Training X

Well at least this time I didn't finish on my hands and knees!!!

With Chuckle Elder away at the PGMOL meeting at Staverton Fat Lad and I decided we would go through the pain barrier and do the session that nearly killed me two weeks ago. I forgot to time the cycles we did but I'm sure the middle one where we worked from four sides of the field down to one, was under the eight minute mark. The warm up was faster than we did on Wednesday with our circuit of the fields taking around 3m55s which is still 35s slower than the pace I need to do three circuits at to pass the fitness test. Having not asked to be considered for promotion this season, at least I have 14 1/2 months to get ready!!!

We started with run at 3/4 pace down one touchline and a jog around the other three sides followed by 3/4 pace down one touchline and then a goal line, completing the circuit at a jog. On the two touchlines and a goal line run I ran out of steam halfway down the second touchline as my legs would not lift off the ground and slowed to a jog far earlier than planned. On the full circuit I got as far again before slowing to a jog and my heart monitor was showing a dangerously high 102% of maximum.

One cycle down and two more to go starting with the full circuit. By this time I had my second wind and I had adopted a testing but slightly slower pace. This time I got further before I died and reduced myself to a jog. The two touchlines and a goal line run were tough but completed, as were the remaining two runs.

After the rest we went for the last cycle. I put my whole effort into the first three runs and when it came to the full circuit I refused to give up and still managed a fastish jog in along the final goal line to get me home. I thought I'd worked pretty hard and despite slowing down to stay with me on the pace Zico and fat lad seemed to enjoy themselves.

After the warm down and stretches I stopped my monitor and was disappointed to find I'd only burned 995 calories. Some of this must be attributed to my recovery time which has reduced significantly. I now see my heart rate drop to below 70% within 90 seconds and to 65% within 2m30s which is a big difference from when I started this mullarkey a month ago. My weight has dropped by 4lbs (1.75kg) but I feel much lighter. I just wish I could drop another 2 stones (12.5Kg).

Rest day tomorrow, then it's back to swimming on Sunday. Fat Lad and I have been collared to do a charity game on July 22 so that will be a pleasant diversion from the usual. Zico's team need a referee and two Assistants for a game on July 26, so we might have a little go at that one too. It will around that time that we think about our first track test to see just how far we can all go in 12 minutes. That will give the Fat Lad 7-8 weeks to get ready for the real deal (and hopefully I can get a little run as well to see if I can manage it).