Talk Test Run

In pairs, students run continuously while chatting about questions the teacher hands out; if they can't speak in full sentences, they slow down. They learn to use the talk test to run at a healthy aerobic intensity.

How to play

1. Mark a 200 m loop with cones. Pair students with a similar pace and explain the talk test: if you can talk in full sentences but can't sing, your pace is right (2 min).
2. Block 1 (5 min): partners run together. Each time they pass the start, they grab a card with a question (for example, "What's your favorite food and why?") and talk about it as they run.
3. 1-minute break: each pair says whether they could talk comfortably and whether they need to speed up or slow down.
4. Block 2 (5 min): the cards now have longer questions that keep the conversation going nonstop.
5. Block 3 (4 min): in the last minute, pairs pick up the pace until talking gets hard, to feel the change in zone, then return to a comfortable pace.
6. 3-minute wrap-up: discuss what signs point to the right aerobic pace and when this test is useful.

Rules

• Partners run together: if one needs to slow down, so does the other.
• Discuss the questions respectfully; you can pass on any question.
• Pass on the outside and call it out.
• If anyone gets out of breath, walk until you can hold a conversation again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: complete the loop in a wheelchair with a partner walking or jogging alongside.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: partners use sign language or gestures and judge breathing instead of speech.
• Autism or shy students: choose yes/no questions or topics they enjoy, prepared ahead of time.

Learning goals

• Sustain continuous running at a moderate aerobic intensity.
• Use the talk test to self-regulate effort.
• Communicate with and adapt to a partner's pace.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 8
• cards: 30
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

Pick questions that spark conversation without being too personal. It's a great way to teach that easy running counts as training too, especially for students who always start out too fast.

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