Interval Training

OK, results from the first track session Sunday. Before going tried to get my head round working in HR & distance rather than time & speed. Managed to work out (DUH!) that 8 circuits of my 700m track was 5.6kms so thought we'd go for 8 circuits at between HR140-150 for starters with a sprint at the end and do repeats of that.

Went with a friend who is prepping her horse for his first 130kms race ride. I've been on at her for ages to start IT so I couldn't really say no when she wanted to come along. Meant I had to "dumb down" my session a bit as her horse has never done this sort of work.

Decided to do two warm-up sessions bearing in mind we were going to work faster than normal. My Dad says the best way to wreck a diesel engine is not to pre-heat it and thats what good endurance horses are I reckon, turbo-charged diesels. We did 15mins at trot (HR in range 100-130 depending on what monsters we saw in the bushes!) then 15mins at slow canter (HR's 110-125).

Finally set off on our 8 circuits. This track is on a slight slope and so at the "tight" ends you're either going a little uphill or a little downhill so I found it very difficult to keep the HR constant. Slipped over 160 after the uphill and dropped real quickly down to 138 as soon as we went downhill. Got it more or less sorted after 2-3 circuits, a blip on the accelerator after the downhill and a tap on the brakes after the uphill. I reckon we more or less averaged HR150 for the 8 circuits.

The sprint (2 circuits) was less successful. Couldn't get him over 200, the corners come round too fast. Got him up to 198 on the 2nd circuit hitting the straight after the uphill. Could've gone on and done a 3rd which I guess would've done the trick but I lost my nerve. Not sure I want to keep on doing the sprints on this track. What will I lose if I don't do them?

Did 2 x 8 circuits with a sprint after each, HR constant throughout. Down very quickly (seconds) to around 125 after the sprint and down to 95-100 within minutes. Stopped after 2 sessions because Nathalie's horse was blowing a lot. Walked for 15mins then washed them down. HR42 just before putting him in the trailer. At home I gave him some 'lytes, put some Algyvet (plant-based "antalgique" analgesic??) on his legs. Turned him out.

So what do you think? Tame stuff I guess, he didn't seem stressed but good for a start. What period do you recommend between IT sessions, I've always understood 2-3 days? I'll do another session next week, alone.

You say last hard work 10 days out, if so what do you do J10 to J0? His 90kms ride is in 2 weeks and he's already fit enough to do it, the IT work I'm doing now is more prep for the two bigger rides later on. Can I do a medium workout the Tues before the 90kms or is this too close?

The braked bike is a really good idea. Perhaps not for this horse, he's terrified of "things" behind him. Harnessed to a cart I think he'd gallop to the end of earth and fall off the edge.

I have 6 weeks to go before I leave France for the UK so will have to make do with the track I've got but perhaps leave out the sprints. Got a couple of short hills but again the ground is so damn hard at the moment.

Going back to Ben Salou. What is the benefit of doing that sort of amazing mileage in training? And if 120kms was tapering WHAT WAS HE DOING BEFORE THAT???? Yvon Olivier said he sent him to Dubai carrying plenty of condition so he wouldn't lose weight doing this sort of training.

I've emailed the people selling your carbo loader in Europe but the email bounced back. Will try & telephone.

Tom, sorry this is so gabby, hope you've got the time to wade thru it. Thanks again for your input.

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