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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Tempo Runs, the least effective form of training}}A tempo run, sometimes called a threshold run, is a common part of many training programs as coaches believe it is an effective way of improving lactate clearance. However, the science indicates that tempo paced runs should be avoided in favor of other paces. Tempo pace represents the no man's land between [[Long Run| Long Slow Distance]] and [[High Intensity Interval Training]]. They are too fast to be long, and too slow to be intense. They can improve performance in the untrained, but not as well as other types of training and so they are the least effective form of training. For In fact, for highly trained runners there is evidence that Tempo Runs may actually be counterproductive. While there are claims that Tempo Runs have benefits for [[Mental fortitude]] this is not supported by the science that has looked at race performance.
=What is a Tempo Run?=
A Tempo Run intended to be run at or near the pace corresponding to the [[Lactate Threshold]]. Lactate Threshold can be thought of as the transition from mostly aerobic to mostly anaerobic metabolism. In well trained athletes, paces below the Lactate Threshold can be kept up for prolonged periods (several hours), where paces about the Lactate Threshold typically cannot be maintained for more than an hour.