This week I’m repeating week one of my triathlon training. I did this because I had the time available with the training program and distance to the triathlon I’m doing, and because I thought it would be a nice slow entry into the awesomeness that is triathlon training.
Repeating the week has given me a huge boost of confidence. The run portion is what I know I need to work on the most and the part I struggle with, but this week it felt really easy. And now that it feels easy I’m more than ready to move on so next week it will be tough again. Repeating the week has made me realize I want to push myself. I want it to be hard but still achievable. I want to bump up my time and distance and push my body to do a litle more each week. I’m so ready for that.
The run yesterday was really fun because Kepa did it with me. I forgot what it was like to run with another person (I miss you Candace! Fitbloggin girls!). It’s nice to be able to talk during the running because it makes the time go by much faster than when I’m alone just listening to music. I think I might let Kepa join me on all my runs if he wants to!
Another fun thing about triathlon training is all my new toys.
Okay, okay, they aren’t really toys. But they are things that I’ve acquired to help me with my training that I am in love with.
Triathlon Training Toy #1: Notebook
This is pretty low tech of me, but I track all my training sessions in a pink fairy notebook. ;)
Triathlon Training Toy #2: Swim goggles.
Since I must wear contacts when I swim I must have swim goggles to swim. Basically if I don’t have my contacts in I can’t see, and if I don’t have goggles my contacts won’t work. So swim goggles were a necessary purchase for my swimming. I went with speedo goggle because they were a brand I trusted…and the only brand I recognized.
Triathlon Training Toy #3: Swim cap.
The swim cap is useful for my training because when I swim my hair gets out of control and ends up in my eyes. This was one of the most annoying things that used to happen when I swam a lot back in Memphis. I would have to constantly sweep the hair out of my eyes – but no longer! I will wear my swim cap and prevent my unruly hair from attacking my face!
Triathlon Training Toy #4: Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor
My heartrate monitor is something I’ve wanted for the longest time but did not ever get for myself. A few months ago I contacted Polar about heart rate monitors because I had hear from other bloggers who had received them. This was actually the first time I had ever contacted a company for a product. People offer to send me things all the time but I rarely say yes and I never ask for them. But this was something I thought would help me out in a major way and I wanted to see if Polar was as good as everyone says they are.
Guess what? They are. The people at Polar are amazing and granted me my very own Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor. They are really amazing and have also given heart rate monitors to other bloggers and everyone that attending Jen’s One Step, One Breathe event. They rock.
I’ve had my heart rate monitor for a few weeks now and have tried it out doing just about everything I can think of. I wanted to really test the thing before talking about it, but now I’m ready to give you the details!
Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor Review
I’ve created a pros and cons list type of review. Most of this specifically applies to my hrm the Polar F7, but some is just cool stuff about heart rate monitors in general.
Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor Pros:
- Very user friendly and easy to set up. I will admit to doing it without reading the manual.
- Large view screen that is easy to
- Measures heart rate in both bpm and as a percentage of your maximum heart rate.
- Syncs with all the machines at my gym. This was a bonus because I didn’t know it would happen!
- Stores data from training sessions until you erase, creates weekly summaries.
- Settings are easy to change for when you lose weight (so calorie burning is accurate).
- Water resistant.. I haven’t tested this yet but the reviews I’ve read say it works.
- Comfortable. I occasionally forget that I’m wearing the watch and chest strap until hours later.
- Batteries are user replaceable so you don’t have to ship it off.
- Helpful with triathlon training since much of the training needs to be in heart rate zone.
Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor Cons:
- Sometimes syncs incorrectly at the gym and my heart rate will be displayed on my neighbors machine. That was hilarious the first time it happened, and slightly annoying.
- Finding the data from workout sessions is slightly confusing. It’s there but sort of hard to find.
- Pretty basic in terms of features, doesn’t include things like GPS or mileage.
- It’s not the prettiest thing ever. I would love it in a brighter, fun color.
Despite a few cons I’m really incredibly happy with the Polar FT7. Having a heart rate monitor has completely changed the way I workout – it’s given me a lot more power over my workouts. It’s fascinating to learn how many calories you are actually burning and how high your HR is. Never knew before. It’s hard now to remember my life before my heart rate monitor came to be mine, I love it so much.
Future Triathlon Training Toy: Bicycle
Right now I’m doing all my bike rides on a stationary bike. This is boring and nothing like riding on the streets. I’m planning on buying a bike in the next couple of weeks, once I save up some of my pennies. I’m not planning on buying a fancy bike or anything, I’m just getting a basic hybrid bike for around $250 that will work as both my bike for the triathlon and my main form of transportation here in New Zealand. I don’t plan on getting a car at all while I’m living here since I can walk, use public transportation, or borrow Kepa’s car, but having a bike would be really helpful for me. So this particular “toy” will be both for the triathlon and every day use.
