Tag: Zone 2 Running

  • June 16 – A Trifecta of Training: Base Run, Push Endurance & Bike Intervals

    June 16 – A Trifecta of Training: Base Run, Push Endurance & Bike Intervals

    Yesterday, Monday, June 16th, 2025, was a great example of a multi-faceted training day, layering different types of stimulus to build a well-rounded fitness profile for Hyrox. The day was broken down into three distinct parts: a long aerobic base run, a push-focused endurance strength session, and a quick, high-intensity BikeERG interval finisher. Let’s dive into how it all came together.

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    Workout 1: Aerobic Base Run

    The first session of the day was a 63-minute aerobic base run. The goal was simple: maintain a steady, conversational pace around 5:50/km to continue building that deep well of endurance that is so crucial for events like Hyrox. This wasn’t about speed, but about accumulating quality time in Zone 2.

    My Experience: This felt good. I successfully held an average pace of 5:47/km for the 10.89 km, with a 10km time of 57:52. It was a solid, controlled effort that set the tone for the day without adding excessive fatigue before the strength work.


    Workout 2: Push Endurance Session

    Later in the day, I hit a time-crunched push workout. With only about 40 minutes, the focus was on high-volume supersets with strictly timed rest periods to maximize intensity and muscular endurance.

    The Workout Blueprint:

    My Experience & Training Intent:

    This session really burned! The goal was to use a light weight that I could push at a fast tempo to focus purely on muscular endurance. Based on my last push day, I selected weights I knew I could push for 20 reps without stopping. The first superset was tough; I did full reps on the main bench press, but by the time I got to the close-grip bench, I was pretty fatigued. I planned to use long-length partials for the close-grip portion as a good way to push past failure and get more time under tension. It’s a great technique to overload the muscle safely when you’re already tired. I’ll be increasing the weights slightly on the next similar session to continue the progressive overload.

    Scaled Options for Push Endurance:

    • Bench/Incline Press: Use dumbbells instead of a barbell for easier scaling, or use appropriate lighter weight.
    • Pushups: Perform from the knees or against an incline (like a bench or box).
    • Tricep/Fly Movements: Use lighter weight or resistance bands.
    • General: Reduce reps to 10-15 per set, or reduce the number of sets.

    Workout 3: Metcon – Max Effort BikeERG Intervals

    The day finished with a very short but very spicy metcon to completely empty the tank.

    The Workout Blueprint:

    • 5 Rounds:
      • 0:20 Max Effort BikeERG
      • 1:00 Rest

    Rationale & My Experience: This is a classic anaerobic power workout. The 20-second all-out sprint pushes your ability to generate maximum power. For me, this wasn’t about getting breathless; it left my legs, and specifically my quads, absolutely on fire. I could barely walk for a few minutes after the last interval, but it felt incredibly productive for building that top-end power and muscular resilience needed for a hard push in Hyrox.

    Overall Reflections:

    Today was a great example of how to layer different types of training. The long, slow aerobic run built the foundation. The strength session built muscular endurance and required a smart approach to weight selection for the intended stimulus. And the final interval session pushed the top end of my power endurance. Each piece complemented the others, contributing to the well-rounded fitness required for an event like Hyrox.

    Layering Your Training for Hyrox Success

    Understanding how to combine different training modalities—aerobic work, strength endurance, and high-intensity intervals—is key to preparing for Hyrox. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build a comprehensive plan for Hyrox Toronto. Let’s get started!

    Get in Touch

    How do you structure your multi-session training days? Share your favorite combinations in the comments!


