OK, I am totally against strapping more equipment on me but I think I really need to know what my exertion level is when I'm running.

I have pretty much figured out that my side cramp is based on my breathing. As long as I am breathing easy... I'm fine. Sure, that sounds easy enough to judge and I suppose it is... but sometimes I can run slow and breathe heavy. I think those are the days my HR is through the roof, for some unexplained reason.

When I race in my tri's... I need to keep my running at a 11-12 minute mile, so I can run the entire distance. Unfortunately, I never have a watch on (haven't found one I like) and I never really know how far I have gone. I think being able to pace myself will help as I move into longer distance tri's.

And before I get to the run... I need to keep my HR down on the bike. I typically set myself up for failure on the run, by blowing out on the bike. I don't know... maybe a HR monitor beeping at me will make me slow down.

So... what HR monitor/GPS unit do you suggest? I am looking at Polar because I can get a sports bra with the sensors built in. Although, that might not work in tri's, as I probably can's swim in it. Hhhuummm.