speed workouts + running music?

[coverallthebasses]

Does anyone incorporate speed workouts into their running program? As a former track sprinter I've always liked doing these types of workouts because they're quick and, for me personally, a nice way to break up the monotony of doing the same long run three times a week. There's a pretty short but steep hill near where I live and I like to aim for doing 8-10 sprint up-walk down pairs, but I've also done fartleks in the past.

On a completely different note, I was wondering if anyone else likes to run while listening to music! I have a workout playlist that I bring when I run. Any suggestions for good songs to listen to either while running or in the gym?

Comments

[lyras]

Can I ask what you consider a "pretty short hill"? I've been running entirely on the flat while I regain my running base (ie 3-4 x 30-40 mins a week), but I really need to get in a few hills and some speed work now.

Also, as an asthmatic, I find speed workouts challenging, but boy, do my lungs thank me afterward. I can almost feel them expanding!

Musicwise, I'm another audiobook listener, although I am trying to do at least one run a week without any audio.

[coverallthebasses]

I would estimate that it's probably about 125m total distance but I'm not sure about the elevation. I'm fortunate in that I live in a pretty hilly area so it's not hard for me to get in that training in (though it definitely is irritating during the runs themselves!) but I'd like to try and run at the nearby track to see how my time changes.

What kind of speed workouts do you do? One of my high school friends both ran and swam with asthma and only had to adjust her workouts slightly.

[lyras]

With the speedwork, I just have to be a bit more cautious - I used to play it by ear, and slow down when I felt an attack coming on...but then a couple of years ago I pushed it too far and realised exactly how stupid that was. So this time around, I think I'm just going to start with really short sprints and lots of reps, and work up to longer reps.

Good luck with the training!

[coverallthebasses]

Thanks! You too!