I’m 38m, entering my third year of structured training, and coming from an ADS background so I just set my AnT at a Training Peaks recommended 170 and figured it was good enough while I focused on aerobic volume. My AeT HR has leveled out around 155-160; my most recent test I did a few days ago at 155 and that felt comfortable, so I thought it was time to test my AnT.

Following the DIY protocol for a self-identified “less-fit” athlete and because the hill outside my house isn’t large enough to go uphill for more than 30 minutes, I did a 30 minute time trial, and hit an average HR of 186, putting my AeT still well below the 10% test. I felt like there’s no way I could have sustained that effort for another 30 minutes and I suppose it’s common sense to think that if I did a 1 hour time trial I would have needed to pace at a lower HR.

I’m curious if we’re on the margins of ADS is the 30 minute time trial a useful number or should I retest at 45 minutes or 60 minutes? Or is this a good number and I should still shy away from adding intensity and keep trying to get my AeT HR up more?

Also, finally, how good is the Training Peaks suggestion for the AnT number? After this effort, I got a notification suggesting a threshold number of 180 – lower than my tested number but still higher than I’d wager I could sustain for an hour. Just curious if that number is worth anything!