Hi Kathy-

I just bought a heart rate monitor and have never used one before. Do you have one and do you use it at all during your races or other times?


Answer: I do have a heart rate monitor. I started using one when I first got into training and racing; and I continue to use one on a daily basis.

I use it in my races as well, but I do not use it to gauge my effort. I use it to track time so that I can determine when I need to feed on the bike. I have both the time and the heart rate displayed on my monitor during a race because it doesnʼt bother me to see my pulse. That said, you do have to be careful when using a monitor during your race because there can be disadvantages to seeing your heart rate! For instance if you look down in the middle of your race and see your pulse, and you feel like it should be lower than it is, it can really mess with your head. When I see my heart rate during my races I am not affected at all by the number, so I donʼt mind when itʼs displayed in addition to the time during my race, which is why I do that now. But it wasnʼt always like that for me! Things only changed when I got comfortable with myself as an athlete along with my abilities.

Something to keep in mind if you donʼt want to see the heart rate is to simply cover that part up with a heavy tape so that you can ONLY see the time (if that is what you are after).

See you out there!

Kathy Sherwin
Velo Bella - Kona Elite Cyclocross Team