Intervals, Strides, Fartleks, Pyramids, Repeats

After a visit to the doctor, we three headed over to the Stillwater Bubble once more, this time for a modest 40-minute walk/run, walking about 210 feet of every 1000. The left semitendinosus muscle was better today, not hurting much at all, and I was tempted to do some interval training, but one short sprint told me to reign it in. I had a nice, easy, 4-mile walk/run, finishing 24 miles for the week.

What do the different terms “intervals,” “strides,” “fartleks,” “pyramids,” and “repeats,” mean? I did a little internet research and here is my opinion:

• Intervals: Any type of training which includes intentional, repeated changes in intensity, including all of the terms below.
• Strides: Short bursts of speed, at race pace or greater, incorporated into a longer training run.
• Fartleks: Like strides, but much less structured. Sprint to feel good, perhaps including backward and sideways running, uphill sprints, lunges, or even a pushup or three. Have fun.
• Pyramids: Workouts in which the intensity is gradually increased and then reduced again.
• Repeats: A training program containing simple or complex elements which are repeated.

Agree? Disagree?


It's SNOWING here! Probably eight inches so far, not letting up, and the wind is getting stronger. Pre-showblowing breakfast: