Runners- do you monitor your heart rate while running?

I use a heart rate monitor that attaches to my Garmin Forerunner 210 watch while I run. I use it more when I am running intervals or doing speed training, but I use it on all runs (except an actual race).

The thing with HR is that it is pretty individual. If you look at charts and guidelines, remember that they are guidelines. I am a 42yo male, so my maximum heartrate according to most charts should be around 180. Because I have run consistently and do strength training and other cardio activities, my Max HR is probably a lot higher (I know that I have had it up above that level for sure). When I run, I often average 160, sometimes 165. When I sprint, I am 180-185. When I finish a run where I am training for negative splits, the last 1-2 miles are at 175+.

Another place that I use it is when I am doing strength and resistance training. I try to keep my HR above 130 by lifting, then moving to another station or doing burpees/cruches/push-ups etc. I treat my weight training like a circuit somewhat to keep the HR elevated.

Greg

I do wear my HRM (it connects with my Garmin Forerunner 110), but that's just more for my own curiosity. I like to see what I perceive as difficult and what my body perceives as difficult (how high my HR is). My average HR during weekly runs or even long runs is somewhere between 145-155, with higher effort runs averaging between the 155-170ish range. I capped out at a high of 190 or so.

During lifting I generally can get myself up to 150-160s doing some strenuous lifting and other than that, I try to keep it in the 130s. Again, this is just for my own knowledge.

I thought the cardio zone was higher (what your friend's trainer has her in) and wasn't as ideal for fat burning when compared to the fat burning zone (lower), but then again, I don't know her age. That just seemed a bit high to me, but I'm not that well versed, so I may be completely misguided.

I use a HRM when I can run - I have a Garmin Forerunner - I love the GPS features, and mainly use it to track mileage and calorie burn. I would not use a friends trainer's advice as we are all different - there is a lot of debate as to how to calculate maximum heart rate to determine your zones and what the zones themselves are. I track my average HR on my runs and look at the trend to see if I'm improving on similar runs.

Interval training is the best for fat loss and you don't need a monitor to do it. Run all-out for 20-60 seconds, walk until you catch your breath - repeat about 10 times.

I wear it on and off, mostly off. The only way I can get it to consistently keep the heart rate going is to wear it under my sports bra, and it is a bit uncomfortable. I've even loosened the elastic strap.

And dang....200?? That seems high to me...but everybody is different. Mine gets to a max of 165 when I'm running at a comfortable pace.

http://exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/a/The-Truth-About-The-Fat-Burning-Zone.htm

A good beginning resource about why people are concerned about heart rate zones. For me, it's really hard to do without my HRM, but after I got it, I check it so much that I run the risk of not looking where I'm actually going. Yay! A new OCD! The best part about thinking about exercise this way is that you can alter strength training workouts in such a way that your heart rate stays up and you can burn more calories with them than you might have before.

I never monitor my heart rate while I run. I also find that once I slow down and walk it's hard to get going again, so I don't like to stop for anything that's not absolutely necessary - like cars, trucks, etc.

no, i do not.

Is she conditioning her heart? When I run (I usually walk 0.15miles/run 0.15miles/walk 0.15miles/run 0.15miles), My HR is 175-185 during my running portions and finally gets back down to 140's before I start another interval. It isn't a matter of my not being able to catch my breath, but that my heart feels like it is going to explode out of my chest. Your heart may be more conditioned than hers. So it isn't as hard on your heart to run constantly.

Well, I just jumped onto the running bandwagon. I always use my HRM. Walking my HR is 135ish running it goes up fast. to the 177 range and I have to stop and walk. When it gets that high my chest feels like it could explode. So now I walk for "2 houses" on my block, get my HR back to the 150's or lower then run again. My average today was 3.13 miles in 40.06 minutes. Not too shabby for a overweight new runner. Plus I like it for calories burned to log here. I have done 2 races and have one this weekend, and I have used it the whole time. I like to see the numbers. I like to see I am not a wimp because my HR is 177 so I NEED to stop for a bit.

Psst! We don't jump on the bandwagon we run behind it LOL

But seriously, THIS! As you are getting more conditioned you can make your intervals longer running, shorter walking. I know the "heart is going to explode" feeling. Better to walk at that point than to keel over. :-)

Exactly! Today instead of walking for a few minutes, I walked for 2 houses and then went back to running. I felt awesome! I am glad to see your HR is like mine... high when we run. I don't know how people can run with a 150 HR. maybe they are fitter than me. my resting HR is 85-95ish, and when I am just hanging out it is low 100's. lol

Yes I do......only because I can go longer and get a better burn if I stay within a certain range. So I pace myself but I"m pretty good now that I tell what my HR is at the moment before I even check my watch. If I am doing HIIT I need to know so I definitely monitor it then.