WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Riley Masters
Leading this year's 5th Ave. Mile
While at the University of Oklahoma, Riley ran the NCAA's fastest 1500m time in both 2012 and 2013. He holds the OU 1500m school record.Riley Masters is a 1500m & 5k runner that turned pro in 2013 to run with the Brooks Beasts following a successful collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma. He's one of the United States' top middle-distance runners and has large ambitions heading into the Olympic year (making the Olympic team).
Riley will race in Edinburgh, Scotland next week for team USA in the 4X1k championships. Follow his training @riley_masters.Riley ran the NCAA’s fastest 1500m time in both 2012 and 2013 while at the University of Oklahoma, also claiming multiple All-American honors while in college. He holds the 1500m school record for the University of Oklahoma. Check out Riley's favorite hard workout! We recommend this workout if you're in the mood for lots of 1,000m repeats with a quick cut-down at the end.
What is your favorite hard workout?
My favorite workout of all time was 8x1000 working down from 2:40-2:28 with a quick 400, 300, 200 and 100 at the end.
What do you feel it benefits?
I felt that in benefitted my ability to gauge pace and prepared me to progress though a race efficiently. The quick speed at the end helped sharpen my legs for a fast close at the end of a race. I feel that hard aerobic workouts at pace with a small amount of anaerobic at the end allows me to simulate a hard race effort without going to the well.
When do you do this workout?
I prefer to do this work out 10 days out from a big race. This gives me plenty of time to recover and get the junk out of my legs before the big day.
Do you prefer doing the workout alone or with others?
Regardless of the effort I would choose running with someone than with out. Hard workouts are broken down much easier both physically and mentally if you are swapping reps with someone else. Having someone there to keep you accountable and the pace in check is always a bonus to working out or running with someone else.
Do you recommend others try it?
I would highly recommend working out with someone else. There are plenty of benefits but also a great chance to create a strong friendship with someone. Many of my great friends are former or current training partners.
Photos via Sneaker Factory, Athlete Biz, Riley Masters, Sooner Sports.
