My garmin has it set up like this:
Z1 = 50-60%
Z2 = 60-70%
Z3 = 70-80%
Z4 = 80-90%
Z5 = 90%+
As of right now, I’m seeing my Z3 improve but improving Z2 is going to take me a while. I can have a conversation in Z3 using the Garmin percentages.
I’ve also seen other forums/websites have different percentages. Ex.
Z1 = 68-73%
Z2 = 73-80%
Z3 = 80-87%
Z4 = 87-93%
Z5 = 93%+
If I used this method, then my Z2 is the one that has been improving this whole time. This one ‘feels’ right to me when I’m running but I’ve only been running for a few months at this point (was running last year but got sick a few times and had to basically start all over) so maybe I just need to stick to it and the garmin method will start to make more sense.
So I was just curious how everyone has their percentages set up. What do you all actually train at?
a_fancy_kiwi
Percentages don’t matter until you’re advanced. Use nasal breathing or the talk test for Z2 and you’re fine, and when doing speed work just gas yourself and recover
For some runners (maybe even a majority) that’s true. To me, the numbers are important. I want measurable results and properly calibrated goals to work towards. Half the fun in this for me is in the numbers
Why not measure the same thing everyone else does: pace, distance, and speed?
You’re measuring something no one else does. You ever wonder why no one else does? Maybe because measuring your zoned heart rate percentages is inaccurate as hell, like electrostatic body fat measurements
Why do chemists pipette liquids when they can’t get the exact amount of atoms in every drop? /s
‘Why measure something no one else does?’ is generally a foolish take.
Ok let me rephrase a little harsher, if you want to play the tit-for-tat game: you are a novice runner. By doing this, you are “majoring in the minors”. You are focusing on minutiae that does not matter to anyone. Your efforts will not get you anywhere. You aren’t bad at running because you don’t know This One Weird Trick no one talks about. You just need to run more
You’re right, I should do exactly what you do because you’ve perfected running. I’ve seen the light, no one should record measurements from their runs because they will never win as many Olympic medals as you’ve won. Genius
I’m not a good runner. Not even close. Which is why I would never make up my own rules for how to improve running. I’d look at what real runners and running coaches do