High cycling heart rate

First, congratulations on completing your first Tri! 

Next, I have to ask whether you've had a recent physical or have told your doctor that you're training for triathlons.

Everyone is going to be a bit different, but your heart rates are way on the high side, particularly for your age.  Especially that 198 number.  Using the 220 - age formula as a rough approximation, your max HR would be around 165 bpm.  

How are you measuring your HR?  If you're using a monitor are you sure it's working correctly? 

For comparison, I'm 53 and through testing last year determined that my lactic threshold HR was 157 bpm.  From that my zone 2 training zones work out to be 127-140 on the bike and 134-143 for running.  My resting HR is on the low side at 42 bpm.

My advice would be to talk with your doc just to make sure you're on solid ground. 

I'm speaking as someone who had open heart surgery five years ago, so I'm not one to take cardiac issues lightly.

Mark

I would watch it but not worry about it to much.

I'm 44 and often see HR's in the 220's. It used to freak me out, went to a cardiologist and they did tests and I'm fine. I figure it is the way my hear warms up, HRM is just off, or something else weird goes on...but not what you are asking.

I do see some high numbers that I believe..running intervals last week my HR hit 198.

Breathing hard and having a high HR go hand in hand. How did you set your HR training for the bike you mentioned? By a formula or by a bike test?

Also if you are hot and/or well rested your HR is often high and if you are cold and or fatigued your HR is often Low.

I redo my HR zones about every 3 months based on testing protical my coach gives me. They don't change much...biggest change is from indoor trainer rides on the bike to outdoor my HR zone changes.  Normally my HR zones may change 1-2 beats either direction every 3 months.