    Workout Summaries (June 16, 2025)

    Aerobic Base Run:

    Lap (km) Time Pace (min/km) Avg HR
    15:495:49145
    25:475:47152
    35:495:49153
    45:485:48154
    55:475:47154
    65:455:45155
    75:465:46155
    85:485:48155
    95:485:48155
    105:505:50155
    11 (0.89km)5:065:47155

    Push Endurance Workout:

    Superset Exercise Set Weight Reps Time (s)
    1Barbell Bench Press195 lbs2038.3
    1Close-grip Bench Press195 lbs10 (LLP)1.1
    1Barbell Bench Press295 lbs2039.1
    1Close-grip Bench Press295 lbs10 (LLP)58.8
    1Barbell Bench Press395 lbs2035.0
    1Close-grip Bench Press395 lbs10 (LLP)23.4
    2Neutral Grip DB Incline Bench130s2032.1
    2Cable Overhead Tricep Extension125 lbs2045.8
    2Max Pushups11035.2
    2Neutral Grip DB Incline Bench230s2027.3
    2Cable Overhead Tricep Extension225 lbs2073.6
    2Max Pushups21231.7
    2Neutral Grip DB Incline Bench330s2029.1
    2Cable Overhead Tricep Extension325 lbs2067.5
    2Max Pushups31137.7
    3Crossover Symmetry Cable Flies115s2056.1
    3Ez-bar Skull Crushers140 lbs2034.3
    3Crossover Symmetry Cable Flies225s2063.1
    3Ez-bar Skull Crushers240 lbs2070.5
    3Crossover Symmetry Cable Flies325s2045.3
    3Ez-bar Skull Crushers340 lbs2050.4

    Note: Per-set HR data is not available from the Garmin log. Durations are for active work periods. LLP = Long-Length Partials.

    BikeERG Interval Metcon (from PM5):

    Interval Distance (m) Pace (/500m) Power (W) Calories RPM
    12471:20.96591484
    22471:20.96591484
    32331:25.85531278
    42341:25.45611281
    52351:25.15681281
  • Hyrox Training Roundup: My Week in Workouts (May 26 – June 1)

    Hyrox Training Roundup: My Week in Workouts (May 26 – June 1)

    This past week of training (May 26th – June 1st, 2025) was a real mix of managing accumulated fatigue, hitting some specific endurance goals, and layering different types of workouts as I continue my build towards Hyrox Toronto in October. Here’s a look back at how the week unfolded, complete with key takeaways and a reminder that consistency and smart adjustments are paramount.

    A Quick Note on Volume & Intensity

    As always, the training I describe is tailored to my current goals and experience. It’s shared to provide insight and ideas, not as a direct prescription for everyone. Please listen to your body, scale appropriately, and prioritize good form and recovery. Consistent, smart training is the key to long-term success!

    The Week’s Training Log: Day by Day

    Monday, May 26th: The “Rest Day” 15km Run

    May 26th Workout Featured Image

    The week started with my legs feeling the volume from previous efforts, so I ironically scheduled a 15km run as a “rest day.” The real goal was to maintain a Zone 2 heart rate throughout, focusing on building that all-important aerobic base. This session was a great opportunity to reflect on the benefits of lower-intensity endurance work, the 80/20 running principle, and its impact on lactate threshold – all critical for Hyrox performance. Of course, no run is complete without a minor watch glitch story from lap 9!

    Read the full breakdown and Zone 2 insights: [May 26 – My “Rest Day” 15km Run: The Power of Zone 2 for Hyrox]

    Tuesday, May 27th: A Multi-Part Training Assault

    May 27th Workout Featured Image

    Tuesday was a big one with four distinct training pieces layered throughout the morning:

    • Workout 1 (Core Focus): Kicked off with an “Ab Killer” session – 3 rounds of 10 Toes to Bar and 30 Sit-ups, with strict 1:00 rests. Great for waking up the core.
    • Workout 2 (Bodybuilding-Style Strength): This focused on quality movement and time under tension with Pull-ups, Half Turkish Get-ups, a Seal Row ladder, KB Rows superset with Hanging Leg Raises, and Cable Pulldowns.
    • Workout 3 (Metcon – Hyrox Style): A tough 4-round WOD of 400m SkiErg and Devils Complex. I had to modify reps and weight on the Devils Complex to maintain intensity.
    • Workout 4 (Tabata Finisher – CFBB WOD): Finished with a 10-minute Tabata (40s on/10s off) of Gladiator Deadlifts and Max Cal RowErg.

    My Takeaway: A huge volume day that tested different energy systems and mental grit. The modifications during the metcon were key to getting the intended stimulus despite fatigue.

