• Sunday January 25th, 2009 @ 20:43

PRE-SEASON DIARY: DAY 3

So we’re into day 3 of this years pre-season, and thanks to Pesch there were a lot of nervous people arriving to training this morning.

He told us yesterday that today would be as tough, if not tougher. The nerves weren’t helped by Noel Haverty coming into the dressing room and telling us that he’d seen cones everywhere, poles all over the place and that they’d even thrown in a couple of hurdles.

The walk down to the training area seemed a long one with that information still going around our heads but we got going and were soon to find out what the cones, poles and hurdles were for. The warm up, thank God.

Everything was set up around the inside of the track and we jogged around going through each exercise slowly to try and loosen the leg muscles which were quite stiff and sore this morning.

The warm up lasted for about 15 minutes we moved onto the first of 2 running drills. It was a run where we do 28 runs over 4 different distances.

I think it went on for about 25 minutes but it felt like an eternity. I was glad of the break at the end of it. Maybe it wasn’t the toast yesterday that made me feel a little bit sick.

After a drink and a stretch, we headed into the astro pitch to do some circuit training. It was exactly the same circuits as Wednesday, although this time we were treated to the funny sight of John Lester attempting to skip.

A mention must also go to Mark Quigley whose press ups were more in line with an 80’s break dancer. Great entertainment all round.

Back out onto the grass and to the second running drill. As the Gaffer was feeling generous he gave us an option: We were to complete 6 runs in 80 seconds each, or we could try to do 3 runs in 70 seconds each.

However, if we took the last option, and failed, we got a forfeit. After a quick deliberation amongst the players, we decided to risk the 3 runs.

To throw us off our stride, there were obstacles in the way. We had to jump over a string tied to 2 poles, underneath one and over another one.

There were 2 of these on either side of the track. With only 3 runs to do and a bit of a breather in between, they were tough but do-able. In fairness to the lads, we all put in that bit extra to make sure we came in under the time limit.

For the warm down, the Gaffer put Noel Haverty in charge and he didn’t hang around asserting his authority by letting a roar at me and Baz to catch up with the group.

He brought us for a light jog and a stretch. I’m not saying the power went to Havo’s head but he was nearly insisting on a standing ovation for the way he led the warm down.

We’ll be looking forward to next week as there’s a rumour going around that we might see a bit more of the football and I might get to put on the gloves for the first time this season. I’ll let you know...

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10

Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
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