This session is a great way to increase your VO2 max. By repeatedly running at high intensity within this workout you will become a fitter, faster runner.
Each week I will be posting the Friday Fartlek Run Sessions that you can do to enhance your running. Fartlek is a Swedish term that runners often use and it means speed-play. See a previous post about training intensity (levels) to know how hard to work.
4-3-2-1 VO2 max
- 10min WU Level II;
- 2 sets of
- 4min Level V, 4 min Level II RI;
- 3min Level V, 3min Level II RI;
- 2min Level V, 2min Level II RI;
- 1min Level V;
- 5min Level II RI between sets
- 10min CD Level II;
- 10min Stretching
The warm-up (WU) should be done at an intensity that is steady but not overconsuming at Level II for ten minutes.
The main set is made up of between four reps that you do two sets of.
Start with the first rep lasting four minutes long and at Level V and take a four-minute Rest Interval (RI) at Level II afterward. The second rep is three minutes long and is also at Level V, and you also get an equal amount of rest with a three-minute Rest Interval (RI) at Level II after it. The third rep is two minutes long and at Level V, with a two-minute Rest Interval (RI) at Level II. The last rep is once again at Level V and is only one minute long. After the last rep takes a five-minute Rest Interval at Level II before repeating the set for a second time.
The Cool Down (CD) is at low-intensity jogging (Level II) for a minimum of ten minutes.
Finish with 10 minutes of stretching to assist with the recovery.
If you would like further advice feel free to contact me.
I am the Head Coach & Director of Qwik Kiwi – Endurance Sports Consultant.
I specialise in assisting first-timers and recreational athletes to achieve their sporting goals. I can be contacted at coachray@coachray.nz and 021 348 729.
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Prior to using this plan, you should be able to run for greater than 60 minutes.
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