Hey guys, I am not a member of Portland Fit (I was 6 years ago before I moved to Chicago!), but am in the newly formed Chicago Fit...unfortunately, our forum is absolutely silent so I thought I might come here for a little help instead! That said, here is my problem: The transmitter of my heart rate monitor is rubbing me raw on my long runs! I know about body glide, but I'm not sure if this will mess with the transmitter or not. I've asked a few people and everyone seems hesitant to give me the go ahead. Has anyone put it on there before? Or does anyone have any other suggestions? Am I wearing it too tight, too loose? It really helps me pace myself to run with it and I don't want to have to give it up! Thanks for your help!

Nicole,
I'm sure Eric Lewis will step up to help. In the mean time, can you give us a little more info. Are you using the T-31 or the WearLink strap? The WearLink is softer on the skin and the monitor can be used with the new women's tops that have the snaps built in to them. There are also sports-bras on the market that hold the T-31 model straps.

For me, if it feels a little snug to start with, it feels fine by the time the perspiration soaks the band and loosens it up. I know, kinda gross! But, I never have to worry about it slipping down either. Snug means it shouldn't be moving on you when you run. I'm assuming that that action is causing the rubbing.

As far as BodyGlide goes, if you are using the mostly plastic T-31, I'd try it out unless Eric says otherwise. At least that model is easier to clean the BodyGlide off of.

Good Luck and good job using a monitor and continuing your running!!

Doug

I have the Polar F11. Didn't want to get anything too high-tech until I saw what heart rate monitors were all about. The band doesn't seem to bother me at all, its just the plastic transmitter that is killing me! Maybe I need to make it a bit more snug and see if that helps!

BodyGlide is unlikely to cause damage to the transmitter -- after all many people wear HRMs when swimming in pools, and I imagine chlorine is much more destructive to the transmitter materials than than BodyGlide. You could always contact Polar-USA with questions if you want to get the straight dope from the manufacturer.

As noted by Doug, you should play with the positioning and tension of the strap. It seems like the running position works well with a well-fitted monitor -- cycling in a racing position tends to be harder for women since the hunched position can make the transmitter dig into the skin.

Nicole:

Good to hear that you are still running!

Please do NOT use BodyGlide on the WearLink Transmitter. BodyGlide is NOT conductive and will make your readings erradic. I recommend LiquaSonic ultrasound gel.

Chester Labs Web site

You can try other brands as long as they are ultrasound gel. Your local pharmacy should carry one. I have tested a few different brands and the LiquaSonic is the best for a couple of reasons. Ultrasound gel

1. will provide a protective layer between your skin and the transmitter.
2. is conductive, so it will not interfere with the transimtter receiving your heart signal.
3. does not evaporate, so you will be able to use it for long runs.
4. does not stain your clothes.
5. will provide a semi-adhesive bond between the transmitter and skin to keep the transmitter from sliding out of position.
6. will clean off with running water and a fingernail brush or an old toothbrush.

Everyone that attends my Maximizing Performance with a Heart Rate Monitor receives an 8.5 fl.oz. bottle of the gel for attending. If you can't find any, send me an email (eric@StressThenRest.com) and I will send you a bottle for $5 plus S&H.

Make sure that your skin heals before you wear your transmitter again. I know this is hard to do, once you are use to using the heart rate monitor, but you don't want the skin being irritated before it is fully healed.

As for the tightness of the strap, it only has to be tight enough to keep the transmitter from sliding down below your rib cage. So, whatever feels comfortable to you and gives you a good signal is what you should use.

I usually recommend that women tuck the transmitter and elastic strap under the bottom of their sports bra. That position usually keeps the transmitter from moving. For some women, tucking the transmitter under their bra does not work for them, they usually just leave the transmitter under their shirt. Experiment and see what works for you.

As long as your are getting good, consistent heart rate data and the transmitter does not slide down, then the elastic strap and transmitter are tight enough. If you start to get erroneous readings, then you might want to make sure that the conductive strips on the end of the elastic strap are saturated with tap water. You will find an article at the following web page:

StressThenRest.com Articles Web Page

That lists some troubleshooting steps.

Let me know if you have other questions about increasing your pace, burning body fat or reducing your injuries with a heart rate monitor.

Eric

My point about BodyGlide was exactly the conductivity aspect. And I bet trying to clean it out of a WearLink would be a B!t¢h !?!

Doug

Thanks for the great info! I will look for the gel. I'm pretty sure I will not be healed by Saturday so I'll definitely have time to pick some up before the next use. This weekend's run is only 8 miles so I think I should be able to make it okay without the HRM. Thanks again for all the helpful information! You guys rock!

Nicole are you the former Eight Ball Nicole?

Good luck with the heart rate transmiter issue.

The transmitter that came with my s625x is a big improvement over the older ones. There is much less rigid plastic to deal with.

Michael

Unfortunately, I am not Eight Ball Nicole She sounds fun... Thanks for all the help, everyone!