November 17th - 156 Days to Marathon - Sprints and interval training

Got up early for a chilly start to the Day in Hyde Park to have my first scheduled sprints session, 6 x 75 second sprints with 3 minute recoveries.

Janeywife somewhat shocked by both me getting up at same time as her, as well as seeing me exit flat in running tights - not quite what she bargained for when she agreeed to marry me, or what she expected to meet her first thing in the morning.

Told her I remained all man, don't think I convinced.

Decided to do the sprint work on grass as I've suffered from shin splints when pounding too hard on paths - not sure this was the best idea as it made the running harder, plus wet feet in a matter of moments but after a warm up jog across Hyde Park I was already beyond caring about a little dampness. Bootcamp instructors out with green jacketed masochists doing their shuttle runs alternating with squats/star-jumps/press-ups - not my bag but I'm sure my antics of sprints and walks gave them something to scratch their heads.

Turns out that I can run distance at a constant pace easily, however sprints sessions really are quite a tough start - I know that they'll improve dramatically as the fitness gains kick in from both fartlek and sprint training but for a first session I felt runs number 2/3/4 all hurt on the second half of the 75 second sprint - especially after screwing up my recovery times between 3&4 and only resting for 2 mins instead of 3. Dufus.

Sun came up around 7.30am though it was definitely light/dawn by time I was out at 7.15. Park beautiful at the moment, late late leaf fall so trees still coated in summer wear, however I expect a short cold snap any moment will firmly put an end to that and have the leaves making like lemmings on a cliff edge in no time at all.Slightly sore RH calk muscle at top just under knee post run on walk to work - warmed down and stretched but may have tweeked something whilst sprinting, will have to warm up calfs better! otherwise all good and feeling 10ft tall and bulletproof.

Beers with boys tonight but hopefully only a quiet one, Janey and I have a ton of admin to do for the weekend to catch up with post honeymoon mail mountain.