What do you do in the rest period in interval training?

[Dino]

Just wondering what everyone does in the rest periods during intervals training? This is what I have come up with….

1 min or less intervals… depending on the intensity, e.g. a 1km pyramid (100,200,300 to up to 1000 and back down again) is pretty much flat out, so it’s collapse, grab a drink and unlikely to get off the seat – maybe a bit of to and fro without holding the handle.

1m30s + min interval… stand up, stretch, grab a drink, then back down for last 20 secs for a bit of easy to and fro without holding the handle until start again.

2m30s + … jump on my spin bike at low resistance to keep the legs moving and drink, wipe off sweat etc! If I don’t jump on the spin bike, then I just seize up. Gives the backside a rest too as opposed to just paddling lightly.

Of course there are some other training intervals where you use the rest period to actually do more exercise(!)… squats etc, but this is nuts…

[hjs]

If you can do to much, you are not pushing hard enough, short intervals, catch your breath, wondering why the time flies by during rest and seems so long during the work.

Longer rest, some slow paddle of walk, water your mouth etc.

Talking about serious work. If you want to combine it, which is also possible, intensity must be a good bit lower.

[Dino]

If you can do to much, you are not pushing hard enough, short intervals....

I am (trying!) to follow the Eddie Fletcher marathon plan... this has interval rests of between 2 and 4.5 mins... believe me, i am working hard!

I find spinning (as lucky enough to have an old ebay spin bike at home as well as the c2) rather than slow paddle helps recuperate a bit more, of course this won't be an option if and when get to try the 42km...

[hjs]

If you can do to much, you are not pushing hard enough, short intervals....

I am (trying!) to follow the Eddie Fletcher marathon plan... this has interval rests of between 2 and 4.5 mins... believe me, i am working hard!

I find spinning (as lucky enough to have an old ebay spin bike at home as well as the c2) rather than slow paddle helps recuperate a bit more, of course this won't be an option if and when get to try the 42km...

Thats certainly no walk in the park no, but no speedwork, so no big lactate buildup.
If you like spinning inbetween, certainly do.

For faster stuff, you need every rest you can get.

[Dangerscouse]

I'm not a fan of intervals unless they are for really tough sessions, and I don't see much benefit for an FM, but
having said that if Eddie has recommended it, it must be useful.

If I was you I would keep the intervals to an absolute minimum, or totally avoid them if you are able / need to do something in between. There's no downside to doing it with no rest if your aiming for an FM.

[Dino]

cheers Dangerscouse, I have been changing the plan around a bit, e.g. swapping 2x30 for hour straight occasionally. On the flip-side I also push a bit harder than some of the pieces dictate in the plan, e.g. at HM pace rather than FM, so need to keep the rests on those ones!

However, finding it quite hard to fit in the time needed, so missing out the rests does have advantage that not spending quite so long in the garage!

On 'red week' this week on the 5 sessions per week schedule and enjoying the rest day

[jimmyshand]

During the rest periods of intervals I watch the clock in bewilderment as the seconds tick down in an impossibly fast manner whilst having a drink and trying to put my heart back in my chest.

Then I curse my stupidity for attempting intervals but before I get very far the clock is at zero and I have to start rowing again. I'm not sure if this is the correct method but it's what I do.

[Dangerscouse]

During the rest periods of intervals I watch the clock in bewilderment as the seconds tick down in an impossibly fast manner whilst having a drink and trying to put my heart back in my chest.

Then I curse my stupidity for attempting intervals but before I get very far the clock is at zero and I have to start rowing again. I'm not sure if this is the correct method but it's what I do.

Hahaha, I reckon we all do that mate! I defo do, and I curse myself for thinking i only need 3 mins instead of 4 mins!

[Dino]

worst thing is missing the start, then having to row extra hard to get the average down again

I must say I do quite like the 1km pyramid. 100/200/300/400... 1000 and down again, with 1m rest between each. You end up rowing 10k, and it takes about an hour. Each piece can be pretty much at your max saving just enough. Once you get down to 400m again you know you've got it beat. There is nothing much to help you work out if on target to beat previous time, so pretty much have to just go for it and see where you end up.

[blues_]

I try to keep moving...via very slow full or partial rowing strokes...while anticipating the "dreaded" moment of kicking off the next interval.

It sucks...in a good way.

[Neorticros]

Breathe and curse.

[KeithT]

During the rest periods of intervals I watch the clock in bewilderment as the seconds tick down in an impossibly fast manner whilst having a drink and trying to put my heart back in my chest.

Then I curse my stupidity for attempting intervals but before I get very far the clock is at zero and I have to start rowing again. I'm not sure if this is the correct method but it's what I do.

This sounds like my "rest" theory as well.

[jamesg]

Just wondering what everyone does in the rest periods during intervals training?

Stop and or/cruise until HR drops below the level I want (100, 110 or 120), then go. Interactives say that using different minimum HR levels alters the type of training.