Training Log Archive: markg

... and an absolute shocker to finish the weekend. Massive 15min mistake on number 11 and legs in pain because I stupidly didn't wear full-length pants wasted my motivation and I pulled out after 13.

I started pretty well, despite getting a bit confused by a termite mound that appeared to be unmapped but in fact was right under the line and printed very small. Was clean through to 4, had a small hesitation on 5 and another 6, then clean to 7. A wobble into 8 was followed by confusion in the circle at 9 before I finally realised that the feature was the little cliff on top of the big cliff. 10 was a substantial mistake after running to far along the top of the cliff and

Very ordinary race. Minor hiccups at 4 and 5 were followed by a big one at 7 another small one at 9 and a final big one at 11. I pulled the plug at that point and eased off to save myself for the middle distance. My pride was then injured further when I got a random stitch 20m from the last control and had to walk into the finish!

The two big errors were really poor. I simply wasn't focussed and didn't have my head up looking around and so took the wrong gap between buildings. Small errors were mainly poor map-reading - I need to take a little longer to read details like uncrossable walls (at number 3) and fences (at number 5). Leaving 8 I got confused by the overprinting of the course lines over the building. The line had a grey 'shadow' which gave the impression there was a way through. I had to take a few looks before convincing myself I had to go around.

Another poor race but at least this one was in fantastic, challenging terrain. A wobbly start was followed by a good stretch then 3 shockers in quick succession and then a pretty steady run to the finish, mostly alongside Kieran. Time lost was probably 10-11min.

Despite attempting to start steadily, I got a little off-line on the way to 1 and faffed around the in rocks losing about 40s. I then pulled my head in and ran strongly through to 6. On 7 I lost contact but had managed to get into the circle and found the control with only minimal time lost. Exited 7 in the wrong direction but caught it with only 10-20s lost. Then 2-2:30 lost at 9 after losing contact mid-leg but managing to relocate of a little spur. 10 was good but then I lost 4min at 11 in an error I can't explain. Finally got it when Kieran came through and showed me where it was. We both proceeded to stuff up the next one by about 2:30min but then summoning some focus, proceeded to run fairly well through the next stretch. There was a small time loss at 16 and a bigger one on the very short 18, and clean from there to the finish.

I had a lot of trouble working out what rock was mapped and how it was mapped, and how big the rock was going to be. I noted particularly that bare rock didn't seem to be mapped all the time. I don't usually have problems reading granite but sandstone is quite different and I need more practice.

I'm really pleased that I strung some good legs together but disappointed in the several big errors. I could do a lot better.

Just found out that I'm not entered for the WOC Trials ... bugger!

Played a game of (indoor) soccer for the first time in about four years in a divisional competition at work. We went down 5-1 but it was a fun game none-the-less. Fitness felt alright but my legs are unused to all that de/acceleration and got a bit fatigued. I suspect I'll get some soreness actually.

Nice day for it but I wasn't feeling all that flash.

I felt really good on Burbong St today, like I was catching my breath on the not so steep part after the initial rise. I don't ride often enough to get any improvement in riding fitness so I'm a bit surprised.

Think I set a new 400m world record chasing down the QUT shuttle bus in order to make a 1pm meeting but it's likely not eligible due to the downhill track. Did the last 150m at full tilt watching the queue at the next stop slowly disappear but I got there just in time.

Feeling sore pretty much everywhere from yesterday's run and all the gardening. Left calf has tightened up again.

Morning run up Coot-tha. Nice to be out but otherwise didn't enjoy it too much - a bit of a slog really - though I do have to admit I enjoy the switchbacks down Honeyeater. Right foot is still playing up.

Spent the rest of the day filling the rest of the garden bed with soil. We got some awesome help from three of our neighbours for about an hour and knocked off a huge amount. We were all done about 3.30pm.

Pulled out the Chinese soup spoon and gave my foot a good workover. It feels a lot better but I think it needs a few more.

No long run today, instead more gardening. This time we were shovelling 9.5 tonnes of soil from the driveway to the freshly cleared garden bed. Megan and I managed to move about half of it which was a pretty good effort, I reckon. Hard work.