At first I would say the 20x400m would be harder. But after trying both, I really struggled to hit pace on the 4x800m and couldn't even cool down. But the 20x400m I felt pretty good the whole way and fresh at the end of the workout. Did a long cool down and drills without a problem...
What do you guys think?
I think you are pulling our leg.
haha nope, Im actually serious... although I could see why you would think that, without trying it Id say so too. I did try the 4x800m workout twice. Both times they were much harder than the 20x400m. I'm a bit confused why and Im hoping someone can tell me why does this make any sense... it's comparing 8000m vs 3200m workload.
IF you are struggling to hit 4 x 800 at 5k pace, you aren't running your 5k pace.
I did 4 x 800 at 5k pace several times leading up to 5ks where I actually ran that pace, and they were simple tuneups 4-5 days out. Very easy.
20 x 400 @ 5k is also quite easy. Maybe if the rest is a 100 jog around 25-30 seconds it would be hard, but with a bunch of standing rest it is a very easy workout.
You, my friend, need to learn to work harder and get stronger.
univarse wrote:
IF you are struggling to hit 4 x 800 at 5k pace, you aren't running your 5k pace.
I did 4 x 800 at 5k pace several times leading up to 5ks where I actually ran that pace, and they were simple tuneups 4-5 days out. Very easy.
20 x 400 @ 5k is also quite easy. Maybe if the rest is a 100 jog around 25-30 seconds it would be hard, but with a bunch of standing rest it is a very easy workout.
You, my friend, need to learn to work harder and get stronger.
The rest IS 30 seconds you goofball. Reread the subject line.
100 jog in 25-30 is very different.
He's got a point, my rest was standing/walking for 30 seconds... I am glad you mention this to me, there really was a difference of effort between the two workouts. Thanks for the reply :)
How is a 30 sec jog diff. than a 30 sec recovery please? 8 min. mile pace is fast?
Well that seems very odd. I'd think that 20x400 would be massively more difficult. You know cause 5 miles instead of 2. If you are being serious, I would suggest that you need to work on much longer intervals at slower pace (maybe something like 3 x 2000m at 10k pace (or slower, if necessary
.) You won't be able to race a 5k and hold pace if 4 x 800 makes you too tired to jog. Maybe you just had a bad day though?