High-intensity short interval runs build your top-end tolerance, while longer tempo runs and time trials improve aerobic endurance. Perform these workouts at the fastest pace you can sustain for the given effort.
High-Intensity Intervals
Warm up, then do 8x200m intervals. Rest for 90 seconds between each. Run each 200m within 3-5 seconds of each other. Work up to 5x800m.
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Warm up, then run 90 seconds hard followed by 1 minute easy. Repeat 6-8 times.
Warm up, then run 1 mile hard. Rest for 5 minutes, then do 2-4x600m with 90-second rest recoveries. Run each 600m within 2-3 seconds of each other.
Warm up, then run hard for 1 minute. Rest for 1 minute. Run hard for 2 minutes, then rest for 2 minutes. Repeat until you’re up to 5 minutes.
Endurance Runs
Warm up with a half-mile easy jog. Then perform a 5K time trial, covering the distance as fast as you can. Cool down with a half-mile jog.
Run a 15K time trial (note: do not run longer than 90 minutes). Begin and end with a half-mile jog.
Run 3x1-mile with 5-10-minute walk recoveries. Keep effort times within 10-15 seconds of each other.
Run a 5-mile time trial. Rest for 5 minutes. Do 2x1-mile at 5K time trial pace with 2 minutes’ rest.
