Running Performance Calculator

Running Levels Explained

Running levels range from Beginner to Elite, based on age-graded performance standards. Your level indicates how your performance compares to others of your age and gender, helping you set realistic goals and track progress.

VO2 Max Estimation

VO2 max represents your maximum oxygen uptake and is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Our calculator estimates your VO2 max based on your race performance using validated formulas from exercise physiology research.

Training Zones

Training zones are based on percentages of your threshold pace and help optimize your training. Each zone targets different physiological adaptations, from aerobic base building to speed development.

Race Pace Predictions

Based on your current performance, we predict your potential times for other distances. These predictions assume proper training and are most accurate for distances within 2-3x your input distance.

Training Zone Guide

Zone 1 - Active Recovery

50-60% of Threshold Pace
Recovery runs, warm-up, cool-down
Very easy effort that promotes recovery and maintains aerobic base. You should be able to hold a conversation easily.

Zone 2 - Aerobic Base

60-70% of Threshold Pace
Long runs, easy runs, base building
Comfortable aerobic pace that builds endurance and fat-burning capacity. Most of your training should be in this zone.

Zone 3 - Aerobic Threshold

70-80% of Threshold Pace
Tempo runs, steady state runs
Moderately hard effort that improves aerobic capacity and running economy. Comfortably hard pace you can sustain for 30-60 minutes.

Zone 4 - Lactate Threshold

80-90% of Threshold Pace
Threshold runs, tempo intervals
Hard effort at or near lactate threshold. Improves your ability to clear lactate and sustain faster paces.

Zone 5 - VO2 Max

90-100% of Threshold Pace
VO2 max intervals, 5K pace work
Very hard effort that maximizes oxygen uptake. Typically done as intervals of 3-8 minutes with equal rest.

Zone 6 - Neuromuscular Power

100%+ of Threshold Pace
Speed work, strides, short intervals
Maximum effort that develops speed, power, and running economy. Short intervals with full recovery between efforts.