in: kissy; kissy > 2008-06-13;
| # Posted 2008-06-18 05:31:15 | |
| skdewitt: | I was never sure what a tempo run was although I see it listed in the AP options. What's the difference between it and intervals? |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 06:39:18 | |
| bbrooke: | I always thought "tempo" meant an easy, comfortable pace.
But, I learned recently that it actually means something like a long consistent run where you're staying just faster than a comfortable pace. Is that your definition, kissy? |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 06:48:49 | |
| peggyd: | Tempo runs can be as short as 3 minutes (and then you usually run a few of them in one session); I believe they're supposed to be at a "comfortably hard" pace: conversation is limited to short phrases.
They can also be as long as 10 miles or more ... if you're an elite marathoner! It's a very valuable workout, but not altogether fun. Probably as looked-forward-to as intervals (some people love 'em, some people hate 'em - or at least dread them a bit). The running websites have sample tempo workouts with better explanations & how-tos than I can give. TMI?? |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 06:56:30 | |
| bbrooke: | Would a tempo run be the same as a fartlek then...?
Confusing terminology for such a seemingly simple sport. ;-) |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 07:15:28 | |
| peggyd: | Fartlek is literally "speed play," which means that there are not really any guidelines -- it's kind of run as hard as you want for as long as you like (the classic being "run hard between telephone poles"... and then when I feel like running hard again, I will). It's less standardized/specific/planned.
Clears it right up, doesn't it. |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 07:28:18 | |
| kissy: | Thank you, peggyd, for your insight! :-) Tempo runs are where you run at a "comfortably hard" pace...just like Peggy said. So, I started with 20 minutes of tempo (knowing that I've been stuck in my one-speed pace for a while), with the intent of lengthening that time. A tempo run is hard because it's a sustained effort. Intervals are hard because they are so fast, and so many, but at least you get a little rest in between. Fartlek, on the other hand, I see as a more casual version of intervals; or a little more playful version of intervals. |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 07:35:28 | |
| peggyd: | I can describe the workouts now, I just can't do them. :-( |
| # Posted 2008-06-18 09:03:23 | |
| JanetT: | And if you have a race to base your current speed on, you can use the "paces" link under Training at the bottom of any Attackpoint page to determine what paces you should be shooting for (threshold = tempo). Those are what I've been using as my guidelines, when I actually do the training. |
| # Posted 2008-06-19 18:15:27 | |
| skdewitt: | Thanks for the clarifications. |
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