Marathon By 40

my progress towards running a marathon

Heart Rate Monitor

September 15th, 2008 | Category: gadgets, training aids

I recently purchased the Polar F6 Men’s Heart Rate Monitor Watch as my friends have talked about success they had with heart monitor training. Until the 10k I run in October, I’ll likely just use it to collect data. Once I determine an accurate Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) during the race, I’ll use that in calculations to determine a HRM program to use after.

I’d like to develop a plan that will both help me loose weight and increase aerobic capacity and endurance. Have you used any plans to do either? Share links to your favorite plans/sites in the comments.

With or without a HRM, keep running!

4 Comments so far

  1. Sean September 16th, 2008 10:18 am

    http://www.brianmac.co.uk/hrm1.htm - Good info on HR zones and how to make out your max HR

    http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/Running%20University/Article%201/mcmillanrunningcalculator.htm - pace calc

    Max HR = 220 - Age

    enjoy.

  2. Scott September 16th, 2008 1:05 pm

    I love seeing your posts, Mark. I basically follow something like the Body for Life program (google it). I think this is great for fat loss (and weight loss), but since it has a balanced focus on both aerobic and resistance training, it may not be what you are looking for. My unscientific research though is that if you want to really lose fat and weight then you need to do both. If you do nothing but aerobic exercise your body will learn how to adapt, and you ultimately don’t burn as many calories during the day. Getting a mix of both has really worked out well for me.

    Just my 2 cents.

    Scott

  3. Mark September 16th, 2008 1:51 pm

    Great links, Sean. Those are far better than what I had found so far.

    Scott, indeed, what you said makes sense. Its funny, my original goal was to loose weight, but its now shifted towards completing a marathon. But it will obviously be easier to complete a Marathon if I weigh less. So, I’m reading and trying to determine how to do both most effectively moving forward.

    I’m glad the plan is working for you and that you’re enjoying it. Keep me posted on your progress. Its encouraging to hear that my friends are setting and reaching goals as well.

  4. Keith Jacobs September 17th, 2008 10:50 pm

    Check out the Runner’s World SmartCoach at http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smartcoach/1,7148,s6-238-277-278-0-0-0-0-0,00.html. I don’t necessarily agree with all of the speedwork it recommends — my own training has been focused on building an aerobic base only — but it does a great job of creating a detailed training calendar with which to begin customizing for what works best for you.

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