You may have come across the term “Tempo Run” in a marathon training plan. What is a tempo run?

A tempo run is a type of running workout that involves running at a steady pace that is faster than your normal easy pace, but not as fast as your race pace. The purpose of a tempo run is to improve your lactate threshold, which is the point at which your muscles start to accumulate lactic acid and fatigue sets in.

During a tempo run, you should aim to maintain a pace that feels comfortably hard, but sustainable for the duration of the workout. Typically, tempo runs are between 20-40 minutes long, depending on your fitness level and training goals. They can be done on flat terrain or on a slight incline.

Tempo runs can be a valuable addition to a marathon training program because they help you become more efficient at running at a faster pace for longer periods of time, which can help you maintain a steady pace during the marathon. They can also improve your mental toughness and confidence as you learn to push through discomfort and maintain a consistent pace.

See also Mona Fartlek for another type of training run.