Operation Falcon Week #4: The Intervals Sandwich

It was a cool morning at Weekend #4 of Operation Falcon, just the right climate for our basebuild workout comprising of a menu of 800m Park Intervals sandwiched by a 5km pre and 5-10km post workout basebuild runs.

The turnout was good at SAFRA MF with a few new runners joining us for the first time.  After a quick training brief, the respective pace groups proceeded at their own paces towards Labrador Park, taking the Depot Rd, Alexandra Rd, Labrador Park Rd approach.

Once at Labrador Park, the various Groups 1-4 were briefed on their interval requirements and respective work:rest ratios.  One at a time, the groups were flagged off to do their 4-6 800m interval sets, led by their dependable Falcon trainers.

Most of the groups started out too fast for their first lap, but soon settled in after 2-3 laps as they found the correct rhythm and effort for better management of target interval pace.  The runners were taxed not only on their required paces in Zone 4 effort, but were also given just sufficient rest time for them to recover before their next sets.

Once the initial apprehension was over, the Falcon trainees soon settled into the interval training and were enjoying the hard work, especially with motivation and encouragement from group members and also inter group.

Before long, all had completed their required number of sets at target paces, with a few adding on 1-2 sets for good measure.  Streaks of perspiration could be seen on the Falcon's satisfied faces as they completed their final sets while maintaining good form.  All had reserves in their tanks as they were prepared for the 5-10km run at basebuild pace to follow.

The Gatorade Tank was fully emptied with nary a drop left as all Falcons topped up their fuel belts before heading back for the post-interval run.  With tired legs, but still very strong minds, the Falcons did well to sustain basebuild paces all the way back to SAFRA MF Clubhouse to finish convincingly.

Cool down stretches by Groups 1 & 2 trainers ensued, with eager trainees participating to stretch out those achy muscles to lessen any Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) the following day.  

With the workout completed well ahead of the alloted time, there was a sense of achievement among trainers and trainees alike, serving to enhance the confidence levels to take up the challenges in the coming weeks before we enter into Pace Training at Marathon and Optimal paces.

We look forward to week #5 with anticipation as we go back to Macritchie Reservoir for a LSD of trails and hills long run.  The Falcons will get stronger and more experienced in tackling some of these terrain and route challenges to be better prepared for the 2XU Compression Run at end March.

The Falcons Loved Their Intervals Sandwich!

Facebook photos by FatBird Chin

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