Training Log Archive: slow-twitch

OK, I admit it was (allegedly) an orienteering race on Mt Kaukau, starting in a little park in Johnsonville, but... First and last couple of controls were in really groaty native bush/regen where the ground was 99% shattered rock. Mapping off track was better than I thought it would be but still not good enough to find #2 by navigating as opposed to blundering around in the general area. First part after breaking out in to the farmland was fun, especially having a bit of a hare versus tortoise race with one of the speedy Robertsons who was having a bit of a headless chook session, but then the weather hit just as I got on to the most exposed part of the course. Wind from 9 to 10 was so strong that I was concentrating more on holding on to the map and the terrain rather than reading either, so not surprising I doubled my split by visiting someone else's control first. Still I suppose any time with a map in the hand is good...

If I'd been good, would have been an hour plus, but legs were feeling a bit heavy today, so close enough surely. Up to and through the gardens, down into Aro Valley, up to the top of Tanera Park then through Central Park before turning back to play with the traffic getting back to the office. Route chosen to get a series of minor to moderate climbs rather than one big one. A little annoyed by the heavy legs, especially as I kept getting stuck in a kind of short, energy wasting, "power" stride rather than a nice long lope. Also would have liked a bit less paving, but I don't think I can convince the City Council dirt footpaths are a good idea. Still, I think I'll use that route or variations of it again...

Just went out at a nice easy pace with a little bit of up and down - up to Clifton Terrace, across to the old cemetary then down to the waterfront and back to the office. Apart from all the traffic light breaks between the cemetary and the waterfront, and spending a bit of time running around a carpark looking for a path I used to use in my university days (and probably never since, so not surprising that someone must have moved it in the meantime) a nice route for an easy day. Happy that most of the way round felt I could carry on for ever. Got a nice encouraging smile from former Mtn Running world champ Melissa Moon when we crossed paths - or maybe she was just trying not to laugh at my running style...

Out to the waterfront and to Point... Jerningham? Halswell? I always confuse them but to get to the one I don't mean and back in 35 would be just a little beyond me. Going as hard as I could for as long as I could in a slightly Fartleky manner. Would have liked to do an intervals session a la the Al Landels Programme (see the last NZO mag), but forgot to bring a stopwatch, and wouldn't have really known what I was doing anyway. If anyone can explain these mysterious terms to one who only runs because he orienteers....?