Is Fartlek Dead?

Man_Moth wrote:

I'd argue that among recreational running groups, they're still the most popular type of workout.

And when I mean fartlek, I'm not talking about the original kind of fartlek (random surges in the middle of a steady run), but rather what the term fartlek has morphed into.

Most groups will still do fast repetitions to time, followed by a timed recovery of easy to steady running. e.g. 10 x 2 minutes fast with a 1 minute float recovery, etc.

Skuj wrote:

Man_Moth wrote:

I'd argue that among recreational running groups, they're still the most popular type of workout.

And when I mean fartlek, I'm not talking about the original kind of fartlek (random surges in the middle of a steady run), but rather what the term fartlek has morphed into.

Most groups will still do fast repetitions to time, followed by a timed recovery of easy to steady running. e.g. 10 x 2 minutes fast with a 1 minute float recovery, etc.

Hmmm.

Has "Fartlek" actually morphed into something much more stuctured?

I think many will argue that your 10x2min example is not "Fartlek" - originally or presently.

Skuj wrote:

Man_Moth wrote:

I'd argue that among recreational running groups, they're still the most popular type of workout.

And when I mean fartlek, I'm not talking about the original kind of fartlek (random surges in the middle of a steady run), but rather what the term fartlek has morphed into.

Most groups will still do fast repetitions to time, followed by a timed recovery of easy to steady running. e.g. 10 x 2 minutes fast with a 1 minute float recovery, etc.

Hmmm.

Has "Fartlek" actually morphed into something much more stuctured?

I think many will argue that your 10x2min example is not "Fartlek" - originally or presently.

Man_Moth wrote:

Skuj wrote:

Hmmm.

Has "Fartlek" actually morphed into something much more stuctured?

I think many will argue that your 10x2min example is not "Fartlek" - originally or presently.

I'd also argue that it isn't a fartlek workout (in the true sense).

But do a google search of "best fartlek workouts for 5k" and you'll see that it's certainly morphed into something along these lines. For better or worse, the popular use of the term has certainly shifted.

Skuj wrote:

Man_Moth wrote:

I'd argue that among recreational running groups, they're still the most popular type of workout.

And when I mean fartlek, I'm not talking about the original kind of fartlek (random surges in the middle of a steady run), but rather what the term fartlek has morphed into.

Most groups will still do fast repetitions to time, followed by a timed recovery of easy to steady running. e.g. 10 x 2 minutes fast with a 1 minute float recovery, etc.

Hmmm.

Has "Fartlek" actually morphed into something much more stuctured?

I think many will argue that your 10x2min example is not "Fartlek" - originally or presently.

too anal wrote:

Modern runners are too anal for true fartleks. In the mind of today's runners, if you can't quantify, document, and compare your workout directly with all of your other workouts, there's no point in doing it.

Alex M. wrote:

too anal wrote:

Modern runners are too anal for true fartleks. In the mind of today's runners, if you can't quantify, document, and compare your workout directly with all of your other workouts, there's no point in doing it.

Which makes perfect sense. You can't progressively overload random hard running. It's always either too much or too little.

Badcompany wrote:

Alex M. wrote:

Which makes perfect sense. You can't progressively overload random hard running. It's always either too much or too little.

Usually the latter. Timing it keeps you honest.

Badcompany wrote:

Skuj wrote:

Hmmm.

Has "Fartlek" actually morphed into something much more stuctured?

I think many will argue that your 10x2min example is not "Fartlek" - originally or presently.

It’s a run with pick ups mixed in, a variable paced run. Dopey Fartlek “Purists” act like timing the pick ups changes everything. 😂

IMO, if you’re someone who runs ~30 miles a week and wants to be a solid hobby jogger, it’s the workout that gives you the most bang for your buck.

.

Feelometry wrote:

Badcompany wrote:

Usually the latter. Timing it keeps you honest.

Sounds like neither of you understand fartlek.

bigmig19 wrote:

Skuj wrote:

Well? Is it?

It is with my team, not for any big reason other than Im not sure what it does that more specific workouts do better? Easy runs should be easy, speed is speed, intervals are intervals, hill repeats...

I guess i could see it as a less stressful aerobic session if i don't think everyone is recovered yet, or I need to do 2 workout days in a row due to sunday meet.

Also i can see in newbies it might be a way to get them to shift gears and get a feel for running and training, before they are fit enough for actually benefitting from a specific VO2 session or threshold session?? IDK. New people sometimes can't run 3 miles without stopping, so 800-1000 intervals don't really do for them what we think they do.

Alex M. wrote:

too anal wrote:

Modern runners are too anal for true fartleks. In the mind of today's runners, if you can't quantify, document, and compare your workout directly with all of your other workouts, there's no point in doing it.

Which makes perfect sense. You can't progressively overload random hard running. It's always either too much or too little.