I can’t tell you exactly how to define a Fartlek run. Something about a Sweedish word, speed play, unstructured.
Whatever the exact definition is, for me a Fartlek run is one where I change the speed and the interval lengths unevenly, not as a HIIT where each interval is the same length/speed.
This morning I had a Fartlek run scheduled that scared me a little.
I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do the last 2 minutes, because I’m not used to that speed, and not for a whole 2 minutes, and not after 41 minutes of running. So finishing the run, tired but strong, made me happy.
It doesn’t matter what your ‘fast’ speed is, or what distance is ‘long’ for you.
Whether you are trying to run a whole mile without stopping, going for a sub 1:20 half marathon, or if you just run with no goals, pushing yourself to those places you are not sure you can go is 90% of the fun.
Because as long as we are going outside our comfort zone, then it becomes a challenge. And don’t we all love a challenge.
I did some ab work after the run, and 20 minutes of light swimming.
I spent the rest of the morning at home, just tiding up and doing house stuff, had a salad for lunch with some homemade granola bars I made for the kids (corn flakes, oatmeal, peanut butter, honey, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips), and took a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.
Later we went to the port with the kids and took their bikes. The weather was perfect, and although it was crowded it was nice.
We had fresh juice, a cheese plate, wraps, coffee, and ice cream. We can’t go out without food being involved.
Do you plan some of your runs to be challenging?
Is eating and drinking part of the fun when you go out?
2 Cups 'N Run 