What is a tempo run? Well, if you’re looking to increase speed and endurance, tempo runs are what you’ve been looking for. These workouts help teach your body how to hold a faster pace and don’t require as much recovery as harder intervals when done correctly.
A useful part of an intermediate or advanced half or full marathon training plan, the execution for this workout is widely misunderstood and often done incorrectly.
As a member of the speed training family, tempo runs, when performed properly, increase both endurance and speed.
Read along to find out everything you need to know about tempo runs!
What Are Tempo Runs?
Generally speaking, a tempo run is exactly what it sounds like: a sustained running pace faster than an easy pace, but slower than a sprint. Its purpose is to build up your body’s ability to run faster for longer periods of time.
It was first introduced by the famous running coach Jack Daniels in his 1998 book, Daniels’ Running Formula. His methods were always focused on the faster and elite runners, but they can be adapted to work well for many of us in the middle of the pack too.
Unfortunately, it’s very easy to do tempo runs too hard or too long, which then actually negates the goal of the workout!
By understanding how it affects your body,…
