One of the common misconceptions about running is that you always have to run the same type of training runs in order to get ready for any given event.

Yes, you definitely need to sprint the mile at all-out speed once or twice a week, but on the other days, do different types of training.

- Endurance cardiovascular training increases the capacity of the same mitochondria that transport oxygen during high-intensity running.
- Cross training will allow you to work those same muscles from a different angle and intensity level – both things that will help your running speed during the all-out sprints
- Proper nutrition before AND after your runs will ensure that you are properly fueled for any given run, and that you can also quickly and completely recover from every single training session.
For nutrition, I like the taste and consistency of the
P90X recovery formula.
For Cross Training, Insanity is really intense from a cardiovascular standpoint – and I mean REALLY intense!
For endurance training, anything will do, although if running is your thing, I would stick with that, since that is what you are training for.