Fartleks

[Deleted User]

I may sound really thick to all you seasoned runners but can someone tell me what a fartlek is i have just started this serious training jobbie

[Deleted User]

Just go for a run and every so often pick out a landmark like a lampost or junction and pick up the speed until you get there. You can sprint flat out or just try to run a bit quicker. Do as few or as many of these as you want.

Apparently it's Swedish for speedplay.

The other way is to be more structured and do, say 20 x 30 second bursts with 90 secs recovery. That gives it more of a focus but puts more pressure on.

Just enjoy it for now and you'll feel more energised and get quicker than just doing steady run after steady run.

Good luck.