Fitness
Cardiac Drift in Endurance
Cardiac drift is rising heart rate late in steady aerobic work at the same pace—often from heat, dehydration, or pace set too fast for zone 2.
Cardiac drift in endurance is the gradual heart-rate rise late in a steady aerobic session at constant pace—often from dehydration, heat, glycogen depletion, or creeping into higher zones. Some drift is normal; excessive drift means pace was too aggressive or fueling failed.
Hydrate and stay in zone 2 intent on easy days.
Common questions
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Is cardiac drift always bad?
Mild drift on long hot runs is common. Large drift with rising RPE signals too fast a pace, low fluids, or accumulated fatigue—slow down or fuel.
Related terms
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