re: Max Heart Rate Question

I sit around 180 when I go 3miles at 10min pace. I've also gone for a 3mile run at an 8 min pace and average 185.

I've never really understood the heart rate thing. I think it has more to do with the person and their conditioning. For instances my FIL (in his early 70s) goes for 5-6 mile runs at 10:30 pace and his HR never goes over 150.

I could also give you examples of swimmers that have insanely high HR's 190 plus who compete with other swimmers are similar in skill and speed who never go over 170.