Intensity level: 300 metres

Pause variant I: 1-3 minutes (relaxed running or on the spot)
Pause variant II: 200 metres at a relaxed trot

Repeats: 6-8 times

Intensity level: 3 (medium) / 4 (hard)

Hmax: 80-90% (extensive interval method) / 90-95% (intensive interval method)

Rule of speech: speak in full sentences / short exchanges

Both beginners to running training and experienced runners will benefit from the extensive interval method. Ideally, you should choose the extensive variant before the intensive interval units, but the runner should already have a good basic training programme. The breaks between the workouts are relatively short and the running pace is somewhat slower than during intensive interval training (80-90% HRmax). It is important that the heart rate does not fall below 120 beats per minute so that the body does not slow down too much. Extensive interval training takes place slightly below the anaerobic threshold and aims to increase aerobic performance (ideal training for longer competitions such as half marathons or marathons). Intensive interval training is used by ambitious runners to work on their basic speed. The heart rate range is 90-95% of the maximum heart rate. The training takes place at or above the anaerobic threshold, i.e. in the "red zone". This requires the activation of fast-twitch muscle fibres and improves maximum oxygen uptake, lactate tolerance and pace hardness. The pace is fast (at competition speed or slightly below) and the breaks between efforts are longer than with the intensive form (suitable as training for shorter competitions such as 5km or 10km runs).

Interval training can be completed both on a track and off-road. Running on the track has the advantage that the runner always has control over the distance and the current running pace, which can promote the development of a sense of speed.

In interval training, it is important that the participants/groups try to cover approximately the same distance in the specified time for each interval or to complete a specified distance in approximately the same time. The various options for this type of training are as follows:

Loop track: To ensure that the participants have enough space available for the run, they can be spread out on the loop track at the start. Using a stopwatch, each runner measures their own time for the specified distance. After the interval, the participants decide for themselves whether they want to stay where they are or continue at a relaxed trot. The next interval starts after 1-3 minutes (extensive 1-2 minutes, intensive 2-3 minutes) or 200 metres (keep the selected recovery form for training). Participants moving at a relaxed trot must ensure that they do not hinder the runners who are in an exertion phase.
Course: The defined course to be completed is marked. Participants start and stop their time independently (staggered start possible). If the participants pause at the end of the course, it must be clearly defined on which side they will run back at the next interval (avoid collisions). If the participants move at a relaxed trot during the breaks, it is important to ensure that they are back at one of the two possible starting positions after the break time (2 minutes) has elapsed (break variant II not suitable).
Variant: it is also possible to complete a shorter distance several times until the desired distance is reached. It is important to pay attention to the running directions to avoid collisions. The breaks are carried out as described above, except that in this form the start/finish is always at the same place.
Longer-distance circuit: A marker is placed on the course after every 300 metres (exertion) and then after 200 metres (break) (e.g. balloon, route tape, wooden wedge). Variant I for the breaks is not suitable (however, if the participants only take breaks on the spot, only sections of 300 metres could be marked). Ideally, the participants should be approximately back at the starting point after the last interval so as not to lose additional time for the return leg (6 intervals = 1.8 km, 8 intervals = 2.4 km).