Those are all my toys and I think it’s all I will need for the triathlon! I’m so excited about everything I have and how it’s going to help me train better so that I can do the triathlon well.
Do you have a heart rate monitor? Do you love it like I love mine? Do you have any other “training toys” you use?
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{ 28 comments }
I don’t have a heart rate monitor, but I’m wondering how accurate the calorie burn estimates are? Anybody know? I’m interested in getting a Garmin or something with GPS for running…maybe for Christmas. I’m a new runner, so sort of waiting to see if I stick with it before investing the money. But I’m loving it, and I love techie toys!
Caroline Calcote´s last [type] ..These are a Few of My least Favorite Things
I’m not totally sure. To be honest I don’t fully trust any calorie burning estimates from anything. I did read a few reviews for other Polar heart rate monitors where people complained the calorie count was inaccurate, but I’m not sure how they came to that conclusion.
I love my Polar HRM as well. Mine is old and I cannot replace the battery myself so I will be buying a new one with that feature. As for one of you cons – it’s not the HRM’s fault for synching to your neighbors machine – it’s the gyms fault for cramming too much equipment to closely together. Happens to me all the time at my gym. I rather enjoy watching the size 2 gym bunny next to me freak out when she sees the heart rate display and doesn’t realize its from my size 16 heart literally pounding to save it’s life. LOL
Yeah, I know. When it first happened I asked why. But since it happens, it’s still a con.
I have a HRM and a Garmin GPS watch. I got the HRM as a gift for my birthday a few years ago. It is awesome and I used it a lot when I worked out in gym setting. But now that I’m gym-less most of my workouts are outdoors (running, biking, etc.) so I bought myself the GPS and LOVE it. So helpful and a wonderful tool for runners.
Very cool. Maybe one day, if I stick with triathlons, I’ll get myself a Garmin GPS watch. I’ve heard they are cool but it’s definitely not a need currently.
I love workout toys. I got myself a Garmin Forerunner 305 as a present to myself when I hit 100 pounds lost and I love it. It makes running so much more fun.
Desert Agave´s last [type] ..Weigh In and a Nutritional Meeting
I have a basic Polar HRM and I love it. I do high intensity interval training which is all based on my heart rate, so it is literally my monitor to tell me if I need to work harder or lay off a little. I’ve been conditioning my heart with this training and it’s AMAZING to watch how my heart rate responds to activity, and how it responds quickly when I stop. My Polar is the single most important piece of equipment I use for my training.
Skinny Emmie´s last [type] ..Sharing some wisdom
I need goggles! Since I am learning how to swim and all :)!
Sana´s last [type] ..My Kinda Salad
Aw! Learning to swim! I’m so proud of you!
I had to write about Kepa keeping you company on the run. That’s awesome!
To me, having company is the single thing that makes any run better. Even if it’s an otherwise miserable run, doing it in a downpour, having heavy legs, encountering unexpected monster hills, anything, having someone by your side to talk to makes it a million times better. And I think great runs are also improved by having someone there — to talk about the pretty sunrise with, to proclaim your delight at finding your legs to feel good, whatever.
Seriously, assuming you give me the basics (shoes, shorts, sports bra), if I had to choose between running with another person or running with ANY type of gear (a heart rate monitor or watch or gps or ipod or whatever), I’d choose to have company for my run. Hope you guys get to run together frequently!
Carina´s last [type] ..Flat Tire Again
Thanks Carina! I definitely agree that running with someone else is really fun. I tend to not do it because I worry that I’ll be too slow and hold the other person back or it won’t be fun for them, but I think it worked out well for us both. And once I move up and start doing more, longer it will be even better. :)
Meant to write this the other day ….
wanted to tell you how much I truly enjoy your writing and blogs!
I find you a refreshing and charming blogger and just wanted to send you
my two thumbs up to you Mary ;)
Best wishes in your new homeland and hope you have a wonderful year(or longer!) there!!
Aw, thank you so so much M! I really appreciate that! :)
Excellent! I love my Polar Heart rate monitor. It really does change how you workout. Good luck!
Lisa´s last [type] ..Popchips and a Giveaway
I have a Polar F11 heart rate monitor, but it needs a battery change and has to be shipped back to Polar which I have been totally procrastinating on! I’m kind of out of love with it at the moment. The thing is, my personality tends to say PUSH with exercise… only I push too much and stress myself. It’s actually harder for me to stay mellow, NOT push, but also not get hurt. So I’m not sure the heart rate monitor is good for me right now. I suppose I will eventually get its battery changed.
As for my swim cap and swim goggles… they are always with me in my gym bag! I wear glasses, not contacts, so I am more or less blind in the pool. Would you believe that sometimes, for fun, I swim with my eyes shut? It’s kind of a weird, but cool feeling. Anyway, I HATE having my hair fly in my face in the water, so the cap is a must! I’m a Speedo gal too… also have Speedo Buoy water shoes, great for walking/jogging in the pool and easy to swim with so I don’t have to take them off.
