More intervals - but getting harder!

...........or so it seems.

For the last couple of weeks it seems that I am finding the intervals more difficult - even when the session is one I have done before.

Saying that though, I thought the one I did today I had done before (6 x 800m) but having checked the plan, the one I was thinking of was actually 4 x800m - so that makes me feel a bit better.

Still, I have found that I just can't cope with the treadmill being on an incline any more!

Let me explain. Running on a treadmill with zero incline is - apparently - slower than if you run at that effort on the road - because there is no wind-resistance to overcome on a treadmill. So, to compensate for that, the accepted thing to do is put the treadmill at a 1% incline.

(here is a link to a chart which tells you what incline you need.......... http://www.trinewbies.com/run_treadmill_chart.asp )
The first couple of weeks I was doing these sessions I managed that just fine, but the last couple of weeks I just haven't been able to - or I have managed for a couple of repetitions, but then had to put the incline down to zero again.

This means that I am - I guess - doing my intervals slower than I should be. But then, I wonder how much it matters - it really kills me to do, and it's faster than I normally run, so surely it is still doing it's job?

Also, I discovered the other week that if I put one of my hands on the bar at the front of the treadmill, that makes running easier (?) - so trying not to do that when I get tired is a bit of a challenge. A bad habit.

Anyway, I did the 6 intervals, had a good stretch afterwards - glad to find that my knee is feeling alright - and then I was off home: another session completed!