A truely great session

On Tuesday we had a really nice training session at the track by the Salzsachseen. The weather, as it has been, was fantastic and perfect for running and the group was really big. Warti, Frank, Markus, Robi, Norbert, Luki, Mani, Andi and me - 9 in total - split into 2 main groups. The fast ones consisting of Warti, Frank, Robi and Markus and the slow ones (the rest) and really only a "matter of opinion".

The session was 8 x 1000m with 2 minute breaks and boy did it go well. As Warti and his group sprinted into the distance, my group spearheaded by Andi and Norbert set about running about 3:45 min KM's and we were able to stick to our guns, running the first two in 3:48 and 3:47. At this stage Mani and Luki had a longer rest and Andi, Norbert and I pushed the pace to under 3:45 and ran the next KM in 3:43. Man it was going well. Norbert was looking like he was starting to feel it, but I was still going strong.

Mani and Luki joined us again and the pace was definitely increasing, with Mani taking the lead with Andi and running these two KM's in 3:41 and 3:38. At this stage Norbert was fading and Andi was looking a bit jaded. For 2 of the last 3 Markus joined us as well - the fast boys had spit him out the backend. The 6th KM looked like it was going to be a lonely one for me, but at the last second Norbert, Markus and Andi decided to run with and we were able to push out a 3:36, this time though Norbert fell a bit behind and this turned out to be his last km, and Markus was leading by a good 10 seconds.

I was looking good for two more and the boys (Mani and Luki) would be joining us. Andi decided not to run this one and so it was left to Markus to push the pace, and push it he did. Mani was able to keep up as well and we finished off with an excellent 3:32 km. But the pace was telling though - Richi was still feeling strong - the boys were fading, the men were standing *grin*! The last one was just down to Mani, Andi and myself, and right from the word go we were pushing hard. Andi took the first lap, but then I went past and started to accelerate. Christian joined me for the last 300m (thanks) and I was able to churn out a 3min 21 km - my best KM this year. Mani took a bit of strain but was still able to run very quickly. Andi just broke the 3:30 min barrier.

Truaely a great session, and immensely enjoyed by all - I hope we have more of these over the summer!