A base training session focused on maintaining a steady pace with a strategic push in the second half to improve pacing skills and endurance.
Prepare your muscles and joints for the run ahead.
Start with an easy-paced jog to gradually increase your heart rate.
Perform leg swings, high knees, and butt kicks to loosen your muscles.
A steady, moderate-paced run to build aerobic fitness and consistency.
Maintain a comfortable, steady pace at about 60-70% of your maximum effort.
Gradually increase your pace for a negative split, aiming to run 10-20% faster.
Gradually bring your heart rate down and relax your muscles.
Ease into a slow jog or walk to gradually decrease intensity.
Target key muscle groups with stretches: hamstrings, quads, calves, and hip flexors.
This negative split run helps runners enhance their ability to gauge pace and energy distribution over a distance, which is crucial for effective performance in races. By starting at a controlled pace and increasing speed in the second half, runners can learn to finish strong without excessive fatigue. This workout also supports endurance development by encouraging consistent effort over longer periods, ultimately improving overall cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
This workout is ideal for intermediate to advanced runners who are comfortable with running longer distances and want to optimize their pacing strategies. Beginners can also engage by adjusting the run to shorter distances or reducing the intensities to a more comfortable level, focusing primarily on understanding the concept of negative splits.
To get the most out of this session, ensure to establish a comfortable, steady pace in the first half of the run; it should be simply sustainable without being too strenuous. Save energy and focus on maintaining good form, particularly in the latter stages when increasing speed. Utilize visualization techniques and positive self-talk during the run to mentally prepare for the shift in pace, making sure the push is challenging but manageable, not leading to burnout.