Training Log Archive: Mark3

https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/32b003_08d8767e99c4...

Vaguely aiming at 2 hours as that was Caitlin's winning time last year. That was probably a bit optimistic - last year was not snowy.

Determined to set off faster than the Trog yesterday, but probably went too far the other way and was pretty near the front for the first mile or so until we hit the first hill, and then I was slowly but surely overtaken by most of the field.

Very different conditions from yesterday, mostly on a well used path which was hard packed snow rather than powder and therefore much more slippery. Metal dobs would've been ideal; might get some for the two or three races a year when they're the preference. Stunning scenery with everything white, still. Felt more bleak and exposed than yesterday despite going out and back on the same path.

Found the uphill a struggle although it was runnable all the way. Bit of a wind, more noticeable on the way back trying to come down again fast without being blown into the rocks.

I think 30th ish. Thought at the time it went badly but in those conditions not sure I could've been too much quicker. My plantar was pretty much fine so hopefully the spiky ball and all the stretching has worked. The left calf/achilles still isn't right, but I'm not expecting it to be until May (since past experience tells me it will take a year).

Plentiful cake, sandwiches, soup afterwards.

http://live.sportident.co.uk/home/multistage/stage...

Really nervous about this since it was -5°C when I left the house and now I know exactly how long it takes for a helicopter to turn up I decided to carry my down vest as an extra layer (along with baselayer, windproof and waterproof). It was 3 degrees warmer when I arrived at the race and quite a few people in shorts made me less concerned.

Lovely conditions; ankle-deep powder snow for the entire 19 miles basically, but low winds and clear blue skies. Trigger in those conditions would've been awesome.

After the first 5 checkpoints or so, ran most of the rest of the race entirely on my own. One of those races which are really well marked at the beginning to lure you into a false sense of security, and then the markings suddenly stop after about 10k and you're glad you have your map out.

No severe climbs or descents, didn't even feel that far, probably since it was fun. At the end I felt like I could've run further. Clif bars at about 60mins and 1 hour 50mins. Took 1L, drank maybe half of that.

One mistake from CP10, decided the people I could see in the distance were too far left and so ignored them - actually I was too far right and my trod eventually petered out into nothingness - my line was ok and probably wasn't much further distance-wise, but I had knee deep snow and heather to wade through, and the people on the good line didn't. I thought I'd lost masses of time but the splits show it was only c.3mins - would've only made a 3-position difference. Note to self if I do this again: the big salt cellar looking thing is on the right line.

35th/187 - relatively happy - reckon 3:15 would be an achievable target.
Plentiful cake and soup afterwards.

Terrifyingly icy on the corners which meant it wasn't possible to run that fast, and route was pretty bad as per. But found everything I looked for; took a risk on an 80-pointer and sprinted back from it about 2k, and got back with 8 seconds to spare. Possibly the first time where I've cut it fine and got it right.

John Embrey didn't run because his wife wouldn't let him, so I might even have done well!

Fingers extremely painful due to the cold (-1). Rest of body fine.

So naturally went for a lunchtime run in the snow. Drifts about a foot deep on the way to Lyme Park, and reduced visibility combined with snow blindness meant that I never actually got there.
Good fun though, and nice to be out in the daylight.

Various injuries felt ok; could be cushioning of the snow or just that it was cold! Although actually; not that cold.

Snowy - I deemed it too treacherous. Plus I'm lazy.

Tough after the weekend. Foot not hurting as much as expecting, although still a bit.
Tempted not to go out on a chilly evening, but forecast tomorrow is freezing rain/snow so can't imagine that happening.