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Designing Running Workouts 101

Published by Coach Chris Knighton on

New Coaching and Running Course from Knighton Runs
By Coach Chris Knighton

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One of my biggest coaching pet peeves is when people say they did a workout like, 10 x 400, or even worse: when a coach assigns this workout and doesn’t provide any other details.​

​When I hear that, and I’m just like…. “okay…. so what is 10 x 400 supposed to mean?”

​You see, 10 x 400 can mean many different things.

10 x 400 could be an absolutely brutal workout.

It could be incredibly easy.

Or it could be anywhere in between.

10 x 400 could be a tough but doable training of your biomechanics, helping to make you move your body faster and get more accustom to running fast paces.

It could be gut-busting Vo2Max workout that makes you want to puke at the end of it.

Or it could be a very easy endurance workout that you do a few days before a race just to maintain your fitness but not tire you out.

Whenever you perform a workout, or create one, you need to know exactly what you are trying to achieve.
​​
Specificity matters.

The fine details of rep count, pace run, distance covered, interval duration, and recovery are all critical variables to get right.

Vague workouts create vague results.

Make sure you get the most out of every workout by knowing exactly what you are trying to achieve.

This is what I’ll be teaching you over the coming weeks and in my upcoming course, “Designing Running Workouts 101”.

Please reach out if you’re interested in being contacted when the course is released.​

– Coach Chris Knighton


Coach Chris Knighton

Chris Knighton helps passionate athletes run faster marathons. He is the founder and head coach of Knighton Runs Marathon Coaching and has been featured in Runner's World and Women's Running. His first book, "Run Faster Marathons: The Proven Path to PR" is available now on Amazon. Chris lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his family.



Recommended Running Products

Running Shoes - Brooks Launch Running Shoes - I have been wearing these running shoes for years. I've easily worn through over a dozen pairs. They are light, fast, well-cushioned, and very affordable. They are perfect for easy days, long runs, and marathon-training workouts.

GPS Running Watch - Garmin Forerunner 45 - I love Garmin watches. If you do not yet own a GPS running watch, buy one now. This model is small and lightweight, making it perfect for running fast and racing. GPS watches are one of the best tools you have to monitor and improve your running. Getting my first Garmin helped get me hooked on this sport.

Identification Safety Bracelet - Road ID Silicone Wristband - I never leave home without my Road ID. It's engraved with My Name, Year of Birth, Allergies, City of Residence, and Emergency Contact Info for my wife and dad. Wearing my Road ID allows me to leave my driver's license at home when I run and have peace of mind.

Energy Gels - GU Energy "Tastefully Nude" Flavor - GU Energy Gels are my go-to fuel for marathon training. I suggest taking one every 30 to 45 minutes during long runs, half marathons, and marathons. The "tastefully nude" flavor is easy to get down and has a mild sweet taste.

Protein Powder - Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder - It's critically important to refuel after a workout or long run within 30-minutes of completion. Making a smoothie or shake with Momentous Protein Powder is an easy and healthy way to jump start your recovery process. Their chocolate flavor is delicious even when mixed with just water.

Anti-Chafe Balm - Body Glide Original Balm - Better safe than sorry! I rub Body Glide balm all over my feet and "sensitive" areas before any important race, workout, or long run. Save yourself from nasty blisters, chafing, or bleeding with a little lubricant.

Recovery Tool - ProStretch Calf Stretcher - This one is a curve ball! My wife introduced me to this tool after I developed tight calves from running. The ProStrech Calf Stretcher can help you get a deeper and more effective stretch than conventional methods. This improved flexibility and range of motion may help relieve, rehab and alleviate plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tight calves and achilles tendonitis, as well as enhance overall performance.

The links above are affiliate links, meaning if you click through on a link and buy a product I may earn a small commission. This has not influenced the products I listed here at all, but buying through these links is a nice small way for you to support what I do.




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