Training Log Archive: brycec

So woke to found house was broken into fun morning - work laptop stolen and Emmas handbag - I think we got off lightly - stupid royal show (yes I am blaming it).

Didn't stop me from going out MTBing though. Met up with Fraser and Jordan just on 8am.

Slow start managed to come off pretty much on the first rocks we hit from the carpark and cut my right ankle - oh wells. this was my first time riding with Fraser and I think he was concerned at this point lol.

Moved pretty freely for the next section actually getting some air time over the jumps which is the first ive had - found it quite enjoyable and then I got a pinch flat - BUGGER.

Changed it out and had a pretty good run from there. Love the downhill sections - did learn some important things about jumps today and my technique. 1 - lean back further and 2 - I squeeze when I land, which really isnt useful when hands are on brake levers... Yes almost sent myself flying at speed when I hit the ground from a decent jump on (scorpion - i think) and pressed both breaks - almost went over handle bars and whilst recovering almost took out a black boy!

Had a really good finishing leg - quite enjoy when its flattish terraining and just rolling.

Fraser and Jordan had a decent amount of wait time - but I think they are happy enough how I am moving for a newb - just don't like holding them up!

Moving time of 1hr 45.

Legs generally feeling a lot better after cycle last night - probably going to need more stretching tonight thought, well see.

The grazing from the mud slide is a bit stingy but so be it. Knee still a tad sore (shame its the good knee too!) - otherwise no major complaints, maybe a bit more sleep would be good.

C • More sleep 4

Went for my first night ride and also my first time out at Kalamunda Circuit.

Love the trails out there they where really nice. Didnt come that unstuck either.

Leg where tired still to start but warmed into it pretty quickly and began to feel pretty good. Jordan (mate from work) had battery issue on headlamp early and we had a decent size stop to ghetto a gaffa tape solution for his spare torch.

Didn't need to decleat for about 5-6km then had a few small left foot decelats to get through the first rocky climb... Then came the descent from there and well,... took my first mud bath sliding out on a mud patch on a corner and getting covered well and truly. Oh well.

Had a decent run from there until we hit the much more technical climb about 10km. I learn twice that trees are strong than my shoulders and had to dismount each time to finish the rocks in those sections because I lost all speed to said trees!

About the 14km mark I lost power to front headlamp (neither of us had charged lights fully - infact only 1 hr) Was ok because I still had headlamp... well for another 1.5km until ti died on a down hill section on a corner. Plunged into pitch blackness I had to get out the rogaining headset which I brought just in case I didn't have enough charge on my batteries... downside - no helmet. Went a bit easier but the technical bits had been done when we hit the main road we ditched the last section of the course and legged it back to carpark.

Was cold out there at speed and managed to peak 49.8 km on the road on the way back to car park, which was nice on the mtb - was humming along.

Was great fun, lots of grip cause of the recent rain, few notes, need at least 2 hours charge on the lights. We where out there for about 2 hours but bike clock had about 1hr 25 mins so lots of breaks setting up the different ghetto solutions before and along the way. Looking forward to the nice time out there!

Ok haven't knee issues - did a legs stretch session and rollers. Probably could have done a longer more intense session.

Knee is much better today (Wednesday) after stretching but still feels like a nail going through the front of my knee cap when going up/down stairs so still have some work to do on it tonight.

Also passed out hard last night at 830 pretty much solid sleep to 7am apart from a small bit in the very middle around 130. Feeling pretty good for it.

Legs and particularly my knees really letting me know about it today - swear I did some crazy amount of exercise on the weekend or something... o wait. pretty much just feel completely spent and a little sore - not even going to bother explaining what the knees feel like lol.

With all these aches and pains I should be in an older age category surely... no no I am bloody stuck with the ridiculously fast kids for many more years to come :(

Had a bad sleep last night but wasn't really going to make a difference I alway knew today would be hard sleep or not!

Had a chat to the regulars before the race and decided to A) get rid of my wet weather jacket because it seemed to be "clearing" pre race and B) haphazardly hand over my iphone to ricky for a gps (haphazzard knowing his record with gps devices) without really teaching him how to use the app and without a waterproof bag - but hey now worries it was clearing ahha.

Made way out to start 900m start distance - seriously! oh well. Managed to call Fletch Tooms out there while waiting to start - showing how much I was with it then!

Anyhow my turn to go and told Craig thanks for showing me point 1 in advance. he thought I would get that and follow him to 2...

#1 he was wrong and I was right. I went right and too high (nothing new there) turned to have a look back and realised my error. which shortly after I saw craig dart out from the rocks I was thinking about heading towards 2. So much for a tow to 2. was way out of place. Also it had started raining straight away and was already drenched.

#2 Tried to go straight at it. half way there or maybe a bit more saw Craig coming back to go to point 4. god damn it - he moves too damn fast. Proceeded onward and found #3. oh dear too far right again. corrected up the hill and met Henry coming down at pace. found 2 reasonably smartly from that point.

#3 Well was relatively straight forward since I had been there already, the blonde norwegian/finnish girl cruised past me on the way to it as if I wasn't moving. eh. status quo. Last I saw of her for the day. Stopped a tad short but realised straight away and picked it up.

