heartrate monitor

[runtome]

Hi,

I am new to racing. I just started running and biking about two months ago so I am a real newbie. I do have a 10 k and a tri lined up for the fall. I was told that for my trianing I should get a heart rate monitor that gives my heartrate as well as my caloric output and I was wondering what you guys thought a good heartrate monitor is. I only need to be able to see my heartrate and calories used. I don't need all those other features but I do want one that will last. I would rather spend a few more dollars up front then need to replace it sooner then if I got a good one.

Thanks,

Tami

[emartin10]

Polar has a model that's about $120 that does what you are asking it to do. That's what I use...

E

[papperclippy]

I personally think polar makes the best heart rate monitors. There are some models that can be used for running and biking, they are pricey, but they will record just about everything depending on how serious you are and how much you want to spend. If you are more of a runner over the other sports, I highly recommend the Polar RS200sd. The problem with me is that Iwanted a HRM, but I also wanted to be able to gauge distances since they aren't marked where I run. For about 200 bucks, this gadget does it all. It measures HR, cals (just be careful because even though they all measure cals, they useformulas that input your HR, time, and body makeup so they all won't be 100% accurate), distance, your pace, speed. The best part about it is that it isn't GPS based, so when you run on a treadmill (aka in one place) it will record and show you on the watch how far you have run. There are a couple of other features that it displays on the watch, but I just have mine showing me the pace, HR, and distance. You decide which factors are important to you and select those to show on the watch. Finally the other main reason I love it, it downloads the info to the computer and stores it on its program to keep track of. Any questions feel free to ask.