All Episodes

August 30, 2025 37 mins

Zone 2 is the most popular training zone - but is it the only training zone you need? We delve into all five training zones and their unique benefits. You’ll learn how to determine each zone by heart rate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and talk test, plus how to use them in training.


*Laura misspoke around minute 23. The Cori cycle converts lactate into glucose, not glycogen, to then be shuttled back into the muscles to undergo anaerobic glycolysis.


Thank you to our sponsors:

✨ Upstep: Custom orthotics, molded from the comfort of your home. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH at https://www.upstep.com/?ref=cajmuang for $20 off your purchase.

✨ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients, including Muscle Health Plus (creatine). Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com


In this episode, you will learn:

✅ Why you need to train at intensities beyond zone 2

✅ How to calculate your training zones

✅ Is it worth running in zone 1?

✅ Is zone 3 really “the gray zone”?

✅ The value of threshold/zone 4 workouts

✅ The benefits of training in zone 5 (interval training

)✅ Why heart rate monitoring is less reliable in zone 5

✅ Can heart rate zones be used on race day?


References:

🔬 PMID: 39390310

🔬PMID: 38695978

🔬PMID: 36900796

🔬PMID: 40225831


Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/

➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/

➡️ Hundreds of evidence-based training tips on Laura’s website: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/

➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en

➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides:https://runtothefinish.com/

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Ruthie's Table 4

Ruthie's Table 4

For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.