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How to Increase Speed in Running: Effective Techniques and Training Tips

Endurance Athlete Roadmap
January 26, 2026
8 min read
How to Increase Speed in Running: Effective Techniques and Training Tips

The Science of Speed

Running faster isn't just about pushing harder—it's about training smarter. Speed comes from improving your running economy, increasing lactate threshold, and developing raw power.

Form Fundamentals

Before adding speed work, ensure your form is efficient:

Posture

  • Tall spine, slight forward lean from ankles
  • Relaxed shoulders, away from ears
  • Eyes focused 20-30 feet ahead
  • Arm Swing

  • 90-degree bend at elbows
  • Hands relaxed, not clenched
  • Drive elbows back, not forward
  • Foot Strike

  • Land under your center of mass
  • Quick ground contact time
  • Push off with glutes, not just calves
  • Speed Workout Types

    1. Interval Training

    Short, fast efforts with recovery periods.

    *Example workout:*

  • Warm-up: 10 minutes easy
  • 8 x 400m at 5K pace with 90 seconds recovery
  • Cool-down: 10 minutes easy
  • 2. Tempo Runs

    "Comfortably hard" sustained efforts.

    *Example workout:*

  • Warm-up: 10 minutes easy
  • 20 minutes at tempo pace (can speak in short phrases)
  • Cool-down: 10 minutes easy
  • 3. Hill Sprints

    Build power and strength.

    *Example workout:*

  • Find a 6-8% grade hill
  • 8 x 10-second all-out sprints
  • Walk back down for recovery
  • 4. Strides

    Controlled accelerations to improve form.

    *Example workout:*

  • After easy runs, do 4-6 x 100m strides
  • Accelerate smoothly to 90% effort
  • Focus on form, not speed
  • Sample Training Week

  • Monday: Easy run + strides
  • Tuesday: Interval workout
  • Wednesday: Rest or cross-training
  • Thursday: Tempo run
  • Friday: Easy run
  • Saturday: Long run
  • Sunday: Rest
  • Patience Is Key

    Speed improvements take time. Expect to see meaningful progress over 8-12 weeks of consistent training.

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