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Speed workouts or Interval training

Interval training refers to running multiple intervals of short distances at a high intensity, with recovery in between each interval. Interval training is a great way to boost your fitness in a relatively short amount of time. Interval training will benefit runners of all levels and can also be a great way to make training interesting and exciting!

A typical example of an Interval workout looks like this:

  • Warm up for 10 to 20mins
  • Do 5x 10 seconds strides
  • Run 400m at a high intensity that brings your heart rate up and leaves your feeling out of breath at the end of the 400m interval.
  • Rest for 2-3minutes by walking, standing or running at a very low intensity that allows your heart rate to drop.
  • Repeat 10 times or more, depending on your fitness level, without allowing your
  • interval pace to drop as you work your way through the session.
  • Cool down for 10 to 20mins.

When it comes to interval training, it often takes time to learn how to gauge the level of intensity that is sustainable throughout your workout, but practice makes perfect!! If you are uncertain about how to do interval training, consider joining a running club or training group to give you a better idea of how it is done!

Interval training is beneficial, but it is more strenuous than a regular easy run, so keep this in mind and allow your body to recover well after a speed workout. A 10-20minunte warm-up is always recommended to avoid injuries, but you still need to be cautious not to bite off more than you can chew. Instead of feeling 100% exhausted, always aim to finish your workout feeling like you could still do another interval.