The Running Thread - 2020

[camaker]

Garmin people - I have a 935 (got it earlier this year) with the wrist HR monitor. It seems to work most of the time when I am running (about 10% of the time it will say my HR is crazy high when I am not breathing that hard), but it only seems to read my HR accurately about 20% of the time when I am on the indoor trainer. Anyone else experience this? Recommendations for a better HR monitor? (I need to get a new one anyhow that has Bluetooth for Zwift purposes).

That‘s very atypical for that watch. Has it done that from the beginning or just started recently? If recently, I‘d try resetting it and seeing if that fixes it. If it doesn’t, or it has been going on since you got it, I’d suggest calling Garmin tech support. You may have gotten a faulty sensor. They’ve been really good with troubleshooting the times I’ve called them.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Garmin people - I have a 935 (got it earlier this year) with the wrist HR monitor. It seems to work most of the time when I am running (about 10% of the time it will say my HR is crazy high when I am not breathing that hard), but it only seems to read my HR accurately about 20% of the time when I am on the indoor trainer. Anyone else experience this? Recommendations for a better HR monitor? (I need to get a new one anyhow that has Bluetooth for Zwift purposes).

I have a Garmin 235. I'd say my HR is more inaccurate than accurate on the indoor trainer. Despite it being almost 100% accurate when I'm running in the same wrist position and tightness. So I don't have a great solution other than to say that I have definitely experienced inaccurate HR measures on my indoor trainer with my wrist-based monitor. But I don't connect my Garmin to my activity when I ride. I allow TrainerRoad to auto-sync the information to my Garmin and Strava profiles after the fact. So I lose out on HR data, but I allow my TrainerRoad load data to supersede it. Hope you find a solution and would love to hear it once you do.

 

[FFigawi]

Garmin people - I have a 935 (got it earlier this year) with the wrist HR monitor. It seems to work most of the time when I am running (about 10% of the time it will say my HR is crazy high when I am not breathing that hard), but it only seems to read my HR accurately about 20% of the time when I am on the indoor trainer. Anyone else experience this? Recommendations for a better HR monitor? (I need to get a new one anyhow that has Bluetooth for Zwift purposes).

Wrist-based HR monitors are notoriously inaccurate when cycling, especially indoors. DC Rainmaker has some very good posts about this. Your best bet is to get a chest strap to use on the bike. Helpfully, DC Rainmaker also has his Best Gear of 2020 post up now, complete with recommendations on HR straps.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/11/sports-technology-buyers-recommendations-guide-2020-2021.html/

 

[Kerry1957]

Garmin people - I have a 935 (got it earlier this year) with the wrist HR monitor. It seems to work most of the time when I am running (about 10% of the time it will say my HR is crazy high when I am not breathing that hard), but it only seems to read my HR accurately about 20% of the time when I am on the indoor trainer. Anyone else experience this? Recommendations for a better HR monitor? (I need to get a new one anyhow that has Bluetooth for Zwift purposes).

I have a Garmin Vivoactive and I have the same issues while running. About 90-95% of the time the HR is very consistent with my perceived effort. But occasionally it will indicate crazy high HRs. I've tried taking it off mid-run for a couple of minutes and then putting it back on (while continuing to run) and sometimes that seems to "re-set" it. One thing I have noticed now that it is colder; when I'm wearing a long sleeved shirt sometimes the cuff can get under the watch just a bit and that really throws thing off.

 

[C.beara]

Garmin people - I have a 935 (got it earlier this year) with the wrist HR monitor. It seems to work most of the time when I am running (about 10% of the time it will say my HR is crazy high when I am not breathing that hard), but it only seems to read my HR accurately about 20% of the time when I am on the indoor trainer. Anyone else experience this? Recommendations for a better HR monitor? (I need to get a new one anyhow that has Bluetooth for Zwift purposes).

DH spends a lot of time on the bike trainer/Zwift too - he loves the Wahoo heart rate strap, prefers it over the Garmin specific one I think. He doesn't have a Wahoo trainer if that makes a difference.

 

[avondale]

I have a Garmin Vivoactive and I have the same issues while running. About 90-95% of the time the HR is very consistent with my perceived effort. But occasionally it will indicate crazy high HRs. I've tried taking it off mid-run for a couple of minutes and then putting it back on (while continuing to run) and sometimes that seems to "re-set" it. One thing I have noticed now that it is colder; when I'm wearing a long sleeved shirt sometimes the cuff can get under the watch just a bit and that really throws thing off.

With my various Garmins (FR 235, VA 3, now Venu), if it's hot during a run and I'm getting crazy HR numbers, I will sometimes stop and wipe the sweat of the sensor and my wrist - often helps. Maybe it's getting confused by the liquid? (But that wouldn't say much for using it when swimming.)

