Originally Posted by ScottBolton

I'm 47 which, according to a commonly adopted formula (205.8−[0.685 × Age]), means that my maximum heart rate is 173. What does this mean? Is it the maximum I should let my heart get to or is it the limit above which my heart will explode? I ask because at the weekend I hit 187 cycling over a bridge in Holland. Ok I was pushing it, but my average is typically very close to this maximum estimate. I "train" with a HRM but really this just means I record my HR during my rides. I have tried to stay within a zone, 4 or 5, but I just get bored. Should I be riding differently?

S