El Presidente
"I train conservatively so that I can race recklessly."
run-easy-race-hard
I can't tell you enough (as a MAF trainer) how good it is to use the monitor during Boston. If you're not a MAF trainer then it really doesn't matter. Now, I should define "use". I do not mean you should pick a heart rate and stick with it. (I know my best marathon heart rate and even I don't pick a heart rate and stick with it - I still make many adjustments during the race based on how I feel.) If you're going to do that, then you will be doing exactly what everyone warns about. However, if you have an idea of what your anaerobic threshold is (a great estimate is "true" MAF/.85), then you can realize that you'd simply better stay away from it unless you're beyond about mile 20, at which case you can approach and go over it over the last few miles. For the first few miles (assuming you have any control over your pace at all - last year, I was trapped for at least 3 miles and couldn't do nearly what I wanted) you can use the monitor both to keep yourself under control and to be not overly conservative. Ultimately, if you can keep from obsessing over your monitor (unless you're over AT - then you should obsess and get yourself down), then use it. But use a mix of heart rate, pace, and feel, where feel is the number one thing. It will really help you not waste the downhills. For me, the only uphill that was anything over a rinky-dinky little bump was just past mile 20. The earlier ones (if there were any) I didn't notice.
Do what you think would be the most fun.
P.S. But keep yourself in check when the Wellsley gals ask for a kiss...
Oh, come on, you whiny liberals are always spewing out that nonsense.
Ok, so that's a step in the right direction.
Tracking your heart rate during a race can provide valuable insights into your current effort level and help you adjust your pace effectively. It can prevent you from starting too fast and burning out early or running too slow and potentially missing out on your performance potential. For some individuals, heart rate monitoring can be motivating and provide a sense of control over their performance. Like when playing basketball in basket random, I can choose to wear sneakers or sneakers. Or maybe don't go at all. It's as simple as what you need and what suits you.