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Grace Dickinson

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April 3, 2025

Running Workouts: Spice Up Your Runs

Running Workouts: Spice Up Your Runs with These 3 Fun Styles

Running is a fantastic form of exercise that’s both physically and mentally rewarding. When the weather warms up, it’s even more enjoyable. While running brings many benefits, it can sometimes feel repetitive. To keep things fresh and exciting, here are three different types of running workouts to try:

1. Tempo Runs: Find Your “Comfortably Hard” Pace

What it is: Tempo runs are done at a pace that is comfortably hard. You should be able to maintain a conversation, but it should feel challenging enough that you can’t easily chat for long periods. This type of run is perfect for building endurance.

Why it works: Tempo runs improve your lactate threshold, which means you can run longer distances without tiring out. It’s great for longer runs, allowing you to maintain a strong pace without burning out.

How to do it:

  • Warm up with 5-10 minutes of easy jogging.
  • Pick up your pace until you find a challenging but manageable speed. You should be able to speak in short sentences but not hold a full conversation.
  • Maintain this pace for 10-30 minutes, depending on your fitness level.
  • Cool down with 5-10 minutes of light jogging or walking.

Actionable Tip: Start with shorter tempo runs and gradually increase the time as you build endurance. For beginners, aim for 10 minutes at tempo pace and build up over time.

2. Interval Runs: Add Speed to Your Routine

What it is: Interval running involves alternating between short bursts of sprints and recovery periods of walking or light jogging. This helps build speed and power.

Why it works: By sprinting in short intervals, you boost your speed and cardiovascular fitness. The rest periods allow you to recover, so you can sprint hard during each interval.

How to do it:

  • Warm up for 5-10 minutes with easy jogging.
  • Sprint for 30 seconds at 80-90% of your maximum effort.
  • Walk or jog slowly for 1-2 minutes to recover.
  • Repeat for 4-8 rounds, depending on your fitness level.
  • Cool down with 5-10 minutes of easy jogging or walking.

Actionable Tip: Start with shorter sprints (30 seconds) and focus on maintaining a strong sprint. Gradually increase the number of intervals or the sprint duration as you get fitter.

3. Fartlek Runs: Speed Play for Fun and Fitness

What it is: Fartlek runs combine periods of fast running with slower recovery jogs. It’s a fun and flexible workout, where you can decide when to speed up and when to slow down.

Why it works: Fartlek training improves both speed and endurance by varying your pace throughout the run. It’s also great for keeping your mind engaged since it’s less structured than interval training.

How to do it:

  • Warm up with 5-10 minutes of easy running.
  • Alternate between running fast and easy jogging. For example, run hard for 2 minutes, then jog easy for 2 minutes.
  • Keep alternating for 20-40 minutes, depending on your fitness level.
  • Cool down with 5-10 minutes of easy jogging or walking.

Actionable Tip: If you’re new to fartleks, start with shorter bursts of fast running (30 seconds to 1 minute) and gradually increase the duration as you get comfortable.

Final Thoughts:

No matter which running workout you choose, always remember to:

  • Warm-up properly: Take 5-10 minutes to get your body ready for the workout.
  • Cool down: Finish with a slow jog or walk to help your body recover.
  • Listen to your body: It’s important to push yourself, but don’t overdo it. If you feel pain or extreme discomfort, take a break.

Incorporating these different styles of running into your training will help keep your workouts exciting, challenge your body in new ways, and improve your overall fitness. Try mixing them up in your next session!

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