#4 Fail idea 1. Lets go back east of #2 grab the road and motor along the road the whole way to avoid the bush. Had I known how clear most of that bush was I would have gone straight line. Took it slow up the hill but once at the top cruised down the road. Went in too earlier though, distracted by others - should have waited for the prominent bend I was looking for. Met Graham in there who said are you after 142 which I wasn't - I realised my error and went back to the road. Met Ricky powering along - was wondering if my phone had died to the rain yet (I was thinking 5S) but we didn't really have much of a chat as ricky held my pace for about 5 steps before he realised he didn't want hypothermia and picked up the pace. Eventually got to my feature and shot into the bush and hit the point on the nose this time.

#5 Back to the road and along to the river bed, then in on an angle and perfectly onto the point was very happy with this.

#6 Again very nice leg - quite happy with it

#7 Botched this leg a little bit got dragged off bearing and went searching in the rocks. Also saw Henry come powering down from the rocks and thought you beauty his had a massive error and I caught him... Then quickly realised his on his second map :(. Spent some time hunting in the rocks but found it in the end.

#8 A bit of searching at the bottom of the cliff but found it pretty quickly (for my standard) especially looking at my drifitng amount on the way over. Even though I was drenched very happy to see the water drop!

#9 Pretty good line to the point got it pretty quickly when I got to the location not too much messing around. However was moving reasonably slowly now.

#10 without the map struggling to remember 10 - think it was a good leg pretty flush. will correct if it wasn't once juffmap working.

#11 Ditto with 11 from the trace it looks dead on and I remember two legs about this stage that lifted my confidence a bit. I had however not seen anyone for a long time now.

#12 was running well but guess what, missed it to the right, hunted around for a bit like a headless chook because getting it.

#13 the long leg with not much for me to play with, kept saying, keep left keep left... hitting all the small targets I had planned on the way, felt good all the way until I hit the river near to 14 I was practically on top of it... again tried to apply logic for a while but was struggling eventually convince myself to climb and used the big slab to relocate. didn't help the first few times then eventually got it.

#14 Powered back down the hill for my map change - should have been a basic leg, thought I will hit the river, cross is then follow it along abit and I should see the rocks. Got within metres of 14, but followed on like an idiot not thinking.. it was only after a good 100m or so I thought this is wrong and back traced and saw the point... kicking myself. Enjoyed a water stop at the 2 hr mark now... and started thinking. I Planned on 3hrs I have 1 hour to do this. at worst course close is in about 1hr 25.

#15 Was a good leg and restored confident. Hit the point perfectly.

#16 Purposely went more north than north west, wanted the road and didn't want to mess around with the terrain. This is the point I found out the ground up there wasn't so bad and was generally pretty runnable, shame I was knackered. Got to the turn off which I made the mistake earlier and quickly found the point from where Graham had been much earlier in the day.

#17 As I went back along the road I realised it had been a very long time since I seen anyone, but some 4wd's soon broke that coming back and forth past me. oh and dear god the wind on the road was bad now, fricken cold too after being drenched to the bone. Went to T junction then dived into bush hit the point flush.

#18 Had now come up with a plan, 100m at a time at a jog on bearing, pace counting the works, wanted to get through this now. Found 18 pretty quickly, was the one Henry had got some mm 1.5hrs earlier haha.

#19 Went to road then used road until granite mound, in and hit the point, was feeling good now and felt like whilst 3 hours was gone, course close was doable. (I should point out by now I had twisted both ankles like 3 times each and kicked both big toes but was kinda numb to the pain).

#20 After a few good points I stopped short on this point and it annoyed the hell out of me. eventually found it and moved on pretty quickly.

#21 Easy - perfect and fast I thought.

#22 on the nose again and yay for water.

#23 Long leg with not much to nav by, made reasonable time for the walking/running I was doing and came out all of like 5m left of the point very happy.

#24 Could still definitely make course close was feeling good about it and again hit the point flush, awesome.

#25 managed to find 27 on the way, was a tad dis hearted hearing and seeing everyone there for presentations as I slinked past slowly. Went a bit astray here following the river and generally not doing the right thing. Wanted to cross the damn thing just couldn't find a point. Eventually after chasing it for ages I saw the point and made another leap of faith across a river. Really not a fan of those last event I did it at I ended in the drink chest deep. I managed to clear all rivers throughout today though without needing my swimmers :)

#26 I got the point pretty straight on, may have stopped slightly early but was good. However realised I think the advertised course close was pretty much when I punched this point - oh well!

#27 Easy had already been there and was a nice straight line effort too it but for a small swerve for the river at the end.

To finish - trademark sprint, had already semi scoped it when i had crossed earlier. Opened up what I had left which was not much... Rounded the corner and headed down towards the water... Oh dear children in the way - oh double dear the planks that had been put down for crossing where not in place... mmm certainly people hearing me coming now - pictures face planting in river... started to slow a bit in anticipation - hope this isn't too deep/slippery/... hit at reasonable speed I think potentially covering small children in muddy water - bl. Lost a lot of speed from the leg in the river but pulled through, tried to accelerate but hit second bit of water and a bit of a cramp - push what I had though for final 10m and punched in. Was happy to see faster split by 3s. Only as good as your last leg I say :) Oh and it was meet with a cheer, may have been coincidentally aligned to an award but I will take it anyway.

