We are thrilled to announce a highly requested update to the V.O2 coaching platform: you can now fully program heart rate-based running workouts, with the added flexibility to seamlessly toggle between pace and HR zones depending on your training focus, and sync heart rate targets directly to your watch (Apple, Coros, Garmin).

Incorporating HR zones into your programming is an incredibly powerful tool when you want your athletes to focus strictly on effort rather than chasing a specific number on the watch. As Dr. Jack Daniels often notes, environmental factors like high heat or dehydration will naturally cause an athlete’s heart rate to climb because the body has to pump extra blood to the skin for cooling. On days when weather or terrain pose a challenge, shifting the focus to HR prevents your athletes from over-stressing their systems trying to hit a dry-weather pace.

Key Reminders When Using This Feature:

  • Establish True Max HR: To ensure the percentage-based HR zones are accurate and effective, ensure you are using a tested, true maximum heart rate for your athletes rather than a generic age-based formula.
  • Expect Natural Fluctuations: Remember that while HR is an excellent gauge of internal stress, our ultimate goal is often to train the body to handle specific running velocities. Use the new toggle feature to adjust focus as the weather, terrain, and training phases dictate.

For more information, visit our HR Training support page for an overview on how this new feature works on the app.