Yesterday I went for my first interval session. I was debating what to do as i looked back through my training diary and spotted my first ever session from when i set off on this great adventure – dated Aug 7th 2010 – 8 x 500m with 90 secs rest. I remember it well as i set off in my garage in the summer heat and remember how it felt, especially towards the end as i staggered around outside inbetween sets, thinking holy sh*t this is horrible!
I remember it was pretty much max out and was to be the first (of many) time i was to feel the full brunt of what an AN session was like!
I averaged around 1.38-1.39 @ 30-32 with 90 secs rest and I was to go on and pull 6.17 at my first 2k race 12 weeks later.
Perfect i thought! This was to be my first fast interval piece 6 weeks in of the new campaign so lets see how it feels. Wasnt sure what pace to set so estimated i am probably at 6.25 – 6.30 2k pace at the moment and went for 1.37’s. Was’nt totaly convinced as i was pretty tired from mondays 20k and a morning of weights which included heavy squats but went for it.
The biggest problem i had was the rate. I couldnt rate higher than 27 – 28 whilst keeping the numbers at 1.37. If i went to rate 30 the numbers fell to 1.34 -1.35 ish. I decided to stay disciplined at the pace i set of to achieve and was’nt willing to hurt to much (just yet)!
The last 2 sets were harder than the other 6 but still fully in control and enjoying it. Hr slowly climbing in each set and doing active recovery in between. So all in all a great start back in the world of intervals. Felt strong, felt quick, didnt really hurt like i know it can hurt and was certainly not like that first time! Started at AT work and moved into TR. Bring on the AN work!
Scores on the doors were –
8 x 500m @1.37 28 spm 90 secs rest.
4 min test coming soon!