Only a few mins post course close. had I started 930 flush I would have been ok by 2 minutes.Also seems the gps had failed for ricky but was happy/surprised my iphone 4 had not died from rain or rock .

Got a can of coke and went to car, was chatting to Ricky and Tash as they got called on for control collection - I looked over and said no chance I have been out there long enough thanks and got in car. Had I known my mate wasnt going to be at forsyths for another 45 mins I would have got some close ones but thought he would be there already so moved on reasonably quickly.

A little bit of cramping tonight but nothing serious, no major blister issues, mainly toenail concerns and pain and sunburn < SERIOUSLY surprised I got burnt but oh well!

Oh yes and I am well aware my write ups are as long as I take on the course haha.

and yes my real competition for the day Phil beat me by 13 mins which he held from early in the piece, wd - I think I could have had him without some silly mistakes. but learnt some stuff out there today with should make me faster next time.

1 final thing Wayne Eliot MPed so I am claiming I beat him :P mission successful.

C • The cheer 13

Went to meet a mate at 13:30 after the orienteering, turns out he was running late and came at about 14:15. We tried to switch my wheels to tubeless but failed and burnt more time doing so. Got on the bikes just before 3. Luckily enough i felt this had been a good break post the running.

Lap 1 got not very far before I realised my legs had nothing left. They were 100% spent. Was very slow compared to recent attempts and I struggled big time. Came unstuck a few times but no major falls. It was very wet and muddy out there, once you got past that you found the grip was nice. Felt like my front tyre was flat on the first lap and it seems my foot pump was highly ineffective.

Had a break at end of first lap had some fluids and kicked off for a second even though I had only wanted 1 and much earlier. Really struggled on segments of this ride just nothing left. I realised all I had had was 5 weetbix at 630am before the 16km run and now mtbing... no wonder. Came off on a slippery tree root and banged the bad toe nail (left big toe) felt like I had ripped it off was painful. Made it back to car, second lap felt faster but thats all I had in the tank, mate certainly wanted to do more but I had nothing left.

Got home and went for burger and chips mm yummo, just short while ago just stubbed the same toenail on the couch... it is certainly lifting now and gosh the pain was debilitating. also notice right big toenail took some damage on the run or the ride today but hardly a worry in comparison.

Knackered now time for bed shortly I think!

M21A - Splits

Event: WA State Middle/Long Distance Championship Ngangaguringguring
 

Mmm started horribly!

to #1 first time using the waxy paper and found it hard to fold and couldn't get my bearing because of this. ended up taking something rough and went with it - thought I hit the clearing north of 1 hunted around in circles likes a browns cow before I realised my error and went and got 1. Very dishearten here.

#2 - moved quickly to 2, having already spent a good amount of time on the ground there!

#3 Should have been a bit easier stopped a little short eventually found it and got a shadow/became a shadow one or the other here.

#4 Beat my fellow shadow to 4 hitting it flush while he was down to me left a decent way - got out of there reasonably fast and started to head back towards 5.

#5 decided as I hit the clearing between 1 & 2 to make a left and attempt to contour around and use the yellow. To move a bit quicker. In honesty going straight might have been faster, the yellow wasn't as yellow as I was hoping and I did pull up short a bit disoriented. The ground down to my right the straight line route looks alright too. Realised I was on the rocky mound west of eight and moved towards 5 on clear running ground. Saw my shadow reappear exactly where I expect 5 to be. We had both over shot it slightly but got it close on.

#6 I powered past my shadow and got 6 first which was easy enough - a bit hesitant but happy with it.

#7 Went way too far down the hill and I became the shadow as I heard the tell tale "BING" behind me and I 180ed to see the point clear as day.

#8 went high early and got back past the other runner and grabbed 8 - giving away its position to about 3 people sadly...

#9 relatively straight line - starting to feel fatigued now and also very thirsty. Hit 9 flushish and shadow came in right next to me. I moaned a "I need water its been an hr".

#10 felt alright up until the road - originally had planned to go the road to the track then come back in for the point but thought thats a lot of extra ground and bush looked on so pushed on.slightly left and hunted around a bit lots of people looking for it, shadow had gone down the hill a fair way and I spotted the point - awesome time to shake him, ran over got the point no one saw or heard and legged it into the bush opposite direction to them to avoid giving it away...

#11 my plan here had been go to the road north of 10 leg it along and I will see the point on my left just off the road and dear god I am looking forward to the water drop here... Saw random point not expecting was like huh. looked at map then realised O SHEET I was at 10 I should be going east sou east to 11 not road to 12 . Spun on the spot and estimated the angle I had gone off then powered off hoping to hit something I knew.... I did the bloody shadow. he was a bit higher north than I liked though and I am sure I confused the hell out of him coming past at a right angle. A few strides further saw the drop away I was hoping for, spun right and bam point right there. quite happy with the recover went and grabbed the point. but was more people with me now.

