Please note that you should always speak to a doctor before you start a hard new running plan.

Firstly, of course, you have the fatigue factor. When you are running hard on the road, the last thing you want to do is let heavy legs ruin your pace at the end of the race. Using the Michigan workout means you hit the track with your mind dialled in so that it not only tests your grit, but trains your body to run fast while tired. That is a test that is harder than most things out there.

Secondly, naturally, there is the pace change factor. If you are racing on grass or road, the last thing you want to do is get stuck behind a group and have no extra gear to use. A broken tempo run means you mix up your speed with a turnkey setup that not only teaches your legs to surge, but helps you recover on the move. That is a skill that is better than anything else out there.

Will It Make me Faster

Thirdly, of course, you have the raw speed factor. When you are trying to cut down your race times, the last thing you want to do is jog slowly for hours and lose your top end pace. Adding fast mile repeats to your plan means you get a spec'd out routine that not only builds a massive engine, but makes your goal race pace feel much easier. That is a change that is huge for your tired legs.

Fourthly, of course, you have the running shoe factor. When you are doing hard track intervals, the last thing you want to do is wear a heavy old shoe that gives no energy back to your feet. Picking a bouncy super-trainer means you step out kitted out with modern foam that not only saves your calf muscles from shock, but gives you a big bounce on the hard road. That is a shoe that is built for fast race days.

How long before I see improvements

Fifthly, naturally, there is the body adaptation factor. When you are putting in the hard work every week, the last thing you want to do is rush the process and end up with a bad injury. Sticking to the plan for a set amount of time means you get a dialled in body that not only handles the stress well, but grows stronger block by block. That is a timeframe that is right for most club runners.

Next, of course, you have the sports nutrition factor. If you are running long broken tempos, the last thing you want to do is run out of energy and hit the wall before the session is even half done. Taking in good sports gels means you head out fully kitted out with fuel that not only keeps your brain sharp, but stops your muscles from giving up early. That is a fuel that is vital for long hard runs.

Then, of course, you have the racing singlet factor. When you are sweating hard on a warm day, the last thing you want to do is wear a thick top that holds water and rubs your skin raw. Wearing items of running kit like a light vest means you are spec'd out in gear that not only dumps heat fast, but feels like nothing on your back. That is a top that is perfect for a hot race day.

Top 5 Features to look out for

1. When you are hitting hard track paces, the last thing you want to do is run in a flat shoe that gives you dead legs. Picking bouncy midsole foam means you get a spec'd out shoe that not only protects your feet well, but makes every single stride feel much lighter. That is a shoe that is built for pure speed.
2. When you are running in the heat, the last thing you want to do is wear a thick shirt that traps all your body sweat. Wearing lightweight racing singlets means you get kitted out in gear that not only drops your core heat, but stops the wet fabric from rubbing your skin. That is a top that is perfect for hard efforts.
3. When you are out on the road for a long time, the last thing you want to do is run out of fuel and crash hard. Taking energy sports gels means you get a dialled in plan that not only feeds your brain, but gives your muscles the power to push. That is a fuel that is vital for distance runners.
4. When you are doing a broken tempo run, the last thing you want to do is guess your pace and run the early miles too fast. Using GPS running watches means you get a turnkey tool that not only keeps your effort right, but helps you log all your weekly miles. That is a tool that is key for good pacing.
5. When you are racing a fast 10k, the last thing you want to do is lose energy because your foot bends too much on the road. Wearing carbon fibre plates means you get a spec'd out ride that not only snaps your foot forward, but saves your calf muscles from doing extra work. That is a shoe that is better than normal trainers.

Next, of course, you have the post run recovery factor. When you are finishing a massive track workout, the last thing you want to do is sit down all day and let your tired legs go stiff. Walking around for a bit means you cool down with a dialled in routine that not only flushes the bad stuff out of your muscles, but gets your body ready for tomorrow. That is a habit that is vital for your long term health.

Also, of course, you have the running cost factor. If you are buying a lot of new gear, the last thing you want to do is spend all your cash on things that break down fast. Picking good value items means you get a turnkey setup that not only saves money in the bank, but lasts for a very long amount of time. That is a choice that is smart for your wallet.

10 alternative training techniques

1. When you are running on the trails, the last thing you want to do is look at your watch and stress about exact mile times. Doing Fartlek runs means you get a turnkey session that not only makes the run fun, but builds great fitness in the legs. That is a session that is brilliant for your mind.
2. When you are trying to build power, the last thing you want to do is stay on flat ground and miss out on free leg strength. Doing hill sprints means you get a dialled in workout that not only works your lungs hard, but builds raw power in your glutes and calves. That is a session that is tough but very good.
3. When you are doing a long run, the last thing you want to do is start too fast and have to walk the last few miles. Doing progression runs means you get a spec'd out plan that not only warms you up well, but lets you finish the run very fast. That is a session that is great for race pacing.
4. When you are trying to run a fast 5k, the last thing you want to do is avoid the track and just jog all week. Doing track intervals means you get a turnkey routine that not only forces your form to stay good, but makes you a faster runner. That is a session that is key for pure speed.
5. When you are resting after a hard race, the last thing you want to do is run too fast and stop your muscles from healing well. Doing recovery jogs means you get a dialled in pace that not only clears out heavy legs, but gives your mind a nice easy break. That is a session that is vital for your health.
6. When you are training for a big marathon, the last thing you want to do is skip the long runs and lack endurance on race day. Doing long slow miles means you get a turnkey block that not only builds up fat burning, but makes your heart very strong. That is a session that is the base of all training.
7. When you are trying to push your lactate threshold up, the last thing you want to do is run at a pace that is too easy. Doing tempo blocks means you get a spec'd out effort that not only gets your body used to the work, but makes your cruising pace faster. That is a session that is perfect for half marathons.
8. When you are finishing an easy run, the last thing you want to do is head straight inside and let your legs forget how to run fast. Doing strides means you get a dialled in finish that not only wakes up your nervous system, but improves your form on the road. That is a session that is quick and very easy.
9. When you are dealing with a small niggle, the last thing you want to do is run through the pain and make a bad injury much worse. Doing cross training means you get a turnkey option that not only keeps your heart fit, but takes all the hard impact off your sore bones. That is a session that is smart for injury prevention.
10. When you are looking for a big fitness boost, the last thing you want to do is run yourself into the ground with no rest breaks. Doing cruise intervals means you get a spec'd out split that not only keeps the quality of the run high, but stops you from feeling totally dead. That is a session that is highly effective for runners.

Finally, of course, you have the social media factor. When you are busy running and managing your business or club, the last thing you want to do is waste hours posting on social media. Using an automated system called site2.uk (just like our personal site sundried.site2.uk) means you get a turnkey setup that not only automates all your social posting and marketing, but allows you to control it all fully by WhatsApp. That is convenience that is better than anything else out there.