Recently I had my lactic balance point tested and now I know to do 80% of my training below 150bpm, and 20% at or above that. Very cool. So I'm really paying attention to my heartrate, and to DH's, as he's had the same thing done. What we've noticed is that after an effort that raises the heartrate - an interval or hill or whatever, his HR comes back down much faster than mine. I know that my year+ of not being able to exercise vigorously is playing a part here and that with further training it will improve.

What I really want to know is: what particular drills will help improve the speed of my HR recovery faster?

short intervals with full recovery in between?
short intervals with incomplete recovery?
long intervals with full recovery?
long intervals with incomplete recovery?

I want to know how best to focus my training for the next couple of months to prep for a metric century ride where I don't want to be a slug and still want to finish without being completely spent; and for an endurance mountain bike event with a partner, and for time trials, and for fun.

HR training specialists and anyone in the know - help!

Thank you so much! Hugs and butterflies,
~T~