#12 Shadow and I set off same angle and speed towards 12, I felt I was drifting left on the hill slope - should have realised I always drift right because I was pretty much going straight. however when I got close to the road, and probably right on the point I saw the shadow higher than me, which made me question it, then he turned suddenly and went different direction. without thinking I went bugger the point was higher and trudged up the hill... WRONG another person powered past me down the road and my heart sank - I was desperate for water and wasn't thinking now, I went back down the hill and found the point. Guzzled water but it didn't hit the sides BLAH not happy, wasn't feeling great now.

#13 Went ok to 13 hit the clearing and point to my direct left. Had lost everyone who had been toying with.

#14 Going towards 14 the winners of the girls 21's powered past me. Was feeling over it and didn't even try to up my pace. (generally don't like been overtaken - fine with being last just don't let me see you pass me). Got lead a little astray around 14 by lots of people searching for it - funnily enough I had drifted right of it but corrected soon enough.

#15 Oh tracked perfectly straight until the rocks just north of the '1' of the 15 on the map at which stage I saw a point down to my right (pretty much located between our 18-17) oh that must be it I must have drifted left - its on a cliff has to be it - sprinted to it and got to it as the 2 21 girls got there too, let them fly through the point then realised CRAP thats not my point and its not even on my darn control sheet. and as I did so... the shadow came around the rock looked at me and the point and thought how the hell is he infront of me, then looked at the point smiled knowing its not his and trotted on. I recorrected norht - not knowing exactly where I was wants to keep the open ground to my left and did so then hitting the point reasonably flush.

#16 pulled up early as always and after some hunting found it. starting to feel over it by now.

#17 same as 16 but really feeling over it - another guy passed me and that put some fire in the belly.

#18 ran past the control I had found before and shook my fist at it I say. Then proceeded to find the road. wait what I went to far - back tracked, searched for ages - this was frustrating now, eventually found it... wasn't all that impressed.

#19 Walked most of it feeling disgruntled, came out to the right of it was relatively straight forward.

#20 wanting water really badly again, can see finish knew was close search around for this point - hit the track and then just got frustrating I knew I was close and eventually found it.

#finish Trademark sprint - almost went over on the path with the loose gravel but all good - wasn't so keen at powering through everyone at speed for a few reason as so pulled back a bit before the main camp area still going quick but definitely had a few extra s could trim off - see if it was enough, if not tomorrow no holds barred finish - ppl stay out the way!

- Other notes - almost rolled left ankle on the way to 5 - that wasn't so fun and right big toe blister is hardening nicely - lets see if I cant rip that open in the longer course tomorrow :( - oh also felt like I could have gone a bit harder - bit disappointed at that.

Sure I am forgetting something here but meh time for some dinner!

Just a quick lap - time is definitely improving, getting my ridding strength back very slowly.

Had a lul in the middle when I was struggling a bit but recovered in the later part and picked up the pace a bit - I think I can trim another few minutes off without too much extra effort.


Back out there tomorrow after the long race... could be interesting I imagine slower!

M21A - Splits

Oh dear - just discovered my leg managed to send my boss an email yesterday before my phone died.

1) definitely turn off mobile data
2) ensure screen is locked! looks like screen was unlocked and active for nearly 2 hours

No wonder the battery died so quickly - my leg opened most apps, sent emails, played music... oh yeah and stopped my trace damn it!

Other notes few scratches and bruises from the commando roll/bike crash but nothing major - only 1 blister which is great because I am not wearing patches and am running in the shoes yay! oh and loads of little splinters from all those bushes yesterday :(

Legs feeling spent today - is a good feeling.

Didnt manage to get a good sleep last night (no idea why) 5hrs broken tops.

C • Pocket dialing 2

Was running early for footo - so decided to make a quick pit stop on the way to event as warmup. 830-9

Busted out a nice lap no real major issues came unstuck a few times but happy with the pace and control.

So first things first - distance and climb are absolute guess as my iphone decided on only log the first .5km and then saved that. it then ran out of battery around point 7/8 I think teach me for leaving mobile data on.

Most annoyed at that because this weeks trace would have been fascinating (at least for me).

So pre race - had a chat to all the regulars - Simmo even gave me a book to borrow I think its the idiots guide to footo - nice of him, hopefully it tells me to get fitter because that seems to be the major issue atm!

Gave Polly some 101's on nav as it was her first time solo - she looked worried but ready for the challenge.

Set off to 1 and hit it on the nose - a bit slow through the green stripes but happy to hit it.

#2: hit the river near perfectly - was just to the right of the point pretty much on top of it but saw another point down river to my right and ran down to it not my point - gdamn and went back. had I turned my head left would have been fine.

#3: Some uncertainty coming through all the green but came out on the north side of the small bit of granite. redirected and got it jsut fine.

#4: no problems here.

#5: didnt go far enough, was mis reading my position on the map. The switch to thumb compass means I am folding more which I think is giving me less sense of the surrounding map - something for me to work with. Got the point after a bit of delay.

