Getting Started with a Polar Heart Rate Monitor
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The first step to integrating your heart rate monitor into your running program is to determine your individual training zones. These are the zones that you will use for Recovery/Endurance, (60-70%), Aerobic (70-80%) and Anaerobic (80%+) training. Some trainers advocate as many as five training zones, and that may be right for your training. These are the core zones that we use to demonstrate how a program would work. . Once you establish your zones, your heart rate monitor will allow you to meet the training goal for each day's workout.

So how do you find your zones? The key is to establish personalized numbers that work for you. When using a formula, which is recommended for weight conscious or fitness runners, you establish your zones off of estimated max heart rate. We recommend the Karvonen formula that factors in your Morning Resting Heart Rate (MRHR). This will personalize numbers not only for your age, but also for your fitness level. Just follow the instructions listed below.

For the more serious or competitive runner, knowing your Anaerobic Threshold (AT) is the key to your training. This is the point where your body goes from Aerobic, to Anaerobic and lactic acid starts to become a factor. By knowing this point (on average between 80 and 90% of Max hr), you can fine-tune your zones. The most effective way to determine your AT is having it determined in a clinical environment. These tests are more common today and can be done at a sports training facility or clinic. As an alternate, you can take a sub-max test like the one that is described in the Precision Running book (visit the Polar store). This test, while not as efficient as having it done clinically, can give you a more precise foundation for establishing your training zones than a formula.

Karvonen Formula

First, you must take your heart rate for three mornings in a row before getting up from bed. Once you have those numbers, take the average of the sum:

Morning 1# + Morning 2# + Morning 3# = ( X)
(X) Divided by 3 = Morning Resting HR (MRHR)

This is the single best indicator of your state of fitness. Once you have this number established as a baseline, you could use it to understand more about yourself than you can imagine. Take it again every once in a while, at least once every two weeks.

As your fitness improves, you will most likely see that number going down.

If you see an elevated number, it could mean the following:

• You did not recover from a hard workout the day before
• You need more rest
• Your body has begun fighting off an oncoming illness

This is critical information, especially on days when you have a hard workout planned. You may have to adjust your expectations for that workout, or put it off for the next day when you are better rested.

Target Zones

The next step is to set up your target zones. Some experts advocate as many as 5 Target Zones. For the sake of simplicity, we will talk about the three key zones:

First use the formula:

220 minus your age (A)= estimated max hr (HRMx)

HRMx minus MRHR= (C)

Now find your personal target zones

(C) X .60 = (D) D + MRHR = ( ) 60% limit number
(C) X .70 = (E) E + MRHR = ( ) 70% limit number
 

Example:
Jeff is 40 years old and his morning resting hr is 38.

220 minus 40 = 180
180 minus 38 = 142

142 X .60 = 85  85 + 38 = (123)
142 X .70 = 99  99 + 38 = (137)

For Jeff's Long Workouts his target zone is 123-137

Now use that formula to find all three of your target zones. You may have to use this as a starting point and adjust your numbers after several workouts.