EPISODE · May 30, 2026 · 1H 1M
The 3 Types of Speed Work Every Ultrarunner Should Do
from Everyday Ultra · host Joe Corcione
Speed work can be one of the biggest game-changers in ultramarathon training — but only if you know how to use it the right way.In this episode, I break down the three key types of speed work that every ultrarunner should understand: VO2 max workouts, lactate threshold workouts, and steady state workouts.You’ll learn what each workout actually does, how they’re different from each other, when to use them in your training, and how to structure them so you can build more fitness without blowing yourself up.I also explain why speed work matters for ultrarunners, even if most of your race is done at an easy effort, and how these workouts can help you raise your fitness ceiling, improve your ability to sustain faster paces, and become stronger and more durable on race day.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why running easy all the time can eventually lead to a fitness plateauHow VO2 max work helps raise your overall fitness ceilingWhy lactate threshold workouts help you run faster for longerHow steady state workouts build aerobic strength and durabilityWhen to use each type of speed workout in your training blockExample workouts you can steal and use in your own trainingHow to safely introduce speed work without increasing injury riskWhy uphill speed work can be a cheat code for ultrarunnersSHOW LINKS:Register for our 100K or 50K race, Desert Peak Ultra, by going to desertpeakultra.comWant to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit!Want to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coachingFollow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUelKGeptWZivD6yRIDiupgTry Mount to Coast shoes, designed specifically for ultramarathons, and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA by going to the link here.Try HYPERLYTE Liquid Performance running nutrition and get 15% off your order when you use code EVERYDAYULTRA at www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comTry PlayOn Pain Relief Spray and get 20% off with code EVERYDAYULTRA at playonrelief.comTry Bear Butt Wipes and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at bearbuttwipes.comTry Janji apparel at janji.com/everydayultraCreate running routes easily with Footpath, the app designed to help you manage routes simply. Download for free and get a free trial at footpathapp.com/everydayultraTry CurraNZ to boost recovery and performance and get 15% off your first order with code EVERYDAYULTRAPOD at www.curranzusa.com
What this episode covers
Speed work can be one of the biggest game-changers in ultramarathon training — but only if you know how to use it the right way.In this episode, I break down the three key types of speed work that every ultrarunner should understand: VO2 max workouts, lactate threshold workouts, and steady state workouts.You’ll learn what each workout actually does, how they’re different from each other, when to use them in your training, and how to structure them so you can build more fitness without blowing yourself up.I also explain why speed work matters for ultrarunners, even if most of your race is done at an easy effort, and how these workouts can help you raise your fitness ceiling, improve your ability to sustain faster paces, and become stronger and more durable on race day.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why running easy all the time can eventually lead to a fitness plateauHow VO2 max work helps raise your overall fitness ceilingWhy lactate threshold workouts help you run faster for longerHow steady state workouts build aerobic strength and durabilityWhen to use each type of speed workout in your training blockExample workouts you can steal and use in your own trainingHow to safely introduce speed work without increasing injury riskWhy uphill speed work can be a cheat code for ultrarunnersSHOW LINKS:Register for our 100K or 50K race, Desert Peak Ultra, by going to desertpeakultra.comWant to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit!Want to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coachingFollow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUelKGeptWZivD6yRIDiupgTry Mount to Coast shoes, designed specifically for ultramarathons, and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA by going to the link here.Try HYPERLYTE Liquid Performance running nutrition and get 15% off your order when you use code EVERYDAYULTRA at www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comTry PlayOn Pain Relief Spray and get 20% off with code EVERYDAYULTRA at playonrelief.comTry Bear Butt Wipes and get 10% off your order with code EVERYDAYULTRA at bearbuttwipes.comTry Janji apparel at janji.com/everydayultraCreate running routes easily with Footpath, the app designed to help you manage routes simply. Download for free and get a free trial at footpathapp.com/everydayultraTry CurraNZ to boost recovery and performance and get 15% off your first order with code EVERYDAYULTRAPOD at www.curranzusa.com
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The 3 Types of Speed Work Every Ultrarunner Should Do
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