need to train during stamina-building longer repetitions (800-1600 metres) and shorter, faster repetitions (200-400 metres). These speed sessions – normally two per week – form the principal parts in our 5K and 10K schedules.

marathons. In 2002, Rosa had Tergat turn virtually every effort into a progression run, accelerating until he was running as hard as he could over the final mile. The result was a world record of 2:04:55 at the 2003 Berlin Marathon.McMillan found that making

maximum heart rate (MHR - calculate this at www.runnersworld.co.uk/heartrate) followed immediately by a 15-minute fartlek run at 65 to 85 per cent MHR. • A 20-minute fartlek cycle at 65 to 90 per cent MHR followed by a 10-minute fartlek run at 65 to 90 per

at your brisker pace, but also in your daily runs (so 40 minutes will start to feel like 30 minutes, or 9:30 miling like 10-minute miling). Don't worry if you're not 'fast'. Your session should just be faster than usual. Here's how to start - just do one

strides Race – 10-20K, plus warm-up and -downFINAL WEEK 8M easy Warm up, then brisk 4M 6M, inc 6 x 1 min fast, 2 mins slow 5M easy Rest or 3M jog 25-30 mins easy running and striding RACE DAYPace Key

. You would be better served doing, for example, two back-to-back 15-minute efforts at your 25-mile time trial pace, or some other planned session that is specific to your Olympic-distance triathlon.      It is also important to acknowledge

race. Warm up on the bike for 10 to 15 minutes, then put in three or four 5K intervals at race pace. If you can use a course that simulates your next race, all the better.Arriving back at your transition, do a fast turnaround and head out for a 20

-gel at the start, another between 10K and 10 miles, a third carbo-gel between Miles 13 and 15 (I find this one the most useful) and a final one at about Mile 20. I keep myself topped up with energy drink too. Of course, no fuel strategy can make up for poor pacing

fortnight with your normal faster-than-mile-pace sessions. Try 8-12 x 1 minute up a hill that is relatively tough without being hands-on-knees steep.Downhill stridesQuickening your stride rate will increase your speed, though you need to do it safely. Run

session a week, putting in fast bursts of 150-200m, jogging until recoveredIntroduce one timed run which takes 15-20 minutesMain training phase(Repeat this 2-week cycle over a period of 4-8 weeks)   Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat SunWEEK A 5M steady 6M, inc 6 x