Pyramid training (long): 1000-1500-2500-1500-1000

Single run or in strength groups, with the pacemaker controlling the time

Pyramid training is a special type of interval training that can be run extensively (longer sections at a brisk pace) or intensively (shorter sections at a very fast pace). As the name suggests, the effort initially increases continuously (in the form of a staircase) and is then reduced again to the same extent. There is always a trotting break between the efforts, which is measured by the intensity of the effort. The units should be run so fast that an interval can just be added at the end (extensive) or another interval would no longer feel possible (intensive). It is important to concentrate on an optimal running technique, because as soon as you are no longer running "cleanly", you are travelling too fast. The individual intervals are run very quickly, but as evenly as possible (the shorter the effort, the higher the intensity and vice versa). For shorter workouts, you cannot rely completely on the heart rate for intensity levels, as the heart rate only adapts to the exertion with a slight delay at the start of the workout.

Running training with alternating effort and recovery:

1. 1000m effort (intensity level: 4)
2. 1500m effort (intensity level: 3-4)
3. 2500m effort (intensity level: 3)
4. 1500m effort (intensity level: 3-4)
5. 1000m effort (intensity level: 4)

Pause: 300-400m each time

Intensity level 3:
HFmax: 80-90%
Rule of speech: speak in full sentences

Intensity level 4:
HFmax: 90-95%
Rule of speech: short exchange of words

Pyramid 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. Whether on the track or off-road, the distances to be covered must be clearly defined for the participants (distance markings). It may also be the case that a turning point is defined if the total distance is not long enough (determine running directions to avoid collisions). After the exertion phase, the participants continue to trot at a relaxed pace until they reach the marker for the next exertion phase (variation: march). To ensure that the participants have enough space for the run, it makes sense to stagger them (spread them out on the track or send them out on the track in a staggered manner). Pyramid training can be carried out as follows:

• Round course: To ensure that the participants have enough space available for the run, they can be spread out on the round course at the start. The participants/groups start the intervals independently, complete the prescribed distances and, if desired, measure the times (note the times so that the same distances are completed in approximately the same time - note-taking is almost impossible to implement in practice). The participants themselves decide how they spend the breaks (e.g. marching or relaxed trotting - however, the same form of recovery should always be maintained in a training session). During the recovery phase, care is taken to ensure that no participants are disturbed who are in a stress phase.
• Distance of at least 2800 metres: Distances are marked with signs (every 25-50 metres). Each participant/group completes the specified distances independently according to the instructions of the sports director (observe running directions so that the total length of the course is sufficient). The times for the respective sections of the course can be recorded independently by the participants if desired (comparison of identical sections). The participants/groups cover the distances to the start of the next interval by marching or at a relaxed trot (keep the same form for training). There is the option of staggering the start of the participants, whereby the running routes must be clearly defined in order to avoid collisions.
• Long-distance circuit: The distances are marked with signs (every 25-50 metres). In the recovery phases, the participants/groups march or trot until the next interval start is marked (always choose the same type of break in a training session). The participants can time the different sections of the course so that the same distances can be compared with each other. After the last interval unit, all runners return to the starting point, which takes additional time. Ideally, the running distance corresponds approximately to the distance that can be covered in the time available in order to generate as little additional displacement time as possible (e.g. 8.8km with 3x300m and 1x400m break sections).

Distance markers (signs with metres)

Evaluation FTA (group formation)

Participant:
1 heart rate monitor

Participant/group:
1 stopwatch