#6 Craig had come into 5 just behind em and headed straight down toward the yellow section which was part of my plan, however by the time I had got done there there was just a dust trail sad. Also spotted Juffman heading towards 8 and told him he sucked knowing he had already overtaken me significantly. Came out too low (to the right of 6), corrected pretty quickly and got it.

#7: Really didnt enjoy this leg, the bush sucked it was hard to judge distance it just sucked. was glad to get it when I did. (oh and this was when my phone honked which I believe was it saying - yo im out of batt).

#8: This is where I wish I had trace. I opted to go back south of 6 and use the semi clear/clear flat land in the west. (saw Andrea on way past 6 and told him close but not close enough as I powered past - probably to him thinking, I will have you before 9 and also where the hell are you going...) Made decent progress along the western flank. Came up at the west most granite outcrop, then hit the granite south south west of 8, proceeded to complete miss 8 and hit the granite to its east. Realised my error and went back - however went north of 8 into the fight 10% green. Realised, turned around and strated heading back up feeling very frustrated. Watched Andrea cruise past, Simmo to as I was going towards point, met ricky and Tash at the point.

#9: Feeling fresh after all the walking about trying to find 8 - powered off behind Ricky. I was north of him but comfortable with my positioning. probably held him until a bit the 2nd river crossing when he put on the afterburners, or more to the point I died in the ass. Grabbed the granite and followed yellow down to 9 and saw simmo leaving point as I trotted up.

#10 dear god what went wrong. Decided to head dead at. road aws on the other side of fold originally.... Vered to my right to pick up the granite and open ground. was struggling a bit fitness wise so walked and slowed right down here. Was not confident on my map positioning or the features and turned left in the yellow section just south of the dark green. Went for abit then thought - this feels very wrong. consulted compass was out A LOT. Saw the road just and went down just south of the last track junction - up to corner and straight back to 10. Wish I had used the road the whole way.

#11 slide to the right of 11 but found it easy enough.

#12 On the way to twelve saw someone to my left about 75m away wearing blue top, black pants, blonde hair, assumed it was polly, woof whistled being a smart ass and asked where she was heading. (Finnish/swedish voice came back) oh dear. she was close to her point so let her know where I thought it was and kept moving. Was reasonably close to 12 missed it slightly to the left but generally was what I expected.

#13 Was my best nave of the day - if I wasn't knackered would have been faster - went around base and popped up on the point.

#14: straight at 14 and hit it pretty directly - bit of fighting to get through but so be it.

#15 pulled up a bit early to the left of the granite - someone came over to talk to me and consulted on his position. he thought we were further north which I ignored and proceeded onward after telling him precisely his next point as it was where I had just come from. Got to 15 but had taken more time than I had wanted.

#16: hit it on the nose was just tired hence slowness plenty of walking here.

#17: I face planted/commando rolled on the river bed just before halfway mark. Was very unenjoyable and was a slow climb up the hill. Had to fight my way through the green stripes - really didn't enjoy that either. Came out pretty flush onto 17 in the end though.

#18: was slightly right of the point but had judged the distance perfectly and when I pulled up spotted it to my immediate left.

#19: Slow through the bush but could see the point a mile away so was relatively straightforward.

#20: at this point my care factor was pretty low - was walking/jogging not really consulting compass new I would hit right bed did so off to the right. was feeling pretty smashed by now and sore from my encounter with the ground.

#to finish - First time I have encountered a rope to the finish line - I did appreciate that. I wanted to finish strong as always - opened up what I had left - but really felt lack luster and a lot slower than previous sprint finishes - I am sure someone has me today but well see.

Had a chat to a few people back at rego whilst waiting for Polly, she wasn't far behind so trotted down to see her at finish - she was with the finnish/swedish girl so at least I got to apologise and point out the obvious mistake. Polly had some troubles out there first first time solo and with time restriction had dropped post 9 and gone 9 > road> 17 and finished from there. Wisely I would say. She'll be back but E3 next time we both think.

All in all happy enough - a few bigish errors - definitely a lot of drifting going on - don't know if its the new compass and I am still getting the knack of holding it right or I am just naturally drifting - assuming both. Definitely pulled in some time on the previous finisher though so certainly getting better (so I tell myself!)

More fitness navs ok just need speed and endurance. As I said to (Graham? I think - apologies if I have got your name wrong I know I have met you a few times) when he asked "Are you running?" (he was worried I would take offense to that - which I totally didn't and wouldn't even if I was - I am realistic I am slow haha :) ) I answered yes partly - in fairness its probably more walking (40%) and jogging (40%) than running (20%). but I have never been a distance runner - prior to this year other than 1 or 2 city2surfs I don't think I would have been over 7km on a run. All of my shorts previously where explosive sprint so never trained for distance - so that coupled with my current fitness level being poor doesn't put me in good stead to power through a 10km run over the terrain.

