Training Log Archive: acejase

Super long run at Mt Clear. Plan had been to do a 3.5-4hr run at some point as 6FT prep and ALJ was keen to do this loop so off we went! Got up at sparrows fart to drive down to Mt Clear (1.5hr drive) and got out of the car to fairly nippy weather. Got going fairly quickly as a result and we were into a nice easy pace. ALJ was desperate for me to tell my story about my 1984 M11 Oz Champs victory here at Mt Clear but I said I'd hold off till later in the run. Fairly easy downhill to flat early on with a few creeks to step stone across and a couple of huts to visit. Interestingly fresh tyre tracks which later turned out to be a flat bed truck and a presumably recently unloaded bulldozer, grader and steam roller all spread throughout the very little used fire trail. Physically felt fine in this section although could tell there hadnt been any taper for this long run - legs felt a bit weary with training.

Turned at a junction after the second hut and started a fair climb or pinch as ALJ called it. Pinches apparently become hills if you have to walk. This was a hill in my book though! In to a rolling hilly section and then at about 1hr30 the 4-5k ascent of Mt Clear began. Was pretty tough and long and had reasonably steady ascent, held back a bit by tight calves and achilles which by half way included pins and needles in the feet. Made it ok, if somewhat tireder than when began, and got up on the rock that the trig was built on to have a bit of a looksie. Amazingly, having not had phone reception since Tuggeranong, we both had full reception so of course sent off a few happy snaps.

Started off again having stiffened up during the 5-10min break. Had first excitement of run on downhill with big black snake with red belly which was on Al's side of track. not long after a wallaby gave us a fair fright also! A few short stops during rest of downhill to check map at intersections but they were only brief as we kept chugging along. Next bit of excitement was me taking a fall slipping on some loose rock on steep downhill. Lost a bit of skin and had a bit of a flat patch in running soon after.

We rolled through what was to be almost last junction and saw one of probably only 2-3 signs on whole run - 8.5k to go. Unfortunately rather than a boost that seemed a long way! Not too much conversation over this last section as both of us slipped into our own private worlds of hurt. Fortunately for AL at about 2k to go I spotted the crucial route choice where I beat Nick Wade in the 84 Oz Champs so i'm sure that story made the time go quicker ;). Finaly k or so was tough in clearing and with some uphill but we'd get a pretty good pace through the final 8.5k. Coke and chips Al bought in car hit the spot.

Enjoyable tough run and can tick off Mt Clear. My nutrition seem to go well - honey toast for brekky & glass of juice and gels (Endura coffee and endura vanilla) every 40mins. Worked really well. Will do Lightning Strike 30k next weekend and then long runs will be pretty done for 6FT.

C • Excellent run ... 4

Lap o the lake with Searlo. The Master has been doing some secret training since our last ride so it was a bit above gentlemanly pace. Powered home in time to see squillions of people battle it out in the auction for the place next to ours. went for a fair penny - they can't have known about us next door.

Little late arvo trot to try and run out some weariness and stiffness in legs. pretty unsuccessful. did manage to buy a pack of mint slices on the run though.

3 * 10min efforts with 2min recovery. Pretty slow and tired, especially first effort. Nice to get out.

Riding to work, to Manuka Oval for cricket and then home at 10.30pm with RobW and Hoggster.

Ainslie Run up. First time in a while and bizarrely no John Harding. Turns out he was so involved in his OA work he forgot! Still most of us were well drilled in what to do so ran anyway. Started slowly and feeling like I hadnt warmed up (coz I hadnt). Gained on and passed Simon Claringbold up first part of hill which I dont think I've done before. He repassed me on the steps at the end. Felt strong if not fast. Time was at back end of what I've done before but I think that reflects my focus on strength and endurance at mo which should hold me in good stead for 6FT if not for 15minute run up.

All warm down with warm up being ride over. Ran back down with Huge Moore and ended up chatting with a lady 29 weeks preggers with twins..... ah the memories.

Riding to and from Run up plus a bit of other commuting.

New world order this week with girls starting pre school. I havent mastered it because I didnt have time to bike commute - had to drive to meet obligations.