Pre Season Training

I've been with Team Carlo for four years now and each year around the same time our training focus changes. Were out of the club rooms and into the spring sun for Pre Season training.
Its a good time of year because the pressure of competitions has surpassed and now I can work on some much needed cardio training and strength and conditioning. Last year I missed these cardio sessions and over three months of training as I traveled the States and Europe (an amazing trip which I wish I could do every year!) The result being I felt through out this past year I was lacking some of the fitness I need to keep up with elite athletes I have been training with and competing against.
Our first session this weekend was stair training along the Maribyrnong River and it couldn't have been a better day. Around 25 degrees with a cool breeze we started with a warm up jog and light stretching.
I had already planned to push myself as hard as I possible could so before each exercise I did my best to take the lead and set the pace. It was great to see the enthusiastic juniors trying to start us off but its not ideal when they just cant move as quickly as the seniors.
The rest of the session involved jogging down, running up/ hoping up/ running up with double knee raises and step ups.
Because of the heat there were plenty of drink breaks in between each exercise and we finished with a warm down jog and plenty of stretching.
Being my first week back into full time training there were periods through out the day that I though my legs were going to collapse underneath me but I made it and feel great for it.
Carlo was quite firm in letting us know the importance of doing a recovery session in the next 24 hours. As it turned out this morning I was hobbling about with my legs aching all over so I hit the gym and after wards made it to the swimming pool.
I had a light recovery session were I only spent around half an hour in the water, with some stretching and a quick sauna to finish off a very productive weekend.
Now I can looking forward to this coming weekend and do it all again.