Interval running is an efficient and effective way to improve your aerobic and anaerobic fitness, as well as your cardiovascular health. Generally, interval workouts require less total time than traditional distance running and allow greater intensities during the workout itself.

Is it better to run intervals or a consistent pace?

Running interval sessions will make you faster

Interval running is the single best form of running activity you can do. A runner who always runs at a steady pace will only ever be good at running steadily. By steady running you improve your endurance capacity, tone-up and often lose weight, but you don't get faster.

How often should you do interval running?

Watson suggests keeping the frequency at once per week for both and try to — at the very least — leave at least two days between intervals and long runs. “Otherwise, you may overdo it and suffer from burnout, fatigue or injury,” he says. “This will also allow your body time to recover after each one.”