5 Common Zone 2 Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

1. Running it too hard

The most common mistake by a wide margin. If your average HR is creeping into Zone 3 by minute 30, you started too fast.

2. Refusing to walk on hills

Walking the hill keeps the intensity correct. Your ego is not part of the prescription.

3. Ignoring heat and humidity

Hot weather can add 10 to 20 bpm at the same effort. Slow down or switch to RPE.

4. Quitting after a month

Aerobic adaptation is measured in months, not weeks. The improvement is real but quiet.

5. Skipping it entirely for speedwork

Speedwork on a thin aerobic base produces injuries, not personal bests.