Training Log Archive: GraceE

Bright Alpine Climb Day 2, Mt Feathertop (1922m).
Another beautiful day greeted us. This race started from the park in Harrietville and followed a nice walking track which zig-zagged up the closest spur and just kept going, all the way up to the hut at the very top of the ridge/spur. The track then headed out along a steep and narrowish ridge, right up to the pinnacle of Feathertop where the finish line, a man with a stopwatch and clipboard, and a heap of melting snow was waiting.
So, my quads were pretty painful, as expected, but I just got on with it. The gradient was really good most of the way, so I got into a good enough rhythm and put my head down for an hour. I had been told about a ‘hut’ so was looking out for that… after 70mins I came across a sign saying the hut was in 1km. 1km!! It was a long 1km too… I reached the hut at 80mins. Soon after, I got cold as we hit the final exposed ridge and so I put my jacket on. I had to walk up some/most of the last bit as I was pretty spent. At the top I ate some snakes that Matt had carried up. In our usual fashion we didn’t have any water but I didn’t feel thirsty so it was ok. Awesome finish line with great views although I don’t remember looking at the views unfortunately because I was cold and fatigued and not soaking up the moment. Will have to come back and do it again!

C • 48 seconds 5

Back down the mountain with Matt. Quads were screaming at me!! I preferred running up :s

Made our way back to Canberra after driving around the area for a bit (with lunch at Mount Beauty). Shame that little thing called work got in the way and we couldn’t stay for the next two days of races! Was really well organised and a great bunch of people, not to mention the tasty array of snacks waiting for everyone at the finish :)

Bright Alpine Climb Day 1, Mystic Mountain (915m).
This was the baby of the four peaks so the race was an up and down from the town in the valley below (Wandiligong). Early on there was a very steep climb, then a bit of a contouring section, then another crazily steep climb (hands-on-knees walking while trying not to slip back down at the same time!). Then a bit more climbing on a single-track to the summit (30.15), then along the ridge with at least three ‘bumps’ to go over (more hands-on-knees walking!). Then some very steep descents, finishing off more gently as the fire trail made its way back to the town.
I gave it a good go and was pleased with my race. I was disappointed that it was an up and down as I knew the down would stuff-up my quads but there was nothing I could do about that other than to not run it.

Spent part of the day up in Mt Buffalo National Park doing some nice little walks. Mid-afternoon we made a visit to the Bright Brewery to use up our free beer vouchers which we got at the race. Dinner in Myrtleford and camping in Porepunkah.

Driving down to Bright after work.

C • Have fun! 2

Twilight #2, Campbell Park.
Fun course and a nice warm evening (though the mozzies were ferocious!). The area was surprisingly green with plenty of sitting water in the dams and some creeks. I dropped too low to c2 - had to climb a couple of contours to get back up to the control. Was pretty unsure going into c3, was too far up the creek after ticking off the wrong dam 2/3rds through the leg. Controls 1 and 6 I was right on line but coming into the circle let doubt make me hesitate (on c1) and move away to the east (on c6). Good navigating-at-speed training.

10min warm-up, then a 31.5min cool-down... for no other reason than to get my monthly total over 30hrs, woo! You've got to get your motivation from somewhere :s

Forrest, Deakin, Yarralumla, Parkes, Barton, Kingston.

Street-O (score), Forrest. Pretty sure I took the shortest route... can't always trust these watches, just got to rely on what the map shows ;)

Jog to Forrest primary school and back with Matt.