Running coach Fiona Bugler explains tempo or threshold run training, what the benefits are and how to do it.What is it? Tempo or threshold runs are fast, continuous runs done in the middle of a regular mid/long distance run, lasting between 20 to 40 minutes. The BenefitsThreshold or tempo running will help prepare your body for running at a faster pace for longer, as well as boosting what's know as your lactate threshold. This is the top end of your aerobic zone, the point before you go into anaerobic exercise (without oxygen). When you run anaerobically your legs can turn to jelly as lactic acid kicks into your system, and it's hard to keep going. Training at threshold will increase your lactate tolerance, your capacity to exercise with high levels of lactate in the blood. Running at this pace will trigger adaptations in the blood, increase metabolic enzyme activity and improve muscle fibre recruitment. It uses carbohydrate for energy, and burns more calories than steady running.How to do itA typical tempo run includes a warm up of 10 minutes, 15 to 20 minutes at tempo pace, and 10 minutes cool down. The pace is between 10k and half marathon pace, at around 85 percent of maximum heart rate, or seven to eight out of 10 on a perceived rate of exertion - or more simply at 'comfortably hard' pace - you can talk, but only a few words.Tempo runs are quality runs and ideal to fit into a busy working day at lunchtime. Try these tempo workouts:
Nice piece, however from experience (and research I have read) for muscle adaption you need at least 20minutes of tempo running with 40minutes being considerably better.