The Zone 2 Mistake Almost Every Runner Makes

You think you’re running easy… but are you really? In this Running with James Training Tip, we’re breaking down one of the most important—and most misunderstood—concepts in endurance training: Zone 2. Most runners spend too much time stuck in the middle—running too hard on easy days and not recovering enough to actually improve. The result? Plateaus, fatigue, and frustration. In this episode, we cover: * What Zone 2 training actually is * How to find your true easy pace * Why slowing down is the key to getting faster * The biggest mistake runners make (and how to fix it) * How Zone 2 builds endurance, improves recovery, and sets you up for long-term success Whether you’re training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or preparing for HYROX or OCR competition—this is the foundation you can’t afford to skip. It’s not about going hard every day. It’s about going the right pace, at the right time. Slow down. Build your engine. Trust the process. 💬 Question: Do you struggle to keep your easy runs easy? Let me know in the comments. 🎧 Don’t forget to check out the Running with James Podcast for more training tips, mindset, and performance strategies. When you change your mind, you change your life.