    Read the full multi-part day breakdown: [May 27 – Epic Training Day: Strength, Metcon, Tabata & Hyrox Insights]

    Wednesday, May 28th: Leg Endurance, Tabata & Trail Miles

    May 28th Workout Featured Image

    Feeling surprisingly recovered, I tackled another multi-part day. The focus was on smart training with an eye on a bigger session planned for the weekend.

    • Workout 1 (Leg Strength Endurance): This involved Squats, Slant Board Goblet Pause Squats, Slant Board KB Clean Pistol Squats (focusing on balance), and challenging high-rep DB Bulgarians. The aim was time under tension and building that Hyrox sled push resilience.
    • Workout 2 (Tabata Finisher – CFBB WOD): A quick and intense 10-minute Tabata (20s on/40s off this time) of Strict Pull-ups and Max Cals BikeERG.
    • Workout 3 (10km Trail Run): An easy-paced run through East Gwillimbury trails to build more aerobic base and for a mental reset.

    My Takeaway: A productive day of layering different stimuli without going into the red zone. The trail run was a great way to cap it off.

    Read the full post: [May 28 – Hyrox Training: Leg Endurance, Tabata & Trail Miles]

    Thursday, May 29th & Friday, May 30th: Work & Active Recovery

    May 29th and 30th Featured Image

    These were full workdays, so structured gym training took a backseat. The focus shifted to active recovery, ensuring I was ready for the weekend and not digging too deep a hole after the previous intense days.

    Saturday, May 31st: The Work/Life/Fitness Juggle (Quick Session)

    May 31st Workout Featured Image

    Being very short on time after a busy couple of workdays, I managed to squeeze in a quick but effective posterior chain and unilateral leg session. This day was more about the message: the importance of consistency over perfection when balancing training with a hectic life, and tips for easing back into the gym after a short break.

    • Workout: Landmine Single Leg RDLs, Hip Thrusts, and Front Foot Elevated Landmine Reverse Lunges.

    My Takeaway: Even short, focused workouts are valuable. The main win was getting it done and reinforcing good habits.

    Read the full post on balancing fitness and life: [May 31 – Juggling Life & Fitness: Tips for Staying on Track (Plus a Quick Workout!)]

    Sunday, June 1st: The Long & Grueling Endurance Test

    June 1st Workout Featured Image

    After a couple of lighter training days due to work, Jordan (fellow coach at CrossFit Birch Bender) and I were energized and ready for a tough one. We tackled a 1 hour and 22-minute Hyrox-style grinder designed to push our endurance well past typical race times.

    • Workout Highlights: Included blocks of DB Incline Press/SkiErg, Burpees, EZ Bar Curls/RowErg, Pull-ups, Push-ups/Runs, Box Jumps, Preacher Curls/Echo Bike, a monster 100 KB Goblet Squat set, Ring Pushups/BikeERG, and a final 1km run.

    My Takeaway: A fantastic session for building mental fortitude and race-specific endurance. Realized the bicep curls were too light, and the goblet squats were brutal! My running pace is still a key area for improvement to hit that sub-5:00/km goal for Hyrox.

    Read the full workout breakdown: [June 1 – Hyrox Endurance Test: 1h22m Grinder with Jordan]

    Overall Weekly Reflections

    This week was a great example of periodizing effort. It started with a focus on aerobic base building, peaked with some very high-volume and intensity days mid-week, included necessary lighter/shorter days due to work, and finished with a massive endurance push. Listening to my body, making modifications (like in the May 27th metcon), and understanding the “why” behind each session were key themes. The focus remains squarely on building all the capacities needed for a strong performance at Hyrox Toronto.

    Ready for Your Best Hyrox Yet?

    Understanding how to structure a training week with varied intensity, volume, and recovery is key to long-term progress and peak performance. As a certified Hyrox Performance Coach, I can help you build your own effective plan for the October Hyrox in Toronto. Let’s strategize your success!

    Get in Touch

    How was your training week? What were your biggest wins or challenges? Share in the comments below!