Q on bike LT test results

LTHR is supposed to go up as you get fit. Then you can push harder before the LT starts to build.

Even though it didn't feel like it, you probably were going a bit easier the second time around. It's not that big a difference - I would say it could due to margin of error, just having a bad day, your muscles are fatigued, etc.

Did your time improve though? That would also show if you're getting fit - going faster at the same (or lower) HR.

There are all kinds of things that can affect the results you find on an LT test. Seeing a change of 4bpm I would say is not significant when you take into account the other variables that may have played a role (i.e. varying conditions, motivation, amount of recovery, sleep, nutrtion, hydration, HRM glitches, etc).

Shane

Yes you could of went down, but without something that tells you how many watts you put out or how fast you were there is no real way. More watts, less HR better than more HR and less watts.

No need to worry.  Your LT HR is NOT a direct measure of fitness.  You can't compare your LT to anyone else and you really can't compare your LT today to what it was last year.  The goal is to become more eficient which doesn't necessarily mean increasing your LT.  You could simply become more efficient at the same HR = faster at the same effort level.  Your LT could even be lower but you could still be faster.  If you want a measure of your fitness or at least your potential then get a VO2max test.  You still can't compare this value to another person but it is a more direct measure of your personal conditioning.  The reason you want to repeat your LT test periodically is to adjust your training zones appropriately.  if you want a simple field test to guage your progress then go to the track and run a specific distance at a very steady HR.  For example, do a 3 mile time trial @ 155bpm.  Then every few weeks repeat the TT (3 miles at 155bpm).  If your time is decreasing over several repeats fo this field test then your are becoming a more efficient runner...covering the same distance at the same effort level in less time.  It's important to try to keep any external factors as close as possible from test to test...weather, fatigue level, hydration...anything that can impact your performance.

Another thing to note is that you really want to try to keep a steady effort/pace for the whole 30min TT.  The reason for taking the avg. over the last 20min is just to account for the fact that it will take awhile for your HR to "catch-up" to your effort level.  But the goal should be to go at a steady pace you can hold the whole 30min but still finish with an "empty tank".