Tales in Triathlon
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George Papadakos - Tales in Triathlon
One of the best tools I use for training is a heart rate monitor. A heart rate monitor is a simple rubber strap that has a sensor in it that wraps around your chest. It measures the electrical activity of your heart, and then a transmitter sends it to your watch or phone.
This allows for a quick glance at your watch to see how hard the old ticker is working, or not working for that matter as you are working out.
Why is this valuable?
Your heart rate is the most reliable and easiest way to indicate the intensity of your workout. It also allows you to adjust your intensity during exercise to achieve your specific goals.
I have outlined a few reasons why should implement a heart rate monitor into your training.
The best thing about having a heart rate monitor at this stage of game is that it will provide immediate feedback from your workout. This will allow you to control the intensity with which you train, and teach you a lot about how your body reacts to exercise.
Another benefit is that it will, or at least it should, stop you from going out to hard which is what a lot of novice athletes may be tempted to do. It will also help you track improvements in fitness as most of these devices have some app that tracks any and all workouts (go figure).
As you start to get stronger and more comfortable with training this way, it will allow you to take your exercise goals to the next level.
By following planned training intensities during workouts you will be able to be more efficient and get more "quality" workouts done.
It also ensures that you go hard on hard days, dial it down on recovery days, and makes sure that there is ample recovery time between training intervals (20 x 400m sprints @ 2:25 my favourite).
But I think that one of the best things a heart rate monitor does is that it gives you warning signs that you may be overtraining or that a flu is eminent. As you get more fit your resting heart rate (RHR) will slowly start to decrease. When overtraining is suspected your heart rate should start to rise. By keeping a log book of your RHR you will be able to notice and self check if you are just off that day or if you may be coming down with something.
As with a lot of training principles, before you start any new workout endeavour please contact your physician to make sure that you aware of any risks involved. If you have any questions and/or concerns let me know at triathlongeorge@hotmail.com.
Until I meet you at the start line, train safe and have fun!
September 28
4th ANNUAL TILLSONBURG CHARITY DUATHLON
Starts at Tillsonburg Memorial Park. Cycling-running race packets can be picked up on the 28th from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. The course features a 3 km run around Lake Lisgar and a scenic 15 km cycling ride on the rural roads around Tillsonburg, then repeat the 3 km run. Cost is $45. Race will start at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Register at http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=11175. A Kids Fun Run will start immediately following the duathlon race. Kids will enjoy a 1 mile out-and-back run loop, with a finish in front the adult racers and spectators. Cost for the Kids Fun Run is $5 per child.