RPE means rating of perceived exertion, 1 being very easy and 10 being crying for mama.
FT means Field Test. One does a field test to find lactate threshold heart rate or functional threshold power. IOW you need either a heart rate monitor or a power meter to find these things and use those numbers in your training. Google is your friend.
OTOH, slightly labored breathing should be comprehensible to anyone who rides.
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Results matter