Ease into faster running with these introductory sessions:1. Easy fartlekFartlek, or speed play, is variable-paced running that emphasises creativity. During a 30-minute run, choose objects to run to – lamp-posts, trees, buildings, other runners

Q How do speed sessions benefit me? I’ve tried things like 400m repetitions at 5K pace, but as I never seem to be out of breath at the end of the session, surely they’re not doing me any good?A Many people think that they only need to do interval

for a half: 400m, 800m, 1200m, 1600m, 2000m, each run faster than your 10K pace but not flat out. Jog 400m between each – but you can take three to four minutes for this.16. Divide 1000m into: 400m at 5K race pace, with a 400m jog; 300m at race pace

WEEKS)Speed sessions:3 to 6 x 600m @ 3,000m pace with 3 minutes recoveryDistance sessions:6 to 12 miles @ a steady paceTRAINING PHASE:BUILD 1 (4 WEEKS)Speed sessions:2 to 5 x 1,000m @ 5K pace with 3 minutes recoveryDistance sessions:10 to 16 miles @ a

different grass circuits: one of 1100m, one of 1300m and one of 1400m. Each runner’s speed determines the loop that they do, and if the session is, say, three laps, two laps, one lap, the faster runners run the longer distances but the interval time

that raise your heart rate, but actually reduce your efficiency and speed. Give yourself encouragement during (and credit for completing) the session. High-heart-rate sessions are tough, don’t make them tougher by giving yourself a hard time for not hitting

).I call this session ‘all-in-one-training’ because I’m doing quality work and also covering up to 10 miles. Depending on your weekly mileage level, you may want to run shorter or longer than I do. But the concept should remain consistent: speed

sure that you run off-road as often as possible. The repetitive impact of hard surfaces is a sure way to get sore muscles. In particular, try to do your speed sessions on a forgiving surface such as grass.The real key is in listening to your body

lift, which gives a long stride. All the running is done at 95-100 per cent effort, with long recoveries. Try the following sessions:‘Pyramid’ sessions, starting with 150m and moving up to 170m, 190m, 200m and down again, with a walk-back recovery of 90

session a week:Five simple speedwork tipsJust try slightly faster-paced bursts in a normal run to start with - to the next lamp post, and so on; anywhere from 15-90 seconds each. Aim for three total minutes of bursts the first time, then five, then seven