Hello – sorry for another post about the drift test, but I’d like some help interpreting my two attempts. I tried to post this last night, but think I was filtered out because I included training peaks links. I’ll screen shot this time.

8 weeks into structured training, annual volume of 600 hours in 2020, lots of time at low intensity. Max HR of 214bpm, I have not completed an AnT test, but I plan to next week. I warmed up for both tests for 15 minutes, the warm ups are not included in the files.

AeT Test #1: Very well rested, aimed for 150bpm, the course was an out and back with 60ft of loss, then 60ft of gain. I think that threw off the test, leading me to believe my AeT was near ~155bpm when it was not.
2.4% Pa:Hr, 152 bpm avg, 1h, 9:20min/mi, 6.5mi, ~60’+/-

8 weeks laters… AeT Test #2: I have been training with 157bpm at top of Z2 based on the past test. With the uphill/downhill nature in mind I decided to retest on a loop aiming for 160bpm, hoping to slightly overshoot my AeT. Instead, I had a “better” result, and am questioning the tests validity.
0.4% Pa:Hr, 162bpm, 1h, 9:10min/mi, 6.6mi, ~80’+/- (but rolling terrain this time!)

Both efforts were certainly aerobic. The second test I had more trouble maintaining a consistent HR, partially because I was unfamiliar with running at this pace. I was not as well rested for the second test, but was rested.

I plan to retest, and am considering running on a track if that’s advisable. Open to any feedback about these tests but am particularly curious if (1) either is valid (2) which to place more reliance on, and suggestions for a HR to aim for in future testing. Regardless I’ll keep running at an easy pace, but would like to nail down my HR zones before the long base period.

Thank you,
Miles