Zone 2 Q&A: Can You Run Too Slow? When Does Easy Pace Get Faster?
The Strength Running Podcast
Exploring Easy Pace and Zone 2 Running with Listener Questions
In this chapter, the host continues the conversation with master's runner Nadine, unraveling the complexities of easy pace running, zone two training, and integrating speed work into marathon preparation. Listeners can gain insights into deciphering the differences between running easy and slow, and how to effectively implement these strategies in their training routines.
Have we put Zone 2 running on an undeserved pedestal?
A recent episode with Brady Holmer dug into Zone 2 as it relates to heat training.
One listener named Nadine emailed me some great questions to follow up on the Zone 2 conversation.
Like many of you, easy running has gotten confusing for Nadine because of so much of the advice on the internet to never go faster than Zone 2 and the value of very slow running. But Nadine was feeling better at slightly faster paces!
I figured it'd be more helpful to record a conversation about these topics as a follow-up to our episode with Brady, and Nadine agreed.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Zone 2 for non-elite, less experienced runners
- How and when to increase the speed of easy/long runs
- Is there such a thing as too slow?
- What if “too slow” corresponds to the right heart rate?
- Benefits of Zone 3 running for low-volume runners
- Polarizing training and recovery runs
- Running in the heat and heat adaptation
- How do you determine your easy running pace?
If you like what you hear in this episode, send it to a friend who runs!
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Make sure you’ve followed or subscribed to the show-- I’m planning another episode with a performance PhD to talk more about the significant value of Zone 3 running.
- The episode with Brady Holmer
- Follow @jasonfitz1 on Instagram
- Get free injury prevention tips
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Thank you Previnex!
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Thank you MOBO Board!
Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the board to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!
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I was recently at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.
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