Training Log Archive: OJ

Deadline looming so headed out to Stanton for a map-updating run around the whole area, out for over 4.30 but plenty of time spent standing still. Felt tired, but it was a gorgeous day to be out and a nice area to be mapping, so I couldn't complain. Missed the Stanton warriors, who used to inhabit the lower slopes of the wood.

Coledale Horseshoe, English/British champs. Another disappointing race and miles off where I wanted to be. Not too sure what the problem is, but I'm just not getting it all out like I was last year. Maybe started too cautiously and suffered a bit from getting caught at the back of a big bunch coming onto the single track out of Braithwaite, but the pace still felt like too much for me as the first climb eased off and I was already beset by negative thoughts about tiredness and giving up. We hit the foot of the big climb to Grizedale Pike and I noticed that I was catching a few people so realised that I had no reason to give up (and of course the team result was still at stake). Passed a bunch on the climb, but had a bad stitch by the top (I never get stitches) which slowed me on the short descent and I lost all the places again. Hiked up Eel Crag as best as I could and the stitch eased off, allowing me to catch one or two folk on the fast descent for a thoroughly mediocre 28th place and second team, in spite of the great runs from Rob, Lloyd and Rhys near the front.

C • Stale? 2

Took Jack up his first mountain!

Up the hill out the back of the caravan site and around the forest roads in Allean. Ran up at a good pace, found a glade to do some circuits, stopped off for a set of drills and a 6min tempo on the way back. Felt pretty dreadful on the tempo all told.

Out and back along an aqueduct from Loch Tummel. Stopped off for some circuits and ran faster on the way back.

Couldn't stay here and not go up Schiehallion (sp?). Took it easy on the way up and spent a fair bit of time hiking over snow covered boulders to the summit. Ran harder on the way down once I had got below the snow line. Very wintery and wild at the top. Bumped into the Rothman/Elder team on the way back down. Nice to bag a summit, even if the views were somewhat lacking.

C • Veiws 5

JK relay, last leg for SYO with Nick Barrable and Nails. Bit jaded today, but managed to hold the position after being caught by Lillomarka, EUOC2 and ShUOC2 quite early on. I pulled out a bit of a gap on the way down the hill, but a banana to the last control meant that I still had to work hard on the run in. Shame to be out of the fight for the medals, but that is probably a realistic reflection of where we are at the mo. We can do better than this at the British.

Cursory warm up and warm down.

Got out for a better warm down in the afternoon. Out the back of the caravan park and a loop through the woods, back down the road above Dunallastair. Feld alright and nice to just cruise along after a few days of racing.