Tempo sessions for the time-crunched runner

Even the most dedicated runner occasionally finds herself squeezing in frenzied workouts, especially when it comes to those essential harder training sessions. Look no further: you’ll be able to fit any of these challenging tempo sessions in your lunch break and still have time for a quick shower.

A tempo session usually involves a prolonged or sustained moderate effort and is the perfect practice for race day. (The key to avoiding injury while doing them is not starting too hard.)

Colorado-based coach and author David Roche suggests breaking up a tempo session into three parts: for the first third, focus on running smoothly. On the second section, think “relaxed,” and for the final section, think fast(er). “A perfect tempo gets slightly faster as it goes, but is enjoyable until the very last push at the end (when you might even sprint for one minute, if you’re feeling strong),” says Roche.

Broken-up tempo workout

10 minutes easy running to warm up

2 x 10 minutes tempo run (moderate) with 5 minutes easy recovery in between

10 minutes easy running with 4 x 30 seconds fast running mixed in

Short tempo run

10 minutes easy running to warm up

21-minute tempo run at moderate effort

10 minutes easy running to cool down, with 4 x 30 seconds fast running mixed in

Simple tempo repeats

10 minutes easy running to warm up

3 x 8 minutes tempo run at moderate effort, with 3 minutes easy recovery running between intervals

10 minutes easy running to cool down

Remember to follow a hard workout session with an easy running or recovery day.

posted Tuesday August 8th
by Keeley Milne