My run today was a race rehearsal, and it included some useful equipment failures. Specifically, more on the Garmin HRM chest strap issue. I applied KY Jelly to the contact patches and smeared Vaseline on my chest above the strap and on the outside of the left front part of the strap where the wires run over to the side contact -- seems to be a ground point. Was going to wear my Newton top but a seam split (failure #1) so I substituted a TYR running singlet, one made of the new, hi-tech fabric that has been reported to be problematic and has caused me problems in the past. I also have an Adidas singlet made of the same stuff, same problem. HR drops to walking pace after about an hour into the run. Sure enough, just after my water stop at Kawaikui Beach Park on my return my HR went low. First I stopped, removed the strap, licked the pads and tried again. Still too low. Since others had blamed the shirt fabric, I took off my shirt, showing no regard for the well being of passing cars blinded by the flash of white flesh. It took a few minutes, but things got back to normal so I ran to the finish bare-chested. Passed a group of Japanese women waiting under parasols at a bus stop who looked terrified at the sight. Back home, I tried one of Patties old Polar straps, but Polar does not speak Ant+ which Garmin does. Then I tried a Timex strap, and it synced right up. These have a much better reputation, so from now until race day Ill be wearing a Timex strap and Garmin receiver. The best of both worlds.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 01:13:54 +0000
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