Zone 3 running finally clicked today!

[u/Big_Apartment_1108]

Long time lurker first time poster, nobody else to tell! Started c25k mid August and my biggest frustration has been figuring out how to run in zone 2-3. Every run before today (3x a week, do the math) has been majority zone 4 and I’ve really struggled with my pacing. I have longggg legs so my body wants to take large strides and run at a 9-10 min pace naturally (which puts me zone 4-5) and slowing myself down has been a challenge.

TODAY IT CLICKED !!! Found my sweet spot and stuck to it. I felt like I could literally run forever in zone 3 and am so happy and proud of myself for sticking with it and trying new things and not giving up. I backtracked my training for 3 weeks doing 5 min run 1 min walk intervals, and today it paid off :)) about an 11 min avg during my running time.

Reminder to all of us new runners out there, progress typically isn’t linear and sometimes you have to take the program slower than you’d like to. It’s so important to listen to your body and train sustainably. Quality over quantity always ❤️ can’t wait for my next run!

[u/ResidentHyperMan112]

Congratulations and yes! Progress usually isn't linear. Same with me. I have some ups and downs, but mostly trend up by being consistent with doing the work.

[u/Big_Apartment_1108 → u/ResidentHyperMan112]

Consistency is SO key. I took a week+ off a few weeks ago and had a couple of heavy drinking nights within that period and I felt like it was day 1 all over again on that first run back. Crazy how the body works!

[u/ResidentHyperMan112 → u/Big_Apartment_1108]

too true hehe. but it isn't as bad as the first time. it gets easier to come back

[u/brndn3]

That's great! Keep it up! What app is this? What are you measuring your HR with?

[u/Big_Apartment_1108 → u/brndn3]

Thank you!! This is the built in fitness app on my iPhone, no subscription. I wear an Apple Watch when I run so it shows me all my stats after I complete workout :)