Training today wasn’t easy but it wasn’t hard either. I actually managed to do a workout that I had planned from start to finish. 15 minutes warm up, 3 x 1600m intervals with 1min recovery, and finish off with a 10 minute cool down, for a total workout time of 52 minutes. The intervals were done at a 5 minute per kilometer pace which I think was just right for today’s training. If I would have pushed myself harder than it’s likely that I’d have screwed up my training session.
The idea for this workout of 1600m sprints came from Warrior Woman’s post last week (http://www.warriorwomen.co.uk/2010/10/28/personlised-first-training-schedules-a-marathon-in-3-days-a-week/ ). The personalized schedule looks really interesting and I want to give the interval sessions a go. I try to do intervals each week and I’m wondering how these ones will help me improve my speed and running performance in general. While I won’t be following the three day training week, I think adding components of it will help eliminate monotony and give my body and mind a challenge.
Why I love intervals;
1 – Intervals feel like a proper workout. I love to work as hard as I can and interval training usually allows me to do that.
2 – The challenge of doing sprints and racing with yourself during training is fun. I tend to talk to myself (in my head of course, I don’t want to scare the other gym patrons) and play mental games to push harder. Most times it works, unless I’m having one of those nasty days.
3 – I love the way my tummy feels after a good interval workout. Nice and flat. If only I could keep it that way all day every day. *sigh*
4 – Interval training helps me race faster.
5 – It’s possible to get an awesome workout in a short amount of time.
Time: 52 minutes
Distance: 9.37km
Calories: 650
I feel a cold coming on. My throat is itchy and I’m getting chills. Bugger.
