First it was speedometers, then cadence sensors, then HRMs, then power meters. Congratulations, you're on your way to better riding. My biggest suggestion would be a visit to local gyms, to see which ones can provide a metabolic assessment profile (MAP) test. This will allow you to determine YOUR heart rate zones, so the numbers on your HRM can have personalized meaning. I've done this several times, and have programmed my Garmin with my zone splits. Now, it shows me HR as a zoned number, i.e. 1.4, 2.1, 3.7 (the decimal is an approximation of where my HR is within the zone boundaries). I find this incredibly useful for managing my effort and training (along with all of the power meter goodies we have on our tandem...).