MFR 89: High Intensity Interval Training for Runners

While cheetahs are known for their speed, they are sprinters. They can’t hold that speed for long. Humans, on the other hand, can run much farther but not as fast. We can, however, improve our ability to run faster by modifying our speed training to add high intensity interval workouts.

In recent years, high intensity interval training, has become increasingly popular as evidence mounts that it’s possible to reduce training miles, in some cases, drastically, and still gain fitness by incorporating high intensity intervals into your training.

At a time when virtually every runner stresses about finding the time to train, HIIT training may turn out to be a godsend. It is intense, a hard workout, but the results can be quite rewarding.

I explain what high intensity training is, the benefits, when and how to incorporate these workouts into your training, the one piece of equipment that will be helpful, and examples of several different high intensity workouts.

“A Way to Get Fit and Also Have Fun,” by Gretchen Reynolds

“The 10-20-30 Workout for Swimmers,” by Gretchen Reynolds

“High Intensity Interval Training,” by Linzay Logan in Competitor.com

ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Information on High Intensity Interval Training

“Run Faster With High Intensity Interval Training,” by Cindy Kuzma for Runner’s World

While cheetahs are known for their speed, they are sprinters. They can't hold that speed for long. Humans, on the other hand, can run much farther but not as fast. We can, however, improve our ability to run faster by modifying our speed training to add high intensity interval workouts.