Training Log Archive: KingTim

What a great day for this. Lovely and warm, clear, with only a light wind. Feeling good.

Started a few rows back off the start line and spent the first few minutes jostling for some space to get into my rhythm. On road for the first 500m then on to the forest tracks. Downhill pretty much all the way to mile 3, then a long gentle climb for what felt like ages. I'd settled into my niche alongside a couple of other guys and we pushed each other up to the top at the north end, culminating with a two steep zig zags. The other two seemed to slow down after that, and I was on my own for the rest of the race - the next guy in front was a good minute ahead and didn't seem to be getting any closer. One of the marshals told me I was in 7th at about mile 8 or 9. I couldn't see any hope of gaining a better position, so I was just concerned with keeping those behind me where they were.

Along a long level stretch through New Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike I was comfortably cruising at 6min/miles, and passed mile 10 in almost exactly 60, so I thought for a moment I was on for a pb attempt. But then after mile 11 we left the hard pack gravel to run up a muddy steep ride through deep soggy furrows and puddles. Pace dropped right down at this very unwelcome climb, but soon after mile 12, we were back on the gravel and the end was in sight.

Finished 7th feeling very pleased with my performance. Apart from a few bouts of stitch which required some concentrated heavy breathing to sort out, I was feeling strong and comfortable the whole way. I think despite the lack of speed training this winter compared to previous winters, the increased base training of running to and from work a lot more seems to have paid off. I said this after the New Forest Half back in September, but I reckon if I'd run a flat road half today instead of a hilly trail half, I'd have got a new pb.

Miles - split
1 - 5:39
2 - 5:21
3 -
4 - 12:05
5 - 6:42
6 - 6:11
7 -
8 - 12:22
9 -
10 - 12:38
11 - 6:13
12 - 6:22
13 - 6:02
13.1 - 0:46

http://connect.garmin.com/player/28276743

C • Well done 4

A warm down jog around the Speech House field.

Ran via Blaise this morning. Through Westbury, up past Crane Towers, through Blaise on the main driveway, then out at the house, Henbury, Cribbs...

Lovely morning for it. Overtook a guy cycling up the hill towards Crane Towers. He muttered something as I passed him but I couldn't hear over my iPod.

After a couple of days off running I felt really good this morning. Legs felt fresh and springy and felt like I was cruising along nicely. Rest days are obviously the way forward.

By way of contrast to this morning's enjoyable run, tonight I felt rough a the proverbial badger's posterior. Ate lunch too late and stomach was bouncing around and doing its best to purge all its acid through my throat.

Was intending to do a fartlek session but that was reduced to a handful of stride-outs whenever the gut would allow it.

Was hoping to get a birthday run in at lunchtime, but too much work on. Boo.

C • Happy Birthday! 9

Small Team Monday turnout this week. Both Cranes and Matt. Nice steady run around Ashton Court with a bit of looping at the end. Garmin took ages to lock on and then the watch went into sleep mode so the distance is a guess.