Subject: RE: Base training with Mathetone heart rates There are issues with using a formula instead of a test to determine HR training zones and would suggest that if you have the fitness, a test is a much better method to determine training zones. Also, there are differences between the Maffetone method and others so your confusion is likely coming about as a result of that. Not sure what you mean by aeobic max but I would guess you mean 185-age for the Maffetone but for the 60-80% number you mention, it is probably talking about lactate threshold HR (LTHR ) which is why there is a disconnect.
If you are going to use the Maffetone method, then once you get the book, read it and follow what is in it. Personally I wouldn't follow the Maffetone method, primarily because of the calculation to determine a HR and also because capping your HR at an aribtrary HR has little value in building fitness. You do want to train at levels appropriate to your fitness but this doesn't happen just by saying that your HR will always be below XXXbpm.
I would suggest you check out the 220-age thread here (by Mike Ricci ) and then apply those principles to your training.
Shane |