When it gets really cold and my HR numbers go crazy, I'm often out of luck. I think that my veins have contracted enough to not have anything near the surface to read.

 

[BigEeyore]

Thank you all! So glad to hear I am not alone with experiencing issues with the wrist HR monitor!

 

[GreatLakes]

Garmin people - I have a 935 (got it earlier this year) with the wrist HR monitor. It seems to work most of the time when I am running (about 10% of the time it will say my HR is crazy high when I am not breathing that hard), but it only seems to read my HR accurately about 20% of the time when I am on the indoor trainer. Anyone else experience this? Recommendations for a better HR monitor? (I need to get a new one anyhow that has Bluetooth for Zwift purposes).

I have a 945 and don't see a lot of wildly inaccurate HR values but I also don't ride on a trainer. I find the running HR a bit more realistic than it was on my VA3, especially on the treadmill but I don't have a strap yet to do a true comparison.

A strap will always be more accurate than a wrist monitor and if you want to stay in the Garmin ecosystem I really like the HRM-PRO. That is the link to DCR's in depth review and at the bottom he lists some alternatives if you.

QOTD: Are any of you doing a Challenge, Resolution Run or Advent Calendar this month or winter?

I am not but I have a lot of PTO this month and I have some runs plotted out around town. Yesterday I did a new set of trails to get out and do some running in the snow and today I'm hitting a paved rail-trail to try out some new shoes. I have been running in Mizuno for a decade but wanted to try something less drop (though not minimalist) so I am going to give the On Cloudflow a shot.

 

[huskies90]

Yesterday, I was asked to be part of a focus group Zoom call for the Hartford Marathon Foundation which is the largest race organization in Connecticut. They host ~ 25-30 races a year. The focus was on 2021 and how to better their virtual race experience. They told the group that they are not even thinking about live races until Fall 2021 and even then it will be pending the "evolving situation". Their hope is to run the Hartford Marathon "in some form" in October 2021. The HMF is a non profit but they are a big organization and all their races are relatively large. Even though races were allowed after the phase 2 re-opening in CT and many smaller races did happen over the summer and early Fall (races are now shut down again), except for one small 5K in August, all of the 2020 HMF races were canceled or went virtual. I know everything is different by state across the country, but I thought I would share how CT - and probably other highly restrictive states are looking at races going into 2021.

 

[shellott-hill]

I also use a 945. It seems to be pretty good for recording the HR. However, I do not take it as gospel. I typically need to wear the watch pretty tight when out for my runs (2 sometimes 3 notches tighter than normal wear). That seems to give me a better reading.

 

[Jules76126]

Yesterday, I was asked to be part of a focus group Zoom call for the Hartford Marathon Foundation which is the largest race organization in Connecticut. They host ~ 25-30 races a year. The focus was on 2021 and how to better their virtual race experience. They told the group that they are not even thinking about live races until Fall 2021 and even then it will be pending the "evolving situation". Their hope is to run the Hartford Marathon "in some form" in October 2021. The HMF is a non profit but they are a big organization and all their races are relatively large. Even though races were allowed after the phase 2 re-opening in CT and many smaller races did happen over the summer and early Fall (races are now shut down again), except for one small 5K in August, all of the 2020 HMF races were canceled or went virtual. I know everything is different by state across the country, but I thought I would share how CT - and probably other highly restrictive states are looking at races going into 2021.

Thanks for the update. I think we will see something here in MA.

 

[TheHamm]

Can I pop in with a question of the .... day/week/page166?

Are you dedicated to your running accessories or do you enjoy tossing aside the old for the new and unknown? Many on this thread have lamented the change in shoe design from year to year, what about the rest of your gear?

My answer: Gloves, shirts, sunglasses, and hats I run with but am not particular about. I'm happy with a few different socks and have no problem trying new ones. I have no reason to trade up the phone/watch/headphones I take out with me. I have several of the same running bra, but keep trying new things. Yet I will check the internet for used version of my favorite running tights (patagonia borderless tights: warm enough for ~15 degrees, have thigh pockets, don't fall down, do not have an ankle so tight my heel complains putting them on, doesn't fall down while I'm running) and am sad my favorite shorts and capris have been discontinued/'upgraded'.
This is all very strange to me after I considered it.