It will come with time I am sure - I am in no rush I enjoy being out there. I am happy with the nav when i am walking - I need to get the nav more accurate when jogging/running. Whilst I do that build fitness then maybe sometime next year I might be getting closer to midfield rather than the wooden spoon :)

========
Still annoyed at no trace though SIGH

C • Finish split 3

C • Glad 8

Went a little faster and harder this time now that it was my third lap around it and was getting more comfortable. Was abit spent after footo but still trimmed some good time off my pbs.

Did manage a stack on the pea gravel on the corner before the run up to the first black obstacle. Teach me for being over confident - left with lovely stinging sensations - luckily no real damage to me and the bike.

Expert1 - Splits

Both Ankles feeling spanked but definitely on the improve should be good tomorrow or next day. (right is obviously still worse).

Right foot/ankle not feeling the greatest, minor bruising, some swelling however minimal. Just general achey/pain work complaining about - change of direction whilst walking is not pleasant at all - neither is uneven surfaces.

Sticking to flat ground today I think. Not going to raise an injury report just yet though - however in fairness I couldn't see myself doing a run on it atm.

C • Welcome to Orienteering! 2

Event: Foot-O Wundabiniring Brook
 

Decided to go without the pack today and try run a bit more. Meant putting phone in side phone of my pants... This was annoying not because of weight or movement more so because I have lost weight the pants are slightly too big and this was just enough to drop them a bit and have my phone knocking my right calf all day long.

Incidentally bought and used my first thumb compass today - quite happy with it just don't know if I pref right or left so might have to get the out base and see. Felt more accurate than my last - even though I have noticed I was still bearing right... I was a bit more rough and ready with compass and movement and generally things appeared in the right place. That said it certainly wasn't clean.

#1 was good.
#2 a little indecisive but picked it up (oh and by now ricky had already passed me - he started 2 mins behind me).
#3 exactly where I wanted it to be and I re caught ricky (for last time).
#4 exactly on course.
#5 completely messed up this point - dragged myself right and ended up searching a bit.
#6 Dead on
#7 Dead on
#8 Pulled up a bit early and was a little indecisive got there with not too much time lost I think.
#9 ATROCIOUS - went too far right crossed the track and kept going probably ended up near to 2 - dicked around there for ages then decided to relocate off trail - once I realised where I was the mistake became very obvious and I could see the point whilst I was relocating... Heap of people went past me and salt in the wound heap got that point whilst I was relocating..
#10 Went reasonably fast to try recoup some time.
#11 Abit tired from #10 leg but still ran segments. almost at 11 me right ankle went over hard. There was expletives. It is not quite bruised - it did slowly me temporarily until adrenaline managed to kick in. Found 11 ok - slight overshoot on the gully to my left I knew I was in right area though.
#12 Took minor trail north of 11 back to 12 to try help my ankle. Hit it dead on.
#13 Easy
#14 vered left down to the road and used the road the whole way. Creek threw me a bit and HM had come flying past me like a bat out of hell at this stage. Hit 14 on the nose too.
#15 Perfect
#16 opted for the road slightly longer route - probably could have cut through it was fairly open but was struggling by now with pain and feeling very thirsty. Hit it well/
#17 veered right but saw finish and relocated off that.
Finish - attempted to sprint finish - doubt will be anything spectacular my ankle and right leg took a battering and was in desperate need of water/food.

Oh well bring forth some better fitness. Also made me really want a garmin after the inaccurate I have noted while on the bike and the phone in my O/RG pants sucked. its ok in running shorts but mmm Garmin for birthday/xmas I think.

Enjoyed whatever the cake was and headed off for a mtb.

Feeling quite sore - but wanted to get out there. First time on the MTB on a proper track. Very much enjoyed it.

Almost took myself out a few times - best was a handlebar into a tree on a downhill leg but recovered very nicely. No major falls however still working out a lot so did come off get stuck a few times with pedals being in the wrong place/not enough speed/wrong angles.

! lap was enough right leg was letting me know about it and I wanted a break feeling knackered.

You'll be pleased to know I wasn't crazy enough to attempt to black obstacles.

Oh also runkeeper sucks saying I only did 5.66 when bike computer says 6.32 Again - needing garmin haha.

Expert1 - Splits

So really cruisey ride in via kings park - didnt even break a sweat.

Was going to go on sand trails got onto the start of one and went - Fck this and went back to grass haha.

Interestingly bike computer said 7.11 gps said 7.59 and its the same as my running leg which is normally 6.6 Errr - I think 7.11 is accurate a few little extra bits into the bike garage and slightly different legs not enough to justify 1km.

Nothing remarkable

Home is always faster - even if its slower. was a lot more fun went down the sand track which I failed on this morning. As long as I kept some speed up was fine. also not much steering helped - got to get a bit looser on the bike.

Same problem with app saying 6.95 and bike clock saying 7.1 I am staying with bike computer - course was different but 7.1 is believable.

Perfect day for it - so nice to be getting better weather.

Also had a friend introduce me to strava today. My competitive nature may have just been awoken at least a little. Burning desire to kick his ass.

Oh dear god my internet at home is so shit - dial up could well be faster! - FML first world problems.

C • First world problems 5

Amazing discoveries tonight...

