On Sunday I completed my shortest run yet in training for Friday's Ras al Khaimah Half Marathon. It took me just 280 seconds.
You may wonder what benefit I could possibly gain from less than five minutes of running. Indeed, in that time I completed one kilometre. And I was pretty shattered at the end.
That was because I sprinted most of the distance, although had I the energy reserves to maintain my top pace for the full distance I reckon I could have done it quicker.
Despite the fact I will run 6K on Friday as part of Team National, and would normally run more, short runs like these are vital to increase speed. If your body becomes accustomed to running long distances at a slower pace it does not develop the capacity to run quicker, and your pace will continually dwindle.
There are other benefits, your muscles are less fatigued despite your cardiovascular workout so it is good to rotate between long and short runs. I find it makes a massive difference when I then go back up to a longer training distance.
And sometimes, when I just can't bear a complete rest day from running, a cheeky 1km satisfies my cravings.
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