Jakob Ingebrigtsen shares go-to 10K workout for every runner

On Wednesday, Olympic and world champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen announced his new partnership with the sports wearable brand Coros and shared a challenging yet effective 10K workout.

Coming off an Achilles injury this past year, Ingebrigtsen revealed that he is now building volume as he targets his goals for the big 2024 season. This workout is a staple in Ingebrigtsen’s training regimen and a cornerstone for building speed and fitness for 5K or 10K races.

Workout

Two sets of 12x400m (24 reps total) with 30 seconds of rest between reps, at a pace corresponding to your goal race pace. (Take three minutes of rest between the first and second set).

To prepare your body for the workout, start with a 10- to 20-minute warmup followed by a few strides to prime your body for the intensity ahead. After completing the workout, finish with a 10-to 20-minute cool down to aid recovery.

Purpose of the workout

Ingebrigtsen says this session is a valuable tool for becoming more comfortable with race pace in training for both the 5K and 10K distances. He emphasizes the importance of matching intensity with your goal pace to achieve optimal results. The workout is strategically designed to stress the body without inducing excessive fatigue, allowing runners to maintain speed and effort throughout the session.

The workout may seem daunting on paper, but Ingebrigtsen assures that it is fantastic for any runner, and offers a few tips to help you conquer it. “1) Start slow: If you’re new to this workout, begin with fewer repetitions and shorter breaks to gradually build endurance and speed. 2) Focus on hitting paces: Aim to reach your desired pace early in the session and maintain it evenly throughout. Avoid the temptation to increase pace with each repetition. 3) Adapt and progress: Over time, gradually increase the number of repetitions and pace to challenge yourself.”

Regardless of your experience level, Ingebrigtsen believes his 10K-oriented workout can benefit anyone pursuing faster times. “It is a race-pace simulation,” Ingebrigtsen told Coros. “By breaking the 10K distance into manageable repetitions, runners can simulate race conditions and enhance their ability to sustain that pace over longer distances.” While it may not be the key workout each week, Ingebrigtsen describes it as “smart,” because it stresses the body without introducing too much fatigue. “Due to the short break, you’re still not getting enough rest to recover, but are still getting enough to maintain speed and effort.”

Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen to race at 2024 Prefontaine Classic

If 24 reps of 400m seem like too many, or if a 10K or half-marathon is not your focus, Ingebrigtsen recommends breaking down the workout into shorter reps, while keeping the rest the same.