... there is a lot of individual variability in max HR. Only way to know is to max it out with a monitor on. I've found 5K's are good for that if put in a real kick at the end. Also, don't trust the "max HR" a monitor gives you for a workout. They typically don't record a long enough interval so it will show a spike that's higher than reality. True max HR should be sustainable for several minutes, though holding it that high for even 20-30 seconds is adequate evidence that your not seeing a spike.
Makes sense! Going to a skating endurance workout tonight, so I'll see what I can do. Won't be race effort, but at least a stable HR during a tempo effort should give a lower bound!
I've never done roller derby, but hockey certainly spikes your HR. There's a reason they change lines every 2-3 minutes!
Yep, similar for roller derby! Jams last up to 2 minutes each, and lines + jammer switch out each one unless they're in the box when the jam ends. Not the type of workout I'm used to!