Are you confused about all the zone 2 chatter on social media? Do you experience frustration when you try to run and your watch tells you running in zone 3 despite it feeling easy? There is so much information about zone 2 and running - and some of it is correct, some of it is over-simplified, and some is over-exaggerated.

In this episode, you will learn what exactly zone 2 is - and how much it actually matters for running. We answer your questions about zone 2 and dispel myths about zone 2.

You will learn:

✅ Different tests and formulas to accurately calculate your zone 2

✅ If you need to use heart rate for easy runs

✅ If new runners should worry about heart rate zones

✅ Variables that can impact your heart rate while running

✅ Why zone 2 is not the only training zone that matters

✅ The importance of fueling during long zone 2 runs

✅ How to manage hills during easy runs

Thank you to our sponsors:

➡️ BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/

➡️ Previnex: Previnex creates clinically effective, third-party tested supplements made with high-quality ingredients. Use the code treadlightly for 15% off your first order at previnex.com

Let’s stay connected:

➡️ Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning

➡️ 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/

References:

PMID: 31045681

PMID: 24408353

PMID: 35661059

PMID: 39616560

PMID: 26578968

Are you looking for a good audiobook to listen to as you start logging more miles this summer? We have a whole list of audiobook recommendations for your long runs, plus our current favorite running books.

Our recommendations include:

• Up to Speed by Christine Yu
• Peak Performance by Steve Magness and Brad Stulburg
• Run to the Finish by Amanda Brooks
• Out of Thin Air by Michael Crawley
• Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman
• Everything Fat Loss by Ben Carpenter
• The Athlete’s Gut by Patrick Wilson
• Run Like a Pro by Matt Fitzgerald
• The Explorer’s Gene by Alex Hutchinson
• How Bad Do You Want It By Matt Fitzgerald
• Brazen by Julia Haart (audiobook)
• Project Hail Mary; The Martian; Artemis by Andy Weir (audiobook)
• The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb (audiobook)
• Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (audiobook)
• I’m Glad by Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (audiobook)
• Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
• Lost Gods by Brom

This episode is sponsored by:

• Skratch: Use code TREADLIGHTLY for 20% off first purchase at https://www.skratchlabs.com/discount/ABROOKS?redirect=/products/skratch-labs-sample-pack?utm_source=ABrooks&utm_medium=ABrooks&utm_campaign=Podcast531
• BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/
• The show notes contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing and support the show creators.

Let’s stay connected:

• Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning
• 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/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend!

In this episode, we are joined by the wonderful Mirna Valerio, a best-selling author, content creator, and accomplished ultra runner and multisport athlete. Mirna discusses how she learned to embrace new sports and hobbies during a long break from running. Whether you take an intentional or forced break from running, you’ll learn a lot from her discussion on identity, the mental side of a break from running, and more.

In this episode, you’ll learn from her about:

• Identity and running
• How she ventured into other sports, including cycling and skiing
• Mindset shifts from running to broader training
• How to embrace being a beginner in a new sport
• How to know if you should take a break from running
• Why it is beneficial to expand to sports and hobbies beyond running

This episode is sponsored by:

• Tifosi Optics: Shatter-proof, anti-bounce, comfortable, and stylish sunglasses made for running. Get 20% off using this link!
• BodyBio: Research-backed, practitioner-trusted supplements. Use code AMANDA25 for 25% off at https://runtothefinish.com/bodybio/

Let’s stay connected:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Mirna at https://themirnavator.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/themirnavator/
• Join our community at patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning
• 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/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow and comment on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend!