Explain it to me like I’m 5 - Running edition

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my competitive nature won’t let me run 10-11 minute mile.

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Get a HR monitor. Find your zone 2 HR range. Run/walk in that range and not a timed pace.


Zone 2 training has been the hardest thing I've ever tried. Mentally, it's really hard to do.


ETA: I will get my VO2 checked again after my half marathon in April. If my VO2 has improved, I'll keep going with the zone 2 stuff.

Are you doing leg day then running? You mentioned leg pain. How long are you stretching before your run?

You have to start slow and build if you want to get in better shape.

It is a pain but honestly becomes the norm as you get better. My advice is to run for time instead of a distance.

On your next run, go for 30 minutes instead of a certain amount of miles. This will slow you down and make you stay moving for the entire time. If you come out like a mad man to start you will burn out. This to me is the most effective way to slow yourself down.

Everyone is different though baw. Building the right way will limit injuries and will make you appreciate running much more.

The leg pain is mostly from being new to running, but do yourself a favor and get some new running shoes. Actual running shoes sold by a running shoe store, not whatever Nike/Adidas is $50 at Dick’s.

I’m certainly no expert but the best advice I ever got was:

Make your hard runs hard and your easy runs easy.

Zone 2 runs 2-3 x week has worked for me . I mix in some interval stuff intermittently.

Core workouts and yoga/stretching combined with slowing down most of my runs have limited the nagging injuries.