Jamie,

First, the "maximum heart rate" is a rule of thumb and does not apply to everyone.  Second, aerobic training (running) will increase your maximum heart rate.  Third, heart rate monitoring is a way to help with perceived effort.  The zones, just like the maximum heart rate, are guidelines, not fixed in stone.

So, keep running in the 140-155 bpm zone until you start longer runs.  In those runs, you should back off on your speed and heart rate.

If you want to find out more, there is a lot of information on the internet.

Good luck, and keep running.

Surfing Vol

This has been discussed several times in the last few months.  Here are a couple threads.

http://community.active.com/message/715006#715006

http://community.active.com/thread/80291

220 minus age is only valid for 50% or so of the general population.  It was not intended by its authors as a general rule.  You really need to be tested (in a lab or on your own) if you want to know your maximum (MHR).  Your MHR is fixed and personal, except: 1.) It is different for different types of exercise. Running seems to be highest; 2.) For a sedentary individual, it tends to drop by 1 beat per year as you age.

Len