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Source: Performance Training Systems
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Q: "I have a training friend who has seen a max HR in the range of 205, she is about 35. The good old rule of thumb would put her at about 220-35 = 185. I understand that is really only a laymans guideline, but I have never seen a reference to anybody in their mid 30's with a max hr in the 200's.

Have you seen this before? Most of the folks I train with seem to be at 190 max or lower for same age grouping. A cardioligist has seen her and said there is nothing wrong other than she is working too hard. My thought is she has a higher max hr than most folks her age and we just need to use LTHR test to identify her LT zone and possibly help prove out that she has a higher max around 205. I.E if LT is 185-190 then I think this would help to prove out her higher than "norm" max hr. "

A: Coach Patrick: While an HRmax of 205 might seem high, it certainly isn't. There are a great deal of more important variables other than age that will affect your training friend's HR. These include size, overall health/fitness level, ability to perform that particular sport (i.e. how efficient she is), temperature, and workout environment.

The bottom line is that HRmax is simply not the best way to judge fitness or training zones. Like any effort that requires you to go above and beyond, the more extreme the situation the less "repeatable" it is. From a scientific perspective, we want an environment we can consistently replicate to benchmark fitness improvement.

I personally use Lactate Threshold (LTHR) with all of my athletes. For endurnace athletes, this is best tested either professionally with a gas exchange analyzer or in a field test situation. In either case, the testing parameters of LTHR are much easier to replicate and can therefore be used frequently to check progress. Most of my atheltes will test every 4-6 weeks. I don't want them going too long without knowing how the plan is affecting their fitness. Good luck to your friend, but I seriously suggest she look into testing or doing a field test!

Performance Training Systems is a Boston-based triathlon coaching group serving multisport athletes of all ability levels. Over the last five years, PTS has helped more then 200 athletes reach their athletic potential. In addition to coaching, PTS offers camps, clinics, performance testing, and consulting services. Learn more at www.performancetrainingsystems.com.