United States
Michael Wardian
Professional Ultra-runner
I have been a fan of Polar since I got serious about my training in 2001. I noticed that a lot of the top coaches and athletes trained using heart rate data and I thought if I wanted to make the next step in my evolution as an athlete, I should learn about how to train in a more measured and consistent way. I found Polar was the most trustworthy and reliable brand of heart rate monitor out there. Polar has always impressed me with the quick, accurate and reliable data in an easy to use interface. I use the data to train and race at the correct intensity, regulate my effort levels, recover and ultimately push myself beyond anything I thought possible but in a safe, calculated and efficient manner.
About
Professional endurance athlete with a focus on marathons and ultra marathons but I race any distance from 1 mile up to hundreds of miles. I grew up playing lacrosse and found running my junior year at Michigan State University. I decided to run the Boston Marathon and was hooked and want to continue to evolve and grow in the sport.
My major accomplishments are: numerous Guinness World Records, Team USA member, USATF National Champion, IAU 50k & 100k Medalist, 2:17:49 Marathon PR.
I have been using Polar products for over 20 years and have been impressed with the accuracy and quality. Polar allows me to push my limits and do so with thought, deliberate analysis and consistency.
Discipline:
Running (marathon & ultra-marathon)
Born:
April 12, 1974
Personal bests:
14:55min (5K, Kentlands, 2006)
30:55min (10K, Pikes Peak, 2013)
51:25min (10 miler, Cherry Blossom, 2009)
1:06:30h (Half marathon, Philadelphia Distance run, 2011)
2:17:49h (Marathon, Grandma’s Marathon, 2011)
5:21:00h (50 miler, Comrades Marathon, 2010)
6:42:11h (100K, 2011 IAU-World Championships)
15:27:31h (100 miler, Great Cranberry Island, 2018)
Pre-race ritual:
Taping my nipples.
Proudest sporting moment:
Running 631 miles across Israel in 2019. It took all the years of training, racing and competing to have the skill set to be able to do it and it was something that terrified me but I did it.
Products
Career highlights
2019
Israel National Trail
Fastest Known Time 631 Miles in 10 days, 16 hours and 36 mins
Washington, DC Beltwa
Fastest Known Time 17:54:59
2018
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
184.5 Miles-36:36:12
2017
World Marathon Challenge
7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents, 2:45 average marathon time
2011
IAU 100k World championship
2nd place 6:42:11
From the blog
Stretching Vs Mobility: What’s the Difference?
Polar Ambassador and Personal Trainer Jack Hanrahan explains the individual benefits and how should you incorporate them into your training.Polar Wearables Honored for Keeping Finns Active During a Difficult Year
We have exciting news all the way from our HQ in Finland: Polar wearables have received a special acknowledgment in the annual Finnish Sports Gala.Year in Review: How 2020 Has Changed Our Health
Our Polar Research Centre has had a unique insight into the development of our changes throughout the year. Here are some of their observations on the way this year has changed our approach to wellbeing.Q&A With Polar Expert: Nightly Recharge vs. Recovery Pro
Polar’s very own recovery specialist, senior researcher Ph.D. Daniela Schäfer Olstad chatted to us about the differences and synergies between these two options so you know which one is best for you.Unlock Your Progress With These Polar Vantage V2 Tests
By regularly tracking your progress with these easy to use Polar Vantage V2 tests, you can maximize your training and recovery by accessing the data you need. And the best part? Your Vantage V2 does all the hard work for you.FAQ: Polar Vantage V2 – All Your Questions Answered
We know that you’re excited about our latest premium multisport watch, Polar Vantage V2 because you have so many questions! So we’ve rounded up all the FAQs you have right here. From GPS and the latest training features to comparing its design with our previous models, we’ve put our Vantage V2 in the hot seat so you can see how outstandingly well it shapes up.