NIKE Half Marathon Training

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HALF

MARATHON
TRAINING
PROGRAM
A GREAT COACH
A great coach will tell you you’ve got a lot of different
runners inside of you. To be the best runner, you’ve got
to let them all out.
Run on hills, run on a track, do short runs, long runs and
everything in-between. A great coach will tell you running
shouldn’t hurt, and some days the best run is no run. If your
week of runs looks like a playlist with the same song by the
same artist 17 times in a row, a great coach will tell you to
mix things up, to turn each week into an epic, kickass play

We’ll guide you through it.
Download and run with the Nike Run Club App and this
14-week Audio Guided Run Half Marathon Training
Program to coach yourself across the finish line.

02
THIS 14-WEEK-TRAINING PLAN COMBINES

SPEED, ENDURANCE,
RECOVERY, AND
MOTIVATION
TO GET YOU READY TO TACKLE A HALF MARATHON.

Before diving straight into the training plan, read all of the material to ensure
you get the most out of it. This plan is built to adapt to your experience level,
but it’s also uniquely flexible to your needs. Here’s what you should know to
get the most out of the Nike Run Club Training Plan:

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT RUNNING.


We know that a smarter runner is a better runner. That’s why we’ve put
together a training plan that offers you the opportunity to run with and learn
from some of the best Nike coaches and athletes every day through our
collection of audio guided runs.

There will be an option to do every speed run, recovery run and long run with
the guidance, motivation and inspiration that comes with each audio guided
run. You can always choose to run the workouts alone. We’ve got the training
and guidance you need here in this plan.

This training program is built to help you to maximize your efforts on race day
through Speed Runs, Recovery Runs and Long Runs. But it takes so much
more than running to become a better runner. That’s why this training plan is
built to not only help you become a better runner but also a better coach.

03
THIS PLAN WORKS FOR YOU
Your schedule varies. So does the weather and how you feel, but here are a
few things to keep in mind as you modify this plan to your needs:

– Speed Runs and Long Runs are essential parts of the plan to
maximize your training.

– You have two Recovery Runs and two Rest Days – use them to
break up your Speed and Long Runs. Avoid doing Speed Runs on
back-to-back days.

TRAINING STARTS WHEN YOU START


This plan was designed around a 14-week schedule for maximum results.
It was built to adapt to your experience level and intended to be uniquely
flexible to your needs as you prepare to tackle a Half Marathon. Whether
you’re eight or fourteen weeks from race day, you can jump into this program
whenever it suits you. You’re in control of what you put into the program and
therefore what you get out of it. We do recommend that you plan on training
for at least 6 weeks before the Half Marathon and can comfortably run and
complete the programmed workouts.

TOOLS TO TAKE YOU FARTHER


– Record your runs, reflect on progress, and grab some encouragement
from your community along the way with the Nike Run Club App.

– The Nike Training Club App is a great way to add cross-training to


your schedule.

– Audio Guided Runs can be found for every run in this plan. You can
find them in the Nike Run Club App. Each week you will have 5 runs.
There will be an option to use a Nike Audio Guided Run for each run.

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WEEKLY WORKOUTS
This plan includes three types of workout activities each week.
All three are important to get the fittest, strongest and fastest
version of you to the finish line. You can take advantage of
Audio Guided Runs for each Speed, Long, and Recovery run
within the plan.

SPEED RUNS
Building strength through speed training is important as you prepare.
Throughout this plan you’ll be introduced to a variety of speed workouts
and drills that will make you faster. You’ll get to do short and long intervals,
fartlek, hill workouts and tempo runs. (See Types of Runs in the Glossary
for definitions of these).

LONG RUNS
You need endurance training to help prepare your body and mind to go the
distance on race day. You will work on endurance with weekly Long Runs.
It also helps you get familiar with the physical and mental challenges that
you might face during a race. This run should be run at a comfortable pace,
and as a Progression Run (See Types of Runs in the Glossary for definition
of Progression Run).

RECOVERY RUNS
Recovering from your workout days is just as important as the workouts
themselves. Use these days to run easy and based on how you feel to help
you recover at the highest quality possible after intense training. Each week
of training includes two recovery runs. These include runs with Shalane
Flanagan and Eliud Kipchoge. Recovery Runs are just as important as
your hard workouts.

