Training beyond my maximum heart rate

Question
I know that in theory my maximum heart rate is 191 less my age (29). When exercising at 85 percent capacity, my heart rate should be 162 bpm. The problem is that when I exercise at this rate, I don't feel like I'm working hard (and it's not because I'm fit ?it's always been like this!). When I exercise, my heart normally goes above 220 bpm and it will go to 249 if I run or play soccer. Is this normal? Or am I harming myself by exercising at these rates?

Thanks,
Dean  

Answer
The "220 minus your age" formula is flawed.  Many people experience what you have mentioned: how heart rates go really high and you're not affected greatly by it.  I don't think there's much harm, because most people wouldn't be able to handle those high heart rates for an extended period of time.  I've heard & read on Lance Armstrong's HR and how high that can get, it averages around 200 bpm when he was on the Tour de France.  

I would go on an exertion scale rating of 1-10, with 10 being an all-out effort.  This method works great with my clients and for myself and my athletes in training.

I hope this helps you well,

Rick Karboviak
http://tips.speeddialcoach.com