Try this descending ladder workout for your next interval session

If you’ve got an interval session coming up in your training plan, consider trying this descending ladder workout. Starting with 600m repeats to build strength and working your way down to 200s to work on your speed, it’ll help put you on track to achieve your next personal best in a variety of short and mid-distance races.

The workout itself is quite simple–the number of reps in each set increases as the intervals get longer, and you get a slightly longer rest between sets to reset before moving on to the next distance. As the intervals get shorter, the goal is to increase your speed, so aim to run the 600s at your current 5K race pace, the 400s at your 5K goal pace or a bit faster, and the 200s as fast as you can go (800m to 1,500m pace).

Don’t have a track nearby? Don’t worry–we’ve included a road option as well. Just make sure when you’re on the road that you’re paying attention to pace and cranking up the speed as the intervals get shorter.

The workout

Warmup: 15-20 minute easy jog, followed by form drills and strides

Workout: 600m/1 min rest/600m/2 min rest//400m/1min rest/400 m/1 min rest/400m/2 min rest//200m/1 min rest/200m/1 min rest/200m/1 min rest/ 200m

Road workout: 3 min/1 min rest/3 min/2 min rest//2 min/1 min rest/2 min/1 min rest/2 min/2 min rest//45 sec/1 min rest/45 sec/1 min rest/45 sec/1 min rest/45 sec 

Cooldown: 10-15 minute easy jog followed by light stretching and mobility