fartlek

Noun

fartlek (countable and uncountable, plural fartleks)

1. An athletic training technique, used especially in running, in which periods of intense effort alternate with periods of less strenuous effort in a continuous workout.
   • In an article in Athletics Journal, Paul A. Smith described fartlek as "a continuous overdistance run with numerous faster-paced interval runs interspersed, until the runner feels tired, but not exhausted." Smith claimed that because fartlek existed in the mind of the runner as a form of play, it...1992, Hal Higdon, “Fartlek: A Time-tested Treasure”, in Kathleen A. Becker, editor, Run Fast: How to Train for a 5-K or 10-K Race, Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale Press, →ISBN, pages 128–129
   • Interval workouts are typically more intense and structured than strides and fartleks. If you have access to a track, distance is easier to gauge.2025 October 25, Hannah Singleton, “5 Tricks to Make Your Run Faster, Healthier and More Fun”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   interval training