Anyone run ‘diagonals’ for speed?🙂

[Sandraj39]

I stumbled upon this technique watching a YouTube video by trail and ultra runner Gary House.

I have used fartleks in the past and this looked like a nice controlled (and flat) way to introduce a little speed work.

In a nutshell, it uses a football pitch to structure your session - running the diagonals and then recovering by jogging/walking along the side or end before repeating.

I have been out and tried this this morning (pretty pattern above) and really enjoyed it (6 diagonals was plenty for me today!😮‍💨🤣). Since being out with injury I have really stuck to slower runs which I love but I just want to try and build a little bit of speed work back in now.

Would love to hear if anyone else has used this - link to video below.🙂

youtu.be/LDJo-28N6OY?si=RJG...(Not working as expected?)

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

New to me - but what fun!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

It was new to me too but is definitely a technique used by quite a few runners. ..🙂

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

I have a map like that where we take the dog and walk, there's a football pitch really near me I'll try it,

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon]

I haven’t tried this but I love the idea. I follow Gary House on Instagram and his videos are great. Thanks for sharing!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Yes, I think I’m going to do them weekly for a few weeks and see how I get on.👍🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Ooo that sounds fun. I have a perfect area on the common where I could do that, just as long as they keep the grass short! 😀

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

It’s always nice to try something a bit different isn’t it?🙂

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Definitely Sandra. Keeps things fresh and fun. 😀

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

There is a disused football pitch very close to where I live, but I only run there if the paths are very icy, I may try that sometime, interesting.

[GTFC Marathon]

Love this idea 💡 👏