How hard should you run?

Get to know your effort levels in order to run to a training programme


Posted: 14 September 2011
by Nicola Davenport

tired woman runner

Running at the correct levels will help you get fitter, faster.

Think of it as a scale of 1 to 10, with level 1 being stationary and level 10 an arms-pumping, full-out sprint.

Effort level 2 is an easy walk, with level 4 being pretty brisk.

A level of 5 compares with an easy jog where you can chat. This is a good recovery level to aim for after you've been running fast.

At level 6 you still breathe steadily, but by level 7 breathing is more of an effort.

At levels 8 to 9 you will be going so fast, talking is not an option. You should be aiming for level 8 during a tempo run.

The more you run, the faster you will get, so adjust your effort levels accordingly.


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