Repeat lactate threshold test? and race pacing questions

Greetings--I'm in 2nd month of the 20 week Trail Marathon Training Program. I'm feeling great and enjoying the workouts. I have one question regarding training. Should I repeat my lactate threshold test any time during the 20 weeks. As my fitness improves will my training HR zones change?

My other questions are about race pacing. I am training for the Chicago Marathon in October and have some questions about the race itself. In past races, I've focused on race pace per mile. With Eric's program, I have been training solely by heartrate zones. Any suggestions for pacing during the race? Is it beneficial to wear a HR monitor during the race?

Thanks,

Barb

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Orton on July 1, 2011 at 7:54am

Hi Barb - You could test again after your third month (12 week mark) on your recovery week. Your HR numbers might not change much, but hopefully your speed will have.
During your longer runs and intervals in zone 4, start to notice your average pace. This will help you gain knowledge as far as pacing for the race and using HR as a guide to not go out TOO fast during the first 6-10 miles of the race. So I would wear the monitor during the race, again, more so to help you hold back early on.
E