Thursday, August 13, 2009

Anaerobic Threshold

Week two of the competitive season is all about raising the level. Taking the training to place never thought possible. The call for today is for an anaerobic threshold run(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_exercise) and a 1 hour swim. During the run ATR portion my heart rate should be between 84 and 92% of my max. Previous ATR's intervals were between 2 and 5 minutes. Today's called for 10 minutes...big jump.

After a 15 minute warm up and a series of 5 x 20 second run ups (20 sec fast 40 sec slow) I was ready to rock. During the first ATR I ran 1.6 miles in 10 minutes (6 minute 15 sec pace) with my heart rate peaking at 91% (average 87%). By minute 8 I was really feeling the burn and wanted to quit but powered through and was glad that I did. After the 7 minute easy jog I cranked it up again. This time I completed only 1.55 miles in 10 minutes for a 6 minute and 27 second pace. My heart rate peaked at 93% of my max and averaged 90% in total. I was on target to eclipse the 1.60 miles run in the first 10 minute block but I faded with about a minute and change to go. No worries, I think that I achieved the objective of today's run "continuing to tax your anaerobic threshold (AT)". Mission accomplished. Most importantly I came out of this workout healthy.

In total I covered just under 8 miles during this 1 hour workout. After the run segment I hit the showers and was to work. After work it was back to the gym for my 1 hour swim. Today I focused on my technique. Specifically on reaching out as far as possible with each stroke. This is supposed to allow me to maximize the power potential of each stroke. I have to admit that at times I felt a little awkward doing so but I am confident that with a little more practice I will get it down. In total I swam 130 laps (1.85 miles) in the 1 hour time period.

Tomorrow just a quick 45 minute swim and some strength training before my big weekend.

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