So what’s a Fartlek?

The word Fartlek is Swedish for speed play, and is one of my favorite workouts. The workout is fun and adds variety to your routine.

First, find a semi-soft surface: a rubber indoor track, park or the beach would be ideal. Warm up by jogging 15 minutes and then do five to eight easy strides for about 80 meters. Also, do two to three backward strides for hamstring injury prevention. Next, do a variety of short, medium and longer distances for your fast running.

It’s very important to mix up the fast segment of your program to include to include quick running bursts. The fartlek phase can last any amount of time that you choose, depending on your athletic ability and training level…just don’t overdo it.

Finish up your routine with five or ten minutes of easy jogging and look forward to next week!

You’ll be amazed how easy and fun it can be to get into great running shape. Have fun! – Mark Vona  GM Springbak Inc.