My garmin has it set up like this:
Z1 = 50-60%
Z2 = 60-70%
Z3 = 70-80%
Z4 = 80-90%
Z5 = 90%+
As of right now, I’m seeing my Z3 improve but improving Z2 is going to take me a while. I can have a conversation in Z3 using the Garmin percentages.
I’ve also seen other forums/websites have different percentages. Ex.
Z1 = 68-73%
Z2 = 73-80%
Z3 = 80-87%
Z4 = 87-93%
Z5 = 93%+
If I used this method, then my Z2 is the one that has been improving this whole time. This one ‘feels’ right to me when I’m running but I’ve only been running for a few months at this point (was running last year but got sick a few times and had to basically start all over) so maybe I just need to stick to it and the garmin method will start to make more sense.
So I was just curious how everyone has their percentages set up. What do you all actually train at?
a_fancy_kiwi
I just use the zones as preset on my Garmin watch. I don’t really care that much what percentages they are at exactly, for me it is enough that what the watch is showing me more or less matches my “feel” during a run.
I did a few months of doing weekend long runs mostly in Z2 according to my watch, and I did feel the improvement I wanted, and that is enough for me. To hell with exact percentages.
Your mileage may vary. :)