What Are the Benefits of Fartlek Training?

One of the best reasons to choose Fartlek training over interval training is that it simulates a real race more so than an interval run does. Of course, you want your pace to stay more consistent in a real race than in a Fartlek run, but a Fartlek gets you out on the roads and simulates the endurance you need to push through a full multi-mile race without stopping. This means that Fartleks have to be more balanced and controlled than intervals. When doing a Fartlek, it just isn’t possible to run at max capacity during your speed chunks and then continue on for more miles without a break. Even when running quickly, you still need to keep your energy under control so that you can finish your run.

The speed chunks in Fartlek workouts are meant to be faster than your normal pace, but not an all-out effort. This is actually good mental training in how to understand your body’s limits and know what pacing is appropriate given the overall length of your run. If you run too fast in your first 2 minute speed chunk, how are you going to finish the rest of your run? Fartleks can help you understand the balance between pushing yourself and conserving your energy.

What Are the Benefits of Interval Training?

Interval training will get you accustomed to fast bursts of speed. How does it feel to run as fast as you can with only a few minutes of rest in between? Mentally, it’s great to know where those extra stores of willpower are hiding and be able to access them when you need a jolt of energy. Feeling tired, yet pushing through to run as fast as you can will take some mental effort and stamina.

Mentally, there’s a big difference between running as fast as you can for 800 meters and then stopping instead of running quickly over the course of a couple of miles. By default, your brain will be more comfortable going at an intense, all put pace because it will know that there’s a full break ahead. It’s hard for the brain to do this when there’s a number more miles to go in a fartlek. By default, you will get more intense speed work from interval training.