Hey Runners - Is a HRM a need??

Depends on what you consider needs.

A GPS watch for me isn't a need - my iPhone apps all work just fine together to give me pace, distance, total time, etc. They have audible cues to let me know all the things I want to know.

A HRM was cool, but once the battery died in the watch, and I went without for a while, I discovered it wasn't a "need" for me either, just a toy.

A GPS watch isn't a "need" for me either...I use my Android phone and Runkeeper. It gives me the audible cues I need, and I can run my training app at the same time. If you have an iPhone, they make HRM's that will plug into the charger portion of your iPhone and sync with the HRM app. I haven't found this to be a need yet either, as I don't eat back ALL of my exercise calories just 50%. So knowing how much I really burned doesn't matter much to me.

I use the Garmin Forerunner 110 without the HRM. It all boils down to an individual runner's preference. Good luck!

I have a Garmin 450CX which uses GPS and also includes the HRM strap; however, I *rarely* use it, except when I need a precise measurment of my time and distance, and I almost never use the HRM. I go by perceived exertion (but, I'm not too obsesseive about specific calorie counts, either). On most of my runs I use my Nike+ app, instead. It's not perfect, but it does just fine, and I can avoid messing around with yet another piece of technology while running. Only you will know if you need/want to be that precise; otherwise, regular smartphone apps or an inexpensive Garmin will do just fine for basic tracking.

It kinda depends on your goals, but I don't consider either to really be a need. The only thing I need to run is decent sneakers. GPS and an HRM certainly have their uses and benefits, but it's hard for me to call them needs.

Congrats on becoming a runner!

I have the Garmin 10 and absolutely love it!

I do not use a HRM and have found that I don't really need it. The Garmin 10 gives you a rough calorie breakdown based on your speed and weight which from what I understand is pretty accurate.

Good luck and feel free to add me as a friend or PM me!

I have lost 80 lbs in the process of becoming a runner (calorie reduction also) and I am currently training for a 10 mile run at the end of this month.

I think so! The HRM can tell you how much effort your putting in to your run by tracking your heart rate which is important to me as a long distance runner. I'm also training for a half marathon. The HRM can also tell you how many calories you burn on your runs which is good info. I know Polar has HRM that also has a GPS so you get the best of both worlds. For me, it's a need because my HRM tracks my progress as far as my fitness level. I run and strength train and use the Polar FT60. I think eventually you'll want to have one, so I'd get one.

The only reason you would "need" a HRM is if you want to monitor your HR and as part of your goals, work in different HR zones...that is all I use mine for...but really after awhile you learn to just feel where you are at and you don't need the visual. I only wear mine occasionally now, usually if I'm picking up some exercise that I haven't done in awhile again.

The GPS watch is nice, but I wouldn't exactly call that a need either. I use my phone so I can listen to music and use a running app called RunKeeper...it talks to me every five minutes and tells me my time and distance...I can also program workouts into it and the app basically acts like a coach telling me when to warm up, run slow, run fast, run slow, walk, run fast, cool down, etc.

all you really need to run is a pair of good running shoes that you've been properly fitted for and proper attire.

The only *need* for running is shoes. Even that's debatable.

A HRM is a very useful tool, however. When I got back into running I didn't use any tools. I didn't follow a plan, and took no devices to track my progress. I just went out and ran. After about 5 months I entered my first 10k and I ran a 45:00-something.
I ran my first half marathon, again after zero specific training, and with no tools. I didn't even bring my phone with me on some runs. Some days I didn't even take a watch to time the run.
I ran a 1:47:30
I will admit it wasn't an efficient method and my times suffered for it but training can be done without tools.

In regards to a HRM, I personally started using one when I deliberately started training to break the 1:30 barrier for a Half. I use it to monitor my fatigue. Since I know my max HR (from recording it with a HRM)is 200BPM I can calculate my aerobic and lactate thresholds. When I compare that to the pace I'm running, I can tell if I need to adjust my training schedule due to fatigue.
for example, some days I can maintain an 8 min/mile pace at a HR of 155-160. Some days My HR is 165+ at that same pace, so I slow down to avoid digging the fatigue hole even deeper.
Since I know my max HR is 200, 160bpm (80%)is the aerobic ceiling for a standard long run. I use it to the same effect to measure recovery runs where I want my HR below 140-ish.

If you aren't following a training plan, no, a HRM is not a need. All you need is google earth to figure mileage and a watch to time the run.

used to have a HRM and since it's crapped out on me I don't miss it. It took a while to get used to not looking at my wrist every couple mins, but I have a pink champion watch from target that was like $10 that works just fine with keeping my pace.

I would think only proper sneakers and dry-wick clothing are my only needs.

I use the endomondo app on my android phone for GPS tracking - does distance, pace, time per mile, calories for workout, etc.. --- all of that stuff i don't even look at until my run is complete.

I feel like anything else and I would be overthinking my running and enjoying it a lot less.

Definitely not a need. It is a useful tool to track progress and put forth the proper effort.

If you're anything like me, the fact that you're already considering a HRM means that you will eventually "need" one. Within a few days of using a non-HRM watch, you'll be wishing you had a HRM.

This is November. See what goes on sale for Black Friday. :-)

I've never used a HRM and don't see the need. I've been running over 2 years, and have no clue what my HR is when I run!