Training Log Archive: IanWIn the 7 days ending Apr 22, 2012:
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Sunday Apr 22, 2012 #
Cycling 1:35:00 [1] 35.0 km (22.1 kph) +265m
The transport plan for the day had a 10 minute connection at Lichfield for the train onwards to Atherstone. So when there was no sign of the bus 15 minutes after it was meant to leave, it was time for the alternative...
Fortunately this part of the Midlands is pretty flat, so home, print out a couple of maps, repack bag and out on the bike.
Pleasant route along country roads/lanes, until about 50 minutes in when the heavens opened. The shower eventually abated, giving a bit of time to dry out. Moving along at a nice pace, felt fairly effortless for the most part.
Until the final 'climb' out of Atherstone, that is - it was then I realised I must have been doing some exercise, as the quads complained quite a bit on the incline.
And then twigged, in the 'transition' stage, I'd left the food on the table at home... so extra trade for the event caterer (yummy flapjack!).
Fortunately this part of the Midlands is pretty flat, so home, print out a couple of maps, repack bag and out on the bike.
Pleasant route along country roads/lanes, until about 50 minutes in when the heavens opened. The shower eventually abated, giving a bit of time to dry out. Moving along at a nice pace, felt fairly effortless for the most part.
Until the final 'climb' out of Atherstone, that is - it was then I realised I must have been doing some exercise, as the quads complained quite a bit on the incline.
And then twigged, in the 'transition' stage, I'd left the food on the table at home... so extra trade for the event caterer (yummy flapjack!).
Orienteering 1:33:00 [4] 11.7 km (7:57 / km) +370m 6:52 / km
shoes: 2011 VJ Supra
Black course - Bentley Woods
There are some areas that you run in due to the technical challenge, and some because the forest is a pleasure to run through. Bentley falls into the latter category, and was as fast and enjoyable as usual - the bluebells were in flower, though perhaps not quite at their peak yet.
Tried to start steadily, but legs felt a bit heavy from the off - not too surprising. Drifted/misread veg boundaries towards 3 (~30") and then completely missed 4 (4'+), which was perhaps the trickiest control on the course. Terrain didn't match up with what I was expecting to see, but the 'extra' ditch was likely too small to be mapped, and should have ignored it. Was actually on line but didn't have the confidence, might have helped with a better knowledge of where on the track I'd entered the denser forest...Went back to the track and it was far simpler second time around.
After that the navigation was relatively simple - was running pretty well on the flat/downhill, but any climb was slowing things down a little. Stopping a little short (10-20 m) on a few controls but was on line each time.
After the road crossing the hills got steeper and wasn't even trying to run up them for the most part. Couple of slightly non-optimal lines otherwise navigation was solid round this section, reassuring when a bit tired.
Would have been good to have gone under 90 minutes, but not too bothered given the circumstances.
There are some areas that you run in due to the technical challenge, and some because the forest is a pleasure to run through. Bentley falls into the latter category, and was as fast and enjoyable as usual - the bluebells were in flower, though perhaps not quite at their peak yet.
Tried to start steadily, but legs felt a bit heavy from the off - not too surprising. Drifted/misread veg boundaries towards 3 (~30") and then completely missed 4 (4'+), which was perhaps the trickiest control on the course. Terrain didn't match up with what I was expecting to see, but the 'extra' ditch was likely too small to be mapped, and should have ignored it. Was actually on line but didn't have the confidence, might have helped with a better knowledge of where on the track I'd entered the denser forest...Went back to the track and it was far simpler second time around.
After that the navigation was relatively simple - was running pretty well on the flat/downhill, but any climb was slowing things down a little. Stopping a little short (10-20 m) on a few controls but was on line each time.
After the road crossing the hills got steeper and wasn't even trying to run up them for the most part. Couple of slightly non-optimal lines otherwise navigation was solid round this section, reassuring when a bit tired.
Would have been good to have gone under 90 minutes, but not too bothered given the circumstances.
Note
Mission completed by rolling downhill to the station, and taking the train home.
Friday Apr 20, 2012 #
Running 1:10:00 [3]
shoes: Walsh 2011
Long-ish run home from work with pack, in the only rain of the day. Usual route up to the ridge, did a bit of exploring but a few paths were dead ends. Then via Reservoir Road/Shobnall to home.
Generally felt fairly easy, apart from the 4 sharp hills of ~250m, 35-50m climb each, which needed a bit of recovery.
Generally felt fairly easy, apart from the 4 sharp hills of ~250m, 35-50m climb each, which needed a bit of recovery.
Wednesday Apr 18, 2012 #
Note
(rest day)
Tired in evening after early start and long day, not going to kill myself if feeling like that.
Tuesday Apr 17, 2012 #
Running 47:45 [3] 10.0 km (4:47 / km)
shoes: Walsh 2011
Could have come up with all manner of excuses to not get out the door tonight. Original plan of running with the local club went out the window. But forced myself out the door and did the canal/river loop. Pancake flat, but a run. And (unbeknown until this point) the route is almost exactly 10k.
For the most part, the running felt smooth, last km was a bit raggedy though. A little more effort needed than I'd hoped, but if I'd got out with the group, the pace probably would have been a bit faster anyway.
Damp underfoot after today's showers, shoes/socks got wet in the longer grass, and the beginnings of a blister forming - on that basis I don't think this is the shoe choice for a mountain marathon...
For the most part, the running felt smooth, last km was a bit raggedy though. A little more effort needed than I'd hoped, but if I'd got out with the group, the pace probably would have been a bit faster anyway.
Damp underfoot after today's showers, shoes/socks got wet in the longer grass, and the beginnings of a blister forming - on that basis I don't think this is the shoe choice for a mountain marathon...