You’re a lot more organised than I am with recording your training. Perhaps I need a cute notebook as incentive ;)
I have the same polar HRM (yes, it’s not the prettiest, is it?). I can confirm it works well in the pool. Mine also gets confused with a row of cardio gym machines. Very annoying when you’re doing an experiment to compare HRM with machine calories. I was just quite disappointed that the battery only seemed to last around 6 months, though. This post is very well timed as a reminder to me to stop being lax and get a new battery for mine and start to use it again :)
Cilla´s last [type] ..Belated weekly planner
The cute notebook was what made me get organized. I’ve previously been horrible with recording workouts but I read somewhere that it was really important with triathlon training so of course that made me want to do it.
Thanks for letting me know it works in the pool! I’m going to try it in the pool then. I was just scared it wouldn’t work and I would ruin it and have nothing – that would be the worst thing ever!
Mary, kudos on deciding to do a tri – I’m a so called fitness pro and I don’t have the determination to do that. Also, when weight loss is a goal, having other smaller goals, such as a tri or 5K, which (if met) will result in the main desired goal is a great way to keep motivated. In my opinion, motivation is the #1 factor why most people don’t reach their weight loss goals, so great job.
Keep us updated as to your progress!
Susan @ Home Workouts´s last [type] ..11 Killer Weight Loss Motivation Tips
That’s interesting, Cilla! I never had good success with my HRM in the pool. It would work some of the time, but not others. Just never consistent in picking up my heart rate. I tried it for water aerobics, lap swimming and just plain walking/jogging back and forth and it was never consistant with any of that. It may depend somewhat on the individual pool chemistry or maybe the FT7 is just better at it than my older F11. I can say, however, that my battery for the F11 lasted a good two years!
Mary, if you try yours in the pool, let us know how it works! I’m back to just manual pulse taking in the pool at present to get an idea of how things are going.
Ive never tried running outside. I know its way harder than eliptical..i don’t think I would be able to talk and run at the same time. Youre talented :) No I’ve never used a heart rate monitor. Sometimes I’ve used the heart rate thing on the eliptical machine, or the step machine, but I don’t really pay it any attention. Maybe if I were working toward an exercise goal, I’d use one. I have a big, coushy exercise mat at home, but I never use it. I should. And an exercise ball, but the air fell out and I have to find the pump. LOL. So I suppose the only workout ‘toys’ I use are my ipod and my armstrap for my ipod. Music definitely makes the workout.
merri´s last [type] ..Snapshot
I can’t talk about “toys’ in a public forum! ;-) Just kidding but could not resist!
You look like you are ready to rock & roll!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last [type] ..GIVEAWAY Post
i believe my husband has the same heart rate monitor, which he offers to me but i never use it. it doesn’t quite fit me right, guess i have weird chest measuements. i do enjoy heart rate training though, i use the device on the treadmill and it seems to be quite accurate.
agree this type of heart-rate monitor is a good tool if you need to stay in a specific heart rate boundary for health reasons, weight loss or if you’re a serious athlete to make sure you’re working at your best! However I personally find them a distraction with regular tri-training. Good idea going for a hybrid bike by the way, I wish my road bike could handle a little more rough treatment… it will spur you on so much not to be stuck on a stationary bike!
I’ve got my garmin, which has a heart rate monitor, and I barely use it. For some reason, it’s one number that I just don’t care about that much. I use it all the time for pace, speed, and distance info though! And yay toys!
Quix´s last [type] ..A Big Pile of Awesome
I have the Nike ipod gadget thingy. It says you can link your Polar Wear Link to it to track your heart rate but I don’t do it. For now, it tracks my time and my distance (although it can track calories as well). For me, listening to music is the most important thing for working out and since I just started running, it helps motivate me to keep running.
Hi Mary!
I know I’m a bit late on this post, but, it’s Christmas, so I’m making wishlists at the moment. I was curious–because I know nothing about HRMs, but think the idea is fantastic–does the chest strap come with the watch? I’m assuming so, because how else will HR be monitored; but you know what they say when you assume.
Also, having tried and loved Polar, would you suggest any of their other products as “better” than this, just from reading about them?
Thanks,
Elle.
Hey Elle!
It says on Amazon “Includes Manual Polar FT7 Polar WearLink transmitter” so that means it includes the chest strap. :) You can also purchase an extra one for $35 or so.
I couldn’t say for sure since I haven’t used any other products from Polar. They are a quality brand though and I would trust anything they make. The only problem I’ve seen from other heart rate monitors they have is that some have batteries that can only be changed by sending it back to them. This can be much more of a pain than just changing it yourself like you can do with the FT7. If you are interested in other models I would just check to see whether it has a “User replaceable battery” or not.
Cheers! :)
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