New Balance BEACON V2 Review - The Speed Test - The FOD Runner

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of New Balance BEACON V2 Review – The Speed Test from The FOD Runner. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Heart‑rate zone training: The run was done at a steady 6:20 min/mile pace while keeping the heart rate in zone 3, with a brief dip into zone 4 near the end. This shows you can run faster than race‑pace while staying aerobic.
Breathing focus: Keep the diaphragm open and breathe through the belly to avoid side‑stitches; the runner reported no stitch issues.
Cadence & stride: Target 160‑162 steps per minute (the video hit 162 spm) and work on a slightly higher cadence over time (e.g., 164 spm). He also noted a long, loping stride (~10 m) and wants to tweak it for efficiency.
Shoe choice for speed: The Beacon V2’s firmer mid‑sole and lighter feel make it better for speed work than softer‑foam shoes, which can feel “sinking”. It’s great for long runs and speed sessions.

Workout Example

10‑mile speed test (run in the Beacon V2)

Warm‑up: 1‑2 mi easy jog.
Main set: 10 mi at ~6:20 min/mi (or equivalent pace for your fitness) while keeping heart‑rate in zone 3 (≈150‑165 bpm).
Focus on diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) throughout the run.
Aim for a cadence of 160‑162 spm; if you’re comfortable, try to increase by 2 spm each week.
Cool‑down: 1‑2 mi easy, check for any hot spots or blisters.

You can adjust the distance or pace to match your current training, but keep the core ideas: steady heart‑rate zone, breathing focus, and a cadence target.

Closing Note

Give this workout a try and tweak the paces to fit your own fitness level using the Pacing app. The Beacon V2 shows how a solid shoe can help you hit faster paces while staying comfortable. Happy running—let’s get those steps up and enjoy the run!