Training Log Archive: olsoranIn the 7 days ending Nov 17, 2018:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| « | » |
| » now | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |||||||
Saturday Nov 17, 2018 #
Trail / Road Run race 3:32:29 [5] 42.89 km (4:57 / km) +353m 4:45 / km
shoes: Hoka Red
Queenstown Marathon - 3rd v60
It seemed a shame to waste the marathon training when a tooth abscess forced the Berlin marathon fail in mid September so it didn't take long before I was thinking of alternatives. Most didn't inspire as it was never about just running any marathon, as I'd done that a few times before, but this was unfinished business created by Hurricane Sandy in New York in 2012 and that tooth this year in Berlin.
Nothing grabbed the attention or fitted in Europe but since we had the 6 weeks in NZ planned that provided a real opportunity. An Auckland race was too early but the Queenstown International Marathon fitted perfectly with the schedule and not only that was also likely to provide a somewhat different marathon experience in a stunning setting. Furthermore L and KatieW were already entered so it had all the makings of a cracking social weekend too.
It was tough staying motivated enough to continue getting the long runs in for the two months after Berlin but a lot of help from C and friends in Nelson, NZ and a few solitary efforts I hoped would at least stop some of that Berlin fitness draining away too much. In spite of that I was a bit concerned there'd been too much tramping with a rucsac and not enough running in the previous weeks right up until completing the Kepler on the Tuesday before the race.
The weather was stunning. About 9 degrees and bright sunshine on the mountains around. A really relaxed atmosphere at the start. Chats with L, Katie and her mate BeckyS at the start. The QT race has a net downhill but has some pretty steep hills in places and is only 30% road with the rest hard packed, sometimes gravel, trail. I'd dropped the target a little because of this. Was hoping for 3.20-25 in Berlin but figured round about 3.30 on the QT course and with the drop off in training, was more realistic.
Up the first hill at 1k then down through picturesque Arrowtown, before the trail stretch alongside the river, before climbing to rejoin the road and the flat then downhill section alongside Hogans Gully Road, and along to Lake Hayes. I'd run round this bit the week before and they'd got rid of the flooded bits in time for the race but there was still about a kilometre where the trail was very slippery in road shoes. Great to get the support from C and T, and ElaineW at the far end (14k). Had gone through 10k in about 48 but knew I'd lose time on the west side of the lake..one of the lumpy bits. Surprised to be passed by Ed Catmur in a TH & H vest at 15k but happy to be on schedule once the lake was left behind along Speargrass Flats Road. Nice rhythm going, helped along by sponsor AirNZs trivia question posters along the road.
Turn left at about 24 and head for the Shotover River. Steep drop down a wide track overtaking about another 8 people, who clearly don't run hills much then it was alongside the river, with the occasional jet boat, until another steep uphill and a couple of hairpins to cross over via the pedestrian bridge. Could hear the bands at the next aid station for a long time. Through there, and again with great support from T and C and everyone else, before heading to Frankton and close by the airport. Appropriately an AirNZ plane flew close overhead having just taken off...don't think the sponsors arranged that for everyone. Then it was Lake Waikatapi and into the last 10k. I knew the hills were over by this time so I could relax a bit and grind it out with the views of the lake, The Remarkables and other hills simply stunning.
Still pretty much on my own Garmin schedule although official km markers seemed to have skewed things a bit. Now about 15 degrees and getting quite hot. Diligently stopping and downing a cup of water at each aid station and was onto my 4th gel. Tried one of the official jelly sweets but nearly choked so discarded the second.Twinges of cramp at 34k stressed me a bit but temporary gait modifications fortunately got rid of those. Passing people regularly now including a lot of the half-marathon walking folk. Surprised to catch and pass again EdC at about 37. More shouts, this time from SelW, fresh from competing in the 10k.
40k and I knew the rest pretty well as it was QT parkrun territory from last Saturday. Feeling sore but pretty strong but also knew I was likely to miss 3.30. Up the hill, more support, then over the bridge and into the finish field.
