Correct training load calculations

G’Day,

I’m a middle distance runner, 800, 1500, mile type of operator.

Recently got into using the platform for tracking training along with training peaks. For what it’s worth I think it’s brilliant. However and this is where I need a bit of community input. Many of the sessions that I do are intervals less than 1km long. Longest in the off season may be 750m-1k with a stationary 45/60/90sec rest normally at like threshold effort. We do other work outs that are more like an effort followed by jog/float. Pretty typical stuff.

However, especially with the sessions with stationary rest, the HR response really doesn’t even get up during even the longest reps even if we are really moving, think like 8RPE effort type thing.

What would be the best way to calculate load from the sessions? The HR based load seems way off for our intervals session like the ones mentioned obviously because the HR doesn’t rise enough in the period of time and even if it does it’s followed by a stationary rest. Would pace based load option be better for a session like this? Obviously a more traditional threshold session would suit the load being based off HR (interval followed by jog/float).

The load values from my sessions just seem so far off what training peaks has and the way they do it.

Looking for any advice around it.
Hope it makes sense,

Enjoy running!

Have you tried using pace as your load calculator?
If you know your relative speeds for each “zone” you can use % of threshold pace.
Make sure your load priority is changed to pace/HR/power (settings page).

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You can reanalyse all activities after changing settings, in list view. Perhaps start with a month and see if the load looks reasonable before applying to long ranges.

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For short intervals with stationary rest, HR-based load often underestimates the true intensity because HR lags behind actual effort—especially for reps under 1km. In your case, switching to pace-based load (or even RPE-based if available) would give a more accurate reflection of the work done.

Pace-based load works much better for track-style workouts where intensity is high but duration is short. You might also consider customizing your zones or using power (if available) for even more precision.

Hope that helps! :flexed_biceps: