Why bother with a HR monitor?

darnich said:

You can also get very accurate VO2 and other metrics on runalyze.com

I'd be careful with the adjective "very accurate". You get very accurate VO₂max in the lab, using a pro HRM, powermeter, and a breathing mask analyzing both the O₂ consumption, and the exhaled CO₂.

You get a relatively good estimate with devices using the HR Variability for detecting the lactate threshold. Firstbeat, the author of the algorithm, claims 5% within the lab results.

And you can also get an approximate estimation by the plain HR (without the Variabilty data) - and that's what runalyze does.

Didnt know that.

I actually would have kept the watch in any event if it was bigger around a G Shock size.

For me the most important metrics are good GPS (which it had) and HR to a lesser extent as you can always use a strap. However the HR was great.

Size matters unfortunately

So the HRM Run is within that 5%?

So the HRM Run is within that 5%?

HRM Run alone does not calculate VO₂max. You need a watch doing it, and all of the recent Garmin watch models use the Firstbeat HR Variability algorithms, regardless whether you use a compatible external HRM, or the one built in. Instinct too, but as written, it does not support the VO₂max calculation (by design). It uses the HRV just for other features like the Body Battery, Stress monitoring, Sleep monitoring, etc.

Thanks - I was drawn to it for 2 main reasons:

1. The solar cell - my fenix would ONLY just last an Ironman Tri - although I'm too old for them now
2. The surf aspect - trying to recapture youth via tech - sad I know....

tbh - the VO2 and Training effect were more motivational factors for my running - its absolute accuracy isn't the crux of the matter - more of an indicator of an improvement trend.

Cheers

Very helpful, thanks!

robbiemcmillan said:

the VO2 and Training effect were more motivational factors for my running - its absolute accuracy isn't the crux of the matter - more of an indicator of an improvement trend.

Sure, I understood, and have no problem with it. I just wanted to make clear it is really only a very raw estimate, and no true VO₂max. Still may be sufficient for hobby runners / bikers like most of us, although it could lead to problems if a pro athlete tried to manage his training plan with it.

Thanks and good luck for the ultra.

Merry Christmas too. Cheers

Thanks for the info - very useful and if only I was ever good enough to be pro. Happy to be a hobby boy!

Merry Christmas :)