Here I was all trusting that the bike store I bought my bike from on Saturday set it up correctly...

Went to tighten up my pedals because my cleats were exceptionally loose yesterday to discover... the cleats on my shoes aren't compatible with my pedals and the only connection I got for the full day yesterday was the front of the cleat... yay for winner no wonder I was flying out of them I wasn't clipped in at all... more to the point no wonder it was such hard work.

Discovery #2 was that the tire pressure was about 50psi... yeah it was a bit rough yesterday and slide factor was high.

So I have switched over to cleats that clip in now and dropped the psi to 40 until I go tubeless... ride number two is going to be so much nicer LOL

As a side note I really need to go look at the front shock setup and see how much they botched it up not even going to bother with seat height/stem at this point in time just assume its close enough until I start doing long distances when it makes a bigger difference.

oh and they forgot to take my 10% off accessories so over charged me $45 - love the irony in paying extra for the above issues.

================

Bike aside was feeling pretty darn good this morning. However started getting tight and sorer during the afternoon... Have insane headache going on now and muscles starting to ache all over - looking forward to tomorrow going to be fun.

Event: Foot-O Julimar
 

Event: Adventure Race Australia
 

So race with Polly - hardcore course - I knew Polly was fitter than me and would spank me on the running legs but I thought I may have a chance on the bike... chaos ensues.

I was ready to go straight to MTB from start - cleats on an all - no 4.5km run k thx in brand new first wear cleat - yowzers!

just over 1 km in had to cross a river on the return crossing I didn't quite clear the water and end chest deep - seriously not how I wanted to start. DRENCHED. and cut up all over from spear grass. dragged myself out which was very difficult.

Water logged running in cleats or gravel - blah this was shit. me ankles and Achilles where really taking a beating. We made it eventually to the last leg of the run and I was in hurts ville already - obstacle course. Pretty much epic fail all on it. ended up doing 40 push ups and falling on my ass a lot. Was not having a massive amount of fun at this point.

Ran back to HQ really not feeling crash hot - yeah MTB this should be more straight forward. (Preface - if done 2 cycles in the last like 3 years on road bike. I HAVE NEVER MTB'ED IN MY LIFE BEFORE) - oh dear god how wrong I was. after making it out of camp- going down the gravel roads (even what I am assured was slowly) was terrifying - Cleats wouldn't stay in, couldn't get right gearing or balance - braking sent bike everywhere, weight distribution felt all wrong, tyres felt too soft/splashy - oh god this was going to be a long day. I was spent already and hadn't made first mtb check point. Got it reasonably well after being confused by some people who pulled up early.

Continued down to point 2 - got a bit tricky for my liking here - again I am sure it was beginners mode for most. bike rear break already sounded horrible from over use and potentially some stick damage as I picked up a couple. Small turnoff downhill rough.. At a stand still mounted - one pedal rotation, flips straight over front handle bars but lands on feet dropping bike to ground - that was lucky but I didn't like the thud of my brand new bike. It sound a bit rough like seat was re clicking into place but it got going again- got this point pretty easily too. But was really hurting now.

From 2-3 had to walk up hill - this nearly did kill me - was really starting to feel horrible now. Hit first of track junctions and Polly had waited for me a bit - I know I had been massively holding her back - her next comment was (she is a doctor so a bit more concerning) - Please tell me that you'll let me know if your getting chest pains. - clearly my pain was visible and she later told me I was looking very green and pale at this point and she was having serious doubts we would be able to continue.

Oh I have to add I had the makeshift map board on my bike but no real way to hold the map down which was causing no end grief for me especially on the downhills when I was getting some pace but scared to do anything but focus.

Eventually made it around to 3 - Polly shot ahead and got it while I trudged the hill to it and sucked in air meeting her near the point. 3 to 4 was a turning point for me as (uncle Juffy should be proud). threw up a mouthful or two of breaky. Slightly missed the track up to 4 and doubled back all of about 100-200m In on foot to 4. 4 Proved a little tricky to spot but got it in a reasonable time frame. Admitted to Polly I had just been sick - however was already feeling better and insisted on some walking rather than running so I could recoup a bit. On exit of 4 spotted Tash coming up towards it.

Proceeded along main roads to the 5 single turn off. on the single track had chunder number two - another small one yet made me feel loads better. Hit 5 easy. Was feeling loaded better now and setoff for 6.

We completely balls this up and ended up at the dead end track left of 6. Eventually decided back to road and up other main road then in on foot. This proved fruitful and we where soon on way to transition. I switched to running shoes in transition - Also got out first Carbo Gel and a snickers. Tash pulled in just before we left - damn they caught up a lot whilst we messed up 6.

Carbo shot and snickers didn't go down as smooth as one would have liked and I was smashing back water too - wasn't feeling super great but definitely had improved 200% from the earlier MTB legs. We opted to run to the furthest point first. Point G. A lot of jog, walk, jog walk going on. Everything was sore and no pain killers around CAFFEINE SAVE ME NOW PLZ. Got it dead on nav was near perfect. Went for L now. A lot of people had said to us they never found it or where really struggling with it but that didn't deter us. We pushed up the road and then I called lets go in early to the ridge line and head up once we got close to where I expected it to be. Pretty much spiked it dead on it was about 25 m north from when I hit the point I wanted to look from - CHUFFED.

