Comparison of Heart Rate- and Race Pace-Based Training Prescriptions on Training Execution Accuracy in Recreational Distance Runners

Luis Eduardo Ranieri; Juan Del Coso; Christel García-Ortiz; Alfonso Jiménez; Victor Solano; Arturo Casado

doi:10.1123/ijspp.2025-0578

journal article Jan 01, 2026

Comparison of Heart Rate- and Race Pace-Based Training Prescriptions on Training Execution Accuracy in Recreational Distance Runners

Luis Eduardo Ranieri

Juan Del Coso

Christel García-Ortiz

Alfonso Jiménez

Victor Solano

Arturo Casado

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance pp. 1-8 · Human Kinetics

View at Publisher Save 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0578

Abstract

Purpose

:
While distance running training zones used to prescribe training through the heart rate (HR)-based approach are delimited by HRs associated ventilatory turn points, those in the race pace (RP)-based method are demarcated by percentages of competition average pace at a specific distance. However, no study has directly compared which method better ensures Training Execution Accuracy (TEA) to prescribed intensity zones. This study aimed to compare TEA, quantified as time spent in prescribed intensity zones, between HR- and RP-based training prescriptions during low-intensity continuous (LICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in distance runners.

Methods

:
Using a randomized crossover design, 37 runners (38.9 [9.3] y) completed an incremental treadmill test to determine maximum oxygen uptake (

: 53.7 [6.5] mL·kg
−1
·min
−1
), ventilatory turn points, maximal HR, and a 5-km track race to determine RP. Participants performed 2 individualized sessions with either HR- or RP-based prescriptions: a 45-minute LICT and a 5 × 800-m HIIT with 90-second rest.

Results

:
The HR-based training prescription yielded greater TEA (85% [23%] of session time,
P
= .002) than RP-based method (69% [21%]) during LICT. Similarly, for the HIIT, TEA was higher through HR- (41% [19%],
P
< .001) than RP-based prescription (27% [14%]).

Conclusion

:
The HR-based approach led to significantly greater time spent within the prescribed intensity zones than the RP-based approach during both LICT and HIIT sessions in endurance runners. TEA during HIIT was low for both prescription methods, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining target intensity at high intensities.

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Boullosa D, Esteve-Lanao J, Casado A, Peyré-Tartaruga LA, Gomes da Rosa R, Del Coso J. Factors affecting training and physical performance in recreational endurance runners. Sports. 2020;8(3):35. doi:10.3390/sports8030035 10.3390/sports8030035

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Published: Jan 01, 2026
Pages: 1-8

Authors

L

Luis Eduardo Ranieri