What is fartlek training? Find out! 

Standard running no longer brings you the satisfaction it once did. Do you want to add variety to your workouts? A good way would be to add fartlek to your training. What is fartlek? What does it consist of and who would it be suitable for? You’ll get the answers to these questions and more right in this article. 

What is fartlek training? 

The most common statement is that fartlek is simply ‘running games’ or ‘tempo games’. Which is true. This form of running is meant to give you fun, and extra excitement and introduce something new to your training – so you don’t get bored 😉 

“Fartlek…ok, but what does it even mean and where did this type of training come from?”

Fartlek is a word that comes from the Swedish language. You probably didn’t expect, exactly, such an answer. What is more, the word simply means “playing with speed”. 

Why such a name? The answer is simple. During fartlek training, you change pace many times during your run. You run slower, faster, to the max, then slow down again. It’s a really good way to prepare for competitions and to improve your fitness and, above all, to have fun. 

What’s best about it is that you decide at what pace, how much, and how you run. Fartlek puts emphasis on the fact that training should be as much fun as possible for each runner. 

You can run for 2 minutes at a very fast pace, then move to 4 jogs, and then 2-3 minutes at a fast jog again. You can, of course, change the pace of your run after a longer amount of time too. 

Fartlek training – benefits

An ideal way to prepare for a competition – is by changing pace frequently so your body adapts more to the changing pace. During the competition, you may come across obstacles, corners, and dodging opponents. As a result, you will do it efficiently and without problems. Without losing precious seconds! 

• Energy management – so you will know well at which point to accelerate and at which point to slow down. You will therefore conserve energy and arrive at your destination less tired. 
• Less fatigue – of course, by managing your energy in a good way, you will be less tired. This means that the run itself will also be more enjoyable and, what’s more, you won’t catch breathlessness so quickly. 
• For professionals and amateurs – it doesn’t matter at what level of training you are at. This workout can be used by both professional and amateur runners. 
• More interesting workout – this keeps your workout from being boring. I guess that regular running can get boring sometimes. With fartlek, you can have fun and make your training much more interesting. 
• You’ll get to know your limitations – so in the future, you’ll know what you should fight against and what to pay special attention to. 

Fartlek training – for who?

It should be mentioned at the outset that such training will definitely be good for every runner. As you have seen for yourself, it doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or a professional, you can do this kind of training. You have seen how much benefit it brings. Therefore, there is no need to hesitate, and if you are in good shape add fartlek to your running. 

It is a good solution for people who are simply bored while running. It’s something new. You’re not running at one pace, but you’re constantly changing it. You need to focus on changing it every few minutes or so and try to run at a good pace.

Do you listen to music during your workout? It’s a good way to keep you on the right pace. Did you know there are websites that show you how much BPM (beats per minute) a particular song has? That way you can run at the right pace and listening to music is sure to make your run more enjoyable. Create your own playlist with songs that have a big difference in BPM and do fartlek training. 

Fartlek is also a great way to get back into running after an illness or injury. Of course, if your doctor approves. With this kind of training, you will get back into shape much faster. If something starts to hurt during training, stop the workout immediately and consult your doctor. 

Fartlek training is also for people who just want to play with the pace and enjoy every step. You can invite your running friends and do a workout together that is sure to relax you. Don’t think about the distance covered or the time. Enjoy the here and now and get your body used to the effort. 

Interval versus fartlek – is there a difference?

Interval workouts are generally better planned and we have some time to rest between intense sequences. In fartlek you don’t rest, you just reduce the intensity of the effort. Unless you really need to rest, then do it. 

Now you know exactly what a fartlek is and how you can easily add variety to your training. You don’t just have to run at the same pace during every workout. You can change the pace, play with it and vary your run. Try it out and see for yourself. It will definitely help you prepare for competitions and improve your fitness.