If I Only Had 5 Minutes With Most Runners, I’d Change These 5 Things

I was using my Fenix 6 for HR, got a chest strap because people told me it was best, and it turns out that it was almost identical to my watch 😐

Saying don't run if it's over 35 to someone in many parts of the US (like me near DC) is like me telling a Brit not to run when it rains

Completed marathon #4 yesterday in Edinburgh and MAJORLY bonked. The heat was unbearable, sitting between 20-22c the whole way and as a Scot, we’re just not used to it! My technique fell apart, cramped for the 2nd half and had to walk to take my gels on as I felt sick. Finished an hour slower than my PB, but hey, WE GOT IT DONE!!!

The biggest problem I have with a chest strap is when it gets older the elastic gives out and it starts to slip. I would begin a run with it tight around my chest but it would end up around my waist especially on long or fast runs. Obviously when this occurred the data was useless. The lesson learned is straps don't last forever and replace them the first time it starts to slip.

After using one for quite a while, I've learned to love my Garmin watch HR sensor. But I've also learned to know when to say "Wait. That doesn't look right." and just follow how I naturally feel during that run. I think it's still a solid baseline on where your HR could be but it should also be challenged by each individual runner as everyone is different and that sensor will never be 100% accurate. But I'm just a casual runner, so I could be way off.

Last point is such a good one. Being uncomfortable helps you build coping mechanisms you wouldn't otherwise have on race day to see it through. You really learn to filter what is a problem and what can be safely dealt with. Slightly tight running clobber, stomach cramps from new gels, not running in the shade, holding a pee in for an hour til you finish running. It all helps if you just crack on and get out the door (as long as you don't get silly with it!)

AWU2 perfect HR tracking vs my Garmin chest strap. The only time I wear the chest in intervals and cold weather where wrist HR can struggle to keep up.

Thanks for running advice Ben your the man

Great tips. Didn't know about strides

Golden tips,especially the last one