Originally posted by Jcdyess
It is a LT test not necessarily a max hr test. I did the one posted here on BT and it is similar. You take your avg hr for the maxed out time period and it is supposed to be your LT. Garmin and BT use that number to calculate hr zonesi just did it last week.
Ok, since it was a LTHR test and not a MHR test, you would get bad zones by entering 148 into the MHR box on Garmin connect. If you set your heart rate zones on this site
(details here:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=... ), it will use that LTHR number and here is what you get:
1 - Recovery 97 - 122
2 - Extensive Endurance 122 - 132
3 - Intensive Endurance 132 - 138
4 - Sub-Threshold 139 - 147
5a - SuperThreshold 148 - 151
5b - Anaerobic Endurance 152 - 156
5c - Power 157 - 162
They define Zone 4 maxing out
(and Zone 5 starting
) at the point that you could theoretically hold for 1 hour. That is what that 2X8 minute test is supposed to simulate. A better test once you are a bit further into your training would be the more common 20 minute field test
(detailed here:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=... ). Since it is closer to one hour, it will give a better number. But since it is very, very difficult to max out for an hour
(and still tough for 20 minutes
), we get by with shorter tests, use that number and accept it may be a little off.
Also, it is guessing that your max HR is above 160, but that is in no way guaranteed. I wouldn't bother testing that. Just wear the HR strap every time, and take note of the MHR every workout. If you get a high score, check that the HR plot looks legit
(i.e. not like the first pic here:
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/04/troubleshooting-your-heart-rate.... ) and there is your latest MHR.