Training = Loading + Resting

We had 2 groups today - a relatively fast marathon group, and a beginner's group. At different speeds and levels, the 2 groups did different sets of run training. I saw Swee Kheng and Sumiko there as well. Wow, a lot of people use the CCAB tracks for training.

Today was supposedly a relatively easy run and conditioning. It was not at all easy to me. 20min of warmup runs on the grass area, together with basic run drills. Run and drill concurrently - side criss-cross scissors steps, forward kicks, backward jog, side jumps, shuffle, and knee lifts - around a sort-of rectangular soccer field. Then we did 10 sets of striding across the green field. Striding means about 80% of max speed. My knee still hurt and KM had wanted me to sit out the striding, but I wanted to give it a try. Running on the grass cushioned my knee a great deal. The other 4 runners were fast 'sprinters', I always ended up last. No sprint or burst power. Last segment of the run training was 10min jog round the field to warm down.

Next came conditioning exercises, where both groups came together. First up was dynamic lunges in a forward motion. We did in groups of 3 runners, target of 10-20 lunges each while moving in a forward straight line. I love lunges, and did 30. Then the other bodily parts: Push-ups (men's style) x30; Sit-ups x30; Back raisers x30; Dips x30; Hamstring lifts x1min each leg; Plank x1min (too short); Calf raisers x15.

Last agenda of the day was going through a set of presentation slides on the principles of training. Correct training was supposed to bring our fitness to a new high, above current level. Conversely, over-training or training through illnesses would cause our fitness to fall lower than current. Training = Loading + Resting. Ok ok, the series of sine curves on the training graphs made sense. Theoretically and intellectually. But following the mantra was a different story. The compulsion to go out and 'have a workout' is so great for many of us! Mental note to self to remember those graphs and curb my chiong instincts....

A couple of us drove to Bt Timah food centre for dinner. KM ordered the ever popular (but in my mind over-rated) fish soup for everyone. Not satisfied with just fish + soup + rice (literally 3 items), we got a big plate of fried prawn hokkien mee from a newly opened stall. It was good, no wonder the long queue and wait for the food. Reached home, totally drained. It was a struggle just to keep my eyes opened, but still so much washing to do - shoes, clothes, car.... Flopped on bed and totally knocked out, flat. Ahh... the effect of a good workout. :)