Hill repeats
For this quick but intense 20-minute workout, find a hill that takes about 60 to 90 seconds to run up (about 1/8 of a mile). Run up the hill, then run back down, and repeat six to eight times, depending on the length and steepness of the hill. You can do this workout on a treadmill, but you might find it mentally easier to do outside since conquering an actual hill is really satisfying.
Sprinting intervals
For this 30-minute workout, you'll need to keep an eye on the clock. Run two minutes at a moderate pace (9- or 10-minute miles), then sprint for one minute at a fast pace (7- or 8-minute miles). Repeat this three-minute cycle 10 times. If this seems too hard and you need more time to recover between sprinting intervals, start off with this 45-minute walk-run-sprint workout instead.
Fast runs
Running at a faster pace burns more calories, and the only way to prevent feeling like you're about to collapse from pain and exhaustion is to practice running at a faster pace. If your usual pace is 9:30-minute miles, no need to jump to 7:30-minute miles. Go fast enough so that you feel like you're pushing your comfort level, but are able to maintain it for three miles. This could mean going at a pace that's 10 seconds faster. Start off small, and as your endurance builds, you can increase your speed.
Long runs
Running longer also translates to more calories burned. So for this run, slow down your pace and go about two or three miles longer than normal (about 20 to 30 minutes extra). You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll build up endurance from just one longer run a week.
Improve Your Mood
When you are feeling down, the last thing you likely want to do is to get up and go for a run. Yet you will find that after only a few minutes of running, your brain will start to secrete hormones that naturally improve your mood. In fact, there are few things in the world that can better or more rapidly treat depression than exercise such as running.