09/09/2025
π₯ ZONE 2 Running Shirts β Now Available! π₯
This shirt is your reminder to train smarter, not harder. Staying in Zone 2 means:
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You build a stronger aerobic foundation
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You can run longer without getting tired fast
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Your body learns to save energy and use fat for fuel
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You reduce risk of injury
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You recover faster after runs (means more mileage)
π Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy running more and go farther with less struggle.
π Available in Davao
π + Shipping fee for outside Davao
DM me to order β
DC2DC 60KM β Sub 6 (5:59) Finish πββοΈπ₯
I just want to share how I managed to get this PR and the simple plan I followed on my own for the past 6 months (no coaches needed, just discipline and consistency).
2024, Iβve been inspired by some younger athletes, even more with older athletes in their 50s who are fast. So I had been reading a lot about Zone 2 training, how base training builds a strong aerobic foundation, improves oxygen efficiency, boosts endurance, enhances fat metabolism, and even reduces injury risk. It made sense. (Thnx google) π
So I told myself that 2025 must be my year of drastic improvement. Less race, more focus on getting better. And I donβt need medals anymore, Iβm done with that hype phase. Now, itβs about quality, growth, and performance.
So, starting January, I committed to steady easy runs in Zone 2 to build my base and prepared for my 9 Dragons in February and my second attempt at H1. And honestly, I noticed the improvements Iβd been chasing for so long.
After H1, I rested and recovered through May to prepare for my Hall of Fame attempt at DC2DC (third race of the year), targeting a 6:30 PR. By June, I was back at training, but I got sick and had to reset. That meant doubling my effort in July while still sticking to Zone 2 principles and sometimes running AM and PM (twice a day).
Then came August, my taper month. I had to tone down and cut my mileage to half and start recovering.
Finally! September! Race day wasnβt perfect. I made a rookie mistake: got a hard massage 2 days before, which left my back so sore and shoulders heavy. But thankfully, my legs felt fresh.
My plan was simple: run steady, attack on the downhills and keep a manageable pace and heart rate (basically my full marathon pace). Mentally, I kept reminding myself: βIf you can run H1 for 40 hours with no sleep, then whatβs 6 hours? Nothing. Suck it up and run.β And that mindset carried me through. π
By the last 5K, I found a second wind and pushed harderβcrossing the line sub-6 with a new PR of 5:59.
All of this came down to Zone 2 and the 80/20 ruleβeasy effort most of the time, with just the right dose of intensity. This journey also inspired me to launch my new brand: Zone 2βa reminder to keep it easy, stay consistent, and unlock your best performance.
Be part of the movement. Want the merch? DM me now!
Thanks for reading π
πΈ Lui's Atik2x Photography
