I’ve recently switched to a train to maintain plan in order to do more strength work in the winter time. I’ve noticed my estimated load for easy runs is now a lot higher than the realized load, usually 70 estimated versus 50 realized. This is despite me running at the prescribed HR and duration. The reason seems to be an issue I’ve mentioned before, that my zone 2 pace zone is set way too high. My runs usually end up at an average pace of around 6 mins/km, but the Athletica zone is 4:57-5:37, a pace I’ve never been close to at the indicated HR. Only with carbon shoes am I able to run close to 5:35 at that HR…
I’m worried the plan is ending up pretty distorted by the fact load is overestimated so badly.
Sorry you feel the load is overestimating your pace . May I ask what is your 5k tt and when did you do the test last?
Sounds like your 5k tt is quite fast and that is affecting your zone2 pace prescription. Let’s try to figure out a nice way forward, let me know your 5k time and when you did the test/race?
MJ
Hey Marjaana, you’re probably onto something with my 5k speed being quite fast relative to my zone 2 pace. My last test was done back in May and my time was 21:08, but I recently ran a slightly faster 5k during my half marathon in the beginning of November, I ran a 5k in 20:57 there. At least prior to my last marathon I felt I could probably run an all out 5k in around or just under 20 minutes.