Easy Run in Zone 2 Heart Rate
Workout Plan:
- Easy Run – 30–40 Minutes
Run in Zone 2 heart rate (target under 142 bpm)
Fueling Plan:
- Pre-Workout: Low-carb meal (not fasted)
- During Workout: 232 calories per hour from a non-carb source
Execution & Reflections
Despite a touch of uncertainty around my sleep quality, I felt reasonably rested when I got up and decided to do my Easy Run in Zone 2 heart rate dance before the rain hit.
🌥️ Weather Report
The forecast threatened rain, but I got out the door around 7:00 am, under overcast skies and a temp of 4°C. With winds—and might I add, the now, ever-present winds—at 23.5 km/h from the east, it felt more like -3°C. I dressed for it—maybe a bit warmly—but I dodged the worst of the drizzle.
🥣 Fueling Strategy
About 90 minutes before my run, I had:
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
Fifteen minutes pre-run, I sipped 500ml Nuun-infused water with MCT oil. No bloat, no discomfort, and no need to carry anything else.
🎶 Drum Buddy On Duty
I ran the first 10 minutes with my Drum Buddy set at 150 BPM, but due to a playback mishap, it only played once. No matter—my legs locked into that rhythm and climbed to 155 BPM, staying there the rest of the way.
💨 Pacing & Heart Rate
Even though my average heart rate was in Zone 2, I noticed it trended a bit higher than expected. Still, I maintained nose breathing throughout the run, which some experts say is a better indicator of aerobic efficiency than heart rate alone. So, I went with it.
🚫 No Bells, Still Whistles
There was no fanfare on this one—no massive tempo surges or sprint finishes—but I felt strong and centered. That sense of joy from strengthening my aerobic engine keeps me showing up.
This run proves that practice makes progress.
💡 Takeaways
- My pre-run fueling protocol worked well today
- Running by feel, breath, and cadence might give me more confidence than purely HR numbers
- Even on basic Zone 2 easy runs, I’m finding small wins
Training plan designed by MoTTIV.