Originally Posted by Allegheny Jet

Don't discount your ability due to you age. You are very new to this sport and you are riding some impressive numbers. Some people have a genetic gift and have a great desire to excel. I believe you are one of those people. Give yourself some time to improve and gradually introduce the harder training regime and also understand your progress is going to begin to slow down. .......

One question I have for you is regarding your maximum HR. Most people use a heart rate that they saw on a ride and since it's their highest reading assume that is their MHR. I have never seen my MHR while riding my bike. I have seen 168 bpm at the end of a 2 hour trainer class when we were doing build up sprints and on the last one I let every thing go. I have also hit 168 at the top of a 1.1 mile hill on the last interval when I finished up the last 150 meters off the saddle. s My coach suggested that I add 4 bpm making my MHR an estimated 172. How did you determine your MHR?