Understanding MAF Heart Rate: Optimizing Training and Performance for Endurance

Understanding MAF Heart Rate: Optimizing Training and Performance for Endurance

I have a run MAF test tomorrow. I have read support material on the athletics site stating to use 180 - age or 130 bpm for those over 50. (I’m 51)

On my calendar for tomorrow when I click on the heart icon for the test segment, it suggests to stay in the 119-137 range. For reference my run heart rate zones calculated by athletica has the top of my zone 2 as 135.

Should I use 130, 135 or 137. I’m probably splitting hairs, but I’d like to do what will best meet the spirit of the test.

Hi Sean,

Apologies for the slight delay in getting back to you here. I can see on your profile that you performed this session perfectly. Looks like you chose 135 bpm and that worked out great. Check out your session analysis graph. Textbook.

Speaking of textbook, have a look at the following paper and scroll to figure 1. This is what you can expect with regular training and some of the other recommendations within the manuscript.

Best,

Paul