Training Log Archive: Duncan

Awesome Leigh Woods long run with Matt W to get some hill training in before the JK. Been meaning to do this sort of run for ages - all along the eastern side of the wood in and out of the gorge.

Went to have a look to see if we could descend that giant slab with the writing all over it. After we'd found a way to the top and climbed down a cliff using a dodgy rope we bottled it when Matt slipped about 3m on the limestone in his dobs. I was a bit unsure too. It definitely needs to be done at some point though and the conditions are never gonna be much better than they were today, maybe in climbing shoes it would work.

We found another route down anyway along a fun rocky ridge before climbing up that sketchy knife-edge ridge that Tim showed us last year.

Down and up a few more times to the Grotto at the far end, found a rope swing and a the biggest tree I've ever seen. It was massive. Back via Paradise Bottom then a few more hills and a bit of terrain running before going up Nightingale valley.

I left Matt at the Suspension Bridge and went via Hotwells & White Hart Steps to Brandon Hill and ran all the way up to the top of Cabot Tower (108 steps) for an interesting finish.

Wish I'd taken a GPS.

O Training out in the Forest of Dean. Lots of platforms on rounded hills. Did it as trains with Adam, Keith and Matt which was pretty fun and a good selection race for the JK relay!

Went fast early but slowed down all the way through. Mainly compass on the short legs and more contouring on the longer ones but spotting platforms from a distance is the best technique.

Felt good when I was going fast but a bit disappointed in my fitness on the hills - a few more hilly long runs needed before the JK. Navigation wise I was alright but drifted off line on some of the longer ones so maybe should watch out for that in future.

First intervals for almost five months. Rode there and turned up a bit late so joined in half way through. 1200-600-1200 with 2 mins rest after the 12 and 90s after the 6. Felt quite sluggish before I got there but got better during the warm up and alright during the (short) session. Didn't find it too hard to get up to speed and probably should have pushed earlier on the last one.

Fairly easy ride out in Ashton Court. Checked out my secret trails and did the Upper Quarry trail a couple of times before back to the gate via the Beggar Bush Lane trail. So fast and dry, didn't even fall off!