Training zones (Page 2)

Originally posted by AdventureBear This is one example of where training "like an elite" can benefit an age grouper. I realize this is in a way the opposite of what Ben is saying...but the reality is that without knowing all of yoru training history its pretty tough to suggest how to best continue making forward progress. if at some point you decided that you wanted to do most of your run training in zones 2 & 3, and now are finding that you can't run uphill outside of zone 3...IE you're in zone 4 or even *gasp* zone 5...what makes you want to then decide that running in zone 4/5 is what you should be doing instead? Competitive means what to you? who are you competing against when you go uphill over the HR zone you'd established for yourself? I'm not saying that you must adhere to lower HR zones when training, just asking some quesoitns that you can ask yourself to help gain confidence in what you've decided to do. I read a quote today that sounds like it fits...stick with one course of action to the end. IN this case, "to the end" may mean that you stop making consistent pace improvements when running in zone 3. Or keep up that run'walk pattern until you can run up the hill (not walk) in zone3. it will happen eventually. However, there are lots of different ways to train, adn maybe sprinting or jogging briskly up that hill is what will help you most right now. How do you know? The good news is that if you didnt' follow a plan before and now you're following ANY PLAN AT ALL...you'll probably improve. If youre improving, keep doing what youre doing until you're not improving. If you don't know whether or not your improving, the make a plan on your training calendar to test your current fitness appropriately and retest again. What's appropriate? if you're doing all zone 2/3 running you should probably do an efficiency test to establish a baseline rather than a 5k test. (but how do you set zones without doing a 5k test? ) You can do both. Do a 5k or 20min TT etst to set current zones. Train in those zones in whatever your plan suggests. If your goal is to train aerobically then do an aerobic test as well! restest your aerobic test and you'll see quick improvement. When you see improvement in the aerobic test, repeat the 5k test to see if you're zones have changed. Theres lots of ways to skin a cat. Mostly what others have said is true..be consistent, listen to your body. Don't compete with imaginary competitors, and dont confuse "run fast uphill" with a competitive spirit. A true competitive spirit is even more patient that it's desire to win.