REST DAYS
Great running is dependent on great rest and recovery. These days are meant
for you to recharge and recover. Either take the day off, try one of the workouts
from “Simple Routines For Better Runs” in the NTC App or go for a few easy
miles or kilometers. It is essential that you talk to and listen to your body as
you progress through the training program. Sometimes you will need to adjust
the program to fit what you need. And yes, that means that sometimes the
best speed run or long run will be no run.

05
HOW TO USE THE
PACE CHART
Throughout the plan, you will see and hear references to
different paces and efforts you should aim to maintain during
specific workouts. Over the course of your training, you will run
using different pace and effort targets. Knowing your pace and
effort targets will make your training easier.
Treat each pace target as the middle of a range. You may train
slightly above or below these paces. They are not exact paces
and you are not a robot.
You will have ample guidance regarding the proper pace and
effort needed in every audio guided run. The coaches and
athletes are there to guide, motivate and inspire you to be the
best athlete and coach you can be.
The chart on page 08 will help you understand which pace
you should aim to run during each session.

FIND YOUR STARTING PACE


To get started, you’ll need to identify the row of pace targets that
is right for you. You can base your pace on any of the following:

– You could use a recent 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon time,
if you have run one. By “recent” we mean in the last month or two.

– You could use the Nike Running App and go on a few runs to
determine your average pace. This will be your Recovery day pace.

– If you already run often, you could make an educated guess based
on your current fitness.

Whichever one you use, this will be your starting point to find your
row of pace targets you will need on the Pace Chart.

06
PACE CHART
half
10k best/ tempo marathon
mile 5k best/avg marathon recovery
avg km avg km best/
best km pace best/avg day pace
pace pace avg km pace
km pace

5:00 17:05/3:25 35:45/3:35 3:45 1:18:00/3:43 2:44:00/ 3:53 4:20

5:30 18:45/3:43 39:00/3:54 4:00 1:25:00/4:02 3:0:00/4:14 4:40

6:00 20:15/4:03 42:00/4:12 4:20 1:35:00/4:30 3:15:00/4:25 5:05

6:30 22:00/4:04 45:45/4:35 4:45 1:40:00/4:42 3:30:00/4:58 5:30

7:00 23:45/4:45 49:00/4:54 5:05 1:50:00/5:10 3:45:00/5:20 5:50

7:30 25:15/5:03 52:30/5:15 5:30 1:55:00/5:26 4:00:00/5:41 6:10

8:00 27:00/5:24 55:50/5:35 5:50 2:05:00/5:54 4:15:00/6:03 6:10

8:30 28:30/5:42 59:00/5:54 6:10 2:10:00/6:09 4:30:00/6:22 6:50

9:00 30:00/6:00 62:30/6:15 6:30 2:20:00/6:37 4:45:00/6:43 7:10

9:30 31:45/6:21 66:00/6:36 6:50 2:25:00/6:53 5:00:00/7:05 7:35

10:00 33:00/6:40 69:00/6:54 7:10 2:35:00/7:18 5:15:00/7:27 7:55

10:30 35:00/7:00 72:00/7:12 7:30 2:40:00/7:33 5:30:00/7:49 8:15

11:00 36:15/7:15 75:00/7:30 7:50 2:50:00/8:00 5:40:00/8:04 8:30

11:30 38:00/7:36 78:30/7:51 8:10 2:55:00/8:13 5:50:00/8:17 8:45

12:00 39:30/7:54 81:30/8:09 8:30 3:05:00/8:45 6:00:00/8:32 9:00

07
FOR EXAMPLE
If your last race was a 27:00 minute 5K, find that 5K time under the 5K
column on the Pace Chart and slide across the row left or right to find your
other pace targets.

half
10k best/ tempo marathon
mile 5k best/avg marathon recovery
avg km avg km best/
best km pace best/avg day pace
pace pace avg km pace
km pace

8:00 27:00/5:24 55:50/5:35 5:50 2:05:00/5:54 4:15:00/6:03 6:10

In this case, the pace targets for you are as follows:

Best Mile Pace: 8:00 minutes


5K Average Kilometer Pace: 5:24 minutes
10K Average Kilometer Pace: 5:35 minutes
Tempo Pace: 5:50 minutes
Marathon Average Kilometer Pace: 6:03 minutes

ANOTHER EXAMPLE
If your Best Mile time is 9:30, find that Best Mile time on the Pace Chart
and slide across to see your other average mile pace targets.

half
10k best/ tempo marathon
mile 5k best/avg marathon recovery
avg km avg km best/
best km pace best/avg day pace
pace pace avg km pace
km pace

