Workout Description
Run 1 mile
Why This Workout Is Medium
A one-mile time trial has very low movement complexity and no external load, but it demands sustained, high aerobic output with an anaerobic kick in the final quarter. Most CrossFit athletes will finish in 6–12 minutes. It’s approachable for all levels yet challenging to PR, requiring smart pacing, solid conditioning, and grit.
Benchmark Times for Run 1 Mile
- Elite: <6:00
- Advanced: 9:00-10:00
- Intermediate: 11:00-12:00
- Beginner: >16:00
Training Focus
This workout develops the following fitness attributes:
- Endurance (9/10): Sustained 6–12 minute effort emphasizing the aerobic system with a strong finish. Pace, breathing, and rhythm determine success more than technique or strength. The limiter is cardiovascular capacity and tolerance to sustained discomfort.
- Speed (8/10): This is a fast, uncomfortable pace for most. Success hinges on settling into target speed quickly, holding it, and finishing hard without a significant drop-off.
- Stamina (4/10): Repetitive lower-body contractions under continuous movement create mild muscular burn, mainly in calves, hamstrings, and hip flexors. Stamina matters, but it’s secondary to overall engine and pacing strategy.
- Power (2/10): A brief accelerative start and stronger closing kick require some power, but most of the effort is submaximal. The race is won with economy and pacing rather than explosive output.
- Flexibility (1/10): Basic range for running: comfortable ankle dorsiflexion, hip extension, and thoracic posture. Mobility demands are minimal but good range supports efficient stride and reduced impact.
- Strength (1/10): No external load and minimal force demands beyond bodyweight impact. Strength is not the limiter; adequate general leg strength suffices for good mechanics at target pace.
Scaling Options
Scale to: 1200 m Run • 800 m Run (run/walk as needed) • 2000 m Row (or 4 km Bike Erg)
Scaling Explanation
These options reduce volume or change modality while preserving a single-mode, sustained cardio effort in a similar time domain.
Intended Stimulus
Fast and controlled middle-distance effort. You should feel slightly uncomfortable by the halfway point, then build to a hard but sustainable push. Aim for an even or slight negative split, focusing on quick cadence, relaxed shoulders, and consistent breathing. Finish with a strong kick over the final 200–400 meters.
Coach Insight
Open conservative for the first 400 m, then settle into goal pace by 800 m. If you feel good at 1200 m, accelerate steadily to the finish.
The one tip: negative split—your second half should be as fast or faster than the first.
Avoid starting too hot, overstriding, or skipping a proper warm-up and course measurement.
Benchmark Notes
These standards range from beginner jog/walk efforts (16–15 minutes) to advanced middle-distance paces (9–6 minutes). If you’re around 12 minutes, you’re right in the middle of the pack. Use these to set a realistic goal and to compare progress over training cycles.
Modality Profile
This workout is purely monostructural: continuous running for distance. There are no gymnastics or weightlifting elements. Performance is driven by aerobic capacity, running economy, and pacing strategy, with time spent entirely on locomotion rather than transitions or mixed-modal interference.
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