The 1% Better Runner with DLake

What’s the one thing most runners get wrong about “easy training”?Is your “easy run” truly setting the stage for your success—or quietly sabotaging your training? In this episode, we uncover how to correctly define easy training, why heart rate zones need to be personalized, and how to avoid the pitfalls of the gray zone.You’ll learn practical tests to determine your effort levels and discover why even the pros treat “easy” differently. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced runner, these insights will help you train smarter and perform better.Timestamps[00:00] Are your easy runs setting you up for success or sabotaging your progress?[01:15] What makes a run truly "easy"? Mental arithmetic and breathing tests explained.[02:41] Using the breathing countdown test to check heart rate accuracy.[04:09] Can a run ever be "too easy"? Understanding objectives and recovery.[07:57] Why Maffetone's principles work differently for advanced and beginner runners.[09:43] The gap between easy and race paces for elites versus everyday runners.[10:01] Resting heart rates and the importance of heart rate reserve in training.[12:20] Debunking myths about maximum and Maffetone heart rates.[13:18] Customizing heart rate zones for higher resting and maximum heart rates.[15:00] How base training builds longevity and aerobic fitness.Key TakeawaysUnderstand what "easy" really means: Learn why your easy runs should feel effortless and how the nasal breathing or chatting tests can help define them.Heart rate zones are personal: Discover how factors like your fitness level and resting heart rate impact the effectiveness of heart rate training.Balance is the key to progress: Understand how alternating between truly easy runs and challenging efforts prevents overtraining and maximizes results.Links & Learnings📈 Get your free 30-day 1% better base training & habits guide - https://dlakecreates.com/basefree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/easyrunningFollow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesFollow Mike Trees on Instagram - https://instagram.com/run.nrgFollow me on Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507IMAT Heart Rate https://dlakecreates.com/imatMaffetone 180 Formula https://dlakecreates.com/maf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the thing that helps you run faster now also protects you from becoming fragile later?In this episode, I break down VO2 max in the most practical way possible: what it is, why runners should care, how much your watch can actually be trusted, and why the number matters for way more than race performance. We get into the difference between VO2 max, threshold, running economy, zone 2, hard intervals, and field testing. And we do it all without turning it into a science textbook.The bigger idea is simple: VO2 max is not just about running faster. It is about building a higher ceiling now so you have more room to perform, recover, age well, and avoid becoming fragile later. We also cover the workouts that actually move the needle, why easy running alone is probably not enough if you are time-poor, and how to start adding VO2 max work without blowing yourself up.Timestamps[00:01:46] Vo2 Max Defined[00:03:42] What's The difference between watch and mask treadmill lab test[00:05:20] Use This To Improve Your Vo2 Max Now[00:07:11] Why Vo2 Max isn't the only metric to make you a better runner[00:07:51] Brady's back story and his Vo2 Max of 80[00:08:54] Is the Car Analogy the best for Vo2 Max?[00:10:12] Ignore Your Smart Watch and Focus on the Bigger Zoomed out Story[00:11:26] Take These After Vo2 Max Runs To Recover Better[00:14:39] Why Low Carb Won't Get You To your Best Time[00:15:55] Difference between Threshold & Vo2 Max HR zones[00:18:18] Can you improve Vo2 Max by not doing zone 4 work?[00:18:58] Physiology is a spectrum not an exact[00:20:42] Don't Rely on 220 Minus Age for Max HR Number[00:22:42] Do You Have To Run at a Certain Speed/Force to Improve Vo2 Max?[00:26:16] How can someone go and test their Vo2 Max?[00:27:45] Does Doing The Mile Help Improve Vo2 Max?[00:28:37] Is it Good to do a Vo2 Max & Threshold Lab Test Same Time?[00:29:25] Why Vo2 Max & Longevity are so connected[00:31:17] Why Fit Trained 60yo Are Healthier than Sedentary 30yo[00:35:30] Why Low Vo2 Max on Older People is so Dangerous[00:41:08] Zone 2 vs Vo2 Max Training and Fitness[00:43:43] Is Zone 3, 4 and 5 better for Time Strapped Runners?[00:46:12] Higher intensity training is 9 times more effective than low intensity[00:47:58] What Vo2 Max Number is Best to Target?[00:51:34] Why Norwegian 4x4 is the best for beginners with Vo2 Max[00:53:33] Is 30 sec on 20 sec off good for new vo2 max runners?[00:56:14] Should Vo2 Max Intervals go over 5 minutes[00:57:48] Does Vo2 Max Stop Improving after 6 Weeks[00:59:50] Why There Is Not Such Thing a Non Exercise Responder[01:02:13] How a New Runner Can Get Used to Vo2 Max Efforts[01:06:06] Starter 3 Days a Week Build Your Vo2 Max Plan[01:09:06] Is This a Vo2 Max Workout? (Rapid Fire)[01:15:44] Does Sauna Improve Vo2 Max?[01:16:35] Where To Find Brady Online & His Vo2 Max Book[01:17:25] Why Everyone Should Get a Vo2 Max TestLinks & Learnings📈 Get your free improve Vo2 Max Training Plan here - https://dlakecreates.com/vo2masterfree🎧 Listen, read and learn more here https://dlakecreates.com/vo2masterHow To Do The Cooper Test - https://www.verywellfit.com/fitness-test-for-endurance-12-minute-run-3120264Vo2 Max 4x4 Protocol - https://dlakecreates.com/4x4Brady Holmer - Vo2 Max Essentials Book - https://www.bradyholmer.com/ebookBrady Holmer - Why Vo2 Max Still Matters - https://runlongrunhealthy.substack.com/p/why-vo-max-still-matters-for-longevityThe Dallas Bed Rest Study - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2655009/Brady Holmer on Substack - https://substack.com/@bradyholmerBrady Holmer on X - https://x.com/Brady_H?lang=enBrady Holmer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brady.j.holmer/?hl=enInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zone two isn’t about pace or feel; it’s about heart rate, and testing it every four to six weeks is the only way to know if you’re actually getting faster.If you’ve been grinding out zone two runs hoping to get faster but have no idea if it’s actually working, you’re not alone. Most runners skip the one step that separates guessing from knowing: a simple, repeatable test you can do every four to six weeks to track real aerobic progress. In this episode, I break down how to test and improve your zone two fitness so you can run farther, faster, and more efficiently without burning out. You’ll learn why most runners get this wrong, how to set a proper baseline, and how to track real progress over weeks and months. I also walk through a simple, repeatable test and a training approach that helps you see consistent gains, all while keeping things manageable and injury-free.Key TakeawaysZone two training works best when measured by heart rate, not just pace or effort.Testing regularly every 4–6 weeks gives a clear picture of improvement and prevents wasted effort.Consistency over months is key—small, gradual progress leads to big gains without burnout.Timestamps[00:18] What You'll Learn[01:36] Mistake of Zone 2/MAF Pacing[04:05] Use This Training Plan to Improve Your Zone 2[05:01] Variation of MAF - IMAT[05:47] How to MAF Test Part 2[07:07] Where to Do MAF Test[08:18] Traps to Avoid[09:10] How Slow I Was When I First Did This Test[11:03] Don't Stop in the Middle of the Test[11:54] Other Benefits of MAF Testing[12:40] Watch This to Understand Base BetterLinks & Learnings📈 Get Your Free Zone 2 Training Plan Here: https://dlakecreates.com/zone2free🎧 Listen, Read and Learn More Here https://dlakecreates.com/mafRun Farther… Without That ‘Why Am I Dying?’ Feeling: https://dlakecreates.com/base2Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.