Ric's 7-Tier Interval Training Matrix
If I had nickel for every time I heard the phrase, “I hate the track and I’m not going there!” from a runner, I would be a wealthy man. It could be argued, from a seasoned track coach, that this hatred of track interval workouts is simply a function of lack of understanding, unwillingness to learn, or fear of the unknown. Or, it could be that fearful runners have had one or more bad track workout experiences, thus drawing the conclusion that track workouts are nothing but pain and agony and not worth the possible performance upside.
The reality is that appropriate track workouts can make a significant difference in performance, and for world class athletes, an essential training component in producing world-class times. Such workouts are simply a given for virtually all world-class athletes. I argue that any runner can enjoy and greatly benefit from a more open approach to track workouts.
As a runner and coach, I have either completed or supervised thousands of track workouts, and have developed interval workouts that are not only productive in terms of yielding progressively better times, but immensely satisfying and enjoyable for the runner. Creating and executing fun and productive track intervals can add to a coach’s skill set and certainly help runners improve their times and enhance their training experience.
Here is a matrix of seven “Interval Tiers” that I have developed and which may be helpful in planning a single workout or a workout sequence over a season. I have reduced Interval Training to a few basic categories, but, in reality, there are an infinite number of combinations that can be created. I routinely use all of these Tiers, and constantly experiment with new combinations depending on my clients’ goals, training phase, and preferences/responsiveness.
A few basic operating principles apply to my interval system:
The focus is always on completing the specific assignment per the planned workout.
The emphasis is rarely to “max out” in any given workout. Rather, the objective is to build on recent workouts/races and gradually increase volume and intensity. I bias consistency and continuity over chronic high-intensity workouts. I leave maximum exertion efforts to either time trials or races.
The workout objective is consistent with a specific performance goal and the workout always has specific performance numbers
The workout should be progressively harder – the exertion level/velocity increases over the course of the session.
The athlete may or may not have a great day, so workouts may be modified while in progress depending on the runners current training capacity.
Ric’s Seven Interval Tiers
Level 1: Basic Even-Pace Intervals
Description: Hold all variables constant: Number, Distance, Speed, Recovery, Perceived Exertion
Number of reps: Pre-planned
Interval Distance: Constant
Rest Interval: Constant
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Constant
Application: This basic interval format is designed to program pace/train for "personal best" even-pace racing. Good for any level from beginner to experienced. Not ideal for athletes who may need varying speeds/accelerations for racing situations (surging & kicking). This format does not allow the runner to start more conservatively and gradually warm-up, as would be the case in "Level 3" below. So, the average should be more conservative.
Example: 12x400m@ 80-seconcls w/ 90-second recovery
Level 2: Increase/Decrease Recovery Interval
Description: Hold variables, except for recovery, constant
Number of reps: Pre-planned
Interval Distance: Constant
Rest Interval: Gradually increases
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Constant
Application: Even-pace racing. Allows progressively more recovery in order to metabolize lactic acid/maintain eve-pace as the workout progresses.
Example:5x1000m @ 5:45 w/progressively longer recovery: 2:30/3:00/3:15/3:35. The rest interval is increased in order to maintain even pace on the interval.
Level 3: Progressively Faster Intervals
Description: Run each rep or set of reps increasingly faster
Interval Distance: Constant
Rest Interval: Hold constant or increase
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Run each rep or set of reps increasingly faster
Application: This format allows a gradual transition from warm-up to faster, more aggressive intervals toward the end of the workout. This workout is designed to focus on higher intensity within last two-thirds of the sequence.
Example 1: 6x (2x200m): 90/88/84/82/80 w/ 90-sec. recovery
Example 2: “Reverse Ladder”: 1600/1200/800/400 w/1600 @ 5K Race Pace/1200 @ 5K Pace minus 10-Seconds per Mile; 800 @ 5K Pace minus 20-seconds/Mile; 400 @ 5K Pace minus 30 seconds/Mile with a full recovery.
Level 4: Alternating Interval Distance Variations
Description: Varying interval distances targeting multiple race distances.
Interval Distance: Two or more distances such as 400/200
Rest Interval: may vary depending on previous interval: Should allow sufficient time to hit target interval times.
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Race pace or slightly faster for specific race distances
Application: Training for two or more distances in the same workout.
Example: 8x (400/200):400s in 85 sec; 200, in 40-sec. w/ 90/75-sec recovery.
Level 5: Accelerations
Description: Hold variables constant; embed accelerations within selected intervals
Interval Distance: constant
Rest Interval: May vary depending on intensity of interval
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Accelerations simulate "surging" and "kicking" in a race.
Application: Race situation simulation
Example: 5 x 600m: 1. Even pace (slightly slower than race pace) /transition; 2. Surge middle 200m; 3. Race pace; 4. Kick last 200m; 5. Even pace/faster than race pace Repeat 4. This format includes "In/Out" workouts (alternating "fast and fast-partial recovery"). Steve Prefontaine's "30/40" 200-meter workout is an example of this format.
Level 6: Race Simulation
Description: This format incorporates practice starts & finishes and optional surges at various points on the track and in the course of the workout. This should be a fun interactive workout before a race and after heavy workouts are done.
Interval Distance: Usually shorter to allow more reps.
Rest Interval: Nearer to full recovery
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Fast but Short/ lower
Application: Usually a "pre-race" workout designed to prepare for rare-specific competitive situations. Not necessary to run high exertion levels.
Example: 4 x (2x150m): set 1: Race pace; Set 2: Alternate practice start Finish; Set 3: Race pace; Set 4: Repeat set 2.
Level 7: Bookends
Description: This is a hybrid workout combining tempo running and speed work. The workout starts and ends with short "Tempo" runs (usually 600m to 1600m) to add volume to a basic speed session.
Interval Distance: Tempos are usually 600m to 1600m and the intervals are short, usually 10-12 x 150's or 200's, run progressively faster.
Rest Interval: Just enough to hit target interval times
Speed/Perceived Exertion: Tempo's only moderate; intervals are race pace or faster.
Application: Speed development. Later season session work for racing shorter distances while retaining workout volume.
Example: 600m/ 3 x (4x200m)/600m: Tempo effort (10K Pace)
/Start with 5000m pace and run progressively faster /Tempo effort.
Notes:
These are coach-athlete interactive workouts. They require good communication and attentive coaching.
The coach should be adept at reading body language/listening to verbal queue's, monitoring exertion levels, and making adjustments to optimize the workout.
Work out details need to be documented before the workout. Modifications can be made according to the athlete's performance. For example, the workout maybe terminated prematurely or extended; the intensity/speed may be changed; or the sequence may be modified. The changes can be made based on what kind of day the athlete is feeling/how he is managing the workout, weather conditions, or if objectives are met prior to competing the workout.
