Z2 Heart Rate runs - minimum duration?

SickBoy

I've been trying to adjust my training to include more specific aerobic workouts, long slow distance type stuff to build endurance.

I often go running at work but due to the fact I only get a short lunch break I can only get 30 mins of running done - is this too short to be an effective Z2 workout and would I be better off doing higher intensity stuff in my lunch breaks and schedule longer runs outside work?

I realise I'm going to need to do longer runs as well but is it worth doing extra short slow runs at lunch?

Any input appreciated!

HarryD

Sickboy,

They all add up.

Assuming this is your off season there is nothing wrong with doing one quality lunchtime session per week. At this time of year probably a real tempo run/lactate threshold run. 5 min warm up & cool down with 20 min of tempo should work wonders. Can alternate with more technical runs such as focussing on light feet/ picking feet up as well as breathing and upper body relaxations.

Save the more intense stuff until you start building for competition.

Hope this helps

HarryD

SickBoy

Thanks for the advice Harry, I'm really getting into this HR zone stuff now. I've never really trained very technically before so I'm keen to see how much of a difference this will make - normally I'd just do everything by feel but having the HR monitor on is defniately making me keep pace better. Without it I'd just feel like I was running way too slowly...