What is Your Favorite Workout?

For me, this is a no-brainer, a hard trail tempo. There are a couple of caveats that must be included in this workout.

First, it should be in the range of 45-75 minutes. Second, it should have some significant elevation gain and loss, preferably with some longer climbs. Finally, it should have some technical aspects but be completely runnable.

Why is this my favorite workout? This workout teaches you how to control effort better than any other workout I know of. Having a climb early on gets you right into the workout, you can’t fake effort on a significant climb. Learning how to control effort on that climb so you can attack a downhill or a flat section takes discipline, experience and mental toughness. Doing this repeatedly throughout the workout is invaluable.

Finally, I typically do this workout as a time trial, so I am always shooting for a new PR which adds some pressure/intensity. This becomes particularly true on my last mile and a half which is relatively flat and non-technical. Knowing you are close to a PR can help add to the intensity tremendously.

What is your favorite workout?