Would Running More Improve Your Training Results?
You don’t need to be a runner to benefit from running. The right approach can become a powerful tool for improving your fitness and metcons. This blog explains how to make running more enjoyable, technical, and effective, especially if you’re already training with HWPO.
Aug 4, 2025
Within our community, we don’t have many who would ever call themselves a runner, but we have a lot of people who incorporate some running into their training. All of our programs at HWPO have running in them at one point or another. Those on a CrossFit-based program may only be exposed to running in the middle of a metcon. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you never include run sessions, you may never learn to enjoy running and probably won’t get better at it.
Why most of us don’t enjoy running (yet)
Many people who only run during metcons struggle to make running feel good. These athletes will find that it is an enjoyable way to move the body and break a sweat when they do a run session, without the interference created in a metcon. The hard part is making space in your training to focus on running well and improving your technique.
How to start running with purpose
Like any skill, development doesn’t happen at high intensity. Running requires technical work to improve. If you only get 1-2 chances to run each week, you should focus on lower intensity sessions (tempo, zone 2 and long run days) to practice running well. Once this has been a steady part of your training, you can mix some speed work to improve your speed with this new running technique.
Currently, HWPO RUN is formatted as follows:
- Monday: Speed Work
- Tuesday: Zone 2 Run
- Wednesday: Tempo
- Thursday: Rest
- Friday: Zone 2 (Machine)
- Saturday: Long Run
Make running work with your current training
If you are following another HWPO program and want to swap in some running, look for ways to match the intended stimulus of the pieces you are swapping. Exchange a zone 2 or longer-slower conditioning piece for a low intensity run, or swap a metcon/intervals for speed work. If you train at an affiliate, RUN is a great program to help you build capacity and work on the technique of running as a supplement to your classes.
The bottom line is that being a better runner will make you enjoy running more and improve your performance in metcons that include running.
Get out there and start RUNNING!
Train with HWPO. Run with Intention.
HWPO RUN helps you build technique, endurance, and speed, even if you don’t consider yourself a runner.
