iTRAIN 3

60 minutes

I had an induction at my new gym today (despite it not opening till 11th Feb) and was a bit disappointed we couldn't see it (due to health and safety). Instead we just ran through the Fitlinxx machines. Now these do look good and when you workout on the treadmill it records the speed, incline and how far you travelled. SO lots of extra things to add to my blog hopefully (and prove when I say I don't cheat that I don't cheat!)

Speaking of not cheating, I managed to get through this 60 minute workout at runners speeds (or above) with no cheating. Only recoveries I had were those that Grace gave me. I felt the runners high and tried to avoid the stares of everybody as I grinned my way to the "finish line" - wait till I try iTRAIN 25 and do the side-stepping!

As usual there are four phases, which actually gives a better pacing that the 30 - 45 minute itreads. Phase 1 is a moderate warm-up - mostly steady runs increasing to 11.5km, then up a 1% hill. Phase 2 increases intensity with a fast run, recovery, 5% hill, recovery, fast run, recovery pattern. Then it's a fast run into phase three which begins with a walk up a 10% hill before increasing to a 12%. I had to go faster than suggested to keep my heart rate up. After this it's some sprints. I managed to go at my fastest speed ever - 16km. It's reportedly a 90 second sprint - but we all know how flexible Grace can be with the time.

A really easy jog home finishes the iTREAD - clocking in just under 10km. I do think it's testament to the iTRAI team that I manage to get through 60 mins of CV-work that is at the top intensity levels. I used to get fatigued (both body and mind) at 30 mins - thanks to Grace I can now keep everything going for a full hour.