us updated on how it works out for you.

I have thought about getting one myself, but I'm afraid I would get a bit too anal retentive with my training if I had one. My goal is to keep it all fun... so I keep doing it.

[Bikingmomof3]

Enjoy your new gadet. :) Glad the strap is comfortable for you! :cool: Try not to become to focused on numbers that you lose sight of the fun. :D

[light_sabe_r]

They're fantastic Aren't they!!!

Just wait till you start full blown running, You'll be suprised that you can place a numerical value on your fatigue point! (I can!) So now I avoid it like the plague!

It's a fantastic training tool!

[tygab]

well I do not see as training with an hrm as less fun, but actually more fun. Maybe that is because I can't save anything, mine is very basic. It doesn't beep or intrude, it's just another number I can distract myself with, at least when I am someplace where that is a good thing (treadmill, trainer etc).

Congrats on yours - I think you will find it invaluable. I can hardly imagine not using mine now.

[crazycanuck]

Hey OTG..what hrm did you get>?? Do you have one for running & cycling?

You were talking about the Polar CS200..is that the one? Great isn't it!!!

c

[Offthegrid]

Actually I ended up springing for the cs300.

I wanted something I could use easily for cycling AND running (and swimming if I really wanted to), and the CS300 is capable of detecting cadence. In my mind, the cost to get a new computer that measures cadence and then get a HRM was not significantly less than getting this model. And the 300 is only a little more $ than the 200.

And down the road, I'd love to get a tri bike, and with this watch you can easily move back and forth among bikes.

My only complaint so far is that it's BIG on the wrist, but I knew it would be. That'll be important when cycling so I can read it mounted on the handlebars.

[Bikingmomof3]

OTG,
I am glad you like it. I keep looking at different models, it is very hard to decide.

[Offthegrid]

Apparently the calorie-counting feature is way off, though. It said I burned 772 calories for a 5-mile brisk walk. I asked at another forum, and they said using a power meter, the calories on the HRM can be off by 70 percent. I'm pretty bummed because I had hoped the HRM would accurate. :mad:

[Tri Girl]

OTG, sorry about the bum calorie feature. That is a big bummer. Are all the settings (weight/age) set proerly? At least with walking/running you can figure that you burn about 100 calories per mile (regardless of how long it takes you to do that mile). That, of course, is only a rough estimate. When I'm doing speedwork I actually burn a little more per mile than when I'm just jogging. Go figure.

Have fun with your new toy! Gadgets are fun! :)

[Bikingmomof3]

OTG,
That seriously stinks! Did you double check the settings for; age, weight, height, gender to make certain they are programmed correctly as Tri Girl suggested? I have the F4 which has worked brilliantly for me and is quite accurate. I just want to upgrade and have more options for my running. My dream is the RS400sd or RS800sd-neither are in my price range, but I can dream. :p
Hopefully you will get this straightened out soon.

[roguedog]

Um.. how do you know if the calorie count is off?