A max HR test of the kind you ran should be set up as a series of
~1-minute runs (after warming up), building up to a final go (typically
4x). There's a track test that's good for this with running (do a
google search), or you can use a long hill, such as that bridge.
It helps to have a friend to hold the watch and egg you on. Steve's
correct about the usefulness of LT for most of us. Do you have any
1-2hr ski race results? That will give you an indication of your LT
for that length of time, tho note that skating HRs will typically be
higher than striding (and on snow a bit higher than rollerskis). For
running, to clarify, the LT-HR is the highest one (hardest) at which you
can maintain a steady pace (once warmed up) for 30-60 minutes. Piotr
Bednarski (http://www.gotraining.us/) does multisport lactate testing
in the TC and Prof. Dan Carey of St. Thomas does testing on a treadmill
or bike in their lab for a relatively low fee
(http://www.stthomas.edu/hhp/FacultyIndex/Carey.htm).

Gene

"Steve Thatcher" wrote:

You max heart rate will usually be higher for sking than running
because you are using your arms as well. More muscles involved, more
load on the heart, higher rate. Most people base their training zones
on Lactate Threshold heart rate. That is because LTHR is a better
indication of potential and it can be trained. LTHR is the item you
want to get higher. Read up on it. A good way to determine LTHR is
to go as heard as you can for 30-60 minutes and take your average HR
during that period. Then look up the zones bases on LTHR and plan
from there.