9:30 31:45/6:21 66:00/6:36 6:50 2:25:00/6:53 5:00:00/7:05 7:35

Here, your pace targets for you are as follows:

Best Mile Pace: 9:30 minutes


5K Average Kilometer Pace: 6:21 minutes
10K Average Kilometer Pace: 6:36 minutes
Tempo Pace: 6:50 minutes
Marathon Average Kilometer Pace: 7:05 minutes

08
THINGS TO KNOW
When you have your range of pace targets, it helps to
understand a few things about how you will use them:

– When in doubt be sure to focus on effort. Paces can change due to many
factors including but not limited to changes in fitness, weather, elevation,
stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep. Be sure to listen to your body and not
just focus on the numbers on your watch or phone.

– As you make your way through the training there will be days you
may be a little ahead of pace, and other days a little behind.
Remember that the paces are only to be used as a guide. You will have
good days and bad days as an athlete. Be flexible with your expectations.
Hopefully, you will be increasing your fitness each
week and your paces will increase in speed as you go.

– When this plan is completed and you head out for race day be confident
in all the work you have done. It is that work that will take
you to new fitness levels, faster paces, this starting line and the all
the ones beyond.

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NRC GUIDED RUN

HALF
MARATHON
TRAINING
PLAN

10
TAP TO START TAP TO CHECK OFF YOUR
WORKOUT WORKOUT WITH AN EMOJI!

14 WEEKS TO GO BUILD PHASE


RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 14 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Runner Up
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
8x 1:00 5K Pace
1:00 Recovery Between Intervals

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: Easy Run
25:00 Recovery Run
AND FOUNDATIONAL FITNESS
DESIGNED TO DEVELOP GOOD ROUTINES

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
One Hard Two Easy
Fartlek
5:00 Warm Up
21:00 Fartlek
Alternate between 1:00 Hard Running
and 2:00 Easy Running for 21:00

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: 5K Run
5K/3.1 Mile Run

11
13 WEEKS TO GO BUILD PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 13 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: No Time Go Time
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
1:00 Mile Pace
2:00 5K Pace
3:00 10K Pace
2:00 5K Pace
1:00 Mile Pace
1:00 Recovery Between Intervals

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: AND FOUNDATIONAL FITNESS
Recovery Run with Headspace
DESIGNED TO DEVELOP GOOD ROUTINES

35:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Run Strong. Repeat.
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
4x 1:30 5K Pace
1x 1:30 Mile Pace
4x 1:30 5K Pace
1x 1:30 Mile Pace
45 second Recovery after 5K
Pace Intervals, 1:00 recovery after Mile
Pace Interval

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: Four Mile Run
6.4K/4 Mile Run
12
12 WEEKS TO GO BUILD PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 12 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Runner Up
Hill Workout
5:00 Warm Up
45 seconds 10K Effort
15 seconds Best Effort
Interval series should be done 5 x’s
Recovery is 1:15 after 10k effort and
45 seconds after Best Effort

RECOVERY RUN AND FOUNDATIONAL FITNESS


DESIGNED TO DEVELOP GOOD ROUTINES
NRC Guided Run: Just A Run
30:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Triple 7’sd
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
3x 7:00 5K Pace
Recovery is 2:30 between intervals

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: Five Mile Run
8K/5 Mile Run

13
11 WEEKS TO GO BUILD PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 11 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: The Rundown
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
3x 1:00 Mile Pace
3x 2:00 5k Pace
2x 1:00 Mile Pace
2x 2:00 5k Pace
1x 1:00 Mile Pace
1x 2:00 5k Pace
Recovery is 1:00 after Mile Pace and
1:30 after 5K Pace AND FOUNDATIONAL FITNESS
DESIGNED TO DEVELOP GOOD ROUTINES

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: Running Towards
Your Goal with Headspace
40:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Tempo Run with Emily Infeld
Tempo Run
7:00 Warm Up
25:00 Tempo Run

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: 10K Run
10K/6.2 Mile Run

14
10 WEEKS TO GO STRENGTH PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 10 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Sneaky Speed
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
1x 1:30 5K Pace
3x 45 seconds Mile Pace
1x 1:30 5K Pace
3x 45 seconds Mile Pace
1x 1:30 5K Pace
3x 45 seconds Mile Pace
1:00 Recovery Between Intervals

DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ENDURANCE


RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run:
30 Minute Head Starts
30:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Out Strong Back Fast
Tempo Run
5:00 Warm Up
23:00 Progression Tempo Run

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: Another 10K Run
10K/6.2 Mile Run

15
9 WEEKS TO GO STRENGTH PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 9 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Run Fast. Repeat.
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
20x 0:30 Mile pace
Except #1 and #11 to be run 5K pace
1:00 recovery between intervals

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Run with Shalane Flanagan
DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ENDURANCE
45:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Hill Hillier Hilliest
Hill Workout
5:00 Warm Up
1:00 10K Effort
0:45 5K Effort
0:30 Mile Effort
Series is to be run a total of 3 times
Recovery is 2:00 after 10K effort, 1:30
after 5K effort & 1:00 after Mile effort

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: Eight Mile Run
12.5K/8 Mile Run

16
8 WEEKS TO GO STRENGTH PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 8 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: The Shifter
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
4:00 Recovery Pace straight into
1:00 Mile Pace
3:00 10k Pace straight into
1:00 Mile Pace
2:00 5k Pace straight into
1:00 Mile Pace
1:00 Mile Pace straight into
1:00 Best pace
1:00 Recovery after Recovery Run Pace
interval, 1:30 Recovery after 10K Pace interval,
2:00 Recovery after 5K Pace interval.
DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ENDURANCE

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: Breaking Through
Barriers with Headspace
31:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Power Pyramid
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
1:00 Mile Pace
5:00 5K Pace
10:00 10k Pace
5:00 5K Pace
1:00 Mile Pace
Recovery is 30 seconds after Mile Pace,
2:30 after 5K pace, 3:00 after 10K pace

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: 15K Run
15K/9.5 Mile Run

17
7 WEEKS TO GO STRENGTH PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 7 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Deuces
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
10x 2:00 5K Pace
Recovery is 1:00 after all intervals
except #4 and #8.
2:00 recovery after intervals #4 and #8.

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: Just Another Run DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ENDURANCE
35:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
One Hard. One Easy.
Fartlek
5:00 Warm Up
15:00 Fartlek
Alternate between 1:00 Hard Running
and 1:00 Easy Running for 15:00

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: Ten Mile Run
16K/10 Mile Run

18
6 WEEKS TO GO SPECIFIC PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 6 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Rock n Roller
Intervals
6:00 Warm Up
5:00 10K Pace
2:30 5K Pace
1:00 Mile Pace
0:30 Best Pace
0:30 Best Pace
1:00 Mile Pace
2:30 5K Pace
5:00 10K Pace
FURTHER IMPROVE FITNESS
1:30 Recovery after 10K Pace and 5K Pace DESIGNED TO IMPROVE SPEED AND
1:00 Recovery after Mile Pace and Best Pace

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: Suckcess Run
35:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: 8K Tempo Run
Tempo Run
2K Warm Up
8K Tempo Run
2K Cool Down

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Another Ten Mile Run
16K/10 Mile Run
19
5 WEEKS TO GO SPECIFIC PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 5 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: 90’s
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
1:30 5K Pace
1:30 10K Pace
1:30 Mile Pace
Interval series should be done 3 x’s
Recovery is 1:30 between each interval

RECOVERY RUN FURTHER IMPROVE FITNESS


DESIGNED TO IMPROVE SPEED AND
NRC Guided Run: Thank You Run
45:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Speedurance
Intervals
7:00 Warm Up
3x 2:00 5K Pace
10:00 Tempo Run
3x 2:00 5K Pace
Recovery is 1:00 after 5K Pace intervals
and 2:00 after Tempo Run

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run:
13.1K Dress Rehearsal
13.1K/8 Mile Run

20
4 WEEKS TO GO SPECIFIC PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 4 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: 5 x 5 x 10k Pace
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
5x 5:00 10K Pace
2:00 recovery between intervals

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Whole Run with Headspace
45:00 Recovery Run FURTHER IMPROVE FITNESS
DESIGNED TO IMPROVE SPEED AND

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: In Control
Fartlek
5:00 Warm Up
21:00 Fartlek
Alternate between 2:00 of hard running
and 1:00 of easy running

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: 20K Run
20K/12.5 Mile Run

21
3 WEEKS TO GO SPECIFIC PHASE
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 3 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Long and Strong and Fast
Intervals
5:00 Warmup
8:00 10K Pace
4:00 5K Pace
2:00 Mile Pace
Interval series should be done 3 x’s
3:00 recovery after 10K Pace and
2:00 recovery after 5K and Mile
Pace intervals

