Training Log Archive: blairtrewin

A slightly scrappy race on an area where it's difficult to pinpoint things with precision. One significant mistake early on, losing 2-3 minutes at the scary number 5 (downhill into an area of heavy rock on a slope with little contour definition), misreading the boulder field the control was on as the bare rock/cliff above it. Caught up to Bruce (who lost more time there) at that stage and we were together the rest of the way, apart from a couple of route choices (most notably 12-13). Only other significant time loss was 30 seconds or so overshooting 12 after we'd got Julian on the route choice. Julian caught us at 9 but only got clear at 13 thanks to a small miss on 10 and his route to 12. We also joined Shep at 12 (he'd gone through at 5 but lost time later on), and I was surprised when he seemed content to sit on me going to 13 rather than going after Julian, so it wasn't a shock to see him pull the pin there.

A better run physically than yesterday, on a physically tough area - it's rare to be able to get into much of a rhythm here. A little disappointed with the 9th placing; 4th might have been in range without the time loss at 5.

The women's course was the same as ours until 6 (except that they went direct start-2, something which cut very little distance off). I started with Vanessa and was very impressed with her strength in tough terrain; we were essentially together for the first 15 minutes of the course.

Of course, the challenge of the course was only the second most challenging thing I had to do today...

C • second? 1

Event: Aust. JWOC Trials
 

NOL race at Gumble. Technically sound but still feeling some of the effects of my illness during the week; lacking energy on the uphill sections, especially early. Result respectable but a bit disappointing to be towards the end of a close bunch.

Reasonably routine session at Richmond. Almost as wet outside the pool as it was in it.

Looks like I missed out on some drama on yesterday's run on the mean streets of Heidelberg Heights - went along Bamfield Road about 90 minutes before this happened:

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/fears-for-a...

Not stellar but definitely on the upswing - asteady effort where the time seemed to go quite quickly. My one concession to being not 100% well was to pick a pretty flat course (W/SW from my place as far as the Merri Creek and then back across Preston).

Some very noisy bats have taken up residence in the trees outside the Austin Hospital - noticed them on my way past. The bats have been a bit of an ongoing saga in Melbourne. They originally set up in the Botanic Gardens and the State Government decided, at consdierable expense, to relocate them to an area near the Ivanhoe golf course, but they ended up stopping halfway at Yarra Bend (or at least I thought they did until today). Along the way they've provided fertile material for local political opportunists of all colours (most of whom clearly think their constituents have watched too many vampire films).

One of our models is predicting 150 millimetres of rain in the Molong area in the next 36 hours. I'll believe that when I see it but 20-50 is quite likely. Should be dry by Saturday but anyone who's planning to camp on Friday night is taking their chances.

The Tan. Didn't expect a lot - went down with the view of playing it by ear and backing off if things weren't happening. Definitely didn't have the zip of a couple of weeks ago, but able to function reasonably comfortably at a slightly slower pace and got under 14 which was the objective for today. Got in a nice bunch later on. Quite a few deviations because of various roadworks, probably worth about 8 seconds in total (6 on the first km, 2 on the 3rd). Definitely felt better afterwards for having done this, which is a good sign for my recovery.

Km splits: 3.44, 3.45 (uphill), 3.37, 3.32.

Warm-up/warm-down from the above.

Felt a bit healthier this morning but still not 100%, not a bad run though. In light rain for most of it, and was wondering if we'd reach the magic 2.2 mm (as readers of today's 'Age' will know, if 2.0 mm or less fell by 9 this morning, Melbourne would set a new record for the lowest 1-year rainfall). I didn't think it was heavy enough for 2.2 and it wasn't - came in at 0.6.

There's been discussion from time to time here about annoying songs that get stuck in one's head on runs. Today's candidate - the British Eurovision entry (complete with front man who bears a more than passing resemblance to Shane Warne).

The usual MFR Monday night except it was on a Tuesday. Felt more tired as the day went on and had to really get myself up for this - was a struggle despite the easy pace and good company. In need of a good sleep tonight.

C • In need of a rest day 1

A session at Fitzroy Pool, earlier than usual because I had an early interview (CNBC in Hong Kong this time) - starting in the dark at an outdoor pool was a bit unusual, not that it's actually cold yet. Left shoulder a bit stiff early but loosened well. Slept poorly, and the hint of a cold that I thought I'd got rid of has returned, which is annoying.

Round the Tan at lunchtime. The Anderson Street path has been ripped up - hope it's fixed by Wednesday but have my doubts. Still feeling rather sniffly but run wasn't too bad.