All good. A fabulous race in a marvellous setting and great to have family support and from the Wrights and all the many others.
My Garmin said 3.29.09 for the marathon distance but the extra 600m was the killer so 3.32.23 for 42.8. That'll do. Pleased with the really consistent km splits throughout too...except when hitting the hills. Good enough for 3rd v60, <3 minutes behind the 1st. Podium finish and a healthy sports shop voucher to boot.
Becky 3.06, Katie 4.10 and L 4.11. All happy. Celebratory meal with all of them after.
Not a course for a PB but there can't be many more picturesque on the planet. Views to die for. Well organised but great informality too. Better still the body is still intact.
...and I have far too much time to while away in airport terminals today....and there's snow on the start line in Queenstown today
It seemed a shame to waste the marathon training when a tooth abscess forced the Berlin marathon fail in mid September so it didn't take long before I was thinking of alternatives. Most didn't inspire as it was never about just running any marathon, as I'd done that a few times before, but this was unfinished business created by Hurricane Sandy in New York in 2012 and that tooth this year in Berlin.
Nothing grabbed the attention or fitted in Europe but since we had the 6 weeks in NZ planned that provided a real opportunity. An Auckland race was too early but the Queenstown International Marathon fitted perfectly with the schedule and not only that was also likely to provide a somewhat different marathon experience in a stunning setting. Furthermore L and KatieW were already entered so it had all the makings of a cracking social weekend too.
It was tough staying motivated enough to continue getting the long runs in for the two months after Berlin but a lot of help from C and friends in Nelson, NZ and a few solitary efforts I hoped would at least stop some of that Berlin fitness draining away too much. In spite of that I was a bit concerned there'd been too much tramping with a rucsac and not enough running in the previous weeks right up until completing the Kepler on the Tuesday before the race.
The weather was stunning. About 9 degrees and bright sunshine on the mountains around. A really relaxed atmosphere at the start. Chats with L, Katie and her mate BeckyS at the start. The QT race has a net downhill but has some pretty steep hills in places and is only 30% road with the rest hard packed, sometimes gravel, trail. I'd dropped the target a little because of this. Was hoping for 3.20-25 in Berlin but figured round about 3.30 on the QT course and with the drop off in training, was more realistic.
Up the first hill at 1k then down through picturesque Arrowtown, before the trail stretch alongside the river, before climbing to rejoin the road and the flat then downhill section alongside Hogans Gully Road, and along to Lake Hayes. I'd run round this bit the week before and they'd got rid of the flooded bits in time for the race but there was still about a kilometre where the trail was very slippery in road shoes. Great to get the support from C and T, and ElaineW at the far end (14k). Had gone through 10k in about 48 but knew I'd lose time on the west side of the lake..one of the lumpy bits. Surprised to be passed by Ed Catmur in a TH & H vest at 15k but happy to be on schedule once the lake was left behind along Speargrass Flats Road. Nice rhythm going, helped along by sponsor AirNZs trivia question posters along the road.
Turn left at about 24 and head for the Shotover River. Steep drop down a wide track overtaking about another 8 people, who clearly don't run hills much then it was alongside the river, with the occasional jet boat, until another steep uphill and a couple of hairpins to cross over via the pedestrian bridge. Could hear the bands at the next aid station for a long time. Through there, and again with great support from T and C and everyone else, before heading to Frankton and close by the airport. Appropriately an AirNZ plane flew close overhead having just taken off...don't think the sponsors arranged that for everyone. Then it was Lake Waikatapi and into the last 10k. I knew the hills were over by this time so I could relax a bit and grind it out with the views of the lake, The Remarkables and other hills simply stunning.
Still pretty much on my own Garmin schedule although official km markers seemed to have skewed things a bit. Now about 15 degrees and getting quite hot. Diligently stopping and downing a cup of water at each aid station and was onto my 4th gel. Tried one of the official jelly sweets but nearly choked so discarded the second.Twinges of cramp at 34k stressed me a bit but temporary gait modifications fortunately got rid of those. Passing people regularly now including a lot of the half-marathon walking folk. Surprised to catch and pass again EdC at about 37. More shouts, this time from SelW, fresh from competing in the 10k.