FURTHER IMPROVE FITNESS


RECOVERY RUN DESIGNED TO IMPROVE SPEED AND
NRC Guided Run:
Run with Eliud Kipchoge
60:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Bring It Down
Tempo Run
5:00 Warmup
5:00 Recovery Pace
4:00 10K Pace
3:00 5K Pace
2:00 Mile Pace
1:00 Best Pace
This is to be run as a 15:00 Progression
Tempo Run

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: One Hour Run
60:00 Recovery Run

22
2 WEEKS TO GO TAPER & RECOVERY
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 2 Weeks to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: Stronger Faster
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
3:00 5K Pace
4x 0:30 Mile Pace
Interval series should be done 3 x’s
2:00 Recovery after 5k Pace
1:00 Recovery after Mile Pace

RECOVERY RUN GET FRESH BEFORE THE RACE.


DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN FITNESS AND
NRC Guided Run: 5K Head Starts
5K/3.1 Mile Recovery Run

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run: In Control
Intervals
6:00 Warm Up
1:00 Mile Pace
3:00 5K Pace
5:00 10K Pace
7:00 Recovery Run Pace
0:30 recovery after Mile Pace
1:30 recovery after 5K Pace
2:30 recovery after 10K Pace

LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run: Seven Mile Run
11K/7 Mile Run

23
1 WEEK TO GO TAPER & RECOVERY
RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: 1 Week to Go
15:00 Recovery Run

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Big Day Run with Headspace
25:00 Recovery Run

RECOVERY RUN
NRC Guided Run: Two Mile Run
3.2K/2 Mile Run

GET FRESH BEFORE THE RACE.


DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN FITNESS AND
LONG RUN
NRC Guided Run:
Half Marathon Race
21.1K/13.1 Miles

SPEED RUN
NRC Guided Run:
The Speed Run Before…
Intervals
5:00 Warm Up
1:00 5K Pace
2:00 10K Pace
5:00 Half Marathon Pace
2:00 10K Pace
1:00 5K Pace
1:00 recovery between all intervals

24
GLOSSARY

25
GLOSSARY
This glossary elaborates on the running-specific
terms you’ll see referenced throughout this plan.
It’s important to understand the different types of
runs that this plan includes in order to get the most
out of the full training journey.

AUDIO GUIDED RUN


The Nike Run Club app offers a library of Audio Guided Runs. You can
find long and short runs, duration as well as distance-based runs and
speed runs of all types including fartlek, interval and tempo runs.
Some of our best coaches and athletes will meet you at the starting line
to guide, motivate and inspire you to a better run. There will be an option
to use a Nike Audio Guided Run for every Recovery Run, Speed Run and
most Long Runs during this 14-week training program. You can run alone,
or you can run with us. As always, the choice is yours.

TYPES OF RUNS

PROGRESSION RUN
Progression Runs improve stamina and allow the body to adapt to the
stress of running. Build your pace over the course of each run by starting at
a slower than Recovery Run pace and finishing at a faster than Recovery
Run pace. Over the course of the run you will average your Recovery Run
pace. This progression from the slowest running of the run to the fastest
running of the run allows your body to ease into the run and adjust to the
activity of running in a natural way. Your Long and Recovery Runs should
be run as Progression Runs.

26
GLOSSARY
TYPES OF RUNS (CONTINUED)

INTERVALS
Intervals refer to a Speed Run session that includes a set of running and rest
intervals. There are any number of variations one could use when doing an
interval Speed Run. The distance or duration as well as the pace and effort
of the running interval can remain the same or change over the course of the
workout. The recovery interval duration is another element of the Speed Run
that can remain static or change during the workout. Ideally a session like this
takes place on a track but does not need to. Any location that allows you to
run freely is suitable for an interval-based Speed Run.

FARTLEK
Fartlek is loosely translated from Swedish to “speed play”. Fartlek works on
speed and strength by alternating distances and paces during a continuous
run. An example Fartlek workout structure could be one-minute running
easy followed by one-minute running hard, repeated for a certain amount of
minutes, miles or alternating every city block.

HILLS
Hill workouts develop speed and form. It takes extra effort to run uphill so you
do not need to run as fast as you would on a flat section. While running uphill,
remain in control of your breathing. Don’t lean too far forward. A light lean
with the chin leading the chest is enough. Running up hills is a great way to
develop speed and strength with minimal pounding on the legs. It’s best to use
effort as a guide rather than pace when doing a hill workout.