 

[jmasgat]

ATTQOTD: I wear stuff til it is no longer wearable/functional. I don't choose to buy a lot of gear, just gear that I know works for me and will be long-lasting. I am mostly indifferent to shirts--my whole shirt wardrobe is mostly race shirts, but I do have two that I got specifically for cold weather running. I am particular about my headband, because I need something windproof to keep me from getting cold/wind-induced headaches. I prefer snugger socks of at least quarter crew length, but have used more than one brand and been happy with them (Swiftwick, Feetures)

The only things that I have gotten new lately is a pair of running capris to replace my dearly departed Adidas Boston Marathon ones, and then a pair of running shorts because apparently I am getting heftier in the butt/thighs and I hate short inseams. Both are Athleta and I like them and expect to get long use out of them.

For me, the choice of gear is based on function, but after that it comes down to two thing: I want value for my money (so willing to pay more for things that will really last) and also--and I cannot stress this enough--I HATE SHOPPING!!!

 

[flav]

ATTQOTD: I am attached to gear that works well and has all the right features. I bought different brands and styles along the way and, if I need to replace an great item, I first look at buying the same. I do not necessarily wait until what I like is completely used to restock. Otherwise, I am ok to re-experiment as long as the new brand or model gives me the same benefits.

So far I have been pretty stable with shoes, bras and capris. I am still experimenting on winter pants and gloves. Tops, I am not that particular. Socks are a challenge because I make holes in them so fast. So I buy inexpensive/in sale for most runs and keep the really good ones ($) for racing.

 

[SarahDisney]

ATTQOTD: I'm not super attached to anything, but I'm also not rushing out to buy something new. If something gets worn out and I need to replace it, I'll usually try to get the same thing because I know it works, but I'm willing to try something else if it's cheaper and seems like it will work or if I can't get the old thing I like. I'm mostly in race shirts now, but back before I had a lot of race shirts I just bought whatever I could find on sale. Same for bottoms. I do like my RunningSkirts skirts because the pockets are good for my keys (and hand sanitizer!) and I like the length, but I'd also be willing to try other skirt brands (I know a few other brands make around the length I like, I just haven't tried them).

The only thing I'm really attached to is my Feetures merino wool socks. They updated the style a few years ago and I bought all of the old style ones that they had left at the running store (which was only like 3 pairs, so not crazy). I will probably have to try the new style eventually, but for now I have enough of the old style to make it work.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

ATTQOTD:

I have a couple running things that are favorites- I have 2 favorite pairs of shorts, a favorite tank, vest, etc. I've really tried to change my buying habits- focusing on (and taking care of) the things I really love. I did a massive sort/purge (after watching Marie Kondo on Netflix haha) and realized I basically never need to buy anything ever again. Although I still do plenty of shopping, I try not to get too caught up in always getting the "new and hype worthy" things and focus on adding things that I'll really love. (This does not apply to disney merch obvs )

ETA: With that said, I hope to be getting a koala clip for Christmas. For some reason my running belt seems much too annoying to put on for a short 3 mile run (totally not), so I'm hoping to love something that's easy to grab & go.

 

[michigandergirl]

ATTQOTD: I am very particular with socks, shorts, & tights. I love Balega socks and Athleta shorts/tights - I rarely wear anything else. Everything else I have a wide variety. I would however like to find a sports bra that I love, so recommendations needed please!

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

ATTQOTD: I stick with what works and don't try new gear. Garmin 235, Brooks Ghost, CW-X compression shorts, Under Armor short sleeve shirts, cheap Hanes long sleeve shirts (ugh, looks like they are no longer available), Wrightsocks. I keep everything until it's worn out or permanently stinky. Honestly, I keep it one year past when it's worn out or permanently stinky.

 

[FFigawi]

ATTQOTD: Like @OldSlowGoofyGuy I also tend to stick with what works. I did buy some new sunglasses recently, though. I’m moving away from my Rudy Project ones and am wearing ones from Roka instead. I loved the Rudys, but the Rokas blow them away with their clarity and light weight.

 

[kimbert]

ATTQOTD: I have a pretty varied collection of brands of shorts/capris/leggings but I have a favourite of each length. I also wear my stuff until it dies. Watch is pretty basic and will also do until it dies. Hats, I am pretty particular about and when I find a good one I keep it (you guessed it-until it dies). Shirts/tanks/long-sleeves I've also got a wide collection of makes and models including race shirts and ones with sayings I love (Eat Pasta Run Fasta being my newest fave) but I did clean out the race shirts recently and got rid of ones I knew fit funny.

However... I am very particular about my socks! I have 5 pairs which I have used almost exclusively for the past 4 years and they are not worn out and I fear the day they do! I have 2 pair of black ones (I bought these locally so I think I can find them again) I have 1 pair which were swag from a race and I haven't seen the brand/type at any shops, and my 2 favourite pairs are actually ones I bought at WDW and I fear the day they begin to wear out. (Also, I have been told it's a bit odd that I haven't bought new socks in ~4 years but that's true!)