Training Log Archive: Craney

Event: November Classic (inc SHI and Interland Selections)
 

2nd to GG by 30secs on a very fast course (17.1km) so really pleased with that :o) Nice to know I'm running well before the winter training really kicks off. It was a good terrain time trial really with a fair bit of variety and a well planned course on a good map. GG and I were nip and tuck all the way, and despite it being comparitively simple, it was mistakes and route choice that decided the outcome. He missed a bit over the first half and I gradually built up a 1.40 lead, then I was shaky through the control pick near the end and he caught back up. He got me by nailing the last couple of long legs where I maybe didn't pick the best lines. Shame to lose it at the end (again!) but it was a much better day for me. Will need to make sure I do some good o-racing practice before next season, but feeling good about the running training.

Handed the victory to Scotland on a plate, bugger. It was hotting up to be one of the most exciting relay races I've ever been in. GG did well catching up Nixy on 2nd leg and set me off with a ~20sec gap over Spongey. Tried to get out of sight, but a left/right choice on the 2nd control brought us together. Kept trying to burn it up til #9 by which time it was clear we were on the same course (only 3 courses in a 3 leg relay isn't gaffling, but at least it made it exciting I suppose). Anyway, the burning it tactic wasn't working, I kept making mini-misses and there would be Spongey chuckling to himself while I was wasting energy. The pace slowed a bit through 10-13 and we made a few howlers allowing Ian Nixon to nearly catch us. I tried to break clear again on #14 and totally spazzed it up by 2.5mins and that was the end of that. Shame really as a sprint finish would've been exciting and all the cat and mouse tactics from before had come to an end. It was a dubious control/map where I spazzed it, but I wasn't scanning enough and Spongey kept a clear head when it counted. Should've been more patient. Great effort from the lad though, I was never gonna drop him on that - a deserved victory for the Scots.

Nice loosener round Henleaze and Stoke (the) Bishop. I say nice, but it was actually foul. I had Gracie for company though so that bit was nice.

Did some 90x30s on roads from Horfield, through Golden Balls, to Redland, across Downs, into Stoke Bishop. Felt pretty crap - how I would have felt at the SHIs if I hadn't done this run, although that doesn't mean I won't still feel like this anyway.

Day 2 of the course, with some interesting legal stuff promised to us. I couldn't sleep cos of the excitement so got up super early and ran up Arthur's Seat again. It was still dark but I could just about see enough. Too windy on top to enjoy the sun coming up for very long.

In Edinburgh for the hugely exciting "Business Awareness Module". To let off some of my nervous energy and excitement, I did an early morning jaunt from the hotel near the station, up Arthur's Seat, out past Craigmillar Castle, up Blackford Hill and back. Foul weather - glad to get back to a decent cooked breakfast.

IW slightly longer route, mainly off-road via Blaise, Dingle, bridlepath through Sneyd Park, Downs, Promenade. Nice morning, not too cold. Felt very heavy in the legs - hope it's sorted out by the weekend.