Training Log Archive: tstreet

3 Peaks

This was my main target for the early part of 2019. I’d decided a few months ago to give it another shot, with what felt like sub par efforts in 2014 and 2016, and a best time of 3:53.

Things were threatened to be derailed after spending the early part of this week throwing up, and the latter half with ‘stomach issues’ (to be polite). As late as Friday evening I was on the sofa curled up in a ball.

As it was, Saturday morning came and to all intent and purposes, I felt ok. Set off to Horton with both guts and forecast readjusting my expectations. Previously I was after 3:3x - that changed to anything under 3:53, with the real possibility of feeling bad and calling it.

The start soon came and off out the village. Kept things easy with some walks up PyG, and was pleased to find myself under 35 minutes at the top. Relaxed down the hill and tried to fall into a rhythm on the long run to Ribblehead. It was here that I felt the first pangs of fatigue in my quads. Given I’d been running for just one hour, I was pretty concerned about this, but tried to put it to the back of my mind.

Arrived in Ribblehead in good time. Fannied about with my drink and my Dad didn’t have the pre planned banana ready (and then couldn’t find it!) so maybe 90 seconds wasted here. No matter, it wasn’t the worst thing to have a small break. Next up was Whernside, which has realistically been the end of my race in previous years.

Set off conservatively again and just tried to stay with the pack around me. My calves started to give the familiar sensations of cramp. Shit. Kept plugging away to the top and took some drink and food from a spectator. 2:09 - a couple of minutes quicker than previous (less than I’d hoped), but feeling much fresher (despite my calves starting to go). Once back into a run, I found I was moving relatively well down to Hill Inn. Turns out I was about 5 minutes quicker on this section than previously! Took the better rehearsed lucozade and banana combination from Dad and set off with some purpose up Ingleborough.

The weather started to really close in at this point - fumbled around trying to get my waterproof on in the wind. The steep steps up to the summit were really tough, and my calves were struggling now. Hit the top in 3:06, knowing that if I matched my previous 38 minute painful shuffle off the top, I’d do 3:44 which I was pleased with. Unfortunately, as soon I was tried to relax into said run, my calves were shooting with cramp every few steps. Swearing, I kept pushing and Dan from the club was kindly on hand with some more electrolyte drink and some mint cake. This seemed to help (and the easing gradient), and I soon found myself managing 7:45-8 minute miling. Hardly rapid but good enough, and it’s not far back. A handful of people came past but all competitive instinct was null. Dropped into the final field to finish in 3:43 - a ten minute improvement.

Given the build up, I’m really pleased. It’s not a race I’m good at, it doesn’t suit my strengths, but this felt like a respectable effort and time. My training wasn’t bad, with some more longer runs and efforts, but I sense I’d need bigger, steeper hills in future efforts. I felt relatively fine afterwards which was also a bonus, having been all over the shop in 14 and 16. I’ll probably be back for another go.

Not quite as hoped. Running easy enough but stomach remaining all over the shop. Giving it full Buscopan and crossing fingers

Woke up feeling better so a little ‘systems check’ after work. Mostly okay. Hope for more improvement and maybe one better run tomorrow.

Something disagreed with me travelling back yesterday - up in the night being sick and generally spent today in bed.

Hoping it’s just a stomach bug that will pass - timing not ideal with the race on Saturday, so hopeful for a speed recovery!

An easy saunter up and down the coast. Few easy days before the weekend