Steady-state runs were once a staple in the training programs of U.S. distance runners but somehow fell out of favor. Runners now seem to have only two speeds, slow and fast – no in-between. But the steady-state run is one of the most beneficial types of workouts to boost endurance and stave off fatigue.
A steady state run is a continuous run at an easy-medium pace – not fast but not slow. Not hard but not easy. The runs should last at least 25 minutes and can go as long as an hour and 15 minutes.
These are pretty tough efforts not because of the pace but because of the duration of running so be prepared to increase your concentration to stay on pace and to take a good recovery day afterwards in order to reap the full benefits. Begin with shorter steady-state runs of 25 minutes and build to one-hour runs.
Steady-state runs require a warm-up and a cool-down. The pace is about what you can race for 2-2.5 hours. That could be marathon pace for speedy runners or more like half-marathon pace for us mortals.
You can also check out our Even Steven workout – a good workout for a bad week at work.
Learn more about the key principles of Training the McMillan Way.
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Written By Greg McMillan
Called “one of the best and smartest distance running coaches in America” by Runner’s World’s Amby Burfoot, Greg McMillan is renowned for his ability to combine the science of endurance performance with the art of real-world coaching. While getting his graduate degree in Exercise Science he created the ever-popular McMillan Running Calculator – called “The Best Running Calculator” by Outside Magazine. A National Champion runner himself, Greg coaches runners from beginners to Boston Qualifiers (15,000+ and counting!) to Olympians.
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