Fartleks

[backintime]

I've done some intervals before, it was just on a local road that happens to be 250m long, so I did out fast and then jog back which I do 10 times.

I googled Fartlek sessions and came up with the picture that's showing.

Is there an advantage to varying the times or is my 250m road ok?

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

I’ve never used a fartlek pyramid but do use them. My understanding of Fartleks (and what I like about them🤗) is that they are not structured like intervals! Fartleks is Swedish for ‘speed play’ and traditionally they are run at a faster pace before dropping back to your moderate pace, rather than intervals, which have a ‘rest’ or recovery pace.

I like them because you can adjust your plans depending on how you feel on the day.🙂 I usually pick out a landmark ahead to run faster to. If I’m feeling strong this might be further away than on days when maybe my legs are feeling a bit tired!😫😉 I love the challenge but also the element of personal control and reacting to how I feel rather than sticking to a prescribed plan.

I ran a 5K yesterday for example, and included four fartleks in it. I spaced them out but purposely avoided running them on the hilly bits which were hard enough already!😂

Link below may be of interest but good luck, they are great for helping to increase your speed.

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra, I'll check that out now

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Those aren't fartleks: they're speed intervals.

Fartleks are "at will" short speedups.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to nowster]

thanks! I wasn't sure of the difference to be honest

[Beccym Marathon]

Nike run club app has Fartlek guided runs I have used these it definitely helps with pace

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beccym]

Yes, they’re really effective and fun too. 👍

[misswobble Marathon]

“Run to the next lamppost” Or tree 🌳

Good fun and can be done anywhere as part of your run 🙂👍