In case you couldn’t tell from my past blog posts, I’m obsessed with getting faster at running. I finally broke 30 minutes in my most recent 5k (well technically I broke 29 minutes, but who’s counting?) and now that I know I’m capable of running faster I plan on doing a lot more speed training in my workouts. I found this article that gives 3 speed workouts for beginners: fartlek, tempo, and interval workouts.
Usually when I run, I just run at the same general speed throughout the workout, with a focus on getting a negative split (running faster in the second half). Yesterday I decided to try doing fartleks during my workout. The really cool thing about this type of workout is that you can completely dictate how hard/fast/frequently you want to speed up. It kept me focused on the scenery – should I sprint to that tree? – and took the focus off how I felt while I was running. In fact, it was one of the few runs I’ve ever done where I didn’t feel sick to my stomach at all. I felt so good when I was finished, and I managed to do the hilly course in 30:02, which is the second fastest I’ve ever done it in! I’m thinking that it will hopefully make me faster over time too. I highly recommend trying this during your next workout if you’re trying to get faster!
Do you do speed workouts? What’s your favorite?
Mom in the Mtns 
I have just started doing speed workouts. I have done some interval and tempo training. At first I didn’t like it, but it has really grown on me. Glad it is going well for you!
I hate structured workouts, so for now I’m sticking to fartleks. I hate feeling like I’m back in high school field hockey trying to do the daily workouts! I think the idea of training takes a bit of fun out of running, but I’ve got to get faster somehow!
I do a lot on HIIT (high intensity interval training) all winter long while I’m stuck inside. During the summer I do hill workouts. I’ve been inclined to add both fartlek (suggested for triathletes like me!) and tempo runs, but I just haven’t gotten that far yet.
Ugh you just made me realize that pretty soon I’ll be doing most of my runs on the treadmill – I don’t think fartleks will be fun when you can’t “see” the end point of the speed portion! I need more winter running clothes!
I enjoy fartlek work outs- like you I like to look around me at the scenery! I hate hill reps and tempo runs though 🙂
Yeah hills are no fun 😦 I realized that training mostly on a hilly trail makes me much faster in a flat race though!
I’m starting to focus on my speed too. My goal is a 25 minute 5k. Right now I can run an 8.5 minute mile, but only one. Definately want to get faster!
Nice! I think that’s totally doable. My trick is to pick a flat race so you get a bit of an advantage!
Yea im trying lol. All the recent 5k that ive done have been full of hills
Good for you! I’m trying to finish my first half without worrying about my speed, but I definitely want to work on it post 13.1 so I can run some speedy(er) 5Ks 😀
Yeah, when I do my first half I won’t even care how fast I run – just that I finished! But 5ks are my nemesis and I want to constantly beat my old times!