Well, if you aren't born with the ability to run fast and you want to get to that point, you have to train. Agree? Not all of us (especially the 200+ lb flat footed ones) are going to be on a track team and have a staff of coaches and experts guiding us along the way. So we need some way to measure our performance. Having a pedometer will tell you how far you've gone and how fast you've done it. Having a HRM will tell you how far your pulse is elevated and if you should be concerned because it is tooooooo high.
No, I don't have HR tested because I'm not a world class athlete and probably never will be. I have, however, used other professionally recommended methods to find my max rate. And no, I don't use the 220 equation because it's not right.
You mean if I'm dehydrated or really tired or I run when it's really hot my HR will change? Get the **** outta here. In 10 years of running I never noticed that. Give me a break.
I don't run 3, 4, or 5 miles a few times a week. My average is about 10-15 miles once/twice per month, 7-8 miles once or twice a week, 4-6 miles three to five times per week (sometimes in boots), and hitting the gym for weight training and aerobic exercise 5-6 times per week. I swim when I get a chance, but not as often as I'd like. So I get my >1 hour workouts. Here's a thought, too. Maybe I monitor my heart rate while I'm lifting weights to see what it reacts to.
As far as racing, at 28 years old I've discovered my love of marathons. But, I'm off to The Basic School next month so I won't be doing any for a while. Don't worry, I have two (one full, one Rock and Roll half) picked out to run over the next 18 months.
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Now, somebody asked about whether or not they liked the Timex Bodylink system. I still say yes, it's useful to have a pedometer and HRM. Good luck changing my mind.