3 minute efforts with gradual pace increase

Session aim/goal

This session will work on your overall fitness and running endurance. It will give you an opportunity to test yourself at setting your running pace.

Target energy system

You will be training your lactic and aerobic energy systems.

Session warm up

Complete your own warm up to get ready for the session. Include some exercises to slowly raise your heart rate appropriate for your level of fitness and the session you're about to follow. Include some dynamic movement to gently increase the range of body movement. Use this time to think about the session, to prepare your mind for exercise and set your intention.

Main session

Mark yourself a distance which takes about 3 minutes to cover with an easy jog.

• Rep 1: run the distance, aiming to take around 2 minutes 45 seconds;
• Rest for 90 seconds;
• Rep 2: run the distance, aiming to take around 2 minutes 30 seconds;
• Rest for 90 seconds;
• Rep 3: run the distance, aiming to take around 2 minutes 15 seconds;
• Rest for 90 seconds;

Continue this pattern, aiming to complete each rep 15 seconds quicker than the last.

Give yourself a good 90 seconds or more rest between each rep.

When you can no longer shave off another 15 seconds, either end the session there or start again from 3 minutes.

Aim for the whole session to last around 30-40 minutes.

Session cool down

Gently bring your heart rate back down. If you wish, include some gentle stretching.

Reflection

During the cool down, take a few moments to think about how the session went.

• Did you enjoy it?
• Did you learn anything interesting about your running?
• How easy do you find it to manage your pace?
• Is running slowly harder than you might expect?
• How does your running style change as you get quicker?
• Does your arm movement change?

Session Format

Our track sessions are always on Tuesday, 6:45pm at Manchester Regional Arena. We will start with a few warm up laps and dynamic stretches before going in to the main session.

Entry is discounted to £3.20 for running club members, and there is a further discount to £2.85 for those who live in the Manchester City Council area.

Joining a Tuesday Speedwork Session

Just turn up, that's all you need. You don't have to be a member. You don't have to have run with us before. You only need to pay entry to the arena.

Meet us inside Manchester Regional ARena at 6:45pm ready to run and you will be welcome to join us. When inside the arena, look for the people in our black kit, with white and red stripes.

Better UK app

You can download the Better UK app to book and pay for track sessions in advance.

Set up the Better UK app

• Select National Squash Centre & Regional Arena as your home venue.

If you are using the app for the first time you will need to create an account with Better UK to make a booking.

Set up Manchester Resident pricing

• From the app home page, scroll down and select Buy membership in the bottom right.
• On Choose Your Membership select Pay & Play from the drop down list.
• Select payment type of Single Payment.
• Scroll down the list and select Better Adult Resident (cost £0.00).
• Enter all the details and checkout at zero cost.

The account created can now be used to book track at the discounted rate.

Booking a track session

• Book other activities
• Athletics
• Athletics Outdoor (17:00 - 20:00)