CAFFEINE ENABLED - changed plan and instead of going back to main powered down hills side as to not give away the location of the point. Took wrong turn on track though and hit main track - realized we where on it and thought this is fine we just need the river. Completely overshot river - damn. Was running most of this now feeling pretty damn good. we went in and hit the track but well past the point, when we realized back tracked got point pretty easily. I to J nothing remarkable nailed it straight on after some bush bashing. I must add I am still holding up Polly who was looking 100% comfortable just gliding along whilst I was breaking myself to give what I could. Back to TA. I opted to hit another caffeine shot down now which is way earlier than I normally would. Person at the checkpoint said wow you guys powered through that you've made up a lot of ground and positions.

This boosted morale all around and finishing the course actually was now viable when previously it was not. Smashed it up to 8 and hit it nicely - on the exit of 8 I made a nav error and took us down a track which wasn't a track. We got back tot he track shortly there after but it wasn't a great call from me. 8 to 9 down the two main roads. Ran into a lost group from another course who asked for help. Dear god they where in the middle of the map looking for something in the far bottom left - not good for them! Powered up towards 9 and I turned us off early on an unmarked track. I was super confident I was in the right place and said Polly, if I am wrong you can slap me. We back tracked went down a bit - I was wrong. I got slapped. that will teach me.

Additional points given at 9 - damn! went north hard The first point we stopped at wrong track junction then found shortly after - the top point was very straight forward as was the eastern point. Had my 3rd Carbo Shot here. Opted to go down the south east single track to the main entrance road however before we hit the first cross road we came off the track - this was disastrous. we had to dis mount and walk through the scrub. We cross the first track and probably actually got back on the south eastern track briefly but kept marching on. This was Polly's dark moment. swarms of mossi's and parrot bush started to get the better of her and I had to cease control She wanted out and out quick and there wasn't much we could do - I told her this is the only option I know where I am and this is the fastest way. She wasn't happy but trusted me and moved on. Lost a tonne of time here was slow going. We could here red out of bounds road to our left so I know we had drifted off path between the main road and the single track. We eventually hit clearing and road. Could see turn off ~100m from major road into camp site entry. We flew down this road back to HQ - by far the fastest on the bike of the day - I think I almost got into top gear and felt like I was on a road bike - made me happy.

Got back - to HQ for the mystery leg and the last 2 points with about 50 minutes to go. Quick transition and away we went. Was basically footo and I was good to go now - we ran the trail section hard then turned into the bush on instruction and powered through there. Eventually saw flying fox section and ran up tot the top of it. When we got there it only needed 1 person to do it - looked like amazing fun but I said to Polly she can do it. I had thought I had held her up all day, probably was a pain in the ass she deserved to enjoy it and have fun - oh that and I didn't fancy the climb back from the bottom to the start of it again post doing it - even though I know I would have loved it. Polly was happy enough and went straight at it.

It was at this point I realized I had 100% exhausted my 3L pack and was struggling (and had been for some time) on water intake - thinking last time I had a drink must have been in the bush bashing if not before. Oh dear that's not good. Polly return chipper as and I stood up - BANG cramp - one step forward BANG Achilles. oh no. Cup of HTFO and got on with the run to 11. A lot of teams out there trying to find it and a lot making nav errors - powered past them and got it pretty easily. However my quads had starting cramping quite badly - Again i remembered myself not long now and still had about 35-40 mins up our sleeve.

Heading up towards 12 as Polly rounds a corners she slipped and hit the ground hard. gashed her knee and elbow - I was seriously worried it was going to be a piggy back on me for the rest of the event but she got up limping but got up. Hit the main road and legged it to 12. Then the run to the finish. hit the line and stopped - ekk fatal mistake. Both legs ceased both quads cramped - really not good. Managed to get moving but was a waddle not great. Polly quickly sort some first add for knee and elbow and I attempted to stretch but cramping too badly.

Returned to car packed kit and got water. Was starting to walk better already went back and got bbq as we hit the end of the clock. Shortly after Tash crossed the line and came over Sat and had a chat - Had a stretch and waited for results.

and... We came 2nd - not sure how but hardcore mixed booyah. Given we must have lost near 1 hr on nav definitely over 40 mins. and my fitness held us back majorly could have gone a lot fast had it not been for that!

Super happy with result though. Post mortem. My legs have been torn to shreds by undergrowth! I am feeling really great considering and moving pretty freely. No or minimal blisters and the toenail survives again. All in all very happy!

Side Note -
Organizers really need to add a water drop - I know I drink a lot but really needed a drop at TA in the south east and wouldn't have been hard to organize!

Some of the stats above are best guess - time until seeing results - distance and climb will be slightly off. HR is real as far as I know.

I am sure ive probably missed something epic but if you've made it to here you've probably read enough of my dribble and poor English so well done to you for getting this far too LOL. Now for bed!

C • Many thanks 14