Fartlek training certainly is familiar to seasoned runners. But many use Fartlek training as nothing more than an exercise for off weeks, or down weeks in the training program. But while these easier Fartlek runs can be a legitimate part of training, what we would consider Fartlek training is something far more grueling. It results in what we call the hard-earned skill of "Fartlekery".
Perhaps this more intense sort of Fartlek training is best done with a close competitor or teammate, or under the direction of a coach, as solo Fartlek training only works well for the very self-motivated runner.
Coaches often adapt Fartlek training into their track work, and this can be some of the most challenging and grueling type of training. The idea here is that you are alternately running fast-pace or off-pace on whistle commands. But the coach varies his length of each portion in what feels like a random manner. There are great gains to be made in mental toughness from this sort of fast running for unspecified times, with unspecified slower times. It is simply one of the toughest things a runner has to go through mentally in regular training. Moreover, in middle distance races especially, runners sometimes have to suddenly speed up or slow down for strategic position, and for them, this sort of training can again prove invaluable.
This sort of training results in what we call the hard-earned skill of "Fartlekery: The skillful art of adapting to life’s challenges possessed only by those who have learned to push through the pain while going with the flow."
DISCLAIMER:
Persons choosing to utilize these sessions do so at their own risk. You agree to assume the risks of such training, and further agree to hold harmless Fartlekers from any and all claims, suits, losses, and/or related causes of actions and damages, including, but not limited to, such claims that may result from my injury or death, accidental or otherwise, during or arising in any way from copying and/or implementing these session suggestions. These session concepts have been offered as ideas for training, and are not intended to be followed without the approval of your physician.