TEMPO RUN
A Tempo Run is a hard but controlled pace that can be run as long intervals or
a steady run of 1-10 miles. The purpose of a Tempo Run is to build mental and
physical endurance and to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

27
GLOSSARY
TYPES OF PACE

We’ve divided our paces into 5 speeds that we’ll


reference throughout the training program.

BEST PACE (?? OUT OF 10 EFFORT)


This is the pace that makes you feel like you are at your best.
Sometimes this may mean running your fastest and sometimes
this will mean running easier. The pace and effort you run will be
your choice.

MILE PACE (9 OUT OF 10 EFFORT)


This is the pace you could race or run hard for one mile.

5K PACE (7-8 OUT OF 10 EFFORT)


This is the pace you could race or run hard for about 3 miles.

10K PACE (6-7 OUT OF 10 EFFORT)


This is the pace you could race or run hard for about 6 miles.

TEMPO PACE (6 OUT OF 10 EFFORT)


Teaching your body to be comfortable being uncomfortable by
maintaining a hard pace and effort that is close to 30-35 seconds
slower than your 5K pace.

RECOVERY PACE (4-5 OUT OF 10 EFFORT)


A pace easy enough that you can talk, laugh or argue freely while running.

28
IF YOU...

29
IF YOU...
Everyone’s training journey is different. But there are
some recurring challenges and questions that many
runners encounter along the way. Here’s how to
understand and overcome these common hurdles on
your road to race day.

IF YOUR SCHEDULE DOES NOT MATCH THE TRAINING SCHEDULE,


Then adjust the training schedule to your needs. No training plan should ever
be seen as written in stone. Instead, look at this training program as written
in pencil and you have both an eraser and a pencil to make adjustments as
you see fit. You are not only the athlete here… you are also the Head Coach.
For best results, be sure to space out hard efforts like Speed Runs and Long
Runs. Use the Recovery Runs and Rest Days to allow your body to recharge
from the harder efforts.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO FIGURE OUT YOUR PACE,


Then experiment until you find it. When you’re out running, you run on feel.
You have different gears whether you realize it or not. Be patient, pay attention
and have fun experimenting with your comfort level while running at different
speeds across different distances. The coaches and athletes in the Audio
Guided Runs will help you find the right pace for you. Use the Nike Run
Club App while you run to keep track of your paces, and use our Pace Chart
guidelines on page 8 to find your pace targets.

IF YOU’RE TIRED,
Figure out why. Feeling fatigued is normal as your training progresses,
but make sure you’re supporting yourself in all other aspects of your life:
get enough sleep, eat right, hydrate properly, respect Recovery days and
wear the proper shoes. Sometimes the best training is to focus on recovery
and rest.

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IF YOU...
IF YOU LACK MOTIVATION,
Look for inspiration. Even where you don’t expect to find it–like on a run that
you don’t want to do. And remember, if you are willing to look for motivation
that means you’ve already got some! Be kind and patient with yourself…
and you’ll find that inspiration and motivation you need.

IF YOU HAVE A TERRIBLE RUN,


Move on to the next one. Some runs are just terrible–sometimes there’s no
reason, sometimes there is. Take a moment to see if there’s a reason and
learn something about yourself if there is. Being comfortable with a bad run
is just as important as the joy of a great run.

IF YOU’RE HURT,
Stop running. There is a difference between hurting and being hurt.
It’s essential to listen to and learn from your body throughout your
training. Sometimes missing miles in the present lets you run better
miles in the future. We know it’s not easy for an athlete to hold back or
take off some days. That’s why it’s important you look at yourself as
both an athlete and a coach.

IF YOU NEED TO ADJUST THE RECOMMENDED TRAINING,


Remember, this program is a guide. The daily training recommended here is
meant to serve as a starting point for you each day. We hope to give you the
guidance you need to be able to coach yourself as to when to push forward,
when to pull back and when it is best to maintain. The best coach for you is
you because you know your fitness better than anyone else. Some days you
will run the recommended training and other days you will run more or less.
Listen to your body.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO RACE,


Give yourself time to recover–beforehand and afterwards. You may want to
back off in terms of distance or pace a few days prior to the race. Be sure to
give yourself a few days of rest and recovery after it’s over, too (regardless of
whether or not you consider it a successful race).

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