Custom Fartlek: Each Group Designs Another's

A short planning project where each group designs a 10-minute fartlek session for another group, taking into account that group's level and preferences. Then they lead it as coaches and get feedback from the runners.

How to play

1. Each group of five interviews its assigned group: how much they usually run, which paces are hard for them and what kind of changes they prefer (4 min).
2. Design on the worksheet: total time, type of changes (time, distance or signals), intensities and recoveries; the teacher checks that it's safe (8 min).
3. Round one: half of the groups lead their fartlek with cones and a stopwatch while their clients run it (10 min).
4. Round two: switch roles (10 min).
5. Each group of runners gives its coaching group feedback: "what worked" and "what I'd adjust" (3 min).

Rules

• No fast section may exceed 60 seconds or all-out effort.
• The design must include at least 50% of the time at an easy or recovery pace.
• Coaches watch their runners and stop the session if anyone feels unwell.
• Feedback is about the session, never about people.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism: takes a defined role in the group (timekeeper or cone manager) with written instructions.
• Lower-body injury: takes part in designing and leading, and runs only the easy phases if possible.
• Hearing impairment: the coaching group builds visual signals into its design.

Learning goals

• Plan an endurance session suited to other people's needs.
• Take on the coach role responsibly and safely.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.

Equipment for a class of 25

• worksheets: 6
• cones: 20
• stopwatch: 6

Teacher tip

Review the designs before round one: that's the time to fix excessive intensities. Keep the best ones as models for other groups.

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