Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Zen and the Art of Endurance - My take on HRM use

In a message dated 11/30/2002 3:55:46 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
mark@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

<<     I have more of this in my mind, but my best advice tonight to a new
 endurance rider is to ride alone.  Don't follow the rest, relying on you
 horse's herd instincts to keep him going.  FEEL him, and know when he is
 tired and when he is distracted.  KNOW when he needs a break, or can go
 ahead.  Do not rely on the LCD screen to tell you what you need to know.  It
 can lie, and it can distort your ability to speak to each other.
 
 Laura Hayes  AERC #2741 >>

I think all of what Laura said was quite true - and very well written despite 
her "disclaimer."  BUT...while the HRM is no substitute for being able to 
read your horse, it is a VERY valuable aid and, if one has the sense to use 
it as just that, it IS invaluable!  When the sport places so very much 
emphasis on the horse's heart rate, it is essential to know where that rate 
is!  Unless, of course, one is sooooooooo good that they can simply read the 
difference in their horse between 65 bpm and 59.  I often do not agree with 
ole Howard - but I find it amusing that he has so alienated people that they 
would argue with him if he said the sky were blue.  (It is a horrible rare 
gray here in So Cal today.  Think I'll saddle up and go for a ride in the 
rain.)
:o)
Scott

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