Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Getting downstairs this morning was not quite as easy as yesterday morning. Lots of sore places.

In pursuit of the biggest root stock in the world, here is another picture of me in front of my latest submission.

C • Big 4

Event: QOC: Meadowood
 

Worked the epunching out of the van, because even though it got into the high 40s, it was windy and cold. Figured out a good setup. However, I had a dead car battery because I forgot that I had the key turned... Thanks to Dave P for the jump. Reminder - I need to get jumper cables into the van.

Pooped, but good (mostly). I didn't really expect to go out today, but I took my orienteering stuff anyway. Greg had suggested that the Red course was in the nicer woods, though it included a long trail section getting there and back. Not a minus in my eyes, so I was able to get out and do that after all of the other starters. Thanks to Heidi for taking care of the epunching duties after I went out.

Had problems with 6 (went right by it) & 7 (poor execution/changed mind on route choice) resulting in about 3 minutes of error at each one. Glad I got out.

Having sworn that I would never ever do another 12 hour rogaine after the one I did about five years ago, I decided that I will try a 24 hour rogaine instead.

Sandy and I are looking to do the SVO event in May.

I figure I need some longer stuff in the months leading up to the event. I just can't picture myself going out and doing anything close to that amount of time if I don't do at least 12 hours or so first. Not just the endurance factor, but trying to figure out what works for my feet - my weakest link.

I proposed the 50K trail run to Sandy which was being held today from Hemlock to Fountainhead. Since I didn't figure that either one of us really wanted to do 50K on trail, and there are O maps of the area, I mapped out a course instead with the goal of doing eight hours.

First we did the permanent markers at Hemlock, starting at 6:30 AM (a little dark time for me). Then we headed south picking up off trail locations, or cutting off of the trail to pop back on further down using the mile markers as control locations.

We turned around about 2 miles from Fountainhead, and headed back on the blue trail only cutting a few corners. Arriving back at Hemlock under time, we did the permanent course in the opposite order, and arrived back at the car at just about the prescribed time.

My heels hurt the worst the last two hours - putting weight on them was painful. I think maybe I taped my ankles in a way which impacted the heels.

Besides the heel pain and feeling really tired like I couldn't really go another step, I felt pretty good.

It was pretty cold. I wore my new long sleeve tight UA shirt, a short sleeve, and a long sleeve, two pairs of thin pants, gloves, ear warmers. Took my outer shirt off on the return trip. Really like the new UA shirt. Sleeves are plenty long, and the tightness didn't bother me.

I drank about 120 oz, which I probably didn't really need since I had to stop and pee about 8 times.

It is obvious that Sandy is experienced on long events and is a good partner. A very good day.

So, the plan is to get together one day per month over the next 5 months, and get a long training in. The next one will be at least 10 hours. The one after that may include lots of climb.

C • Serious 2

Today was the annual Eat Too Much Fudge at Work Day. Yum! Ugh!

Up at 5:30 to take a friend to the airport, though awake at 3:30. Sleep was solid, and dreamless, thanks to a sleepy pill, so I'll take it.

Got home and showered, and then to work on the bike. Yeah for me!

Temp was 38 feels like 30, and all of that wind was in my face, and I felt like I was going in slow motion at times. I was dressed almost warmly enough, except for not having my ears covered. New jacket is maybe not the right one for me, or maybe my expectation of "breathable" and reality aren't the same thing. Jacket is all wet inside, even after such a short ride, and just two thin shirts underneath. I do like the bike tights which I have worn with no other layers. I was right on the edge of comfort today.

Lungs were screaming that they don't like the cold, or having to pedal up the hill without a proper warm up.

But, I am happy to have gotten out the door on the bike. Now, I need to look at lights.

Two trips to the central office (lunch and mail run), home via the REI.
Figured out the route to keep me off of Seminary RD and George Mason Dr.
Got deadended in an apartment complex first because my map memory skills need a little bit of work.

Bought some bike glove with full fingers, and a couple of ear covering choices. Didn't buy any shoe covers or the full head covering thing which goes under the neck. I don't think I am there yet.

WooHoo!! Not so bad.