2016 - 2017 Preparation Cycle

After only having taken a week off at the end of a very long season that started in December 2015 and finished on the 18th September I had been planning to take off a few weeks rest.

However when Captain Stu (coach) posted the pre-season preparation cycle I was tempted back early by the plan and also did not want to start on the back foot with the youngsters I train with. I try to push to get them to be the best they can be, can't do that if I can't keep up. Back I go...

Our first session back was a killer for me. When I first joined the team back in 2015 I did so from Lliswerry runners so came from a good base fitness level. As I have moved from mid distance to sprint my endurance base has all but gone. The session was 2 x 6 laps of Americanos (sprint the straights and jog the bends). 5 minutes rest in between each rep. The first rep was ok, tired just towards the end but the 2nd rep I was well off the pace and felt shattered and I was suffering muscle soreness for days after.

Luckily for me during this period a Leisure Centre local to me in Cardiff is offering more Pilates classes and I try a new class called Fitness Yoga. I discuss doing more pilates classes and this new fitness Yoga class and Coach Stu gives me the thumbs up. Hopefully these classes will help build my strength and flexibility. My flexibility is an area for concern but something I have been working on. It will be interesting to see what difference these classes make.

The 2nd session back is swapped from the Oregan session I am looking forward to so proves another hard session. I have to force myself to go, which is not a common feeling for me as I love training normally. I feel better after the session and am glad I go.

The third session is a local one so I get up early to do 6 x 60m high knees hill reps. This one I love but the whole session warm up, drill and cool down takes me 1.5 hours..

The 2nd weeks session I hit hard, possibly a bit too hard as one thing I have forgotten to mention is the fact that I have picked up a niggle towards the back end of the season. I had not rushed to get this issue resolved, mistake! Decide having learnt from last year that I will see my Physio Andrew Seary. He finds the issue, nothing major a tweak to a muscle at the back of the knee he gives me strength and flexibility exercises. Hopefully this will be gone after 2 weeks.

Luckily I stretch out the muscle at the back of my knee that twinged in the session and when I see the phsyio the next day as planned all is ok. He treats and tells me to keep up with the exercises. I am optimistic this will been gone in a week or 2.

I enjoy the Thursday session I have been looking forward to it. Its Oregons a sort of circuit training with shuttle and sprint runs followed by 8 x 200s. I last the session quite well managing to keep up with one of the youngsters on the team. Happy Days :)

On the Saturday we have our first NIAC session, its indoors, back to hurdle drills, red carpet routines, core and medicine ball workout. I always enjoy these but notice I need to gain a bit more strength for the medicine ball stuff. Talk to Neil about this now have some ideas on how to improve my strength here. Just need to fit this in!

Last session for the week is my active recovery and social cycle. This seems to be working well and clearing the legs. Next week the first true cycle of winter training begins - Yikes!

#mastersathletics #pocketrocket #track #athleticstraining #physio