Remember what I was talking about last time about the ugly side of Dutch spring weather?
Well, today we got a storm. A STORM. With rain, hail and 8-strength wind. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Perfect running weather! Well, the trains didn’t run… but I did. Please appreciate this beautiful picture made by @NoortjeArtz on twitter of how it looked like a bit south of where I live.
Actually I was lucky to manage my run in between the heavy bouts of rain and only some strong headwind got in my way. Nevertheless: the intervals are difficult. It was supposed to be a 3x1km run + 2-5 minutes of jogging breaks in between (mine were closer to 5).
I warmed up first with the Spartan WOD (or as much as I could from it) and headed off to run. Despite the strong wind which was completely in my face at times, I managed to get 5:11 mins/km for the first km. The second interval, however, didn’t go well at all. I only covered about 600m at the same pace before I called it quits. Third interval I felt much better, but I also ran considerably slower – 5:42mins/km. In general I managed to run 2.6 km instead of the planned 3. The middle interval is my enemy at this moment, so I will have to concentrate to improve on that. In general, it went pretty similar to last week. The average pace was slightly faster, so I count that as progress!
Distance: 2.6km intervals
Time: 13:44
What is your strategy for interval training? Which part is the most difficult?
Do you have any advice on how to run intervals?
Alice runs! 
Heavy wind & rain into my face, back, sides, everywhere. Everywhere. I got soaking wet but the wind blew as strong, that it dried again (while raining still). We’re all stormrunners!
I mostly have problems with the last interval, as I seem powered out sometimes. Also going faster for the intervals yes, but still controlling the pace to control my sideache (and not break down on that).
Still, made a little progress also this time, even with the stormwind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done! They should give us badges or something for running in such weather!
LikeLike
Totally, or maybe we should fabricate one ourself. “Weatherproof Runner”, “Stormrunner”, “Waterproof Runner”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the Stormrunner (:
LikeLike
Forgot: Well done aswell!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My strategy for intervals is just not to do them :). There are plenty other ways to improve your pace or strength.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am doing intervals since my training plan calls for them… what are the other ways you are using?
LikeLike
Running in a sandy/muddy/snowy/hilly terrain. In general – if you’re used to more demanding paths you feel much stronger on paved roads.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be trying that too!
LikeLike
I love love love intervals. I would prefer to do them on a track, but I don’t have access to one so I do them on the treadmill using the speedwork setting and it works out really great! I’ve seen such huge improvements in my times in the past doing it that way. And I don’t have to deal with hail. (That’s crazy!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I still need to figure out the proper balance of how fast can I run and how long breaks should I take. Sadly I have no treadmill and I can’t choose my weather, but I don’t mind that much to be honest… wind is the worst.
LikeLike
I went out last night fully prepared for some interval training but it was SO windy I gave up. I averaged about 9 mins/mile for 5 miles, but that is no way speedy. I could feel my body being pushed off the path by the wind, so yeah. I gave up, haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That pace would be speedy enough for me! But I am in no way as experienced runner as you are… Glad you made at least 5 miles, though. Certainly better than nothing. And I agree with you, the wind can be quite horrible…
LikeLike
I have a secret… I don’t do intervals! Well, not hardcore, measured, calculated intervals, anyway. I either do fartleks, or (while listening to my ipod) I do “one song fast, one song slow” and repeat. It depends on the song, but that usually translates to 800 meter repeats. This technique works really well on the treadmill. You’re a badass for running in those conditions!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt like a badass! And I was thinking of switching to fartleks, too. I just happen to be slightly OCD so when my plan calls for intervals, I do intervals… But I like your song solution! Totally going to try that out!
LikeLike