40k and I knew the rest pretty well as it was QT parkrun territory from last Saturday. Feeling sore but pretty strong but also knew I was likely to miss 3.30. Up the hill, more support, then over the bridge and into the finish field.
All good. A fabulous race in a marvellous setting and great to have family support and from the Wrights and all the many others.
My Garmin said 3.29.09 for the marathon distance but the extra 600m was the killer so 3.32.23 for 42.8. That'll do. Pleased with the really consistent km splits throughout too...except when hitting the hills. Good enough for 3rd v60, <3 minutes behind the 1st. Podium finish and a healthy sports shop voucher to boot.
Becky 3.06, Katie 4.10 and L 4.11. All happy. Celebratory meal with all of them after.
Not a course for a PB but there can't be many more picturesque on the planet. Views to die for. Well organised but great informality too. Better still the body is still intact.
...and I have far too much time to while away in airport terminals today....and there's snow on the start line in Queenstown today
C • result 10
Thursday Nov 15, 2018 #
Trail 20:00 [3]
shoes: Hoka Red
Needed to call by the RealJourneys office at the wharf in Manapouri so headed down early in the morning, then came back along the lake shore trail. Before breakfast. Nice.
Note
Pottering in a kayak in Doubtful Sound with a short dip in it after.
Wednesday Nov 14, 2018 #
Trail 39:14 [3] 6.0 km (6:32 / km)
shoes: Hoka Red
Running shoes back on.
With C and L from Rainbow Reach towards the Control Gates and back. Nice to be running again and nice trail surface. A few sets of strides to really get the legs moving. Feeling good athough slightly heavy legged from the walking of the last few days.
With C and L from Rainbow Reach towards the Control Gates and back. Nice to be running again and nice trail surface. A few sets of strides to really get the legs moving. Feeling good athough slightly heavy legged from the walking of the last few days.
Tuesday Nov 13, 2018 #
Walk 1:00:00 [3]
Kepler Track Day 3
Iris Burn Hut out to Rainbow Reach with T on a cracking day whilst C went back over the tops to make the most of it....but there's a marathon to be done so didn't join him :-).
Mainly a bush walking day but some lovely views up to the heights and then later on from the deserted beaches of Lake Te Anau.
Out for 5 hours.
Nice track the Kepler. Fancy the Kepler Challenge?
Iris Burn Hut out to Rainbow Reach with T on a cracking day whilst C went back over the tops to make the most of it....but there's a marathon to be done so didn't join him :-).
Mainly a bush walking day but some lovely views up to the heights and then later on from the deserted beaches of Lake Te Anau.
Out for 5 hours.
Nice track the Kepler. Fancy the Kepler Challenge?
Monday Nov 12, 2018 #
Walk 1:00:00 [3]
Kepler Track Day 2
With T and C.
Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
High level along the ridge past Mt Luxmore with clouds coming and going then down the very steep zigzags to the hut. Great ridge and lovely views again.
Out for 4 hours
With T and C.
Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut
High level along the ridge past Mt Luxmore with clouds coming and going then down the very steep zigzags to the hut. Great ridge and lovely views again.
Out for 4 hours
Sunday Nov 11, 2018 #
Walk 1:00:00 [3]
Kepler Track Day 1
Control Gates to Luxmore Hut with T, C, & L
First of three days.
Nice tramp along the lake shore to Brod Bay then up the winding uphill track through the bush to Luxmore Hut. Good views on high and a great spot for the night.
Out for 3.22
Control Gates to Luxmore Hut with T, C, & L
First of three days.
Nice tramp along the lake shore to Brod Bay then up the winding uphill track through the bush to Luxmore Hut. Good views on high and a great spot for the night.
Out for 3.22
Walk 45:00 [3]
Arrived at Luxmore Hut very early so a quick afternoon jaunt up Mount Luxmore from the hut with C, and L. Good pace and up and down in 90 minutes. 8k and +450. Nice.