Let’s talk running! What type of running do you mean when you say, “I’m going for a run?”. Most people tend to stick to a usual route, pace, and distance. However, don’t miss out on different types of running exercises out there! Mix it up a little, more peculiar styles of running have some great health benefits! Below we have collected our favourite exercises to get you up and running.
- Base Run
In a base run, you run at your natural pace to build up aerobic capacity. Base runs are what usually makes up the brunt of your running training and because it shouldn’t be too challenging, they can be done quite frequently, which is a plus!
- Progression Run
This run is a little more difficult than the base run: it means that you run at your natural pace but finish it at a faster rate. So, you gradually become faster as you keep going.
This is a moderately-challenging workout that will help improve your running stamina. It’s great if you’re looking for something more difficult than the base run but not as intense as other different types of running.
- Fartlek
Running should not be dreaded —it should be really fun! Fartlek is a fun running exercise that you can do wherever and whenever. It is similar to interval training but in a less-structured way and not as intense. It is when you push yourself to keep going until you hit a road sign, or maybe to a particular tree up ahead.
- Interval Training
Interval runs with a mixture of low-moderate and high-intensity runs. This is short bursts of fast runs where you put in more effort, followed by longer periods of jogging and less intense running. Interval training means that you will alternate between the two.
- Sprints
Whether you are a sprinter or long-distance runner, sprinting is super beneficial for everyone. Sprinting helps to build up muscular strength, and power so that you can run even faster. Fun fact: Sprinting actually help you run for longer. It conditions your body to be able to run for more distance without fatiguing as quickly.
- Hill Repeats
Don’t just limit yourself to the flat ground that only has a couple of slight hills along the route. Try hill repeats. Find a big hill where it is a struggle to run up from the bottom, have this as a starting point and sprint up the hill to get there as fast as you can. And… repeat!
- Tempo Run
Different types of running include tempo runs. Tempo run is the pace that can be maintained for a long period of time, such as in a marathon.
- Barefoot Running
Barefoot running, also called “natural running”, is the act of running without footwear. A benefit of barefoot running is that the foot moves more naturally when it’s not cushioned by a shoe. Some people consider barefoot running to be more efficient than running with shoes on!
