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Fartlek Play Run

Mix easy running with short, faster bursts to landmarks you pick.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Jog easy for 5 minutes.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
11 and up
Time
15 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Safe park loop, adult
Level · skill
Developing · Endurance

The steps

How it works

  1. Jog easy for 5 minutes.
  2. Pick a tree or post and run a little faster to it.
  3. Jog easy until you feel ready, then pick another.
  4. Finish with 3 minutes of easy jogging.

Coaching point

Play with speed, stay relaxed.

Safety: Drink water before and after, run in the cool part of the day, and stop if you feel dizzy. Thunder or lightning: go inside now and wait 30 minutes after the last one. After a hard day comes an easy day or a rest day, with 1 to 2 rest days a week. Eat a meal or snack before and after training.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Track follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are an explorer crossing the infield like a jungle.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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